title: Bright Messengers: A New Novel Set in the Rama Universe (Bantam Spectra Book)
author:  Gentry Lee 
description: Lee's first solo mission (his collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke yielded the three latest Rama novels: Rama II, The Garden of Rama and Rama Revealed) continues in the Rama universe, beginning on Earth in 2141 during a depression called the Great Chaos. Using visits by the bright messengers (who may be angels or aliens), Lee brings together the lives of agnostic engineer Johann Eberhardt and Sister Beatrice, a devout nun of the order of St. Michael of Siena. The ensuing venture to Mars, to the messengers' ship and to the beyond is classic SF?a tale that exhibits Lee's firm control of character and dialogue and, in the best tradition of the genre, one in which love and sex play major roles. Although the resolution of Sister Beatrice's struggle with chastity lacks any unique insight, she is otherwise a remarkable religious figure, both admirable and accessible. And in solidly fleshing out Johann's professional, filial and uxorial roles, Lee may well have created a new hero. <br />Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  BRIGHT 
   
  MESSENGERS 
   
  BY. 
  GENTRY LEE 
   
                                                       A Novel Set In The Rama Universe 
   
   
   
  To Stacey,  
  My wife and best friend. 
   
   
   
  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
   
   
   
  I would like to thank all those people who offered me support and encouragement during the 
  writing of this novel, especially my wife, Stacey, and my editor, Jennifer Hershey, both of whom listened 
  patiently to me on hundreds of occasions. I would also like to thank Stacey and my seven sons— Cooper, 
  Austin, Robert, Patrick, Michael, Travis, and Hunter—for filling my life with love, joy, and richness, 
  thereby making it easier for me to find the self-discipline necessary to immerse myself in the world of my 
  imagination. 
  Jennifer Hershey has played a major role in shaping this novel. Her outstanding insights have 
  undoubtedly improved the quality of 