Queen of Angels (novel)

QueenOfAngels(1stEd)

Queen of Angels is a science fiction novel by American author Greg Bear, first published in 1990. The novel is set in a future where Earth has been transformed by advances in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. It explores themes of consciousness, the nature of the self, and what it means to be human in a world where the boundaries between human and machine, biological and artificial, are increasingly blurred.

Plot

The narrative of Queen of Angels is divided into multiple interlinked stories that converge towards a single climax. The central plot revolves around the investigation of a famous poet, Emmanuel Goldsmith, who has committed a shocking act of mass murder. This event prompts a deep examination of his psyche by a therapist named Mary Choy, who uses advanced psychological and technological methods to understand the reasons behind Goldsmith's actions.

Parallel to this, the novel follows the journey of Richard Fettle, a friend of Goldsmith, as he grapples with the aftermath of the murders and his own personal demons. Another storyline introduces us to Jill, an artificial intelligence researcher, who is on the brink of a breakthrough in creating a self-aware AI.

The novel also delves into the experiences of a character known as the "transform," a human who has undergone extensive genetic and cybernetic modifications to become something more than human. This character's journey explores the limits of human identity and the possibilities of post-human existence.

Themes

Queen of Angels addresses several profound themes, including the quest for understanding human consciousness, the ethical implications of technological and genetic enhancements, and the societal impacts of widespread psychological monitoring and modification. Bear examines the concept of "therapy" in a future where minds can be mapped and altered, raising questions about free will and the essence of individuality.

The novel also explores the dichotomy between the "therapied" elites, who have undergone mental modifications to remove undesirable traits and emotions, and the "untreated" masses, who view such modifications with suspicion and fear. This division reflects broader themes of inequality and the potential for technology to both bridge and widen social divides.

Reception

Upon its release, Queen of Angels was critically acclaimed for its ambitious scope and Bear's ability to weave complex scientific and philosophical ideas into a compelling narrative. The novel was nominated for several awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel, the Nebula Award for Best Novel, and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.

Critics praised Bear's exploration of the future of humanity in the face of transformative technologies, as well as his skillful characterization and intricate plotting. However, some readers found the dense scientific and philosophical discussions challenging.

Legacy

Queen of Angels has been recognized as a significant work in the science fiction genre, particularly in its exploration of artificial intelligence and the future of human evolution. The novel has influenced subsequent works in the genre, especially those dealing with similar themes of consciousness and the integration of technology into human life.

The novel is part of a larger universe created by Bear, with sequels including Slant and related works that further explore the world and its characters.

See Also

• Greg Bear
• Science fiction
• Artificial intelligence in fiction
• Genetic engineering in fiction

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