Anne Rice is one interesting lady. I read her probably-best-known book, Interview with the Vampire when I was in college and was drawn in by the dark intensity of it. But I don't think I understood how spiritual even that particular classic vampire tale was until I read some of the books she wrote after her conversion to Christianity in 2002 and did a double-take on how much her vampire stories are about the struggle against damnation and despair. She's writing with the same passionate intensity, and the same willingness to gaze into the darkness, but there's an unapologetic theme of hope and redemption in her stories now.
Angel Time features Toby the lute-playing hit man with a deeply buried heart, accosted by the angel Malchiah who wants to give him a chance at redemption and send him into the world to use his unique gifts on the side of the angels. His first assignment happens to be in 13th century England, using every diplomatic sleight-of-hand and subterfuge he can muster to save innocent local Jews from becoming victims of ignorant superstition and violence. I loved how detailed Rice's characterization of Toby is- this is a thriller but it is also a psychological and spiritual study of a human heart- what happens to twist it, how no-one is beyond redemption, and really cool speculation on what goes on in the spiritual realm underneath everyday circumstances. Also, I dig the musical references. A hit man who is a musical genius on the lute? Really that's all you need to know about the strange, thought-provoking, fascinating genre-smooshing blend that is this book.
