Novel Journal: Angels and Demons

'"And God?" he asked. "Do you believe in God?" Vittoria was silent for a long time. "Science tells me God must exist. My mind tells me I will never understand God. And my heart tells me I am not meant to."'


I really like this line, because it pretty much sums up my own views on God. As a student interested in science and having been raised in a somewhat religious home, I feel that both science and religion can support each other and exist together. Whose to say that God didn't create science? Perhaps this all-powerful being used the "Big Bang" to create the universe. I don't think it's fair to say that only one is right. I would like to believe that one day science could truly prove God's existence, because I do have a hard time believing in something not entirely proven. And I feel that way with more than just religion. I find the existence of antimatter rather amazing; just that something can be made from nothing and that matter can be cancelled out. I think God may be something simply too big and complex us to understand. Although, that may just be a more scientific perspective and science is trying to make God complicated. Religion seems to see God as more simple, but I don't see why 'anti-science, religious people' wouldn't want to know how a great being is watching over everyone. I understand that they might think that if science can prove God exists then people might think science is above God, but science isn't a being, it's a method of understanding things. If something could give you answers about God wouldn't you want it? If someone could give you information that proved what you believe in is true wouldn't want it? From a friend or enemy? Anyways, I think it would be good to have people of all beliefs work together to solve our questions.

Book Review

The book Blade of Fortriu, by Juliet Marillier, is the most emotionally attaching, fantasy book I've ever read. As there are several separate, yet connected, plot lines it remains interesting all the way through. The story is set in about 500 A.D. in the Scottish Highlands and has remarkably accurate descriptions of the lifestyle of the time. It is also based on a historical war of a pagans versus the Christian Gaels that invaded the Pictish land. In the story one plot line is about a young lady, Ana, who is being sent away by King Bridei to marry an unknown chieftain who, in exchange, will pledge allegiance to the King. Ana's reluctant, Gaelic escort, Faolan, is known for his cold, detached, and isolated behavior. Faolan finds himself intrigued by Ana, unfortunately he is bringing her to her new husband if all goes well. Faolan is also the King's personal bodyguard, spy, emissary, and assassin. As emissary, he is responsible for making sure the treaty goes as planned and that Ana is safe in the residence of her mysterious husband.
Across the country, the beloved King of Fortriu, Bridei, is waging war against the Christian Gaelics that have occupied the southern lands for years. He plans to push them towards the shores and force them back across the sea away from his lands forever. With the help of his druid and his mystical wife, he plots the perfect time to strike and commences the process of his lifelong dream.
This book is amazing for it's complicated story lines and unexpected events. It includes history, romance, action, and even some magic. The characters are easy to become attached to and the heart-wrenching events Ana and Faolan experience will force every tear within you to fall. The Blade of Fortriu is a wonderful tale that has the ability to make you cry or smile and laugh throughout the entire story.