As an outsider, Jesse is a conduit for viewing this society through the lenses of the reader, or at least the reader who is accustomed to Western or Christian views on end-of-life concerns. The author uses Jesse to guide the reader in an exploration of the paranormal and the use of the mind to maintain or destroy the health of the body as an alternative to the modern medical practice of treating the symptoms. She lays out the arguments in a way that is compelling, doing what science fiction is supposed to do - making the reader think about a concept from a different perspective.
To that end, Stewards of the Flame accomplishes what it should. However, I found the conclusion to be anticlimactic and also a bit of a cliff-hanger. Hopefully this is simply the author's way of leaving the door open for continuing the story, because otherwise it is a weak ending to an otherwise solid novel.
For those who are familiar with Engdahl from her young adult novels, take care. This book contains some adult themes that you may not yet wish to expose to the young folks in your life.
Stewards of the Flame is a thought provoking novel that may make you question the authority and direction of modern Western medical practices. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading genre fiction with some substance to it.
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