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Angelmass
Angelmass, a black hole deep in space, emits "angels," small particles that render humans calm, reasonable, and virtually incapable of lying. The Empyrean, human colonies in the far reaches of the galaxy, has discovered the angels and the power they wield. All members of Empyrean government must carry an angel.
The Earth-based Empire, the Pax, view the angels as an alien plot to subvert humanity. They dispatch Jereko Kosta, an innocent academic, to spy on the Empyrean and find out the truth about angels. With Chandris, a grifter who dogs his steps, he enlists on an "angel-hunting" ship. Close up, Kostas learns the angels may be more dangerous than the Pax fear.
Before he can react, the Pax dispatches their most powerful warship to confront the Empyrean. Now, Kosta and Chandris, among the few who know the truth about the angels, stand between the Empyrean, the Pax, and war.
The Earth-based Empire, the Pax, view the angels as an alien plot to subvert humanity. They dispatch Jereko Kosta, an innocent academic, to spy on the Empyrean and find out the truth about angels. With Chandris, a grifter who dogs his steps, he enlists on an "angel-hunting" ship. Close up, Kostas learns the angels may be more dangerous than the Pax fear.
Before he can react, the Pax dispatches their most powerful warship to confront the Empyrean. Now, Kosta and Chandris, among the few who know the truth about the angels, stand between the Empyrean, the Pax, and war.
554 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
60 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
485 books8,584 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 26, 2025
Не е книга без недостатъци, но се чете леко и е интересна до края си. Приятна фантастика, без много големи претенции.
Малко по-наивно ми вървеше и това повлия на крайната ми оценка - 3,5*.
Малко по-наивно ми вървеше и това повлия на крайната ми оценка - 3,5*.
April 17, 2013
There are any number of things not quite right with this book. The characters aren't as fully fleshed out as they could be. The science bits are a bit odd at times. The 'interstellar' politics are laughably simple. Why then, is it such a blast to read? Well, the pacing is flawless. Despite the fact that the novel isn't saturated with action or adventure scenes it reads surprisingly fast for a novel exceeding 500 pages. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. Also, there is a rather fascinating mystery at the heart of the story.
I'm thinking that perhaps this is the kind of novel that would be a good read for younger readers wanting to dip into the sci-fi genre. It's typical Timothy Zahn fare, and he is a pretty popular author, especially in the Star Wars universe. The novel does provoke one or two thoughtful moments as well, especially concerning free thinking and the effects of fear on the human psyche.
Lots of fun.
I'm thinking that perhaps this is the kind of novel that would be a good read for younger readers wanting to dip into the sci-fi genre. It's typical Timothy Zahn fare, and he is a pretty popular author, especially in the Star Wars universe. The novel does provoke one or two thoughtful moments as well, especially concerning free thinking and the effects of fear on the human psyche.
Lots of fun.
June 5, 2018
Five may be a gift, but with so much sloppy SF being written these days , Zahn deserved the extra star.
A thoroughly satisfying hard science fiction tale, of the kind rarely found now (with all the market attention focused on fantasy).
Don't let Zahn's Star Wars credits scare you away. Freed from the constants of fan fiction, Zahn shows himself fully capable of a rich, nuanced story with plenty of science as well as human interest. (Once you accept the idea of a "tiny" black hole, you're home free. Only toward the end of the book do you gets clues of how such a phenomenon might be.)
One dissonant note: the Heroine is sixteen. Awfully young for the experience Zahn's credits--or, more properly, burdens--her with. It's not a big deal, but several times her behavior seemed at odds with her age.
A thoroughly satisfying hard science fiction tale, of the kind rarely found now (with all the market attention focused on fantasy).
Don't let Zahn's Star Wars credits scare you away. Freed from the constants of fan fiction, Zahn shows himself fully capable of a rich, nuanced story with plenty of science as well as human interest. (Once you accept the idea of a "tiny" black hole, you're home free. Only toward the end of the book do you gets clues of how such a phenomenon might be.)
One dissonant note: the Heroine is sixteen. Awfully young for the experience Zahn's credits--or, more properly, burdens--her with. It's not a big deal, but several times her behavior seemed at odds with her age.
January 24, 2026
This is a long and leisurely blend of hard science and space opera with a YA flavor. It's an easy read, despite the length, and the deceptively simple set-up embraces some nice puzzles and surprises. The beginning is a little long and the ending a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed it very much. The science is well-presented, too, once you get past the original premise that a miniature black hole is emitting particles that bond with people and improve their personalities. Zahn stays within the confines of his speculation rigorously, and the simplified political situation is engaging, too. It's a fun book.
December 28, 2020
This is a character driven, hard science fiction story with lots of action and a big plot. It starts out simply enough: there are two different empires.. the Pax and the Empyreals. The Pax want to conquer the Empyreals so they can stop the angels from brainwashing the people...or that's what they say. They believe the angels that come out of the black hole named Angelmass are aliens. Not that anyone really understands what these angels really are. On a science level they seem to be subnuclear particles that can alter brain chemistry and neural structure in humans. But no one truly grasps how they do this. But they do. The angels are very tiny specks, microscopic. And the Empyreals like to send ships out near the black hole to find these specks and bring them home so important people in their society, like senators, can wear them. They believe it makes them good people.
I found this book to be very entertaining. It tells a unique story and I really ended up living the characters. Both Kosta the scientist and Chandris the thief were lively and real. Kosta was uncertain in social situations but excelled in science just like a real scientist. And Chandris was tough, did risky things and was very clever & street smart. She was the one who made me laugh towards the end of the book with her crazy stunts. They both grew and changed as the story progressed, especially Chandris.
Another character I really liked was the aid to the senator, Ronyon. He is a very unique but handicapped person. He's deaf and can't speak except through sign language. And he's very honest. He sees the world as black and white. In many ways he's like a child and his honesty is refreshing. He actually plays an important part in the story.
Besides the conquer part of the story, a huge part of the plot centers around the danger and uncertainty caused by Angelmass. This is no ordinary black hole. As the pages flew by the threat from the black hole grew bigger and bigger. I really enjoyed this part of the story. I found the science interesting,even if some of it may be made up. This is the part of the story I liked the best; anything dealing with the black hole and all of the research that the main characters were doing - which adds up to be a lot.
The author also created a different type of space travel in here: the ships move through space by being thrown by giant catapults. Apparently going anywhere by engine power, even within the same system, would take too long so they really rely on these catapults to get anywhere. This adds extra problems to the plot too.
I have mixed feelings about the end. And especially about one idea mentioned near the end. They never actually used the idea - it's discussed a lot - but I really don't see how it could be possible. Then there was another thing mentioned at the end, about salvaging the Komitadji. From what I understand about black holes I don't believe there would be anything to salvage. Not that I'm an expect or anything. But I'm willing to overlook this to enjoy the creative story. It's certainly very different.
I'll be certain to look for more books by this author. He seems to write really good stories.
I found this book to be very entertaining. It tells a unique story and I really ended up living the characters. Both Kosta the scientist and Chandris the thief were lively and real. Kosta was uncertain in social situations but excelled in science just like a real scientist. And Chandris was tough, did risky things and was very clever & street smart. She was the one who made me laugh towards the end of the book with her crazy stunts. They both grew and changed as the story progressed, especially Chandris.
Another character I really liked was the aid to the senator, Ronyon. He is a very unique but handicapped person. He's deaf and can't speak except through sign language. And he's very honest. He sees the world as black and white. In many ways he's like a child and his honesty is refreshing. He actually plays an important part in the story.
Besides the conquer part of the story, a huge part of the plot centers around the danger and uncertainty caused by Angelmass. This is no ordinary black hole. As the pages flew by the threat from the black hole grew bigger and bigger. I really enjoyed this part of the story. I found the science interesting,even if some of it may be made up. This is the part of the story I liked the best; anything dealing with the black hole and all of the research that the main characters were doing - which adds up to be a lot.
The author also created a different type of space travel in here: the ships move through space by being thrown by giant catapults. Apparently going anywhere by engine power, even within the same system, would take too long so they really rely on these catapults to get anywhere. This adds extra problems to the plot too.
I have mixed feelings about the end. And especially about one idea mentioned near the end. They never actually used the idea - it's discussed a lot - but I really don't see how it could be possible. Then there was another thing mentioned at the end, about salvaging the Komitadji. From what I understand about black holes I don't believe there would be anything to salvage. Not that I'm an expect or anything. But I'm willing to overlook this to enjoy the creative story. It's certainly very different.
I'll be certain to look for more books by this author. He seems to write really good stories.
January 30, 2020
This was a fun read, it reminded me of the old school science fiction novels I read as a teenager. I always find it a bit of struggle getting into these books because you're not only meeting new characters and situations but entirely new governments, forms of space travel, and weird mystical energies.
Timothy Zahn has always done a really good job with both characters and world building, so it's no surprise at how much I enjoyed this. He's always been good at creating likeable, relatable characters but also massive douchebags that you really want to punch in the face. It certainly keeps things interesting.
I like the hard SF elements, the questions raised about predeterminism vs free will, arguments about good vs evil and what it means if someone is essentially forced to be good.
This has been sitting on my shelf way too long, so I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
Timothy Zahn has always done a really good job with both characters and world building, so it's no surprise at how much I enjoyed this. He's always been good at creating likeable, relatable characters but also massive douchebags that you really want to punch in the face. It certainly keeps things interesting.
I like the hard SF elements, the questions raised about predeterminism vs free will, arguments about good vs evil and what it means if someone is essentially forced to be good.
This has been sitting on my shelf way too long, so I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.
November 18, 2023
"Positive vibes emanating from a black hole" sounds like a premise you'd scribble down after an edible, but Zahn not only makes it a compelling hook, he proceeds to hang a twisting, turning story of political intrigue, high-tech action, and high-risk prospecting filled with likeable characters from it.
May 27, 2013
This edition includes six-page preview of Manta's Gift, another whirring exoskeleton. Thankfully other Zahn work has more than exoskeletons. A link to the text expired; luckily someone said "Like", so time to revise review. Google-books helps preview and find quotes or facts, easier than re-reading paper, until I learn how to highlight on my Kobo.
http://books.google.ca/books?id=z3Bbd...
http://www.amazon.com/Angelmass-Timot...
I cheered for Captain Lleshi, trying to save his Pax armada, crew, and ship Komitadji, pride of the fleet, from the grasping vicious rude selfish nit-picking bean-counter Adjutor Telthorst. (Quibble: The only name I can spell is "Pax".) The noble, mature, experienced, calm, unfailingly courteous, military commander became my favorite character. His fate crushes.
I dislike the sudden sacrificial ending immensely, despite intensity. With my preferred paper books, the proximity of the finale is measurable; only 15 pages do condense the punch admirably. But the Pax people remain victims of their too powerful Adjutors; Zahn slips in a moral lesson to voters who ignore what determines their politicians' ethics.
Writing style is overall compelling, if I skip physics. Created slang is easy to decipher "puff-talk" p25. Humor is light - practical jokes, how Chandris deals with slimy Toomes' vengeful lust p314. Violence is mostly limited to character assassination. Curses are few, "Clever bast-s" p100, "Friz" p187. Lleshi minimizes physical casualties and suffering.
The surprise twist builds up. You may guess; I did not. Kosta Jereko, acaemic researcher suddenly co-opted into Pax spy, develops a theory about angel particles. The Research Institute he joins makes frightening discoveries, especially about a 3x3 angel matrix.
I question the role of each main character, their inclusion in the cast. Why include Forsythe, High Senator and give him constant companion, deaf low-IQ aide Ronyon. To demonstrate effects of angel particles? For a intermediate level before an enemy traitor is arrested?
How can we feel sympathy for the small five-planet federation? The only other Empyreans we get to know are the Daviees. The kind brother and sister knowingly allow con-artist Chandra 16 to crew aboard their Gazelle huntership.
Captain Hanan wears a body brace for a degenerative disease, suffers help only from strangers. He loves to play practical jokes. He is more than comic relief in a memorable fave sequence.
Ornina keeps serving cups of herbal tea. I kept wondering if she had a secret. But her role is empty, except for juxtaposition against Hanan. Or is their interaction supposed to demonstrate how angels affect potentially abrasive long-term relationships?
I dislike cover blurbs and summaries that put forth the Kosta-Chandris romance as the plot focus. Mostly they are in suspicious conflict. Trilling, the insane pimp ex-lover killer who pursues Chandris, is also usually ignored. He provides close-up confrontation - and blood.
The core cast is much larger. Even the angel particle and Angelmass source are characters. Their abilities and motivation are hinted at, only revealed in the last few pages.
Too much is complicated explanations about net transportation, particle physics. Zahn's "Lantryllyn logic circuit" developed for artificial intelligence proves 3x3 matrix of angel particles demonstrates intelligence p257. I do not know how much is author invention. Perhaps hard-science readers would appreciate the fine detail.
Typos:
p277 "no breech" is "breach" (We breech-birth babes learned the difference early.)
http://books.google.ca/books?id=z3Bbd...
http://www.amazon.com/Angelmass-Timot...
I cheered for Captain Lleshi, trying to save his Pax armada, crew, and ship Komitadji, pride of the fleet, from the grasping vicious rude selfish nit-picking bean-counter Adjutor Telthorst. (Quibble: The only name I can spell is "Pax".) The noble, mature, experienced, calm, unfailingly courteous, military commander became my favorite character. His fate crushes.
I dislike the sudden sacrificial ending immensely, despite intensity. With my preferred paper books, the proximity of the finale is measurable; only 15 pages do condense the punch admirably. But the Pax people remain victims of their too powerful Adjutors; Zahn slips in a moral lesson to voters who ignore what determines their politicians' ethics.
Writing style is overall compelling, if I skip physics. Created slang is easy to decipher "puff-talk" p25. Humor is light - practical jokes, how Chandris deals with slimy Toomes' vengeful lust p314. Violence is mostly limited to character assassination. Curses are few, "Clever bast-s" p100, "Friz" p187. Lleshi minimizes physical casualties and suffering.
The surprise twist builds up. You may guess; I did not. Kosta Jereko, acaemic researcher suddenly co-opted into Pax spy, develops a theory about angel particles. The Research Institute he joins makes frightening discoveries, especially about a 3x3 angel matrix.
I question the role of each main character, their inclusion in the cast. Why include Forsythe, High Senator and give him constant companion, deaf low-IQ aide Ronyon. To demonstrate effects of angel particles? For a intermediate level before an enemy traitor is arrested?
How can we feel sympathy for the small five-planet federation? The only other Empyreans we get to know are the Daviees. The kind brother and sister knowingly allow con-artist Chandra 16 to crew aboard their Gazelle huntership.
Captain Hanan wears a body brace for a degenerative disease, suffers help only from strangers. He loves to play practical jokes. He is more than comic relief in a memorable fave sequence.
Ornina keeps serving cups of herbal tea. I kept wondering if she had a secret. But her role is empty, except for juxtaposition against Hanan. Or is their interaction supposed to demonstrate how angels affect potentially abrasive long-term relationships?
I dislike cover blurbs and summaries that put forth the Kosta-Chandris romance as the plot focus. Mostly they are in suspicious conflict. Trilling, the insane pimp ex-lover killer who pursues Chandris, is also usually ignored. He provides close-up confrontation - and blood.
The core cast is much larger. Even the angel particle and Angelmass source are characters. Their abilities and motivation are hinted at, only revealed in the last few pages.
Too much is complicated explanations about net transportation, particle physics. Zahn's "Lantryllyn logic circuit" developed for artificial intelligence proves 3x3 matrix of angel particles demonstrates intelligence p257. I do not know how much is author invention. Perhaps hard-science readers would appreciate the fine detail.
Typos:
p277 "no breech" is "breach" (We breech-birth babes learned the difference early.)
December 18, 2020
Timothy Zahn has this thing where he can explain incredibly complex astrophysics in a way that is completely understandable. It always amazes me.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing is great, despite some quite complex themes throughout. The hard science is done in an understandable way - without info dumps. I cared enough about the characters to want to continue to read more about them after the story was finished.
I think my favorite thing about every Zahn book I've read is seeing the slow progression of super complex plotlines. You see them slowly play out, get confused as to what's really going on/what's going to happen. Then at the climax of the novel you get to see the completion of it all and it just NEVER gets old, no matter how many of his novels I've read (which at this point, is quite a few.) The endings are always, ALWAYS so incredibly exciting to get to see it all come together. I really loved this one.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing is great, despite some quite complex themes throughout. The hard science is done in an understandable way - without info dumps. I cared enough about the characters to want to continue to read more about them after the story was finished.
I think my favorite thing about every Zahn book I've read is seeing the slow progression of super complex plotlines. You see them slowly play out, get confused as to what's really going on/what's going to happen. Then at the climax of the novel you get to see the completion of it all and it just NEVER gets old, no matter how many of his novels I've read (which at this point, is quite a few.) The endings are always, ALWAYS so incredibly exciting to get to see it all come together. I really loved this one.
June 16, 2024
This was my first novel from this writer. His writing style is very fine with great character development. The novel was very good.
mooched
February 25, 2021Still available for mooching! Will be donated to local Friends of the Library annual book sale in March 2021.
Decluttering my shelves and sharing my treasures. Available for mooching in my BookMooch inventory: http://bookmooch.com/m/inventory/jonmoss
Decluttering my shelves and sharing my treasures. Available for mooching in my BookMooch inventory: http://bookmooch.com/m/inventory/jonmoss
August 22, 2010
This book had a fairly good storyline, but I think it was poorly written. At times, the writing was fairly simple to understand (sometimes enough for a little kid to follow) which wouln't be bad if the writing was consistently simple. At other times the writing was very difficult to understand, was filled with black hole theory (I'm was never that good at physics and can't remember most of it), and didn't have any type of glossary or anything to help the reader understand his imaginary spaceship parts.
This book probably should be read by people who are good at physics and can stand not knowing what the characters are talking about.
This book probably should be read by people who are good at physics and can stand not knowing what the characters are talking about.
June 11, 2015
2012 Grade A-.
Although the book has 560 physical pages, the story is only 531 pages. The rest is mostly a preview to another book. Quite interesting, good characters and plot, both of which, as a reader, I cared about. Reads easily and can be read in short segments, for example 30-60 minutes. I had no problem putting it down when necessary and picking it up later, at least until page 295 when the action starts. But it was good enough that I never let a day pass without reading it. I did speed read through some dull political parts.
Although the book has 560 physical pages, the story is only 531 pages. The rest is mostly a preview to another book. Quite interesting, good characters and plot, both of which, as a reader, I cared about. Reads easily and can be read in short segments, for example 30-60 minutes. I had no problem putting it down when necessary and picking it up later, at least until page 295 when the action starts. But it was good enough that I never let a day pass without reading it. I did speed read through some dull political parts.
April 17, 2008
I generally enjoy Zahn's novels, and this one is no exception. It has stock but well crafted characters and a plot that keeps things moving along. A good "rainy weekend" read that will not unduly stress ones vocabulary or philosophical capacity, despite the jacket blurb's claim that it is a serious science fiction novel disguised as space opera. I'm not sure what "serious science fiction" is, but "space opera" is a good description.
Read
August 11, 2011This book was great. Had no clue what it was about, only picked it up because of Zahn's other books and I was not disappointed. It's great how he can talk politics, interstellar trade, commerce, war and quantum physics all in one book, and make it all so plausible.
November 7, 2016
3+.
Enjoyable SF with an interesting premise, but it took a bit too long to get into---you need to persist through 50pages or so.
Decent ending, but I would have enjoyed a somewhat more prolonged discussion of the basic philosophical premise.
Enjoyable SF with an interesting premise, but it took a bit too long to get into---you need to persist through 50pages or so.
Decent ending, but I would have enjoyed a somewhat more prolonged discussion of the basic philosophical premise.
November 19, 2014
It's an excellent read! WONDERFUL character development and intense sci-fi mechanics and theory!
October 9, 2015
След "Кобрите" се бях отказал от Зан. Не можех да разбера защо е толкова популярен и награждаван... После хванах Ангелиада и нещата ми се изясниха. Прекрасно написана, увлекателна... Забележителна.
April 12, 2025
Very interesting read, I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the concept of the black hole, and oh boy that ending was very well done! It was incredibly poetic. The characters were all excellent, and I especially relate to Jericho Kosta. A lot.
I liked how he handled descriptions of space travel. Outside of the few "magic" technologies required to make the plot work, the descriptions of spaceflight seemed very realistic, and the fictional aspects worked well (one thing I really enjoy is to see realistic spaceflight coupled with futuristic technologies that are not yet known to physics).
My only complaint is there was some sexual content you don't usually get from Zahn (at least, not in his books that I've read so far) where a man tries to take advantage of the female lead. The descriptions aren't explicit, but it's over the line of what I feel is appropriate for me personally. That being said, the female lead sees just how much better life is being loved by good people around her as opposed to the abuse she's faced in the past, and the moral compass is pointing in the right direction. It's just more explicit than I'm typically comfortable with.
Also, as a side note, Zahn may know a disagreeable accountant. Not sure what gives me that impression...
I liked how he handled descriptions of space travel. Outside of the few "magic" technologies required to make the plot work, the descriptions of spaceflight seemed very realistic, and the fictional aspects worked well (one thing I really enjoy is to see realistic spaceflight coupled with futuristic technologies that are not yet known to physics).
My only complaint is there was some sexual content you don't usually get from Zahn (at least, not in his books that I've read so far) where a man tries to take advantage of the female lead. The descriptions aren't explicit, but it's over the line of what I feel is appropriate for me personally. That being said, the female lead sees just how much better life is being loved by good people around her as opposed to the abuse she's faced in the past, and the moral compass is pointing in the right direction. It's just more explicit than I'm typically comfortable with.
Also, as a side note, Zahn may know a disagreeable accountant. Not sure what gives me that impression...
February 24, 2025
A romping space opera - one of my favorite categories. It has breakaway colonies, ways to travel long distances quickly, a black hole with unusual properties, a set of quirky characters who come together (quest-like) and a strange "somethings" referred to as "angels" which seem to be able to influence people. Timothy Zahn doesn't let details about his world-building bog the story down.
Does everything work out? Well, read it and find out.
Does everything work out? Well, read it and find out.
December 28, 2017
This was a good page turner with an intriguing storyline concerning "Angels" (black hole particles) that are worn by high ranking politicians. The characters were interesting, and the story was fast paced. It would have received 5 stars, but there was one subplot that seemed a little weak/rushed (I won't spoil anything). Overall, a good story.
May 29, 2022
Page turner
Tim Zahn never fails to capture the reader. For those who know his work, I will say that I was afraid Angel mass would be reminiscent of the Modhri, but I shouldn't have doubted him. This is well written and exciting. Once into the story, I couldn't put the book down.
Tim Zahn never fails to capture the reader. For those who know his work, I will say that I was afraid Angel mass would be reminiscent of the Modhri, but I shouldn't have doubted him. This is well written and exciting. Once into the story, I couldn't put the book down.
April 12, 2021
A fun romp through a cast of amusing side characters. A bean counter tries to usurp command of a ship, a scientist becomes a spy, a girl who has lived her life rough tries to find redemption, and all the while people try to figure out these angel particles. Yet another quick-paced Zahn standalone.
July 15, 2023
Another Tim Zahn "sci-fi" that is more mystery than anything! Loved it. Ironically, nothing stands out as totally awe-inspiring, but the whole thing was just a blast to read, the whole way through. Excellent pacing.
July 10, 2017
Good read because it leaves a lot of details unresolved. However, the science takes a big back seat to fantasy.
November 15, 2017
Plan to read more of this author
August 3, 2020
4.5 stars
October 25, 2022
It didn't have the energy, the dynamic and the urgency that most Timothy Zahn's books have. It was a frustrating reading experience.
February 7, 2023
Enjoyable but not a keeper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews