Average customer rating:
|
On a Pale Horse (Incarnations of Immortality, Bk. 1)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Series
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Series
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
ASIN: 0345338588
Release Date: 1986-09-12 |
Book Description
When Zane shot Death, he learned, too late, that he would have to assume his place, speeding over the world riding his pale horse, and ending the lives of others. Sooner than he would have thought possible, Zane found himself being drawn to Satan's plot. Already the Prince of Evil was forging a trap in which Zane must act to destroy Luna, the woman he loved...unless he could discover the only way out....
The first novel of the INCARNATIONS OF IMMORATLITY series.
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- The Glue That Holds Them All Together!
- Evil's best and brightest [no spoilers]
- For the Love of...
- A fun and different read
|
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
Piers Anthony , and
Piers A. Jacob
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
ASIN: 0380752859 |
Book Description
The Man Who Would Be Satan
Parry was a gifted musician and an apprentice in the arts of White Magic. But his life of sweet promise went disastrously awry following the sudden, violent death of his beloved Jolie.
Led down the twisted path of wickedness and depravity by Lilah the harlot demoness, Parry thrived -- first as a sorceror, then as a monk, and finally as a feared inquisitor.
But it wasn't until his mortal flame was extinguished that Parry found his true calling -- as the Incarnation of Evil. And, at the gates of Hell, he prepared to wage war on the master himself -- Lucifer, the dark lord -- with dominion over the infernal realms the ultimate prize!
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
White magician turned, or, baby, Lilith would SO corrupt you too.
Happily minding their own business, a magical family is attacked by violent chr1stian nuts. His father and wife killed, tortured and killed, respectively, he is easy prety for a demoness.
However, he rebels against Lucifer and saves said woman from the head evil dude's final attack. As a consequence, there is an Incarnation opening and rather than have someone much worse take it up, he agrees to do it.
Bit of a problem with this office, though, or, as The Animals ask: "Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."
The Glue That Holds Them All Together!.......2007-04-11
Throughout the entire series, the main characters of each book try their best to defeat the devil with all his evil influences. And just like all the other books, this regular guy gets thrust into a messed up situation be becoming the incarnation of evil. He tries to make it right but the other incarnations are having none of it. Everyone believes the hype. This book makes all the others coherent. Read this tale! Great book!
Evil's best and brightest [no spoilers].......2006-06-22
"For Love Of Evil" continues the "Incarnations of Immortality" series around the year 1205 as apprentice sorcerer Parry contacts a young village maiden to offer her a brighter future. A touching romance with outstanding character development and plotline organization without the logic-laced discussions and customary vocabulary (historically observed in the Piers Anthony series) presents what the preceding volumes should have accomplished.
Where the earlier stories relate the struggles of the primary Incarnation on the initial acceptance at office, the author addresses the entire career of all the prior novels' nemesis, Satan. After assuming the Office of Evil, the immediate choices and duties of the Incarnation introduces a captivating domain mingled with the previous office holder's intriguing circumstances. The Incarnation of Evil's control over the realm of Hell is blatantly obvious to the position itself as to be laughingly applauded.
Although all of the confrontations have been resolved beforehand to the reader (even if all of the books are considered stand alone), Satan's perspective provides fascinating insight why He made those choices and in retrospect improves the storyline of the weaker tales albeit too late. Satan's rationale to perpetuate evil on Earth might appear improbable nonetheless consistent as the Incarnation of Evil even if well rationalized.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
For the Love of..........2006-01-05
Out of the seven books in this series, this has to be the most interesting. "With a Tangled Skein" is by far my favorite, but this book ties together all the previous book and helps bring more sense to them than you could grasp had this book not been written. Much like "Weilding a Red Sword," a new view of Satan is uncovered, leading the reader to a deeper understanding of the natures of good and evil, which only grows with the final book. Anthony is not preaching to his readers, allowing us to follow and learn where we will. As much as I hate to admit it, being such a great fan of Book 3, this is the best of the series.
While this is a stand-alone novel, much like Anthony's other series books, I highly suggest reading this one begining to end--it will help with understanding some of the later books, as this is one series that is incredibly interwoven.
A fun and different read.......2004-08-20
Piers Anthony must have had quite the task to write this book. He had to take Satan that he had written about in the five previous books and give him a history and make sense of what it was that he was trying to achieve.
What is given to us is not only a Satan with a clear understanding of Evil, but a Satan who actually cares about others. A Satan who actually cares for humanity. A Satan who is misunderstood by others.
A lot of the mysteries of the previous five books are uncovered as a bet is made between Satan and Enoch on the fate of humanity. This also explains why everything happens to Luna and her decendants the way they do. At the end of the book, only one question is left open which is answered by the final book. But this work of fiction was fun and thought-provoking. If you've read the other five, you can't stop before reading this one. If you haven't read the other five, read them first. It makes this book more interesting.
Average customer rating:
- This book has it all!
- Not Free SF Reader
- Somewhat enjoyable ending to the series
- Not even one star
- Good but not great [no spoilers]
|
And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
Piers Anthony , and
Piers A. Jacob
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
ASIN: 0380752867 |
Book Description
In Pursuit of the Ultimate Good
After an overwhelming succession of tragedies, life has finally, mercifully ended for Orlene, once-mortal daughter of Gaea.
Joined in Afterlife by Jolie -- her protector and the sometime consort of Satan himself -- together they seek out a third: Vita, a very contemporary mortal with troubles, attractions, and an unsettling moral code uniquely her own.
An extraordinary triumvirate, they embark on a great quest to reawaken the Incarnation of Good in a world where evil reigns -- facing challenges that will test the very fiber of their beings with trials as numerous, as mysterious, and as devastating as the Incarnations themselves.
Customer Reviews:
This book has it all!.......2007-09-30
Subtle racism, a completely predictable "twist" ending, and a supposed reconciliation between evolution and creationism that somehow manages to be equally ignorant of, and insulting to, both sides. While it does finally wrap up the plot line established in the other books, it does so with Anthony's typically terrible writing and a plot that is as convoluted and yet as boring as it could possibly be. Someone should write a Cliff Notes version of this book to spare the other poor suckers out there the necessity of having to read through it to obtain some closure.
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
God is bloody slack.
It appears that the Incarnation of Good is not doing his job properly. When a descendant of one of the other characters in the series finds out her kid is on a trip to Hell, she decides the whole thing is flawed.
With a few others, she decides to do something about it.
Easily the worst of this series, as the Incarnation basically is non-existent. He also appears to be doing sweet FA, so a movement starts for impeachment to get rid of him.
Somewhat enjoyable ending to the series.......2007-03-02
Gods help me, but I love Piers Anthony. I'm even willing to put up with his at times over-the-top dialogue. It's a bit like reading a first-draft Kevin Smith screenplay: everything everyone says is just incredibly clever, but seriously.. not everyone is that amazingly erudite.
The heart of the story and series? I love. I've loved this concept of his for years, and even though I've had somewhat harsh words for a few of the individual books in the series, I still own them, and still re-read them. The setting, concept, and characters are just wonderful, and on those merits alone, I'd recommend the books.
Not even one star.......2007-01-10
I've had a suspicion about Piers Anthony for a while now. Somehow or other in alot of his works he's got an older male character having a sexual attraction or getting sexually involved with a girl of middle teen years. That's the case in this book, and it came up again in his Man(Series where he reincarnates a family throughout human history) Series.
I also didn't like the line where he states "she has just a little bit of the "negroid" in her."
Call me prudish, but somebody has to draw the line even on bestsellers.
Good but not great [no spoilers].......2006-06-24
The "Incarnations of Immortality" series concludes with "And Eternity" as the ghost Jolie senses someone familiar dying. Reduced character maturity diminishes the normal vocabulary and extensive logical investigation. An emotional struggle versus Satan and the prevailing influence of Good could have generated an enormously astonishing novel.
A peculiar beginning, especially for those who treat the other books as independent stories, becomes stranger as three confusing individuals (one dreadfully annoying and two of identical behavior) embark on a convoluted mission. Unfortunately the dialogue between the three is not expressed as well as with the Aspects of Fate. Other than Good, the remaining six major Incarnations and the Incarnation of Night, Nox, possess important roles by helping conclude the series.
In spite of convention, a soul's destination suddenly depends not only on whether it is good or evil but also if the soul believes it is Hell bound. The eeriness of Chapter 9 and especially Chapter 11 significantly contrast the successful writing of the prior novel. The disturbing fascination with the male sex drive is repeatedly overstated as offensively overwhelming and uncontrollable.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
Average customer rating:
- Other Books
- Who can love Evil?
- Pretty good in the series
- Nature's meandering landscape [no spoilers]
- Lossy and glossy.
|
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Parenting
| Parenting & Families
| Subjects
| Books
| Babies & Toddlers
| Child Care
| Discipline
| Emotions & Feelings
| General
| Health & Nutrition
| Morals & Responsibility
| School-Age Children
| Single Parents
| Teenagers
| Twins & Multiples
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ecology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Series
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Ecology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Series
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
ASIN: 0345322231
Release Date: 1988-09-12 |
Book Description
Orb had a rare gift--the magic which manifested whenever she sang or played her harp. No one could resist her music. But she knew that greater magic lay in the Llano, the mystic music that controlled all things. The quest for the Llano occupied Orb's life. Until she met Natasha, handsome and charming, and an even finer musician. But her mother Niobe came as an Aspect of Fire, with the news that Orb had been chosen for the role of Incarnation of Nature--The Green Mother. But she also warned of a prophecy that Orb was to marry Evil. Could she be sure that Natasha was not really Satan, the Master of Illusion, laying a trap for her...?
Customer Reviews:
Other Books.......2007-09-03
Moon daughter rock chick has unfair advantage.
Orb, the daughter of Luna, joins a band. Handy to have the supernatural singing voice for times like these. The two aforementioned characters appear in other book in this series.
As per usual, Satan gets involved with some scheming, and this time it is of the magical music variety. In over her head, she asks for help from Chronos.
Eventually Gaea power turns the head of the Lord of Evil.
Who can love Evil?.......2007-06-19
What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?
Orb knew there was something special, something otherworldly, about her musical ability. When singing and playing her harp, she senses a gathering of power she can never quite grasp fully, but dedicates her life in search of the llano, the true song of nature. Her quest leads her around the world, finding and losing love, and ultimately she assumes the role of the Incarnation of Nature. But what about the fortuneteller who, when she was still a little girl, prophesied that Orb would marry Evil?
I remember being blown away at this book's climax the first time I read it in high school. This time around it wasn't quite as impressive, as some aspects of Anthony's writing style have become irritating to the more experienced reader in me. There is no natural progression to any of the relationships, and as a result they are hardly believable. The spoken dialogue is awkward, written in a style that seems far too formal, even accounting for an alternate reality. Despite its flaws, I'm still going to finish re-reading the series.
Pretty good in the series.......2007-04-09
This book wasn't my favorite, but it certainly wan't the worst one in the Incarnations of Immortality line. I enjoyed all of these books and found the overall idea clever and inspired. There is mirth and irony ruinning through all of this authors books that I really enjoy. This was a lovely read and a great continuance of the whole series.
Nature's meandering landscape [no spoilers].......2006-06-19
A magically gifted Orb quests for the Llano, an omnipotent musical score, in "Being A Green Mother", the fifth installment of the "Incarnations of Immortality" series. The bizarre final chapters undervalue the beginning's remarkable character development as the storyline is filled with the standard vocabulary and considerable logical breakdowns throughout the series. An arousing crusade opposing Satan and the powerful energy of Nature could have built a tremendously amazing novel.
Minor Incarnations appear as Gaea's assistants, however as with the other novels the primary character reveals more unusual associations with the other Incarnations and connections with the earlier storylines. Satan's ultimate interest in fulfilling the Orb prophecy is a huge revelation. The last pages present a major cliffhanger, which exceeds any prior ending in the series.
Orb's confusing behavior conflicts between a sweet and innocent young woman to an impulsive and occasionally naughty vixen. Even though the Incarnation of Nature's appearance is unseen until near the end (offering further depth than the earlier novels), she ambiguously assumes the office unlike the other exacting methods as found with Death or Fate. Satan's continuous illusions eventually become very confusing and frustrating as a reader.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
Lossy and glossy........2006-03-30
Being a huge fan overall of the entire Incarnations series, that means that
Being a Green Mother is lumped in there as well. While I do thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the idea that Piers Anthony has put forth with this series, this book just does not do that idea justice, as far as I'm concerned.
It's as though the author was rushed to get to 'the interesting parts', and glossed over some areas that I really would have liked to seen more depth to. I felt like I was being told, "Yadda yadda yadda, I had the lobster."
This book could have been so much more, and while I do enjoy repeat readings of it, each time I go back to it I'm struck more and more with how much -isn't- there, rather than what is.
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- Not the most enjoyable in the series, but worth a read
- Fated to greatness [no spoilers]
- Absolutely Wonderful
- Lots of fun, Packed with Twists & Turns
|
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
-
And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
ASIN: 0345318854
Release Date: 1986-09-12 |
Book Description
When the man Niobe loved was shot, she learned that she had been the target, in a devious plot of the Devil's. Hoping for revenge, she discovered, too late, how intricate his scheming was, and that he had managed to trap her son and her granddaughter, Luna. Niobe's only chance to save them was to accept a challenge by the Prince of Deceit--a challenge to be decided in Hell and in a maze of Satan's devising!
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-24
Husband stands in on wife's killing, she becomes part of Fate.
A woman's husband learns that she will die, and arranges that he will instead. She discovers later that this is a plot of that evil Satan bloke.
The Fates are a tripartite entity, and she gives up the first job, and is invited to the next after spending some time as a mortal again. This repeats, as she gets involved with stopping S*tan plots.
Not the most enjoyable in the series, but worth a read.......2007-05-04
What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?
Although initially opposed to her arranged marriage to a 16-year old, 21-year-old Niobe accepts and eventually grows to love her husband Cedric. When Cedric sacrifices his life in place of a death that was meant for her, Niobe, heartbroken, accepts an invitation to become Clotho, the youngest aspect of the immortal incarnation of Fate, whose responsibility it is to weave the threads in the great tapestry of life. While learning her new role, Niobe also learns that she herself has become entangled in the insidious plots of Satan, the incarnation of Evil.
I haven't enjoyed books 2 and 3 nearly as well as On a Pale Horse, the first in the series.
Fated to greatness [no spoilers].......2006-06-16
"With A Tangled Skein" continues the "Incarnations of Immortality" series as Niobe confronts her father about an arranged marriage to Cedric Kaftan. A charming romance and improved character development advance the series satisfactorily surrounded by cheap behavior of regularly narrow-minded male and silly female figures. In addition, one finds the characteristic vocabulary and extended logical reasoning as in most fast-paced Piers Anthony narratives. An unrelenting confrontation against Satan's designs and the ingenious influence of Fate could have weaved an exceptionally interwoven novel.
As with the prior novel, a separate Incarnation (combining the three Aspects of Fate - Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) propels the action while interfacing among the additional primary Incarnations. Chronos changing office reveals an enlightening experience, conducted in a captivating approach. A few smart yet outrageous situated puzzles challenge the reader preceding the solution.
Meanwhile other chapters appear quite ridiculous, approaching Gaea's residence and the maze in the final chapters. Living people interact among the Incarnations as a part of normal life with little surprise. And the youngest Aspect of Fate, Clotho, debases herself too casually.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
Absolutely Wonderful.......2006-01-05
This was the first of the Incarnations books that I read, and fell in love with the series within the first couple of chapters. I was already a Piers Anthony fan, loving the Xanth series, but this series is much more mature and has deeper plots and characters than the light Xanth books do. You feel for the characters, come to love them, and this is what happened when I began reading about Niobe and her life. Honestly, this book has changed and influenced my life in a many ways, and silly as that may sound.
While this is a stand-alone novel, much like Anthony's other series books, I highly suggest reading this one begining to end--it will help with understanding some of the later books, as this is one series that is incredibly interwoven.
Lots of fun, Packed with Twists & Turns.......2005-05-19
After "Bearing an Hourglass" I just wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality series, but was convinced by the reviews here on Amazon to give the third book a shot. I have to say that I enjoyed Fate's story almost as much as Death's story "On a Pale Horse". "Skein" is packed with great characters that you really cheer for. I don't even want to give away a hint of the story, but I felt that "Skein"'s plot has been the best of the series so far, and really makes you want to read the next book of the series. Anthony's unique writing style is so much fun. And the story of Fate is just so imaginative and engrossing you won't be able to put this book down once started. With Summer almost upon us, I would highly recommend you throw a copy of "Tangles Skein" into your beach-bag with you tanning lotion, as this almost a perfect summer read.
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- Hoping the next one is a bit better
- another great story in the series
- War, what's it good for? [no spoilers]
- Great Book!
|
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
-
And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
ASIN: 0345322215
Release Date: 1987-11-12 |
Book Description
Mym was a dutiful son, but rather than agree to his father's choice for his marriage, he took up the Red Sword, symbol of office of the Incarnation of War, in order to ameliorate some of the suffering caused by Earth's constant petty wars. But Mym discovered that Satan was waiting to trap him, and he must now take desperate measures to outwit the evil genius who aimed to destroy the world....
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
War is necessary, someone has to be in charge.
The fourth Piers Anthony book in the Incarnations series is perhaps a little different in tone, given that wars are not all that fun, so if you are in charge of them and aren't the Evil gloating supervillain Ares type that Wonder Woman and Xena have to deal with and maybe beat up at various intervals throughout their history.
Hoping the next one is a bit better.......2007-05-12
What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?
When Mym, the son of a rajah, grows tired of his father's manipulations in his relationships, he opts out of his life in order to become Mars, the immortal Incarnation of War. In this new position his job is to supervise the significant warlike activities occurring in the world. Although he's morally opposed to such needless violence and suffering and initially hopes to use his office as a means of alleviating and lessening the destruction and misery war causes, Mym reluctantly comes to accept that war is a natural and fluctuating, if unpleasant, state of humanity.
Like the few preceding it, Wielding a Red Sword doesn't quite hold up to On a Pale Horse, the first book in this series. As usual, the characters are painfully two-dimensional.
another great story in the series.......2007-02-07
I think this book was the most spell bonding of the series so far. Book 1 was great and I still like it the best, but this story just made you want to read it and not put the book down until the end. Hope the remaining ones are as good.
War, what's it good for? [no spoilers].......2006-06-17
"Wielding A Red Sword" resumes the "Incarnations of Immortality" series as the mysterious Mym becomes enamored by Orb, a stunning woman with phenomenal musical skills. The reader experiences the typical vocabulary and extensive logical analysis as with most fast-paced Piers Anthony novels. Exceptional character (especially during the beginning) and Incarnation growth advances the series adequately. A merciless campaign challenging Satan and the mighty force of War could have developed into an extremely explosive novel.
While the prior book introduced a multifaceted Incarnation, Mars executes his duties traveling with four other minor Incarnations. The office of War changes in an unusual yet remarkable fashion. Plus, Mars and the other Incarnations have stimulating confrontations and relations.
Although most non-romantic plotlines evolve effectively, Rapture's conclusion and Mym's impulsiveness concerning Ligeia undermine the overall story. Phasing out of reality has proven effective to avoid most human and spiritual interaction, yet Incarnations do not remain in such a state while challenging the test barriers of fellow Incarnations.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
Great Book!.......2006-03-29
As with the other Incarnation books, this one makes you think. I love Piers and the idea of people doing the jobs of incarnations is fascinating. Another great book from Mr. Anthony.
Average customer rating:
- Not Free SF Reader
- Some good ideas, but terrible writing
- Not as good the second time around, and not as interesting as On a Pale Horse
- Take some notes or read slowly!
- Time is tough [no spoilers]
|
Bearing An Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality, Book 2)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Short Stories
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Short Stories
| Literature & Fiction
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Paperback
| Anthony, Piers
| ( A )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
-
Wielding a Red Sword (Incarnations of Immortality)
-
On a Pale Horse (Incarnations of Immortality, Bk. 1)
-
Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
-
For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
ASIN: 0345313151
Release Date: 1985-09-12 |
Book Description
When life seemed pointless to Norton, he accepted the position as the Incarnation of Time, even though it meant living backward from present to past. The other seemingly all-powerful incantations of Immortality--Death, Fate, War, and Nature--made him welcome. Even Satan greeted him with gifts. But he soon discovered that the gifts were cunning traps and he had become enmeshed in a complex scheme of the Evil One to destroy all that was good....
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Surrogate ghost parent stint fails, becomes Lord of Time instead.
This Incarnation gets to do the Merlin thing, and live backwards in time. Being in charge of that he can go forward if he wants to, though.
He hooks up with one of the Fates, and also has Satan try and trick him, one of these stunts includes trying to convince him to stop the event that makes the guy in the first book Thanatos.
Some good ideas, but terrible writing.......2007-05-03
There were some interesting ideas in this book and in the first one, but Piers Anthony is, quite simply, a painfully bad writer. He writes like an early teenager in almost every way - redundant, self-indulgent, and shallow. The sad thing for these books is that, unlike the Xanth series, there is actually a decent story at their core. Even a mildly competent editor could have turned this series into a decent work of fantasy. Instead it's just a monument to a missed opportunity.
Not as good the second time around, and not as interesting as On a Pale Horse.......2007-04-20
What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?
Norton is the man who became Time. Grieving for a love lost and spending his time aimlessly wandering, he accepts the opportunity to become the immortal incarnation of Time. This means living his life backwards with respect to the rest of the world, and assisting Fate in navigating and repairing the great tapestry of life. Norton discovers that it also means extricating himself from the devious traps laid by The Father of Lies himself.
I first read Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality series in high school and thought they were superb. I'm now reading them again and, while I still find the premise of Death, Time, Fate, War, Nature, Good and Evil being mere offices fascinating, the more experienced reader in me is viewing them with a more critical eye. Entirely too much time is spent on Norton's "visits" to the sci-fi/fantasy realms, and not nearly enough on his experiences while learning his new office. In addition, almost every character in the book is a two-dimensional stereotype, which grows wearisome.
Take some notes or read slowly!.......2007-04-09
I will be the first to admit that I can be a fast reader, so I will sometimes miss things. So this book was not a great one for someone like me to read. It had a complicated story that ran up and back through time. It IS very clever and when my husband read it, he liked it much more than I did. He reads slower than I do, so go figure. I can say that I liked it and would recommend it to others. Worth the read.
Time is tough [no spoilers].......2006-06-12
The "Incarnations of Immortality" series sequel "Bearing An Hourglass" introduces the trekking Norton as he receives a suspicious proposal while camping. Simple character development laced in stereotypical behavior of commonly opinionated male and empty-headed female figures surrounded by subtle environmental friendly messages caters to the young reader. Also, one finds the usual vocabulary and lengthy logical deductions as in most fast-paced Piers Anthony stories. A formidable earnestness to the plot and the masterful potency of Time could have produced a truly profound novel.
Unlike most follow-up novels, a different individual drives the storyline with a courteous acknowledgment to the Incarnation of Death. Sning, a fresh character, definitely captures one's attention and affection, as Satan remains troublesome. Since Chronos interacts with Fate on individual threads of life, expect non-Chronos related dialogue considering she is the next Incarnation to be addresses in the series. The narrative denies descriptions of Heaven or Hell other than the overall plot of the perpetual battle for people's soul.
Since the novel manages the Incarnation of Time, paradox is paramount throughout the execution of such a daunting task. Unfortunately not all of the problems that arise are expressed as clearly as in the prior novel. The powerful hourglass, the symbol of the Incarnation of Time, is conveniently forgotten too often by Chronos as a commanding device.
I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.
Thank you.
Product Description
Completely accessible as a stand-alone book, "For Love of Evil" provides a fresh view of eventsfrom previous titles. The narrator brings just the right blend of adventure and humor to this truly enchanting tale.
Books:
- On Call: A Doctor's Days and Nights in Residency
- Peter and the Shadow Thieves
- Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
- Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types
- Power at Sea: The Age of Navalism, 1890-1918
- Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 3.0 Tutorial and MultiMedia CD
- Pruning Made Easy: A gardener's visual guide to when and how to prune everything, from flowers to trees (Storey's Gardening Skills Illustrated)
- Rules (Newbery Honor Book)
- Secrets of the Hidden Realms: Mystical Keys to the Unseen Worlds
- Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- My Woman His Wife
- From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava
- This is all I ask
- All Tomorrow's Parties
- Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman
- File System Forensic Analysis
- Dynasties of the World: A Chronological and Genealogical Handbook
- All-American Girl: The Art of Coles Phillips
- Worldviews and Ecology: Religion, Philosophy, and the Environment
- Algeria Business Law Handbook