I don't think I've ever read a series that definitely got better with every story that came after the original novel, but I think that Lyda Morehouse has artfully accomplished this feat with Messiah Node. This book follows the same universe as her two previous novels Archangel Protocol and Fallen Host in which the world is now based in theocracy thanks to the devastation caused by science years before. Ironically enough, a person must still be wired into the LINK just to keep a bank account and order his food. But don't think that this is your average net-based storyline. Not with archangels walking around and Armageddon just a little closer than people think it is.

I'm impressed with the continual character development in this universe. Messiah Node made me sit up and appreciate characters that, previously, I hadn't given much of a thought. And each one has his or her own personality. Even the characters not given an individual point of view in this novel succeed admirably in establishing a very definitive style of speech, behavior, and motivation (thumbs up to Jesse Parker and Victory!). The ones that are in the center spotlight go well beyond your average expectations. I feel that, if I were to meet one of these people, I could fully understand them and know exactly what to expect. That's how close these books make me feel to them. Character sympathy has been carefully placed to a moving and successful end.

Specifically, I think that the AI, Page, is probably the most continually developing character. He goes through so many transitions, not just in Messiah Node, but in the entire series. I look forward to seeing what other things happen to him, the new transitions and realizations he'll experience. Mouse, his maker, became much more solid in my mind. His personality and his attitude are very individual, and he made up most of the moments when I laughed out loud, just because of his reactions to the situations. Finally, Michael's character gained new meaning. His own personal trials between God and his family and his status as an angel were excellent development. A personal moment with Morningstar later in the story was particularly moving and revealing of both their characters.

The story is unfolding beautifully. The circles and intersections of one character's life into another make for exciting reading and highly emotional content. Furthermore, I was glad to see that things I thought might be introduced and never resolved not only were but were also woven into a much more intricate plot. Lyda Morehouse's books are in a class where I have to warn people not to flip to the back of the book lest you end up noticing something you wished you hadn't. The curiosity about what you saw will absolutely kill you. Thankfully, it's worth the wait.

For that matter, anyone who makes a habit of flipping to the back of a book to read the last sentence or paragraph - absolutely do not do this to Messiah Node. It has one of the most poignant, perfectly crafted epilogues I've ever read, and I don't think anyone should dare ruin it for themselves.

Not only do the books in this universe continue to get better, but I also think the author's writing has improved as well. The clarity and flow in Messiah Node kept me moving smoothly though the story, and I almost didn't realize that I had passed the halfway point in just a few hours. I like the simplistic style as well. It's descriptive and engaging without being verbose and full of unnecessary distractions. Also, the decision to write from the pov's of a select few characters (a format which started in Fallen Host ) is, in my opinion, a very successful one. But then, I prize characters above all things in fiction.

There's so much more to say, but I'm only supposed to be writing commentary. It's no easy thing to wait patiently for the next installment, not after a prize like Messiah Node. But in the meantime, I more than highly recommend to anyone who hasn't started this series that they go pick it up and get on the ball.

ISBN: 0451459296
Publishing Date: June 2003
Roc Paperback