Scroll down for a recent review of "Shame of Man," (added March 9th, 2023). 61 books reviewed by Anthony in this segment.

OF MAN AND MANTA

OMNIVORE

Cover art by Bill Maughan

Piers Anthony is an English/American SF and Fantasy author born in Oxford, UK in 1934. He has written over a hundred novels, including many different series. Omnivore is the first novel of his first series, a trilogy. All three novels will be reviewed here.

First published in 1968, this novel became the eighth reprint by Equinox in the Rediscovery Series. It was published in April, 1975. (I was in college preparing for my Gr. X piano exam at the time.) It is 221 pages long. Anthony published more SF and fantasy novels then either Farmer or Silverberg, and I'm not certain that I am committed enough to read most of them. However, I really enjoyed this novel, and it makes a worthy addition to the Equinox series. It was one of the first novels published by the author, and by 1975 it had become a trilogy, along with Orn (1970) and OX (1975). The trilogy is called Of Man and Manta, and I will certainly read the other two books in the series shortly (I have ordered them).

This book is divided into four longish chapters, loosely tied in to the Rubaiyat. The first three chapters introduce us to the four main characters. Three of them were visitors to an alien planet (Nacre). One of them is vegetarian, one is an omnivore, and the third only eats blood (!). A previous human colony here has been wiped out and they are trying to find out why. Now back on Earth, a government investigator is trying to discover exactly what happened on their recent visit. The fourth section deals with the fallout of his investigation, as the agent, with the help of one of the other three, is able to communicate with the Manta, alien creatures brought back from Nacre for further study.

This is a great biological SF story, and I learnt more about Mycology than I did in my high school and university biology classes. In fact, it made me quite interested in finding out a lot more about the subject! Nacre is dominated by fungi, mushrooms, and yeast, and the major life forms are animals (vegetarians, omnivores, and carnivores) and fungi. Photosynthesis only occurs in the upper levels of the clouds, at a microscopic level. There are no green plants on the planet.

The story presents a plausible and engrossing tale of first contact, and we get to visit and learn a lot about life on an alien planet. The first three chapters are quite amazing, and I more or less devoured them easily. The final chapter was less satisfying, as explanations were not easily uncovered. The writing became less clear and more muddled. However, by reading carefully, the whole plot comes together nicely, and the book ends with the three original Earth people (Veg, Cal, and Aquilon) on their way back to Nacre with the seven remaining Manta. Though the ending does leave an opening for a second book, Omnivore is also a complete novel in itself.

By the 1970s authors were almost required to write trilogies, thanks to the success of Lord of the Rings (which was not supposed to be a trilogy; Tolkien had wanted six separate books, but this was so unusual in the mid-60s that the publisher crammed it all into three volumes). I am looking forward to the other two novels in this short series. Highly recommended reading.

**** stars. Reviewed Jan. 13th/17

The complete series. Cover artist unknown.

ORN

As soon as I had finished reading Omnivore, I wanted to read the two remaining books in the series. I ordered the Corgi edition (used), which has all three. It seems longer than January 13th since I finished reading Omnivore--I have read a lot of other books since then! Anthony does a good job of jogging our memory of the first book without recapping it to boredom. The three main characters are memorable enough: Cal, Veg, and Aquilon. The three are back in a brand new adventure on a brand new planet, along with the remaining manta.

The second story commences immediately after events of the first novel, though Anthony wrote it two years later (1970). In a startling twist that takes some time for the reader to figure out, there is access to an untold number of parallel planets to Earth through some as yet unexplained phenomenon. One moment we are on a space station, and the next we are on a planet that resembles prehistoric Earth. I wasn't necessarily happy about this sudden switch, especially as how the author is so careful with his biology. Apparently moving through space/time causes him no need for any type of explanations.

Though I really liked the book and enjoyed reading it, be warned that it is a devastating story. Things happen that are very upsetting, indeed. Like Farmer and many other SF authors, Anthony believes that humans (the 'omnivores') are the worst thing to ever happen to the galaxy and to evolution. I don't really disagree; I just wish that more often this detail could be different, especially in fiction. Sometimes it would be nice to meet some benevolent human races.

Though the book is called Orn, Orn is only one character among many competing for time in this novel. Orn is a fascinating character, being some type of emu or ostrich with an ancestral memory dating back millions of years. His struggle to survive is certainly a fascinating one, especially when he becomes involved with the humans and the manta. The first book was like a crash course in fungal biology; this book is a crash course in dinosaurs. You will come away with a very enhanced knowledge of the dinosaur age by the end of this medium-length (240 pages) novel, including a leading theory of the time as to how they became extinct.

Of the three humans, Veg quickly becomes the least interesting. Cal is still the dominant thinker, and Aquilon develops her character and gets an opportunity to display some motherly instincts, a key part of her relationship with Orn. All in all this is a splendid book. The first half is not as stimulating or mysterious as the first half of Omnivore, but the second half really pulls you along. Highly recommended, but only after reading Omnivore.
**** stars. Reviewed March 22nd/17

OX

Pronounced "Zero X," this is the third and final installment of the "Man and Manta" series, one of the best SF series I have ever read. It surpasses anything even Farmer wrote, and comes right up against James Blish for great writing. The Mantas continue to recede in importance, as does Orn and his family. The focus in the third book is on the humans, along with the agents.

While the first book can easily stand alone, and possibly the second, though with a very depressing ending, the third book cannot be read alone. Both earlier books must precede any reading of OX. At 226 pages, it comes second in length (with Omnivore being the shortest). Published in 1976, it came out six years after Orn, and eight years after Omnivore. Anthony did his homework on all of the books, mostly biology in the first two. However, in OX he enters the world of mathematical possibilities, something hinted at in the first novel, explored a little further in the second, and finally fully realized in the third.

I would like to know for certain Anthony's reasons for developing the third book as it is. He likely faced a depressed and somewhat angry readership after Orn, though he left things open to some positive steps being taken with the survival of one egg, and 'Quilon still looking after it. However, near the beginning of OX he seems indifferent to the fate of the egg. But only at the beginning. As the story develops, and the three human friends (and one agent) become involved in their improbable adventure (about as improbable as that of a certain famous Alice), we seem to learn less and less about the plot, and what is happening and to whom it is happening. I was constantly goaded into reading on, to learn a bit more, to unravel some of the mystery, and to explore worlds that seem attractive to an explorer.

Without wishing to give anything of the convoluted plot away, everything is explained by the final chapter. There is method to Anthony's madness. This novel will appeal somewhat to readers who love adventure tales, but it will appeal much more to those who can appreciate SF in a more abstract and mathematical sense. Don't be put off by my lame description; there is plenty of emotion and humanity involved. Just accept that things are not as they seem, and the potential for complications to arise is unlimited. The author does a fine job not only of containing the infinite, but of allowing the reader to make sense of things as they happen. One of the ways he does this in my edition (Corgi) is by the use of a simple diagram of a hexaflexagon at the end of the novel. Don't be put off by the big math word; even second graders make these shapes, using them in a children's game of telling one's fortune.

The third novel is more satisfying than the second one, though the second one grows immensely in stature as a result of the third. We learn things about the second book we did not know at the time. Events occurred that seemed strange at the time, but come back to bite us later. Don't wait too long between reading all three novels. They take place in time immediately following one another. The whole trilogy is highly recommended. Fabulous SF!!

**** stars. Reviewed May 28th/17

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CHTHON

The intriguing cover art represents an alien art work with important significance to the story.

From 1967 (written one year before Omnivore) comes this excellent story about a young man in search of a woman, a woman with siren-like qualities. Aton first meets Malice when he is 7 years old, then again when he turns fourteen. She reappears when he is 21, and then his life becomes a living hell filled with obsession as he tries to track her down.

I doubt if a single reading will lay bare all of the mysteries and complications of the plot, but essentially everything will become mostly clear by the end. One of the things that makes the story confusing (and there are several things) is that Anthony jumps back and forth between times. Time is now measured from the day faster-than-light travel was discovered, called Segment 0. Most of the action takes place in and around Segment 400, though things happen as early as Segment 381 (Aton's first meeting with the strange woman), and up to the present, which is Segment 403. However, we continually jump back and forth between dates, and it does add to the complexity of the plot.

Aton is sentenced to life on the prison planet Chthon, and because of his particular crime (which is gradually revealed as the story goes on) he is sent to the very depths of the caves beneath, where garnets are mined by hand. We not only eventually learn why he is there, but we learn much about another planet, Minion, and its strange, once-human occupants. His sought-after siren female is a minionette, and loving such a creature is a complicated and pretty unnerving experience. We also get to follow his complex and dangerous escape from Chthon, and what he discovers about the planet while down in its infinite caves and underground lava tubes. I haven't spent so much time underground since reading John Christopher's Caves of Night. This underground adventure, however, is more Lovecraftian (or like Tolkien), filled with horrors and unimaginable dangers. And a strange, powerful sentience.

I really liked how The Chill, a disease from space, weaves its way in and out of the plot, eventually becoming very important. This is an excellent story, and very different from the book Anthony was to publish the following year (Omnivore). It certainly pushes the boundaries not only of alien intelligence, but also of how humans can be changed by living on a different planet. Highly recommended. There is a sequel, so stay tuned.
***1/2 stars. Reviewed July 2nd/17

PHTHOR

Cover art by John Jude Palencar

From 1975 comes this 200 page sequel to Chthon. Not only does it do a fine job of continuing the story from the 1967 book, but it also does a fine job of explaining much that was difficult to grasp in the first story. The main character is Arlo, son of Aton, though Aton plays a supporting role in this novel. The story takes place in 426 after Segment 0, as well as in Segment 460.

We are mostly underneath the planet again, but not on a journey through it this time. Arlo has telepathic communication with Chthon, the mineral intelligence that rules this underworld. The story has some of the same characters as before, but a few new ones, too. Arlo is 14 when the novel opens, and meets 11 year old Ex. She turns out to be a minionette. A year later they are playing sexual games (very well handled by the author, imo), but then we discover that she is really Vex, a young minionette. The whole minionette thing is finally explained very clearly, and while the concept will likely disgust people who like to read politically correct SF, there is a scientific explanation given for why the women are the way they are, such as why they thrive when dark thoughts and violence are hurled at them by their mates, rather than receive love in our more traditional sense. It all relates back to Greek myth, especially Electra (father/daughter incest) and Oedipus (son and mother incest). If this kind of stuff is too difficult for you to deal with, then you'd best not read the book.

On top of this, we have a layer of Norse mythology, used by Chthon to manipulate Arlo, who knows all the stories from old Earth. The boy must decide to either help the mineral life defeat all organic life, or to help his own kind to defeat Chthon. The writing is clear and straight-forward, however, and the back and forth time jumps, though jarring, are not happening as often. The book is written in arch form, meaning that once the middle is reached, things begin to happen in reverse form.

One of the more confusing things that I really liked about this book was that four endings are suggested, though the first three do not happen. The first two were visions sent to Arlo in dream, showing how things would be if this thing happened instead of that thing. The third possible ending was a compromise between the warring forces, which did not happen this time. However, the fourth ending proved once and for all to the mineral minds of the universe that the compromise solution must eventually be achieved, or all life in the universe would someday cease.

We get to meet some pretty cool aliens in this story, including the Fla, the EeoO, and the Xest, not to mention the latter people's use of the Taphids, a most extraordinary solution to dying with no debts owing. We also meet many more cavern creatures, and that includes the climactic Midgard Serpent (see cover illustration), a creature Arlo must face down near the very end of the story.

This is a great pair of novels, and must be read in the correct order. If you only have a copy of Phthor lying around, then send away for Chthon. Wonderful imagination is on display, and the thrills are non-stop. Highly recommended.

**** stars. Reviewed August 8th/17

BATTLE CIRCLE TRILOGY

My 3-volume Avon hardcover edition of the Battle Circle series.
The cover depicts a scene from Book Three

SOS THE ROPE

From 1968 comes this adventure SF novel, lasting for 170 pages. It came out the same year as Omnivore, and a year following Chthon. It opens as a strange type of Robert E. Howard story, as strong men trained to fight with different weapons (usually one speciality per warrior) battle it out within a marked circle. Winners gain fame, women, leadership and glory, while losers go to the mountain to die, having lost their right to a name and the use of their weapon. Even if that was all there was to the story, it would be pretty cool. But there is more. On the downside, there are not a lot of advancement opportunities for women, as they do not fight.

But Anthony has much more up his writer's sleeve than a strongman story. Sos loses his battle and becomes nameless for a time, and weaponless. He returns to civilization, or what remains of it after The Blast, a nuclear holocaust that has reduced the world to primitive conditions. He visits with his old professor and gets a handle on how to live his life now. He returns to the wild lands with a new name and new type of weapon, and accepts the job of training warriors for a grand scheme by his best friend, Sol, (the man to whom he lost his big fight) in order to gather together a vast number of people to recreate some semblance of civilization. It is a daunting task, but it gets done, despite the horrors of poison moths and killer shrews.

Original cover art for Piers Anthony's Sos The Rope, by Patrick Woodroffe.

In fact, Sos is so successful at leading and training men that it draws the attention of the real ruling class, invisible to the above world inhabitants. So there are actually three levels of civilization: the warrior class, who wander freely across the ruins of old Earth; the "Crazies," people who live near cities and libraries and try to carry on the foundations of an education system; and the people who live under the mountain of death, trying to control everything that happens on the surface to some degree. This layer of complexity adds immeasurably to the quality of the story telling, which is already quite high. Weapons and food are provided for the fighting nomad warriors, located in huts spaced at intervals throughout the land. There is always a safe place to sleep in these cabins, as well as good supplies of food and weapons, and even tents. It turns out that the underground people do the mining, and the crazies do the food growing. Both supply the warrior society, though we do not know why. There is even television in the cabins, showing pre-Blast movies and such, which no one really understands any more.

When Sos finally enters the mountain, we get to see a woman who is also capable of fighting and defending herself, using only her hands and feet. At first Sos thinks she is a child, due to her height and overall size. But he soon learns that she is a woman, a gymnast in fact, and despite her size she has no trouble handling an aggressive Sos. Later, back on the surface, we learn that Sol's young daughter is also interested in learning to fight. So there is some hope for equality, some day. Within the mountain Sos is given another directive--he must now break apart the vast alliance of tribes that he has made possible. So he returns to the tribe of Sol so he can take over his friend's leadership, and then disband the whole thing. However, by the end of the first story he is having misgivings about the motives of the underground people and what they have asked him to do. We can surmise we will be hearing much more about this situation in Book 2.

The novel is very easy to read, and not difficult to understand or grasp. It's just a bit difficult to discuss the plot in a short synopsis. Though there is a lot of circle fighting, it does not dominate the story, nd we get to meet some fun people, such as Bog. The whole inclusion of Stupid the Bird is also very touching, adding a dimension of warmth and compassion that no other book of this type ever did before. I recommend the book, and look forward to Part 2.

***1/2 stars. Reviewed Sept. 19th/17

VAR THE STICK

Art by Patrick Woodroffe

Cover art for the 1972 edition of Var The Stick

The second book in the Battle Circle series, Var The Stick is 173 pages long and was first published in 1972. Though I enjoyed it a lot, it has several short comings. First the good points. Fans had to wait 4 years for a new novel in the series, probably not even knowing one was in the works. Anthony does a good job of reminding us of the previous story, using very few words. Most fans would have likely reread the first novel anyway. Though of course I could have binge-read all three volumes, I prefer not to. Had they been published all at the same time, then I would have. I read this volume two months after reading the first one.

Another thing I liked was the main character, Var. He's big, he's ugly, he's clumsy, he can barely talk, and he has a pretty shady background. He doesn't fit in anywhere. Rather than make him a character we can offer sympathy to, Anthony lets him stand on his own merits, which are considerable. He overcomes his environment time and again, and in general he is a very honest and good person. A third thing I liked was the road trip he went on with the young girl (more about her later). Travelling from the ruins of America to China is no easy accomplishment for Var, and the adventures they encounter are perhaps not on the same scale as either Bilbo or Frodo, but they are considerable and entertaining. I enjoy a good long walk (and boat ride), and really liked this part of the book. I especially liked the Minotaur!

Now for a few negatives. Could an eight year old girl really hold her own in combat against a big, strong warrior, after climbing alone up a very tough mountain? Could she fight him off all day long, to a draw, until darkness forced them to stop? I can understand children being trained in martial arts, and little Soli had been trained with sticks, and to fight without weapons. Fine. But where did she get her muscle mass that enabled her to climb a mountain tirelessly, and then to fight all day long? Without making a single mistake. Really?? I am used to suspending my belief when reading SF and Fantasy novels, but this one really pushes things well beyond the limit.

Did Anthony think it was okay for a very young girl to sleep naked every night up against Var? Was it okay because he was so ugly and she so young? Maybe better to find her some clothes and a blanket? By the time she is eleven and starting to get curvy, Anthony figures out an "acceptable" reason for them to finally have sex, saving their lives while doing it. By the end of the book, when she is all grown up (she is thirteen), she becomes his woman and they begin their long journey back to America. Wow. Sex with underage kids is getting to be a theme in some of Anthony's books, though up till now it's been between children pretty similar in age. This time things are a bit more out in the open. I'm reminded of a favourite movie, called "City of Lost Children," where tiny Miette becomes friends and bed mates with big, ugly "One". However, the difference here is that Miette wants One to be like an older brother, and at the end he finally accepts her into his odd family, as his little sister. It's a beautiful film, and the scenes between Miette and One are done with great skill and sensitivity (except when he hits her--that is really hard to watch). It would have been a very different movie if they had been lovers.

Anyway, Anthony steps out on a pretty fragile limb here. We get it that it's not contemporary society, and that human relationships might be different elsewhere and in another time. And thirteen was probably a reasonable age of marriage in much earlier times, when life expectancy didn't go much beyond 30. But I wonder if Anthony could have somehow figured out a better way for their relationship to move forward.

Despite some serious shortcomings, I enjoyed the plot and characters. Battle Circle is still a highly readable series. It would make a very good TV series, too. I wonder how the character of Soli would be handled in such a situation. I would suggest starting her out at 15 or 16 years of age, and having the relationship become sexual when she hits 18. And no doubt that is how it should have been written, too.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 12th/17

NEQ THE SWORD

Art by Patrick Woodroffe

Cover art for the 1975 edition of Neq The Sword.

Three years after the second book of the trilogy, and seven years after the first book, Anthony concludes his Battle Circle epic with possibly the best of the three. At the least it is as good as the first one. Events in Book Three occur simultaneously with events in Book 2, and by the end characters from both are interacting. The hero this time is Neq, a powerful warrior who does not choose to lead. He prefers to wander solo across the landscape. However, the discipline and code of honour that we saw in the first two books is breaking down, and tribes are becoming mere savages and brutes. Civilization is out of balance since Helicon has been destroyed. They made the weapons and other gear given to the tribes by the Crazies. All three groups need to work together, though perhaps unknowingly, to keep post-apocalyptic America functioning. With Helicon destroyed the balance is no more, and things have regressed quickly and savagely. Neq wants to help return things to how they use to be, and goes on a journey to gather people from Helicon and try to rebuild it.

This third story might contain the most violent imagery of them all, as Neq suffers setback after setback, killing people he shouldn't, and failing to kill people he should. His trials and tribulations will challenge readers to stay with the book. I know I felt like quitting at one point. But try to finish the book, as many things become clear, and almost everything that happens gives meaning and depth to the plot.

Anthony is an extraordinarily good writer, and the book is very hard to put down once it is begun. Other than the hero being fourteen when the books begins, there are no children in the story, something that makes it easier to believe. There is never a dull moment, and the author excels at getting readers to turn pages, even long after the light should have been put out beside the bed. The series is highly recommended for adventure fans.

**** stars. Reviewed Dec. 16th/17

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THE JASON STRIKER SERIES

BOOK ONE: KIAI!

I read the Kindle edition. Cover artist not credited.

From 1974, and lasting for 202 pages, this violent male fantasy seems like a good candidate for something like Argosy Magazine back then. It's a he-man adventure, filled with fighting and violence of all kinds, and a generous helping of gratuitous sex. I'm certain that almost any seventeen year old boy would devour a novel like this. At first it seems like it might not be too bad a read. But before long it heads into the violent pulp tradition, and from then on it's a free for all.

The initial premise is to have a contest where different martial arts masters meet in a contest to fight to the death, if necessary, to see which martial art is the best. Boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, kung fu, aikido, and Thai kick boxing come together in a guarded retreat in Nicaragua, at the whim of Pedro, a former judo master who was permanently inured once in a match. The hero of the series is Jason, a judoga who holds the rank of 5th degree black belt. The reader will not learn much about martial arts from this story (I have studied for a total of six years, and still know practically nothing about it), or much about anything else.

Original publication from 1974. No artist credited.

There is fighting of every art against every other art, and several people die during the competition, and in the expedition to Japan afterwards. As ridiculous as the first part is, dealing with the competition itself, the latter part of the story where Jason and a few friends head to Japan to try and cure him from a delayed death punch he has received, the book heads into a ridiculous fantasy world that only a gullible teen could possibly accept. Watch out for those ninjas!

I am trying to read at least one book of each series that Anthony wrote (or, in this case, co-wrote). and I might go on to book two of this series, though I doubt I will proceed much farther. The old Kung Fu books, based on the TV series, are a much better read.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed June 6th/21

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THE CLUSTER SERIES

BOOK 1: CLUSTER

The cover to my Kindle edition.

Piers Anthony has a lot going for him. He has imagination to spare, and a fluidity to his writing that can make reading a hundred pages seem like twenty. He explores concepts virtually untouched by other SF and fantasy writers, and isn't afraid to inject his own beliefs into his stories, no matter how wrong they might be or politically correct. With Anthony you take what you get or you go away. People love to hate his writing, and yet he sells lot of books.

Originally conceived as a trilogy (not a very original concept), the series expanded to five books. I will be reading them all on Kindle. Book 1 is from 1977, and my version is 263 pages. It was revised in 2008. According to the author, there is abundant alien life out there. Humans have made contact with some of it, and the clusters in the title refer to stars, such as Sol, that have habitable worlds and alien life, remaining in loose contact with other nearby stars. Thus the cluster of Sol touches on those of nearby stars, and those touch on further worlds, etc. The cover art, above, indicates this using spheres (a star system) connected by a line to other nearby spheres, and so on.

So Earth is able to reach out only a certain distance (so far), even with matter transmission. Transmission is so expensive that it can only rarely be used to transfer an actual person. Very little of the galaxy has been explored by us, but hints of what lies out further are always arriving. Suddenly an alien from near the galaxy center arrives. He was able to transmit his essence to Earth, but need a human body to receive it. This makes travel to distant worlds possible by humans. But they need ones with very high Kirlian ratings. This means the aura of living things, a flighty concept that attracted the New Age movement in the 70s. Fine, whatever.

The Earth council finds such a human living on a stone age planet. His aura is 200, the highest ever recorded. this brings up another far-fetched concept, that of cultural regression. the theory is that the further one travels from the present society, the more likely it is to regress. Thus the hero's planet is so far from Earth that its colonists are living in the stone age, but with knowledge of other stars and other people. They just don't care very much about such things.

Why did this alien being come to Earth? To seek our help in stopping our galaxy being overrun by beings from Andromeda galaxy. Yup. Here we go again. A writer with little or no concept of intergalactic distances. Anthony does all right with star systems near Earth, but then completely loses it when he has invaders arrive from Andromeda. I suppose either he really didn't know better, or thought his readers would be too flaky to care. Why are they coming to conquer us? Because they need the Milky Way's energy--apparently they have used up their own.

Seriously? They had never heard of solar energy? Wind farms? Hydro electric plants from water falls? And they come (somehow) to our galaxy looking for more energy? This is probably the shakiest excuse for a SF series that I have ever come across. They send their best agent, also with a Kirlian aura of 200, to try and kill Flint, our stone age hero. Flint's job is to get out there in the wilderness of space and get other planets and races to join in the resistance movement, though how anyone will do this is never explained.

Rather than write off the book as insane quackery, I rather liked most of it. Back in the 1950s, it was P. J. Farmer who made human/alien sex a topic for discussion. Two of his stories were built around such a theme. Anthony takes up the torch and has a lot of fun with it. Not only does he come up with some really unusual alien lifeforms, but he is able to allow a human (Flint) to experience walking a mile in their shoes, so to speak. And he gets to have sex with the Spicans (which is always three-way), the Polarians, where everything is circular, and the Mintakans, where speech and thought is musical. Anthony has outdone himself describing aliens, alien sex, and alien thought. He does this, of course, at the expense of a credible plot, but if you really want to meet some fantastic alien life, then this is the book for you.

He also introduces us to the Ancient Ones, who have left their mark on numerous planets in the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy. No doubt we'll be hearing much more about them.

In addition to Kirlian auras, Anthony uses Tarot cards and Tarotism a lot, and obviously believes in it. That's okay--I do readings for myself and my wife once each year, too. Tarot can be a lot of fun, and a unique way to get to know thyself. But whether such a system would be so widespread in the galaxy is a bit doubtful.

The book is successful on many levels, and less so on others. I really liked the character of Flint, and got to like several of the aliens he encountered. The intergalactic science is complete nonsense, but I think that the author was too busy creating wonderful alien lifeforms to bother much with the plot. We'll see what happens in Book 2, when a really distant relation to Flint and his Andromeda lover wakes up to find herself with a very high Kirlian aura.

*** stars. Reviewed June 30th/19

BOOK 2: THE CHAINING THE LADY

I read the Kindle version.

From 1978 comes the first sequel in Anthony's wildly ambitious Cluster series, revised in 2009. At 342 pages, it uses the legend of Andromeda, chained to a rock, as its underlying structure and premise. Piers Anthony has an imagination that, once unchained, can run to extremes of possibilities in the blink of an eye. Melody, the heroine of the story, is a descendant of Flint of Outworld, hero from the first novel. I was barely able to hold on to my reader sanity during the first book;this second one challenged me even more.

At times I am reminded of Frank Herbert, whose SF masterpiece Dune is one of the greatest novels ever written. Anthony comes close to this type of genius, but he is more like the later books in the Dune series, when Herbert's particular type of madness got way out of hand. Like Herbert's later writings, Anthony's verges on madness and frantic inventiveness. he often writes with seemingly no one at the controls. In the first book we learned everything and more that we needed to know about several alien cultures. This continues unabated in the second volume, but this time, instead of a human in an alien body, we have an alien in the body of a (ravishing) human female. In this way, we learn about ourselves through the mind of an occupying alien presence. There is much humour and originality in such an outlook, and Anthony takes full advantage.

The tarot deck dominates the inner structure of not only the novel, but the two galaxies involved, and the way they are organized. Even the fleet ships are directly related to the tarot. Though Anthony goes waaaaay overboard with his tarot leanings, it is a unique way of looking at everything. We learn first hand how each warships functions, how its weapons work and what they do, and what happens when one type goes up against a different type. Information is thrown at the reader mercilessly, and we must assimilate or let it slide. I had to allow some of it to slide, as there is just too much too fast. However, the story never lags or becomes boring. Melody is prone to making critical mistakes, making her character believable. Though she has a superpower aura, she has to learn things the same way as everyone else.

There are many highlights to this novel, including a new kind of alien, the magnets. Yup, Anthony has invented a race of reproducing, intelligent magnets. These are fascinating creatures, introduced to us first as mere guard dogs, then gradually acquiring more dimension as the story progresses. There is also a nice ritual among surviving crew members, after their ship is destroyed in battle, and they prepare themselves for death. Well done, Mr. Anthony! And we are able to glimpse a bit more of those mysterious Ancient Ones, and visit one of their cities. But Anthony is still teasing us, and I hope we learn more soon. And we get to visit a different galaxy, and meet a few of their unusual critters, such as the (insert pound sign, as in British money). Akin to human elephants, they are bog dwellers that haul wood. But this is Anthony, so they are societal.

Drawbacks include the horrible amount of typos in the Kindle version of the novel, virtually some on every single page. And Anthony, who insisted on having two galaxies at war, which is not even a comprehensible concept, never explains why the Andromedans need so much energy, or what they do with it. They simply need it, period, and must suck it from the Milky Way. Good grief! There is nothing that asinine in any of the old SF pulp stories I have ever read.

So enjoy the books for their display of pure imagination, and not so much for any logical plot. If readers are into tarot, so much the better. If you know nothing about it, you might familiarize yourself with the basic concepts to aid understanding about some of the storyline. One reading of these stories does not seem enough for the average reader to really comprehend all that is going on, despite the relative simplicity of the actual plot. The complexities arise from the sheer number of aliens present, compounded by the fact that everyone seems to be in someone else's body. So good luck!

*** stars. Reviewed August 27th/19

BOOK 3: KIRLIAN QUEST

I read the Kindle edition.

This is the third and final book of the original trilogy. It is also from 1978, and is 313 pages long. It is a fast-moving adventure story, though most of the problems are solved through conversations between key characters. In addition to the story, there is an epilogue, a chart showing the different races and where there are from, and an afterword by the author. For the boxed set edition he has reread the books, and claims to remember the first half of this one quite well, but nothing of the second half. I will return to this idea in a moment.

Once again the story takes place a thousand years after the last one. We are now around 4500 A.D. Our main hero this time is Herald the Healer. He has the highest aura in the cluster of galaxies, at around 240. He is so named because he studies and understands heraldry, and his aura is geared towards healing people. With some of the best writing I have ever read, an early chapter sees him come to a dying child. As Smallbore's ailment is physical, there is nothing he can do to cure her. However, he is able to make her see death in a non-threatening way, and gives her great comfort in her final days. This is such a fantastic scene that I can still hardly believe it. Not surprisingly, Anthony remembered this part well many years later.

Next we move on to medieval Castle Kade, where he is summoned to exorcise a ghost. The ghost is supposed to manifest in the young daughter of the castle's lord, but Herald is unable to find any evidence of possession. However, he soon falls in love with the young girl, Psyche, and she with him. The castle adventure, which involves a major war and the solving of Psyche's mysteriously fluctuating aura, is a good one, rooted in great story telling, believable characters, and a situation that is always fluid and changing. All of this happens in Part 1, and takes up half the book. Anthony remembers this part well, too, and it is because the story is rooted in one place and one time, with characters that we come to know pretty well.

In Part 2, we are off to travel all over the cluster again, and though the story remains taut and very good, the changing scenery and planets can be confusing. I enjoyed the time spent on Mars (!), and finding out a bit more of what has happened to people of Earth. Sounds quite a bit like the U.K. today. But Part 2 is really all about the secret of the Ancients, which has been dealt with somewhat in the first two books of the series. Now Anthony moves in deeper, and before the end of the novel we will learn everything there is to know about the Ancients.

Anthony knows how to create big scenerios for his stories, and in one way his Cluster of nearby galaxies makes sense. But as the trilogy comes to an end, he thinks even bigger, and we get a (far-fetched) idea of how big the universe is, and how it was all eventually conquered and settled. Seriously. Though the second half of the novel is quite scattered and jumpy, which is why Anthony himself cannot remember any of it, it still holds together pretty well. But it does show that the author is more successful when he has limited characters and limited landscape in which to work. Thus his Mars adventure is the most memorable one of Part 2, with much of the rest passing by in a blur of fast-thinking conversation and ideas, as well as action and jumping to different locations rapidly. The theme of tarot cards is more subdued in Book 3, but it is still important.

Iain M. Banks has the same type of nearly unlimited imagination and scale of thinking, but is much more disciplined. Anthony, when he gets going, blurts out everything at once, and it can take a while to digest it all. Again I am reminded of Frank Herbert, in his later Dune books, when things really got crazy.

Overall I liked the series a lot, and this third book especially. There are two more books related directly to the Cluster, but not to this idea of saving the cluster from outside forces, which Anthony has used now three times in succession. Those reviews will appear here in time. However, before closing off, I would like to mention one of the charactersthat appears to Herald in a healing vision he has while wounded and trapped underground. Brother Paul appears! We met Brother Paul in 1976's But What Of Earth (see review, below). And now we are going to see a lot more of Brother Paul, as he gets his own trio of books in Anthony's Tarot series, coming up next.
**** stars. Reviewed October 12th/19

BOOK 4: THOUSAND-STAR

Cover art by Ron Walotsky.

From 1980 comes this add-on to the Cluster series, revised in 2009. At 295 pages it is not slight, though it does not reach the same heights as some of the original series. It helps knowing about transfers and a bit about the Ancient Ones before reading this novel, but it is not absolutely necessary to have read the trilogy first. Jessica of Capella (I guess there weren't too many Jessicas out there) is a female clone, and she is paired with Heem of Highwater, an alien being, as they enter a competition to see whose civilization has the right to research an Ancient Ones site discovered on a planet in a far off cluster.

Anthony's breathless pace is much better under control here, as we get the full background of Heem's upbringing, as well as that of Jessica. It is the first time a female transfers into a male entity, and the accidental outcome proves beneficial to both, after some amusing instances of a very unique battle of the sexes ensues.

The story is quite original, and very well thought out by the author. I was often reminded of the similarity to many of the novels by Hal Clement, though Anthony puts sex much more into the foreground, as he often does in most of his writing. This is not a bad thing, as even in the trilogy he has thought through alien sexual manners and rituals quite well. He does so again here, and we experience Heem's most unusual and unsatisfactory upbringing. Contrasting his species' sexual practices with those of humans proves not only amusing, and then horrifying, but gives the two main characters sharing one body the tension needed to help them grow closer together as the competition proceeds.

Much of this book is as good as SF writing can get, but I was ultimately disappointed at the cliched climax, where it's basically greedy and sadistic monster versus the good guys, kind of like a space version of the OK Corral shoot out. I think Anthony could have done much better than this, especially as we have waited so long to learn more about Ancient technology. We have an opportunity here to really gain some knowledge, but instead we get the expected ending, which to me is a disappointment. I didn't even mind the extremely cliched Epilogue ending, but the climax of the story more or less allows the book to become grounded, and it comes off as just another space opera with the typical bad guy versus good guy ending. This is something that Hal Clement usually manages to avoid, with his focus on exploring and learning. Recommended if you have read the trilogy, and if you like your endings to be predictable and not up to the standards of the rest of the narrative.
*** stars. Reviewed April 9th/20

VISCOUS CIRCLE

I read the Kindle edition.

The final book in this very fine series was written in 1982 and revised in 2009. It is 286 pages, plus a long postscript by the author from 1982, and a short update from 2009. I am sad to hear the last of transfers, auras, and clusters. It has been a pretty solid series, and combind with the 3 Tarot books makes one of the most original series I have ever read.

This is one of the best entries in the Cluster series, as Anthony's imagination seems to be under full control once again. The new aliens are one of the most wonderful creations ever imagined, and they are not only imagined, but fully realized. Transfer agent Ronald Snowden is sent on a mission to locate an Ancient site, but in the process sides with the aliens who inhabit the area, and will be destroyed by the encroaching humans. Again we learn hardly anything about the Ancients in this story, but it doesn't matter, as the Band life form is interesting enough to hold the story together.

Bands survive by travelling and living along magnetic lines, technology left behind by the Ancients millions of years ago. They are entirely peaceful, living without government, violence, crime, or even hostile thoughts. It is Nirvana, and Ronald is quick to pick up on it. Not only that, but the aliens believe in an afterlife more or less based on the ideas first put forth by Aldous Huxley, and which Anthony has a lot to say. If you seek a perfect civilization, then look no further than the Bands. On the down side (from our perspective), Bands tend to suicide easily. But to them, they are simply joining the viscous circle in the afterlife (there is also mention of a vicious circle in the book, so make certain you know the meaning of viscous before you read).

This is a great book, and I can't help but compare Piers Anthony to Hal Clement. They both have incredible imaginations when it comes to designing aliens, and both largely avoid the evil versus good, them against us sort of plot so common in SF. They both carefully work out things like locomotion, overall body shape/chemistry, and their imaginations are limitless. And both authors offer insight of humankind through alien eyes (if they have eyes). Seldom is the insight positive. Our race has a long way to go before we can even think of encountering aliens, making peace from them, and learning from them. A long, long way.

**** stars. Reviewed May 17th/20

TAROT

Cover art by Tim White

Anthony's Tarot trilogy was originally written as one very long epic novel, and the version I am reading finally publishes it the way the author wished it to appear. However, I am not really in the mood to read a 600+ page book in one go, after just finishing one by Spinrad at over 500 pages. So I am happily breaking it into the three published books as they originally appeared. So sue me.

GOD OF TAROT

The first book in the series lasts for 8 chapters and 192 pages, and is from 1979. Chronologically it was written after But What Of Earth? and the Cluster trilogy. However, for reading purposes, and for chronological events purposes, it is best to read the Tarot series after But What of Earth, which reviewed separately, below. The Cluster series might make more sense if read last, in my opinion.

Brother Paul is a member of the Brothers Of The Holy Order Of Vision. Humans are abandoning Earth by the billions, using Matter Transmission to escape a worn out planet and seek newer worlds. One of these planets is called Tarot, and odd things are happening. Animations are popping up, very realistic ones, and some people have died as a result. Brother Paul is sent from Earth as an investigator into these strange events, to try and solve the mystery.

He is soon up to his eyeballs in animations, all based on the Greater and Lesser Arcana of the Tarot deck. This is not as flaky as it sounds, despite being written in the late 1970s. In his 15 page introduction to this volume, Anthony explains why Tarot works, and works so well. The symbolism is universal, for one thing, and there are so many symbols used that some of them are bound to have relevance to a partaker. I have used Tarot for many years, but only one deck. The Hallowquest deck ties in Arthurian legend to the standard Tarot cards, thus using the mythology I feel most linked to. Works for me.

Brother Paul seems a bit like other characters I have encountered from authors in this blog. Farmer's Father Carmody bears a strong likeness to Brother Paul. Both have pasts that inflict them with much guilt, and neither are strongly religious in the traditional sense. And Father Carmody hearkens back to a character in Blish's After Such Knowledge series.

While I found Anthony's use of Tarot cards to construct a novel quite ingenious, as of the end of Book 1 the story isn't really that thrilling. It's a bit like reading about someone's vision quest, instead of undertaking one's own. There is some action, but most of the story is conversation with beings both corporeal and incorporeal. The action picks up some near the end, as Chapter 8 gives us the lowdown on Brother Paul's past, and how he came to join the Brotherhood. I also enjoyed reading the temptation chapter, where Brother Paul must fight the dragon and somehow defeat it. Overall, there is some nice sparring between religion and non-religion. Anthony is very clever in how he attacks organized religion, without making it seem as if he is.

Though not for all tastes, this first book has enough of interest in it to make me want to read the remaining books. Just not all at once.
*** stars. Reviewed November 26/19

VISION OF TAROT

First published in 1980, the 2nd part of the Tarot trilogy lasts for 211 pages. The book opens with Brother Paul reporting back to the villagers on what occurred during his first animation experience. He realizes that he has to go back a 2nd time, and once again we are in for a fun ride, with the focus on religion and belief.

Father Paul begins by entering a secret door in the Sphinx, meeting challenge after challenge, many of which could be deadly to him if incorrectly solved. It's a lot like playing an adventure game on a PC, and in fact would make for a pretty interesting game. The animation continues to evolve, and Paul soon meets and talks with the Buddha. These other characters he meets are all played by others from the village, with a single person often playing multiple roles.

After leaving the Buddha, Paul finds himself at an airport, and suddenly finds himself the father of a young girl. He is on his way back to where he attended university to participate in a weekend of lectures and discussions that he is presenting. We get a very long sequence about the unusual university he attended as a youth. And then we arrive, and spend a long time there, with Paul accepting his role as father to the child. I liked all of this section, though some people may find it taxing, tedious, and unnecessary. And it would have been all of those and more, except for the addition of the child. Anthony writes brilliantly about children, and the section (t me) really shines as a result.

In the final chapters (9 through 19 are the whole of Book 2), Brother Paul encounters (alone now) Jesus. He meets him in his youth, as he is approaching the age of 30. At 30, Jesus really began to fire up the parables and preaching. Anthony again uses Paul as the enquiring acolyte, with the people he meets becoming the devil's advocate. Piers Anthony delves into dangerous territory (though not as dangerous as Michael Moorcock), forced to discuss Jesus' sexuality, or lack of it, as well as his fierce racism (spoiler alert and warning--the "n" word is used a few times, and may be distressing to readers of colour--I strongly urge you to try and read on). For the final animation, we get to visit Hell, where we again meet up with Jesus, and with Mohammad thrown into the cauldron as well.

The 2nd book ends with the termination of the 2nd animation, and Father Paul back at the village. The young girl he encountered in his travels now reveals herself, and she takes a special liking to Brother Paul. We also know that a third animation visit is forthcoming.

Throughout all this, the Tarot deck continues to bind the chapters and books together, as we progress through the major arcana. I use the Hallowquest tarot deck myself, all based on Arthurian and Celtic legend. This deck was not known in the author's day, otherwise I'm certain that he would have used it. I find the 2nd book more fascinating than the first one, and hope that the 3rd book will maintain the momentum that has gathered. This is a unique and fascinating series of books, and though you don't have to be into Tarot to appreciate it, it would help to buy a deck and refer to it as the story progresses.
**** stars. Reviewed January 15th/20

FAITH OF TAROT

This is the third and concluding volume in a fascinating and highly recommended series. From 1980, is is 211 pages, including the Appendix. In the one volume edition, it consists of Chapters 20 through 28. The final book is largely a return to Hell, and a meeting with Satan. Even better than this (though that is a pretty fine highlight), we get to understand the true origins of Tarot, and its original meaning. This book also ties in neatly with the Cluster series, including some overlapping events and persons of interest. We also learn what causes animations, and why they were banned for humans after Brother Paul's visit.

Brother Paul is a bit of a stick-in-mud, especially after three stories. He has had a past filled with regrettable events, though since then he never seems to waver or have any flaws. In his own mind, of course, he is imperfect, a sinner, etc., but in reality he is a saint. So the more interesting parts of the book deal with his past life. His constant demeaning of himself in the present gets tiresome, and it continues on up till the last page. Ever so humble thast you want to just choke him after a time.

The Animations themselves are, of course, the main interest of the series. Each one is different, though the same actual people inhabit the scenarios and act out the roles. Some become tedious after a time, as, like in a true nightmare, we seem not to be able to escape from it. The medieval Animation this time is very colourful and quite accurate, and it's wonderful how the author always take the Catholic Church to task for its evil and selfish ways.

My main complaint is that Anthony fails, in the end, to truly identify God. He forgets how much Christianity has been leaping off the pages in this series, and in the final analysis we are faced with the prospect of God being the Christian one. We could have used a lot more reminders that this is not necessarily so, but I think if any true Christian actually made it through all these pages (highly doubtful), he would be convinced that it was his/her God that is revealed in the end, rather than a universal one that could be believed in by anyone of any race, colour, or creed. Thus, in the end, Anthony is only upholding one religion, the one that Tarot was invented to proclaim.

All in all this is a fun series to read, and if interest in Tarot draws you to these books, you will not be disappointed. I now know more about Tarot than most people who have preached about it all their lives. Recommended.

**** stars. Reviewed February 23rd/20

___________________________________________

ZANTH

A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

From 1977 comes the first of about 40 novels set in the mythical, magical world of Zanth. At 344 pages, it includes a basic map of Xanth. It won the August Derleth Fantasy Award in 1977. While it is a fun read, it is hardly a great novel. The author pokes a lot of fun at the fantasy genre, and it is a fun book to read. Anthony is a very intelligent man and a very good writer, so almost anything he publishes is worth a read, including this silly book.

Filled with nice touches and characters that go far beyond stereotypical fantasy novel personalities, it all becomes somewhat tiring after a few chapters. Every corner of Xanth is filled with terror, and it's a pretty tough place to get around safely. Only people who can demonstrate some kind of magic are allowed to live there, and Bink has nothing to show for himself when the time comes. He is exiled to Mundania, but unwillingly returns.

Bink is the central character, and I tire of him more than anyone else in the story. To name only one reason, he is just about fifty shades too upright and forthright and unable to trust anyone. He makes Frodo look like a common criminal by comparison. A more interesting character is Dee, with her unique sexist spell condemning her to a monthly cycle no one would wish her to have, except perhaps Bink. And Evil Magician Trent is also a complex character, one whom Bink should have trusted from the beginning. Humphrey is also a neat little character, and the castle of Roogna itself seems set up for good things ahead.

The adventures never stop, several per chapter, and one wishes after a time for a sit down banquet, or a good discussion about magic, or wine, or something. But the breakneck pace never lets up, defeating its purpose after a while, like an over the top Spielberg movie. Of all the series of books that Anthony wrote, this seems to be thinnest and least literary of them all. Is it any surprise, then, that Xanth is his most popular and enduring product? I enjoyed the book, but it will likely be a while before I invest in the 2nd volume. I have no plans to read them all, unless I get them on loan. This novel is complete unto itself, with all strings tied at the end.

** stars. Read June 26th/20

THE SOURCE OF MAGIC

Cover art by Doug Beekman. I read the Kindle edition.

From 1979 comes this 336 page sequel to Xanth. The story resumes several months after events in the first volume. Bink is back, along with Chester the centaur, Chameleon, Bink's wife, and everyone else from the first book. And the story is just as frantic and vacuous as the first one, only more so, since we are already sick of Xanth and everything in it, including Bink.

Like the first book, the story and setting is one long, running joke, usually the same joke over and over, cleverly disguised as....clever! Plants, insects, animals are exactly as they are named. For instance, a lady slipper is a plant that grows shoes for women, and a Midas bug turns anything to gold that it touches, including people. A breadfruit tree grows ready made raisin bread, and a torch flower makes a great flashlight. And on and on an on, ad nauseam. I guess that's what magic really is. There are zombies, dragons, and all manner of "magic" beasts, too.

It hurts to see such a great writer stooping to this kind of silly nonsense to earn a living, but he would not be writing about Xanth if it didn't sell. And boy, does it sell. So there is no end to the number of Xanth novels. They are still emerging in 2020.

The only part of the book I somewhat enjoyed is when magic stopped working in Xanth, temporarily. I never knew that magic could be so boring before. It was lovely when it actually stopped working for a moment. I guess it's like everything else; too much magic and it just becomes irritating. On top of the inane story and characters, the book is very sexist. And religiously moral. No doubt modern fantasy writing started out that way in the mainstream, but Anthony's blatant sexism, and his insistence on marital fidelity has never been more glaring. It's as if he's writing the story for a Christian summer camp reading.

I solemnly promise never to read another Xanth book ever again.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed July 31st/20

_______________________________________

THE APPRENTICE ADEPT

BOOK ONE: SPLIT INFINITY

Cover art by Rowena Morrill.

From 1980 come this novel, the first in a new series, and lasting for 356 pages. There is a small map inside.I have come to really like Piers Anthony as a SF writer. He is a very intelligent and creative man, and has written many outstanding novels and series. However, I am have quite a bit of difficulty with his fantasy writing. I somehow survived two Xanth books, but will not likely read any more. This series, the Adept one, held out some hope for me. but in the end it was once again disappointment that awaited me.

Anthony can spin out a yarn, and he obviously has a formula that he uses. His one-word chapter titles are clever. This book is meant to be a crossover one, luring his SF fans over to his newly discovered world of fantasy. It begins as a very weird SF tale of the future, taking place inside large domes on the planet Proton, colonized by humans and robots. The planet itself is an environment disaster. Humans are divided into two classes: Citizens and serfs. Citizens have absolute power and treat everyone beneath them like so much dirt on their hands. Serfs are always naked (yup, you read that one right; don't know how they keep the chairs sanitized) and if employed usually serve a tenure of 20 years. After that they are free, and take their earnings and leave Proton.

A big problem I had with Xanth was that the hero was absolutely morally perfect, never committing the smallest of transgressions. Frodo was an upright, moral character, too, which is why I liked Sam much more. Bink is just a big bore. The hero in this tale is called Stile. He is a small man, and a successful jockey. Not only that, but he is a master at the Games, an borrowed invention of Anthony's that really rankles me. His brief explanation of how the games work is insufficient, and when we realize that a games master must know and be expert at over a hundred different games, from tiddly winks to running a full marathon, we must shake our heads and ask what in the world the author was thinking.

The idea of the Games has been stolen from Harry Harrison's Planet of the Damned, from 1962 (a much better book, too). But Anthony has taken it and made it totally unbelievable. For one thin, Stile has a full time job, and he must be on top of it at all times. Even if every spare minute of his off-duty time was spent practicing, how do you become a master at ping pong, chess, dozens of other games, and virtually every competitive sport known to the Olympics, plus many others that he invented himself? Umm, you don't. He's also an expert with firearms, swords, and martial arts; you name it, he's the man. And, of course, he is morally perfect, never telling a lie, never breaking a promise, even if it means saving his life and the life of his friends, and won't kill anyone even if they are about to kill him. Saint Stile is a perfect man.

The SF book then lures readers into the world of fantasy, by having a twin of Proton, but with pure air, trees, clean water and such, accessed through a magic curtain. Magic rules here, and there be unicorns.

I think most disappointing in Anthony's fantasy books is that there seems no point to them. His characters are usually narrow, his sexism is much more overt, and there is no feeling that we are at all in a real world. Everything seems sketched too thinly. I tried to like the book, since it veered away from the silliness of Xanth, but I quickly tired of it and wanted it to end. And the ending is very frustrating, and more than once I wanted to strangle the nice Blue Lady. And who said she and Stile have to come to love one another? Couldn't they just have a working platonic relationship?

I'm sure this book and series has many fans, as does Xanth. But it fails miserably as literature, an aspect I took for granted while reading and reviewing the entire Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series. This book is a good indication of how far fantasy writing has fallen, with exceptions. I wish Anthony had stuck with SF, but of course with fantasy writing becoming so popular in 1980, he probably had no choice if he wanted to continue being the family breadwinner.
** stars. Reviewed September 1st/20

BLUE ADEPT

Cover art by Rowena Morrill. I read the Kindle version.

The first sequel was published in 1981, and is 328 pages. It contains a slightly expanded map that depicts the new adept dwellings encountered in the novel. Stile, the wounded knee jockey is back, as is Lady Blue, his consort, Neysa the unicorn. and Hulk, a new friend of Stile's. Like the first book, events are evenly split between events in Proton, the non-magical but futuristic planet, and Phaze, where magic rules. The two places are separated by a mysterious curtain. Proton is dominated by Citizens, who rule over naked serfs. The main past time is the Game, which includes just about anything you could imagine, and many things you could not imagine. Stile is a games master, and good at just about everything, and great at a lot of things.

The story continues from volume one, as Stile tires to accomplish several goals. Firstly, he is trying to find out who is trying to kill him, and why. Secondly, he is trying to win the Games tournament. The overall winner becomes a Citizen, but secondary prizes include a longer tenure on Proton. Thirdly, he is trying to protect Lady Blue, and here his many friends come in handy. In Phaze we are introduced to the Unolympics, a competition between unicorn herds.

The more interesting parts of the book have to do with the Games Stile plays on Proton. He starts out with football (American style, with 4 chances to gain 10 years, etc.). Other games include dominoes, word chains, and two hilarious ones that prove that Anthony is merely having fun with the theme, sewing (which Stile wins) and blowing soap bubbles (which he also wins).

As usual, Anthony tells a good tale, but I am mystified by his serfs always having to be naked on Proton, and that includes competing in the games. Clothes are worn in Phaze, at least. And I am also wondering where and when everyone on Proton gets to practice for the Games, which include dancing, singing, performing music on nearly all instruments, every board game, etc etc, not to mention the physical ones. Taken to the height of absurdity, it really does spoil things a lot.

However, I did somewhat enjoy reading this book more than the first one. I still do not recommend the series, but will wait until I have read the 3rd book in a month or so.

**1/2 stars. Reviewed December 5th/20

JUXTAPOSITION

Cover art by Laurence Schwinger.

From 1982 comes the tedious conclusion to the original Adept trilogy, lasting for 494 pages. I don't know what it is with Anthony and his fantasy writing from this time, but it certainly lacks a soul, something he goes on and on about in his characters in this series. I find his Xanth series almost unreadable and totally mindless, and things don't improve that much in this series. His method of writing seems to consist of throwing every obstacle possible at his heroes, one after another, in an unending tedium of how to get out of this situation, and then the next, and then the next. This is not good writing. Character development is virtually unknown. We know everything about Stile in the first few chapters of the series, and nothing changes. He is the most perfect human being to have ever lived, and is incorruptible. Like a smaller version of Doc Savage.

He can not only play any game, do any sport, play music, figure out any problem, etc., but he is simply the best at everything. It would be so horrible to know any person like this, one who is so honourable all you would want to do is kick him in the shins, or push him off a boat in the middle of the ocean. Likewise with his friends in either world; they are unflinching in their support for him, and are also perfect in each their own way. It's a boring lot, let me tell you.

Anthony's writing is very confusing when it comes to landscape and travelling. His descriptions are poor and not very helpful, and his sense of going places is way off balance. I tended to skip over parts where some type of travel is taking place. He does better with instantly being somewhere. We don't get much of a sense for what Phaze really looks like. It's more like the sketch of a planet rather than a fully drawn image. And it is much the same with his mostly cardboard and very dull characters.

Less than halfway through the book we already know how everything will turn out, but right up until the last page the author doesn't tell us. What a surprise when it happens! (it isn't). The entire premise of the story is about as ludicrous as they come, with a planet divided between science and magic, and one person in each half. And the nudity of the serfs still bothers me, too. I mean, come on, nudity? What do women do when they have their periods? Are seats sanitized after someone sits down? It is just the most ridiculous thing a writer can do, especially as he is not writing about some prehistoric time, but a planet with very well educated people who are highly civilized. Nudity, indeed.

Reading the book, and his other fantasy books (so far), is like eating cotton candy. Anthony can be an excellent writer, so perhaps it's cotton candy with organic sugar. But it's still junk food, from start to last. He went on to write several other Adept books, even though the story is complete here. Don't be too surprised if you never see them here. Very disappointing to see a once great writer resorting to tricks and pure technic to get through a novel. Where is the soul, Mr. Piers?

** stars. Reviewed February 5th/21

___________________________________________________

INCARNATIONS OF IMMORTALITY SERIES

Vol 1: ON A PALE HORSE

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

Time to try a new series by the author. I have given up on Xanth and Adept, so let's try this one. From 1983, the novel is 302 pages long. There is a further 22-page essay by the author at the conclusion. This essay is at least as interesting and fun to read as the novel, and it contains proof of why I dislike Anthony's fantasy writing so much. He discusses his need to get away from SF into new genres. Fine. But then, "...meanwhile filling in with light fantasy, because that is easy and fun and the readers like it and it makes a lot of money." Now, if I wanted something light and fun I would read Dr. Seuss. Or Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series. Or just about anything else except Xanth etc.

Anyway, in this first novel of a long series, we encounter Death, and learn about his day to day activities. In fact, it is a fantastic idea for a novel. However, the overall effect is spoiled by the world in which Anthony sets his tale. There is science and magic everywhere. I am very tired of Anthony's science and magic combo in his stories. Flying carpets, spells, magicians....non of these are needed to tell the story properly. And then we have things like God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Limbo--this is obviously aimed at Christians, though I don't know how they would take it, since God turns out to be less than useless. In fact, if there was ever an argument needed as to whether God is needed or not, this book is it.

So there is a lot of silly nonsense to get through if you want to try liking the story. And I do try, honestly. But something is affecting the author's brain during these years, and it makes his writing very difficult to approach for intelligent people. How could I recommend this book even to my wife, or any other person smarter than me? In his essay Anthony states that he wanted to make Death less scary and more of an aide to a person. And despite the fact that Death is played by one of Anthony's flawless, morally perfect heroes (despite his lame attempts to make him otherwise), I liked the character a lot, and enjoyed reading about his exploits. There is a certain charm about the book, though it is very far from the kind of thing I would have written on the subject, or would prefer to read about.

I should mention at this time that I have seen Death, in a very vivid dream. It was night, quite dark, and I was walking down a staircase in an apartment building. Death was coming up the stairs towards me. I had a very good look at him, and could hear his breathing as he got nearer. Of course I thought I was done for, but Death marched past me up the stairs, obviously seeking someone else. I remember feeling relief, but at the same time thinking that perhaps next time it would be me he was seeking.

*** stars. Reviewed March 9th/21

Vol 2: BEARING AN HOURGLASS

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

From 1984 comes the second book of the series, lasting for 358 pages. The book is followed by a 14 page afterword by the author, as is usual for him during these years. This second book, like the first, has a small amount of charm to keep it from being complete dross. However, it also has a few very intelligent questions and ideas thrown in to the mix. And what is the mix? Bug-eyed monsters, a space cowboy, a flying unicorn, a maiden in distress, an evil sorceress...the list does go on, I'm afraid. Anthony's only goal is to make money, and try to have fun whilst doing it. Not a bad goal. But don't go calling yourself a "world class writer". Yes, in the final essay he actually does that. Sometimes popularity can become mixed up with world class. I always end up reading a book by Harry Harrison after one by Anthony. Now that is a world class writer. It's easy to tell the difference.

What is wrong with Anthony's writing? Plenty, beginning with his need to make money. Nothing wrong with that for a professional writer, but if that is one's main goal, and writing good fiction is second, well, it will have its repercussions. With Xanth, Adept, and most of his 1980s writing (but not all), Anthony's stories seemed aimed at 12 year old readers, sprinkled with adult themes (his view of women and sex being one of them), but marketed for adults. His writing is very one dimensional, too. His characters get into a troubling situation and then have to figure out how to get out of it. Over and over and over again. In every book, in every chapter, and on every page. It becomes mind numbing after several episodes, but it just goes on the same.

This affects the pacing, which becomes too consistently madcap. Does Anthony see himself as the Spielberg of writers? I believe he does. At the same time, Anthony's brilliance does shine through, quite often. After all, I did finish reading the book. But I have long ago stopped being excited to get at the next book by the author. Why? Because I pretty much know about it before I open the first page. First off, there will be a morally upright lead character, one who loves full chested, curvaceous women. He will be tempted by evil in some or many ways, and come through each test with flying colours. He (always a he) will be sorely put upon, and have to climb over obstacle after obstacle to reach his goal. Then will come another goal, with more obstacles and clever ways of overcoming them. And so on.

Okay, so what about this book? It's pretty good, there is no doubt. I like the character of Time, and the people who help him along the way (Wizard of Oz, anyone?), and what he learns about the universe on his journeys. I like the way Anthony ties in events from the first book. Especially well handled is Time's way of living backwards to everyone else, and how this affects his perceptions and actions. But I can certainly do without the devil personified. Great for kids, but it just doesn't work for adults. And his dealing with relativity is pretty special, though way above those poor 12 year olds. There is no doubt in my mind, either, that the author could have made this into a first class book, instead of a silly romp through time, which is mostly is. Though I not dreading the next Anthony book, neither am I looking forward to it.

*** stars. Reviewed July 7th/21

Vol 3: WITH A TANGLED SKEIN

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

From 1985 comes the 404 page 3rd book of the author's unusual Incarnation series. All of your favourite Incarnations are back, with this volume focussing on the three personalities that make up Fate. There are tie-ins to the two previous books.

There is nothing new here, and despite Anthony's opinion to the contrary (in the 23 page author's note at the end), this is mostly light entertainment. No intelligent reader can take Satan and Hell seriously, though the author tries his best. Once again a lead character is faced with task after task, as Satan sets out to rule the world again. We come up against an obstacle, seeming almost insurmountable, overcome it, and go on to the next challenge. By the time we get to the final two chapters, which involves a maze set up by Satan that must be solved, our eyes have crossed and we no longer care very much. Not only that, but the climax of the story is told in the author's consistent matter of fact manner, where emotions are downplayed and clever explanations and puzzle solutions trump good storytelling. Give that maze sequence to a good adventure writer (Harry Harrison comes to mind) and see just how great it could be. Good will always triumph over evil in Anthony's writing, despite evil having virtually every trick in the book up his sleeve. We never hear from God, who must just sit around his flat and watch TV or something.

And of course Anthony continues with his annoying (to no end) habit of explaining fully every single little thought that a character has. Going to walk on this path instead of this one? Well, expect a discourse on why this path is better than that one. Or why a deed must be done or not be done. Or why another character should be sought out for aid, or not. Nothing much is left to the imagination in Anthony's writing. Quite simply, he is a control freak, unrelentingly so.

Pared down by 50-60 pages (all those explanations) and we might be left with some good writing and clever plot twists. But what we are left with is a barely readable tale, one that I forced myself to get through, and rather quickly. I can't wait to finish with Anthony's writing, though I will likely drop out long before I get to all of his books.

** stars. Reviewed October 8th/21

Vol 4: WIELDING A RED SWORD

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

The novel comes from 1986, and is 281 pages long. Two essays by the author take the page number to 313. The first essay talks about Anthony's expensive, new computer/word processor, with 256 kb of RAM, and 10 MB of internal memory. Before you laugh out loud, remember that this was the best available to most people in 1985/86, and that the Apollo moon landing was in 1969, using god knows what for an on-board computer. The 2nd essay keeps us up to date on Anthony's life, loves, and fan letters.

This is the story of Mars, and how he had to face down Satan, as the newest member of the Incarnations. The others are there to help, but are mostly background to the story. This time the selection of a new Incarnation is of a prince from one of the states of India, and so we have a token nod to Indian religion and mysticism, as well as a healthy dose of its sexism. But Anthony also puts in Mushasi's The Book of Five Rings, a handy guide for the 17th C Japanese warrior, using it to help Mym solve difficult logistic and tactical problems he must face.

The book is far less prosaic than many of Anthony's novels from around this time, and is quite readable. Of course the lead male character is the same one that appears in virtually every book by Anthony (he appears to have never heard of an anti-hero, or a normal human with failings and strengths), with flawless morality and ideals, even if his views of women are culturally behind the times. The book, while not as long as the others, is much better for it. A good entry in the series.

*** stars. Reviewed January 6th/22

Vol 5: BEING A GREEN MOTHER

Cover art by Michael Whelan.

From 1987 comes the next installment of the Incarnations series. The volume is 313 pages long, and includes a 12 page postlude by the author. The novel retells much of the story from the previous volume in the series, but from a different perspective. Anthony has written a series that is very difficult to untangle and keep straight, as he does mess with Time in his stories, and events can have multiple endings. For instance, in this story the entire world can be destroyed, but then brought back again to its previous state (like many episodes of Star Trek).

This is Orb's story, daughter of Niobe, who is currently the Incarnation of Fate. We follow Orb from a very young age to her realization of the title of Earth Mother. However, a part of her story was again told elsewhere, namely how she acquired her magic harp from the Hall of the Mountain King. This just adds to the overall confusion within the series. As much fun as the books are to read, they really are impossible to keep track of. One would have to read the series many times, keeping close notes. Of course Anthony does, so he might know what has previously happened and to who, but casual readers will just ignore most of the backstory. Or, like me, who only read a volume of this series every three months, have vague recollections as to having something happen earlier.

Except for the catastrophes near the conclusion to this tale, it is a pretty easy going one. However, once Orb, in a fit of pique, sings the song of Chaos and destroys the world, things get pretty lively. What a poor message to give to readers though; if you make a really bad decision that affects everyone else, too, then once you see how bad it is you can always hope to somehow undo your destruction. For sure, Mr. Anthony. If only.

Of course the entire series is mostly negated by its Christian religious myths laid overtop a mostly pagan story. Making Satan and God an Incarnation like ones from ancient religions not only destroys the storyline, but totally dominates it. Satan is the most important character in every book (God, as ever, is always totally absent), and each Incarnation in turn must deal with him in their own way. In many ways this is a very childish series, and I don't mean that in a good way. With very little effort this could have been a serious and defining look at how humans appear to be manipulated at all times by various forces.

My worst criticism for the story is the way Anthony treats the subject of music. In his stories, only music aided by magic can move people emotionally. The rest of us merely human musicians don't have a chance. As a hard working musician for over 50 years now, I resent that attitude. Music performed by other musicians moves me emotionally and spiritually every single day (I listen to a lot of music, as well as practice my own instrument). They don't need magic to get the messages across; hard work and dedication will take one a lot further than magic. And while it might seem that many musicians are magicians, they really aren't. They are people, with faults, flaws, graces, and talents. Again, what kind of message does this give readers?

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed April 6th/22

Vol 6: FOR LOVE OF EVIL

Cover art by Rowena Morrill.

Published in 1988, this next book in the series is 330 pages long. That includes the usual afterward by the author, this one dragging on for 19 pages. There is no doubt of Anthony's genius in coming up with plots that ultimately work. Complex, very well thought out plots. And when his storytelling isn't following the usual Anthony fantasy formula (get into some kind of difficulty; figure out a way around it; repeat ad nauseam), he can still write well. And so the first part of this novel, which will eventually see Satan replaced with a new stand in, is really quite good.

Initially the action takes places in the 12th and early 13th Century, as we follow the fate of one Parry, a man who will literally change the world. I really liked the opening scene, with a peasant girl invited into his abode, frightened out of her wits, as he is a great sorcerer's apprentice. It takes him quite some time to win her over, but that was his assignment from his master. This single thread of story is developed slowly into the complex world readers of this series will eventually recognize. At some point I asked myself where this medieval tale, good as it was, was going. Knowing Anthony's writing as well as I do, I was confident it would all tie in. And it does, quite beautifully.

Once we finally make it to present time, we are seeing bits of the entire story retold, but from a new perspective, namely that of Satan. We meet many old characters, and a few newer ones. I seriously don't know how Anthony can keep track of all this without continually rereading the earlier volumes. He seems to write a book from many different series each year, and how he can keep them all straight in his mind is really something.

So far, this is the best book of the series. It could be read without having read the others first, but then the reader would hardly be aware of what Anthony has actually pulled off here. If readers are able to approach Satan and God and all the rest as fantasy, the book is quite enjoyable.

*** 1/2 stars. Reviewed June 8th/22

Vol 7: AND ETERNITY

Cover art by Rowena Morrill.

Published in 1990, the novel is 355 pages long, plus a 23 page afterword by the author. It was billed as the final novel in the series, though another one came after. The series is complex, and must have been a nightmare to write. Everything ties in, in a sort of supernatural way. The creation of the series might seem haphazard to the casual reader, though obviously the author put a lot of thought into it. I'm just not really convinced that it was worth it, from a writer's point of view. I'm sure it made Anthony tons of money, and that does seem to be his main purpose with his many fantasy series. It certainly isn't to try and rival Tolkien, or any other great classic fantasy writer. But my question remains: why do this much work, when lighter and fluffier will likely make him just as much money, and give him similar popularity. Young girls seem to be his biggest audience.

The answer must be that he does it to please himself, which is probably what any writer should really do anyway. I mean the extra intricate bits, and how it all fits together. He can't be trying to prove anything to other writers. I would seriously doubt that many of them would read his later fantasy stuff, especially after reading his excellent early SF efforts. After a certain point, Anthony simply cannot be taken as a serious writer. I'm just sorry I ended up trying to read so much of his stuff. I wish I'd only read his pure SF books, most of which I could easily recommend. As for the fantasy, it's better left to other, younger readers.

Having said the above, this novel isn't so bad. We (as usual) get clobbered over the head over and over with Anthony's morality, and how he would like to run things if he were God. We know for certain he would allow older men to have consensual sex with underage girls. And he would try to understand and see the side of rapists and murderers most of us would probably ignore. I do like his idea of a God who tends not to bother getting involved with human affairs, and why. And Satan comes out looking pretty good in the end, something most "religious" people would be horrified to read.

Actually, I'm surprised I made it this far into the series, having given up on most of his other ones after just a few books. Most of his series I won't even begin to read. If you have read and mostly enjoyed the previous books in this series, you will no doubt enjoy reading this one. Iwish you well.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed August 7th/22

VOL 8: UNDER A VELVET CLOAK

Cover art by Niki Browing.

From 2015 comes the final book of the Incarnation series, lasting 324 pages. It includes a short author's note at the end. It's a flawed ending to a flawed series, but welcome to the writing of Piers Anthony. The series had long been out of control for the number of characters, the various time lines we encounter them at different stages, and simply having too many intersecting plot lines. With a simpler cast of characters, less jumping around in time, and fewer situations and encounters repeated from different perspectives, this could have been a strong series. As things stand, the average reader is simply left helpless, drowning in detail.

Discussing the book at hand, I wonder how many pages did not include having sex. sometimes on one page there might be a dozen instances, so I am certain that there are at least 315 occurrences (the actual length of the novel). What is bothersome is that the sexual act is treated much the same as opening up a bag of potato chips; a routine but fun occurrence that can be repeated ad nauseam. Even worse is that the only way a female can get any help in this novel from any male (from Satan through the Angel Gabriel) is to have sex with him. There is one exception: she hires a bodyguard who only gets turned on by boys aged 6-8. I kid you not.

The story concerns a young woman who lives in 500 A.D. She lives in the time of Arthur, and meets Morgan Le Fey and Gawain. She is searching for her lover, who seems to have been abducted from their home. She is accompanied by a live in female ghost. She becomes a vampire, and a cloak she had left from her lover appears to give her magical powers.

The plot eventually tries to tie up the other previous books in the series, but it just becomes so much jumble that I skipped over a lot of the concluding material. It is simply too much to handle. Throughout the series Anthony had trouble sticking to one story, and as the series progressed this became more and more a feature of the writing. Too many plots, and trying to tie them altogether seems a colossal waste of time and energy, both for the writer and the reader. And his continuing interest in Christian religion, with God and Satan mixing with the incarnations, becomes very nerve wracking. Without the Christian idea of Satan and God, the series might have been a tiny bit better.

While the series is not a complete waste of time, I do not recommend it unless you are a total Anthony fan. I could have lived very happily without it; so can you.

** stars. Reviewed January 8th/22

_______________________________________________________

BIO OF A SPACE TYRANT

VOL 1: REFUGEE

Cover art by Jim Burns.

When I began this extensive reading series four years ago I really liked the works of Piers Anthony. However, lately his writing has simply become mechanical, all from the head and not the heart. He becomes more and more analytical rather than a storyteller. The first volume of this series is called Refugee, and is 312 pages long. Approximately 100 pages of it consist of needless explanation of how things work, usually of a mechanical nature. We get it, Piers. You're really really smart. And we aren't. Usually, right in the middle of an action sequence (a rape, let us say, which is common in this story), he will suddenly devote an entire page of explanation on how the dome rotates. This kind of thing happens in every single chapter, even though it is not the most serious flaw in the book. But that alone would drive me away from such writing.

There is a kind of fiction which I consider needlessly violent and cruel. It is a common type of fiction, wherein a writer cannot be satisfied the book is finished until the hero/heroine has undergone virtually every kind of indignity known to man. In this story, a group of poor Hispanic refugees undergoes every humiliating experience they could possible undergo. Their unarmed ship is attacked by pirates over and over and over, each time heaping new levels of violence and indignities upon the innocent. Women and children bear the brunt of it, as they are simply executed.

Most of us are aware of the unfortunate circumstances that real refugees undergo, and that includes being robbed, murdered, raped, and maimed. This is simply a fact of life; the weak are exploited by the strong. So perhaps a reminder of this unfortunate kind of thing is in order. But to repeat it so many times in one story, each time things getting worse and more sadistic, is, I'm afraid, going too far. I don't know how anyone can read this story and not strongly dislike the writer. We are literally bullied by the writer. Each time the refugees survive a pirate attack and come up with a way to fight the next one, the next attackers suddenly have a different weapon, and once again have their way with the helpless civilians.

We are supposed to hate the pirates as much as the lone survivor, Hope Hubris. I hated them more before they boarded the ship the first time. But I had to read through attack after sadistic attack, and I'm not really sure why. Is Anthony so sadistic that he could actually write stuff like this for public consumption? More unhinged people would read this and get off on it; normal people would read it and be sickened by it. I say this because I cannot see anyone finishing this book and feeling good about themselves for doing so. Had I not been engaged in this many years-long project, I would have thrown the book away less than a third of the way through.

I do not recommend this book for yet another reason. Anthony is just not a good writer anymore. All his characters are essentially the same, morally perfect, guilt ridden when they have to do something wrong (such as murder a pirate who is killing children), and his writing has become cold, over calculated, and far less like literature than some type of mental exercise for the writer. If you can, avoid this series opener. I will try to read the second book, so stay tuned in you really are interested in this.

* star. Reviewed April 6th/21

VOL. 2: MERCENARY

Cover art uncredited. I read the Kindle edition.

From 1984 comes the first sequel to Anthony's SF space opera series. My version is 378 pages, including the usual afterword by the author. The Kindle page count might read much longer, as my edition had a long segment of the 3rd book included.

Anthony went way overboard in volume 1 with the violence and sadism, which were off the scale for casual reading books. He was trying to make a point, but he completely blew it, and must have heard so from his fans. Volume 2 is much tamer, though it seems to begin with more cruelty to the hero, as he is mugged and has his money and ID stolen in the first few pages. This seems to be Anthony saying "I'm still the boss, and I'll write whatever I please." Whatever. The rest of the book is much better, though the hero turns out to be as soft as they come, and despite wanting to extirpate pirates from the Jupiter system, he does not have the stomach for it. All of Anthony's heroes are morally and ethically exactly the same, and this becomes very tedious in book after book.

Another of Anthony's foibles is on full display yet again. In the middle of action sequences, whether they be battles or sexual in nature, he usually stops to insert paragraph after paragraph of some kind of technical or emotional analysis, killing the momentum and causing readers to lose the moment. I now just skim right over these annoying paragraphs. He is obviously intentionally trying to lengthen his books (is he paid by the word?), or else he really cannot write an action scene without having to explain every petty detail about it as it happens. I suspect the latter, as this is a very egotistical writer who must believe that every word he writes is as sacred as writing can ever be. While many of these faults also occurred in his earlier writing, they were of much less consequence. And also, after a time and having read a number of his books, it just becomes so predictable. Maybe this is want his readers want; more of the same. I expect better from such a well published writer.

The chapter entitled "Rape" should and will raise some eyebrows. Anthony fancies himself a spokesperson for many types of sex, deviant and otherwise, (he has failed miserably at understanding pedophilia more than once), and when the hero has to rape a pirate girl (she's 18--he was very careful there) he makes certain that his hero is totally against it, and only wants "normal" sex. It's not just that this is risky writing, but it's risky for the sake of being risky. The story could have easily moved forward without this episode. Easily. But his readers need to be enlightened to the fact that some females want to be raped. At least according to Anthony. But guys don't want to do it. At least according to Anthony.

At any rate, it's a good story overall, with plenty of space battles, including several scientific corrections about such battles as shown in movies like Star Wars, which pay no attention to science at all. So we can thank Anthony for that, at least.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed September 7th/21

VOL 3: POLITICIAN

Cover not credited. I read the Kindle edition.

From 1985 comes this 361 page continuation of the series starring Hope Hubris, a man fighting against all odds; and I mean all odds. This isn't so much a story as a well thought out and executed plan on the part of the author. How can I get him from here to here(?) seems like a question Anthony asks himself thousands of times for each book he writes. And then he goes about methodically carrying out his plans. And though there is a good deal of explaining that goes on in this novel, there is less of it than in other Anthony books. But a true control freak cannot allow even a slight detail to escape our notice, and Anthony has a bad case of it.

The book starts out with Hope in captivity, literally sitting in a small dark room amidst his own dung. This relates to a form of writing, quite popular in the late 20th C. and beyond, where the hero must be completely deprived of any dignity, and put in the most ignoble of situations, before anyone will like him or her (or so these authors must believe). And of course he is naked, too, another favourite theme of Anthony. We are given the backstory when Hubris, who has had his memory washed, regains bits at a time through key words he has scratched on the floor of his room, in a code he made up in his younger days. So readers realize that the shit Hope is sitting in hides this code from his captors, and so we really needed that aspect of the story to move the plot along. The author has a reason and explanation for everything. I mean everything.

Though the book is considered SF, it really isn't. It's a parody of American politics during the Nixon administration, though for readers of today it comes much closer to the doings in the era of Trump. Many things that occur towards the end of Politician are frighteningly close to what happened during the Biden/Trump election in 2019, and still continue to this day. The book is also a pretty good way to get younger readers to learn something about American politics.

For the most part, I actually liked this book. Readers of any recent reviews of mine regarding Anthony's later writing may be surprised by this. If I'd read this novel ten years ago, or even five, I would have laughed at some of the things that Hubris had to face after he won the election. Now I just nod my head knowingly. I wonder what Anthony thinks of Trump's attempt at a coup; I think I have a pretty good idea. Should you feel the need to learn something about American politics in a fairly entertaining way, then this is your big chance. If you are merely looking for a good SF story, you might want to look elsewhere.

*** stars. Reviewed December 5th/21

EXECUTIVE

I read the Kindle edition.

From 1985 comes the 300 page fourth installment in the series starring Hope Hubris, alias Piers Anthony. This includes a 9 page afterword by the author. All of Anthony's heroes share the same morals and characteristics, and despite this one being Hispanic, they are all quite bland and very predictable in virtually any situation. Anthony writes as if this were a textbook on how to run a country, rather than a story with a plot. Much of it is quite dry, though mildly interesting at times, such as when he isn't having sex with women, or thinking and talking about having sex with women. But those times are rare. I won't even go into how he manages to get a 15 year old girl to sleep with a 55 year old man, and love it. It's just the author, up to his old tricks.

With Hope now a virtual dictator (though a benevolent one), he is free to set up things the way he wants, and we get lectures in economics, education, population and poverty control, industry, mining, etc. The list goes on and on. I think originally the author was more interested in creating a utopia than in telling a story. When that became too much of a task, he engaged in a light story to try and deflect from the problems encountered. Anyone who thinks running a country is a fairly straight forward task, and wonders why unemployment, homelessness, and poverty have not yet been solved, would do well to read this book. Anthony's character runs up against nearly every problem imaginable, many of them unsolvable. Those that are solvable are unacceptable to the working classes, since enormous sacrifices are required.

If the book is approached as a sociological problem solving exercise, it is a very good book to read, and should be required reading for all seeking political power. Anthony draws on historical problems in the US, too, such as purchasing simple tools and equipment for the military, at outrageously inflated prices. Much discussion could result from reading this book in a sociology class. As exciting fiction, it is not so successful.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed March 4th/22

____________________________________________________

THE RING

Cover art by Don Maitz

From 1968 comes this 250 page collaboration between Piers Anthony and Robert Margroff. Margroff's biggest contribution to SF was his collaborations with Anthony, though he wrote shorter material as a solo writer.

It is a very odd story, combining crime and punishment, gyro cars, and English Victorian poetry. Well, I did say it was odd. The story is somewhat farcical, and perhaps even Shakespearean, as young Jeff Font returns to Earth to get his revenge on the man who murdered his father and stole a business away from him. That man is now a multi-billionaire who seems to have control over much of Earth. Young Font finds himself up against a strong enemy, and he is soon caught breaking into Mr. Kissec's abode and attempting to kidnap his daughter. Only, as in Shakespeare, things are not quite as they seem.

The book is action-packed and reads like a pulp novel, something akin to what P. J. Farmer might write. Crime is punished by having the criminal injected with a strong truth serum, which makes him confess not only to his current wrong doing, but to every which way his mind works. Punishment is to wear a ring that delivers a powerful shock when anything resembling a wrong action takes place. The ring is so strong that it will not allow the wearer to even defend himself if attacked. It obviously needs a bit of refining if it is to work properly.

The single-wheeled gyro car (shown on the cover) plays an important part in the story, too, and we get to learn a lot about this replacement of the internal combustion engine. We are also dragged into some pretty risque parties and night clubs, as the letter of the puritan laws are able to be observed, but things can still get pretty gritty. There are three women in the story, all very different and all important to the plot. I won't say that their treatment is sexist by 1968 standards, though by today's standards things are a little unsettling. Still, each woman emerges as unique and with a full personality. The men in the story, including Jeff, are hardly the stuff of heroes, another reason that the women don't come out looking so bad. Jeff is blinded by his unjustified beliefs until the very end, despite being an otherwise decent guy.

The ending is a tour-de-force of writing, as the hints of Victorian poetry suddenly take over the page. Good readers will have no problem with the ending--I found it great fun and it even got me interested in rereading some Tennyson! This is a good story, though a bit on the far side of things. Still, I am glad I read it.
*** stars. Reviewed June 19th/18

HASAN

My badly beaten cover of Hasan. Brilliant cover art by Don Maitz.

This was the 4th book written by Anthony, and he had a devil of a time getting it published. It is 242 pages long, including an afterword by the author. It was written in 1967, and took two years to see publication. It is a retelling of a story from the Arabian Nights, and Anthony had three other versions of it at hand when he wrote his. He claims to have been most influenced by the Burton version.

While the story is interesting enough, it does not really come to life for me. I love the Arabian Nights stories, and have read many of the Burton stories. However, it has been some years. Anthony wanted to choose a story that had travel in it, and he chose well for that theme. For me there are two problems with the story. One is Hasan. He isn't hero material. In fact, he doesn't seem to be of any material except perhaps cardboard. He falls in love with a beautiful woman, takes possession of her by kidnapping, and then goes in search of her when she voluntarily departs with his two children. He is a determined man, but other than that is very one dimensional.

The second problem is the Queen, Hasan's sister-in-law. She is cruel beyond measure, and does unspeakable things to her sister, her teacher, and is very hard on Hasan. And yet in the end she is forgiven. No doubt this is in the original story, but I did say I had two problems with the story. If she is to be forgiven in the end, if I were rewriting the story I would have tried to make her a little less cruel. She seems to be the same person after forgiveness.

A map of Hasan's travels is included, something I did like. There is very little humour in the story. Dahmash the ifrit is about the limit, and he isn't exactly a barrel of laughs. I can fully understand a publisher not wishing to risk putting this tale in print. It certainly will not appeal much to females, for one thing, despite the powerful women included. It just never seems to catch fire and allow the reader to become lost in the tale. Though I was interested in what happened next, I wasn't that interested. Still, it is an admirable effort to put the Arabian Nights tales out there. It might make me go back and read some more Burton. Recommended as light reading. but there is some nasty violence.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed July 28th/18

MACROSCOPE

Cover art by Charles Santore

From 1969 comes this 480 page epic single novel, one of the best SF stories I have ever read. The story begins on Earth, soon moves to a space station orbiting Earth, then moves on to Neptune and Triton, then to the ends of the galaxy and even beyond. It's quite a travelogue! Anthony is a unique and very gifted writer, and one blessed with a very fertile imagination. In this tale he mixes science with astrology, and everything comes out better than anyone could have the right to expect.

There is a shorter version that came out a few years after this one, but I didn't see anything I would have been happy to see cut. The fact that this would make a terrific film is yet another reason to lament the fact that Star Wars has so many movies in its series; other, far more deserving stories, will never likely get told. Essentially, a death beam is being sent out across the galaxy, and it seems to turn intelligent people who receive the signal into morons. In one case it outright kills the person. The macroscope is a powerful new observing tool that allows scientists in the orbiting station to view planets in other star systems, though the view is often thousands of years old due to the speed of light. They are seeing far into the past, and other species and civilizations are soon under close observation.

After a high-ranking senator is killed on the space station by the death ray, the project is about to be shut down. Four (or five, depending on how you count) people escape the station with the macroscope, trying to outrun pursuit from the UN. This is where the adventure begins to really take off. Telling more of the plot would be giving too much away, but suffice it to say that until now the book has been a somewhat traditional SF story. After this, prepare for some mind expanding events from one of the great SF writers of all time.

Parts of the story reminded me of 2001: A Space Odyssey. However, by comparison that movie is like a walk in Central Park compared to the space odyssey Anthony's characters undertake. Don't let the huge length of the book stop you from reading this; by the end you will wish it was even longer. I have no advice to give on the shortened version; I know I was quite happy with the original long one. For serious SF fans who like to have their minds expanded. A lot.

**** stars. Reviewed Jan. 18th/18

THE E.S.P. WORM

Cover art by Don Maitz

This very funny novel dates from 1970, and is 191 pages long. It is a very easy read, and can be polished off in one sitting by a reader in tune with the authors. In the tradition of Harry Harrison's comedy novels, this one also features violence and tense situations. Overall, though, it is a pretty hilarious account of two humans trying to deal with an alien child that has gone walkabout, and is rather spoiled and full of pranks. The child is a larvae, and is being hotly sought after by his father, the Swarm Tyrant. However, the child does not really wish to be found, and his ability to control the mind of one person at a time helps him get his way more often than not.

Granted the novel is quite sexist, even by 1970 standards, and may not be quite as funny to female readers. With apologies to them, I still think it is worth reading just for fun. At least the female lead is a Doctor of Extraterrestrialology. She is blonde, and despite the fact that she wears the standard female "bag" outfit, showing no skin or contours, our hero Harold is quickly taken with her.

I loved the opening page, where Harold is immersed in a game of Solar Pool. This first page opening will have greater importance later on, if any of this light novel can be said to have importance. I am wondering slightly if the alien in this story is a bit reminiscent of the one in Hal Clement's much more important story Close To Critical. At any rate, I can easily recommend this collaboration between Anthony and Margroff if you want a light but entertaining diversion from more serious stuff.
*** stars. Reviewed Sept. 28th/18

PROSTHO PLUS

Cover art by Don Maitz

Aliens come to Earth in need of a dentist, and Dr. Dillingham is their first choice, in this 216 page novel from 1971. He fixes the captain's tooth and does such a fine job of it that they kidnap him and bring him back to their planet to train their own dentists for better work. This very funny book brings together several shorter stories the author wrote in the late Sixties. The good doctor gets into many dental adventures, managing to stumble through the most awkward surgeries and rebuilds, often with his dignity and good grace intact. When he was kidnapped from Earth his female dental assistant managed to escape, but she has been having bad luck finding another job on Earth. She applies to a strange add seeking a dental assistant and soon finds herself whisked off into space, for purely dental reasons.

Meanwhile, the good doctor is busy applying for training at the Galactic University of Dentistry, hoping to learn more about alien life forms and their tooth care. His eventual reuniting with Judy, his assistant, is very long in coming, as they both go through some pretty harrowing individual adventures. This is the first SF book I have ever read where the hero is a dentist and the heroine his assistant. It will also likely be the only such novel. It is unique in the annals of SF, and quite entertaining to read. The doctor is such a nice guy, usually putting the needs of others far above his own. It's nice to see his unselfishness get rewarded. Recommended if you are feeling down in the mouth (sorry).

*** stars. Reviewed October 31st/18.

STEPPE

Cover art by Boris Vallejo

This strange novel was written in 1972, published in 1976, and then remained unavailable again until 1985. At 252 pages, it contains a helpful postlude by the author. Steppe is Anthony's way of telling genuine history, in this case an early period from Central Asia, before, during, and after Genghis Khan came to power. Of course there is way too much history to tell for a book of this length, and so it is crammed into segments that make it quite impossible to follow after a while.

Alp is a Uigur, and as the book opens he is riding for his life, fleeing raiders who have killed his family and now want to get him and finish the job. He escapes, falls into a crevice, and is captured by four men from the future. He awakens in what he thinks is Hell, slowly coming to realize the truth. The entire opening segment is quite funny, as we learn what is going on along with Alp. Why was he kidnapped? The men from the future wanted to use his knowledge of his times (around 1000 AD) to help them win in the Game of Steppe. The game itself is too complicated to even briefly describe, but it is run by a central computer, and the characters accepted into the game have to conform to the times. There is no actual killing, but if you do "die" you are expelled from the game and must re-enter as a different character. It can be expensive to play, especially if you want an important role.

Alp is admitted on credit by the computer. He is a fugitive from the law after escaping from the four men who brought him to the future. The rest of the story is concerned with Alp's adventures within the Game. Although very broadly written and easy to read, it will seem confusing and almost pointless to some readers. While I liked the overall idea of the Game, Anthony handles it with too wide a brush. It would take many readings to really understand the historical implications from the book, but it might encourage some readers to search out further information on this very brutal and very confusing time. Worth a look, and certainly an original idea.

**1/2 stars. Reviewed March 3rd/18

RACE AGAINST TIME

Cover art by Luis Royo.

This is a juvenile book. Written in 1973, it is 224 pages of easy reading. This is the first paperback edition, from 1985. There are six main characters, all 16-17 years old, 3 girls and 3 boys. They represent three races; white, black, and Asian. They each come to the realization that they are being held in a type of zoo, awaiting fulfillment of some grand experiment. They have all been raised separately, but they manage to come together and plot their escape. I can see kids around 13 or 14 liking this book, and it more or less reminds me of some of John Christopher's books for young adults. However, this one has some serious issues of race at its heart.

John and Betsy, the two caucasions, are destined to be mated, in order to continue the white race. Ala is destined to mate with Hume, to continue the black race. And Pei and Meilan are supposed to continue the Chinese race. But John really likes Ala, and Betsy likes Pei, and Meilan likes John, and so on. There is some jealousy, but the six runaways never actually come to blows. All six are interesting characters, and the author fleshed each of them out rather well.

On their journey they discover the secret of why they exist, and what has happened to Earth and its civilization. It is a harsh lesson. It is also a racist one! Anthony seems to prefer that the races do not mingle, but keep to themselves. Yikes! Even in 1973 this was a pretty strange message to be putting out. Apparently mixing the races for generations has resulted in a race with no more human drive and aspirations. Only by keeping the lines pure can there be any human progress. Why was this then reprinted in 1985? I'm sure a lot of people today would still support this belief. However, I am not one of them.

A good story, but marred by the ridiculous ending. I had been hoping that the kids would rise above this belief in a pure race, but they accept their fate and return to their zoo lives. Strange and unsettling. Not a good start to my 2019 reading program.

* star. Reviewed January 1st/19

RINGS OF ICE

Cover art by Vincent Di Fate.

From 1974 comes Anthony's next book for adults, and it is a huge improvement over his previous juvenile book, above. My Avon edition is 187 pages long, and also includes a 4-page postlude essay by Donald L. Cyr. If you do not know who Cyr is, then I suggest reading this obit to learn more about him. Obviously Anthony thought quite highly of him.

Having read over 300 SF novels since June of 2016, I can now say that I have read widely. A large number of stories have had to do with end of the world scenerios, especially notable in the works of John Christopher and Edgar Pangborn. A recent addition to this flock has been J. G. Ballard, including his Drowned World. Now Anthony decided to take up the pen and write his own version of the great flood. And a very fine addition to this niche of SF literature it is. Anthony writes with ease and confidence, and develops characters (and kills them) with great skill and considerable depth.

Six people end up fleeing the great flood (human caused, from space--read the essay at the back of the novel by Cyr) in a Winnebago. They leave Florida and somehow, through great difficulties, make it to a highpoint in the Appalachians. All characters are white, but they represent a broad spectrum nonetheless. There are three women and three men. One of the men is a transvestite, and one of the females is a clumsy 14 year old girl, abandoned by her family at a service station. There is also a cat and a dog.

The story is told from the viewpoint of Zena, a woman who has great difficulty expressing herself, and who has even greater difficulty with the concept of sex, and of love. Of course she ends up being the one who will likely have babies! Karen, the other mature female, is diabetic and living on borrowed time. Anthony spends too much time trying to make us think she is a drug addict. Maybe diabetes was more hidden in the early 70s, but today it is certainly out there, and most educated people would easily recognize the symptoms. Gus and Thatch, the original pair setting off in the vehicle, have their own problems, too. For one, Gus is deathly afraid to go out in the rain. Considering that it rains heavily for about 95% of this story, his problem causes other problems. The greatest character growth, hwoever, is reserved for the young girl, Floy. Her transformation from girl to woman must, by needs, happen much more quickly than it might otherwise. Anthony does a very fine job with Floy, as he does with the others, too. Due to the apparent necessity of relying on canabalism for a time, it might have been interesting to stick a vegetarian character in there, too.

In fact, it is the characters that really make this a great story, and that would make for a great film, too. Rings of Ice is highly recommended reading, and hasn't really dated that much. Like so many well written end of the world tales predict, it's not going to be very pretty when it comes, in whatever form. There is no "being prepared," as we saw in Ward Moore's Lot. There is only survival. And that, my friends, is ugly.

***1/2 stars. Reviewed February 12th/19

TRIPLE DETENTE

Cover art by Jack Gaughan.

From 1974 comes this unusual 175 page SF novel, about warring planets that have come to terms, and are try to follow through on those terms. First published as a shorter novella in Analog, March 1968, under the title The Alien Rulers, I might have called this story A Piece of Cake.

Original appearance of Anthony's story.

Anthony tries to use the cake cutting analogy to balance first two, then finally three, warring planets. It is a wonderful analogy, simple yet effective. One person cuts the cake, but the second person chooses his or her piece first. In this manner, the first person will try to cut as fairly as possibly, but if he errs, his opponent benefits instead. It works the same for three participants; one cuts, and the two others get first or second pick. However, the second person, if not satisfied with the two remaining pieces, can try to even them out by cutting more from one of them. Again, the non-cutter gets first pick.

Earth and Kazo are about to have a massive space fleet war. Both planets are overpopulated, and natural resources are no longer sufficent to maintain the populations. A proposal is put forth; Earth will rule Kazo, coming as conquerors, and Kazo will likewise rule Earth. This will be done without the knowledge of either population. It works. Populations are brutally cropped, eliminating weak and undesirable people until the population of each world is trimmed down to 2 billion each. On paper, this works very well. However, I wonder sometimes about Piers Anthony and his belief in such methods. Of course it could only be pulled off by conquerors.

Things vastly improve on both worlds. Then a third planet becomes involved. It is decided that Earth will rule the new member planet, Uke. Uke will now replace humans and rule on Kaz. Kaz will continue to rule Earth. Complications arise, as Uke has a strong underground movement, and a secret weapon. They believe they can conquer all three worlds. How will it all end?

It's not as confusing as it sounds, and once the third world becomes involved the story becomes adventuresome and interesting. The last third of the book reminds me of a lot of P. J. Farmer's works, with a fast pace and lots of action. However, Anthony is a more intellectual writer, and his adventures tend to have more science and theory behind them, making for a different type of story. I like both kinds, and this is a good attempt at something I have never seen done before. A good read, and whether or not you agree with Anthony's methods, they do get results. Once things are humming along on all three worlds, then the punishing depopulation programs can be stopped, and governments can become more benign.

*** stars. Reviewed April 2nd/19

BUT WHAT OF EARTH?

Cover art by Don Maitz

In 1976 Anthony wrote the title book for Laser Books. However, the book that was eventually published had been severely rewritten without the author's knowledge or agreement, and appeared as a collaboration with Rob Coulson. That just didn't sit too well with Anthony. In 1989, the edition shown above, the original novel as written by Anthony, was finally published, with a foreword and afterword by the author. The story is 206 pages, but comes with 168 footnotes, some of them pages in length. So the total number of pages in this volume is 282.

The story is concerned with an Earth that is quickly depopulating, as people are sent off to other solar systems to colonize, and nearly everyone wants to go. Earth becomes less than half what its population had been, and this causes great social and economic upheaval. In many cases it was the best and the brightest who emigrated to distant worlds, thanks to a type of teleportation device that had been invented and perfected (matter transmission). This is actually a pretty bad story, and even Anthony admits it. If this had been the first Anthony book I'd ever read, I doubt I would have read many more. Luckily for me, that first book was Omnivore, which remains one of the best books I have ever read.

The footnotes have to do with changes made by four or five people who chopped up the story and remade it into something even less satisfying (according to an independent reviewer who read both copies). Anthony makes a strong case for copy editors to keep to their job of correcting spelling and grammar, and not to be questioning and changing what the author has written. The comments that were added to the manuscript by these people go so far beyond what a copy editor is supposed to do, that the publisher was wide open to a lawsuit. No doubt this was done to other writers involved with Laser Books at the time, so the lawsuits would likely have multiplied.

I consider this a must read, but I just wish that the original story had been of higher quality. Anthony was under space restrictions (or so he thought at the time), and cut much material from the first draft. Many of Anthony's comments regrading editorial comments are priceless and very, very funny. In fact, the footnotes are much better than the story. A fascinating diversion from what I usually read and review in this blog. This book should be read before reading the Tarot and Cluster series, to which it is related.
** for original novel. *** stars for footnote version. Reviewed April 19th/18

PRETENDER

Cover art by Don Maitz

From 1979 comes this 254 page "SF" story, a story about an alien that crash lands on Earth. He goes looking for the galactic station on the planet, but finds an "enemy" there ready to destroy him/her (we never learn which, and it doesn't seem to matter). The alien lands near ancient Babylon, on the eve of the invasion of the Persians. He needs a host body to occupy, and chooses a young scribe, whom he lives with (unknown to the boy) for many years. The alien will be unable to return to his own life and system unless he makes contact with the agent in Babylon.

And now a critical work or two. Pretender is very, very lazy SF writing. It seems obvious to me that Anthony had written a pretty decent, though not overly adventurous, story about a young scribe going to Babylon during this important historical time, and like his earlier "Hassan" novel, he was finding that it was not going to sell. What to do? Well, trying adding the thinnest excuse for a SF story intertwined with the Babylonian one, and see if that works. It did, but it took a long time to find a willing publisher.

The Babylonian parts of the story (about 85% of the novel) are pretty interesting for awhile, especially when the scribe, Enkidu, first arrives in the city. But then it gets seriously bogged down, as he spends a lot of pages locked in a dank cell, communicating eventually with the person in the cell next door. I was getting pretty tired of that cell after a time.

Even die hard Piers Anthony fans can give this one a miss. The best parts have to do with life in Babylonia, though even that aspect fails to come off as a good story, as it becomes mired in religious philosophy. If you must read it, however, it is easy to read and digest. There is nothing outrageous or offensive; it is just lazy writing, attempting to get something published that should have stayed a manuscript, or else had more rewrites before publication.

** stars. Reviewed May 12th/19

MUTE

I read the Kindle edition.

From 1981 comes the restored (by the author) version of the novel, spilling out over 532 pages. In addition, there is a five or six page afterword by the author. More or less than a novel, this one is better categorized as a writer's exercise that got out of hand. It begins well, with Knot, a double mutant (physical and psi powered), enlisted to help CC, the computer that runs the galaxy for the ever-expanding humans. It appears that the end is near for the system, and Knot is the best chance at saving the status quo, with a 1 in 4 chance of succeeding. Knot's psi power is that people tend to quickly forget him when he is out of sight. This, of course, is a problem for many people, and Anthony seems to be making fun of the wall flowers among us.

He pairs up with Finesse, a beautiful but normal woman, who brings along Hermione, a weasel able to both receive thoughts and broadcast them to others, and Mit, a crab with clairvoyance and precognition. Remember, this is the most normal part of the story. Soon they will all end up on Macho World, where Knot will encounter a mutant woman who somewhat resembles a mermaid, and Finesse will be captured by lobos (people who have had lobotomies to remove their psi) and taken to a volcano laboratory. Then they will have adventures on planet Chicken Izta, where psi chickens, bees, rats, and fleas will enter the circus. Anthony is having fun, but are we?

Piebald is the top bad guy, and boy can he do anything! He tortures Finesse when he captures her, and kills two people in front of her (horribly) trying to bring out her hidden psi. Despite Knot wanting to get his hands on him and murder him, every time they have an encounter, Piebald has the upper hand and either escapes or captures him. Near the end Piebald tries to convince Knot that his way is the right way, and a new program must be given to the Computer. He claims that Knot is just as bad as him, since Knot has killed, too. Knot agrees with him. However, all off Knot's killing was in self defense, when he was attacked by unreasoning monsters. Piebald's killing was cruel and unwarranted, and torture and cruelty magnified by the thousands does not equal killing in self defense. But it does mean the same thing to the author, apparently.

The book turns into a bad imitation of a cross between The Wizard of Oz and an overwritten James Bond novel, and the ending is a bit of a shocker, too. And it seems to echo several manic pulp style novels by Philip Jose Farmer, especially his Tarzan and Doc Savage stories. At least those books are a reasonable length. But what I really object to is the way readers are constantly manipulated by the silly plot, and Anthony's endlessly clever and inventive ways of getting the hero into and out of trouble. Knot can barely take two steps before he must face yet another insurmountable obstacle, as bad or worse than the previous one, two pages ago. There is an endless parade of obstacle/overcome/obstacle/overcome, with probably well over a hundred of these goings on, perhaps more. Any good author would realize the stultifying effect this has on intelligent readers, and it quickly becomes apparent that Anthony doesn't give a hoot. He is out to prove how smart he is, and how he can get his characters into and out of any situation. This works fine, but after four or five times one realizes that we are trapped on a gerbil wheel, endlessly spinning and really going nowhere.

SPOILER ALERT: And Piebald never gets his comeuppance, which is probably the worst thing about this book. Anthony assumes the ending is clever and suitable, but it is neither. Watching someone like Piebald win is not why I stuck through the 532 pages.

I use to really look forward to reading books by Anthony. Now I dread them, especially if they are really long. He might be the very first author on whom I give up reading amidst of his oeuvre during this Avon/Equinox project. There will be people who will think this is the greatest book since humans began writing. I feel sorry for them, for they have been fooled. A clever story, but too tiring for me.

** stars. Reviewed October 5th/20

SHADE OF THE TREE

Cover art by Linda Garland.

From 1986 comes this 348 page horror novel, somewhat in the tradition of Stephen King, but also harkening back to Lovecraft. Josh Pinson, recently widowed, moves himself and his two children to an isolated property in Florida, willed to him by his eccentric uncle. They have left New Jersey after his wife was murdered on the street after a shopping trip. The property in Florida includes an unfinished house, a shed, and a small cabin with loft. A giant tree of unknown type spreads over much of the property, including the buildings. The story is as much about the tree as it is the people, but strange things begin happening from day 1.

This doesn't faze Josh much, and he frequently has to take trips to New York to keep up his systems analysis business. He leaves the children with different babysitters. Each time he comes home something weird and terrible has happened. That doesn't stop him him from leaving them yet again, in the care of a 19 year old girl who is falling in love with Josh, and he with her. Umm, pause, please. This final time when he heads to New York, could he not have put the two children and sitter up at an airport hotel in Tampa while he was gone? Anyone with even a small piece of brain would know that something really big is about to happen, but he still leaves them alone in a haunted house for three days and two nights. This is one of the reasons why I don't read many horror novels; too much manipulation is required of the reader. Like most teenage slasher movies, why are the kids still there if everyone suspects danger?

It isn't only the kids who are threatened here. Suzanne is a clever and likable 7 year old, and Chris is nearly 10. Animals are threatened and several of them die horribly in this story. To me that is a real turn off in a book or movie. When innocent animals are allowed to suffer and die for the sake of advancing the horror element, I usually turn off right away.

The ending is the biggest disappointment. Not because it isn't a good ending, which it is. But right at the very end, and at the climax of the entire story, we suddenly stop, freeze, get inside the mind of Josh and the mind of the tree, and enjoy several of the most boring pages I have ever read, giving us the long version of what has been happening to the house, people, and animals all along. We already know that Anthony loves to hear the sound of his own literary voice, but here he drones on at exactly the wrong time, and for far too long. If the explanation of events is so complicated that it requires several pages in the telling, then something needs to change. Either give us some of the answer earlier, or make the answer much shorter and less complicated. Perhaps Mensa readers would delight in what has been going on, but the rest of us are wondering why the narrative suddenly froze and we get to listen to an inner dialogue that goes on for far too long.

I liked much about the story, including the setting, the characters, and even the animals. But I find the book difficult to recommend, for reasons given above (violence towards animals; main character leaving his children there over and over despite what has been happening; and that deadpan ending).

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed November 3rd/20

GHOST

Cover art by Don Maitz.

First published in 1986, this 279 page volume includes a short essay by the author about its publication history. Ghost began as a 10,000 word short story back in 1961. In 1972 it was reworked into a 60,000 word novel. In 1976, still unpublished, 17,000 words were added. It was Anthony's 22nd novel, remaining unpublished until this edition.

Ghost is essentially a time travel story, a theme that every SF writer eventually gets around to sooner or later. Anthony's very original version is one of the best proposals I've ever come across. Essentially, the ship, Meg 11, stays where it is, while space moves past it. Using ever increasing periods of time passing, they eventually get beyond all matter, which has finally expanded past their location. As with most Anthony tales, the title has more than one meaning. Just as this is the most unusual time travel adventure I've ever read, it is also the most unusual ghost story I've ever read.

Captain Shetland and his 6 person crew (3 females and three males) gets involved with a ghost galaxy beyond all time and space, a black hole, and the ghost of a crew member who commits suicide. As good as the premise and the story are, Anthony makes this overly complex. He seems to write mostly to please himself and his ultra-creative urges, and for people with very high IQs. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, don't expect a lot of love letters if you are publishing in a mass market paperback edition.

The book gets complicated, yes, but not beyond hope. What really destroys the beauty of his conceptions is the overly thorough and unnecessary inner dialogue. Captain Shetland states many times that he is no great thinker--he has eidetic memory, but several of his crew members are smarter than he is. Or so we are told. Even so, with nearly infinite amounts of thinking and self-dialogue, the captain figures out problem after problem, even under extreme duress. And there are many, many problems to solve. So many that Anthony seems to have difficulty containing himself thinking up new ones, and how to solve them. What gets lost in all this mumbo-jumbo is the story, which should be at the heart of the problem. Instead, it's a book about problem solving. Sure, the problems are really interesting, but after a while we just want our story back. And sure enough, when the final problem is most assuredly going to get solved, and there are no more obstacles, the book ends suddenly. Ending the story properly would be too tedious and pointless for the author. Maybe not for his readers, who would like a concluding chapter, but for Anthony it's time to yawn and turn to a new project.

Full marks for creativity and inventiveness, as is usual for this author. But the storytelling, which begins in excellent manner, just falls apart about two-thirds of the way through. The novel then becomes an intellectual exercise. While not dry, it does become tedious.

*** stars. Reviewed December 3rd/20

THROUGH THE ICE

Cover art by Daniel R. Horne.

From 1989 (my edition 1992) comes this collaborative young adult fantasy novel. It is 290 pages long, including a lengthy essay by Anthony explaining how the book came to be. Suitable for children 12 and up, the story outline and characters are very good, and the novel succeeds rather well as a youth novel. I won't get into the history of the creation of it, but it is certainly interesting. Essentially, Anthony took the unfinished manuscript of a 16 year old boy and completed it after his early accidental death in a car accident.

There are four heroic lead characters, and one main bad guy that they are out to destroy. Each main character has been summoned from a different plane of existence, and each character has one basic fear that they must overcome, including air, earth, fire, and water. The book relies heavily on magic, some of it so silly and basic that only very young readers will read without blinking. Though the overall story belongs to the late young Robert Kornwise, Anthony has smeared his stamp all over it. This is completely understandable, as he only had about 8 chapters to work with from the young writer. He doesn't overdo the inner dialogue, but the nearly flawless hero will be quickly recognized as the only kind that Anthony ever writes about.

The story is a basic quest one, with lots of adventures along the way. Too many, in my opinion, and Anthony carries on with his tradition of mishap after mishap after mishap, challenging our heroes every step of the way. Still, I think young readers would enjoy this, probably more than even Harry Potter, though they would never admit it. Including an older woman in the story is a bit awkward, though, especially when she and the young earth hero fall in love. Still worth a read, but not for more sophisticated adults.

*** stars. Reviewed May 4th/21

FIREFLY

Cover art uncredited.

This turkey comes from 1990, and is a very painful 466 pages long, including an author's note at the end. However, the author's note is more like an author's defense of a very bad novel. This is a very bad novel on so many levels, I hardly know where to begin. First of all the cover art. So plain and so bad that no one wants to claim credit for it. No signature, initials, nada. Looks like a haunted house story. Yawn. Of course covers can be misleading. And as for the caption of "A novel of ecstatic terror;" well, hardly. A novel of continuous sex and way too many very boring and interruptive stories within stories would be a better description. First let's talk about the sex.

There are six main characters, three of whom die (I won't say which). There are other deaths, too, including animals. All of the main characters engage in sex, talk about sex, or tell way too many stories about having sex. The fact that sex isn't mentioned on the cover or in the art tells you how misleading the publisher was on this. Though there is a monster that kills people, it does so by capturing them through the use of pheromones, making them feel like they are having wonderful sex as they die. For one of the characters, this is far too good a way to die, though Anthony does not deal with this angle at all. In fact, someday that character is going to come back as a new version of the monster. Just wait for that one, folks. There is sex of every kind and perversion, as well as normal sex. There is a sadistic husband who beats his wife while raping her (a low point of the novel, for certain, as the amount of detail revealed in the scene is over the top); there is a major pedophilia angle, where Anthony makes his largest mistake.

Distasteful as sex with children is to most people, it does happen every day, everywhere in the world. As does wife beating. But imagine if Anthony had made the wife beg for a beating from her criminal brute of a husband, demanding he do it and then go on to rape her after injuring her. That would be a mouthful to swallow for the reader, wouldn't it? Well, he doesn't do that. He does something even more hideous. He makes the five year old girl beg to be not only molested by an adult male, but to have full intercourse, over and over and over. Anthony angles it in such a way that the adult is seen to be almost innocent of the crime, since the child initiates everything. This is not only unforgivable, but it borders on criminally insane writing. If Anthony is so much against pedophilia, as he protests in his afterword, then why make the little girl initiate sex and enjoy it so much? There can be only one answer to that question, and I am not going to answer it here.

In general, there is way too much graphic sex in this novel. But for me, that was not the weakest element. The length of the book is artificially enhanced by having the main character, Jade Brown, continually tell stories. And I mean continuously. The main story gets interrupted time and time again. At first I rolled my eyes when another story came; then I began to swear when faced with another one; and finally I just read in silence, cursing the author inside my head, continuously. These stories continue onto the final page and paragraph. This book could easily be rewritten into a passably good horror tale in less than 200 pages. Instead, we have the grand ego of a writer who thinks his every word comes from the gods of writing, and he just won't have his main character shut the hell up. From a mousy woman who lives in a trailer in some godforsaken part of steamy jungle Florida, she becomes a very erudite graduate school literature major who tells lengthy stories in language no one would ever use, even while telling a story. There was no mention of books in the trailer in which she lives, but somehow we are expected to believe that she has read everything. In his concluding essay, Anthony confesses to being in love with her, and hopes all male readers are, too. Well, I hate to disappoint you, Piers, but I am hardly accepting her as a believable character, never mind loving her. Maybe if she talked less, especially about sex.

So cut out much of the sex (it can be implied by good writers rather than continually described in action terms), cut the damn storytelling down to two, maybe three tales at most, have the five year old girl as a victim rather than a perpetrator, and write less and better. Sounds simple, doesn't it? How the hell did this get published? It makes me feel so bad for the many good writers who tell better stories in their sleep but who never find a publisher. They cut down a lot of trees to publish this book, and I feel badly for the trees, too.

One final word about the child. It all began at home, with her older brother and father molesting her. She fled to a stranger's house to hide, and things really began there. But the fact that it began at home, and it all comes out in court, is one thing. But then Anthony has the court put the child back into her home after all is said and done. Umm, I think not. I don't know of any judge who would have put that kid back into her family home

When I come across a really bad book (this is the 2nd in a row-- I just finished another turkey, this time by Robert Silverberg), I don't return it for trade, but usually recycle it. However, there is always a chance that someone along the line will find the book in the bin and take it out and read it. With the Silverberg novel that is bad enough, but with the Anthony book this is unthinkable. So it goes out with the trash.

* star. Reviewed August 8th/21

HARD SELL

Cover art by Romas.

Also from 1990, and lasting for 241 pages, is this strange little SF novel about a 50 year old overweight man who is bilked out of his savings by a Mars land buying scheme. He ends up adopting a very obnoxious 11 year old girl (?), and together they try and make their way through the world. Fisk Centers (his name) and Yola (why not just Lola?) first try selling cars; he ends up racing one to victory, but refuses the prize money on principle. Next they try selling burial plots; he ends up in a coffin at someone else's funeral. Next comes advertising, and Yola snags a TV commercial job. Then comes about 60 pages of a legal battle over Lola's contract. The book ends abruptly, in the middle of their unemployment.

Obviously meant to be funny, I laughed very little during this weird little story, and skimmed through a lot of it. It just goes to show how easy it is to get anything published once you have a name that can sell books . Aimed at younger readers, perhaps, but the young girl in the story is one of the most unpleasant characters I have encountered in a long time. And Fisk has Anthony's usual character hangups, namely being so moral and ethical that someone needs to make a wax doll of him and stick pins in it.

Though some will find the book amusing, I found my faith in Anthony's writing becoming dimmer and dimmer.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed November 5th, 2021

TATHAM MOUND

A fine cover, but the artist is not credited.

From 1991 comes this fine historical novel, based on fact and fantasy, about a mound building society in mid 1500s Florida. The novel itself is 499 pages, and there is a 22 page afterword by the author. The characters are based on actual bodies recovered in a Florida mound, as well as what little is known of the native peoples of the SE United States at that time. We also have a close reading of the activities of De Soto at this time, and a visit to Cahokia Mounds long after its heyday, with a plausible explanation of why it was eventually abandoned. I am quite interested in Hopewell mound building culture, and have visited Cahokia twice, and many mounds and earthworks in Ohio and elsewhere. I knew very little of the SE cultures, especially Florida, so I am happy to have read this account of Tale Teller and his family and friends.

The author uses a very simple sentence structure and language, as if trying to emulate an intelligent but simple native. And he uses storytelling to fill the volume--does he ever use storytelling. Story after story comes out as the novel tries to progress. At times this sort of thing bothers me a lot, and at other times not so much. This time it seemed to fit with the novel's character, who is a story teller. Anthony pulls no punches when dealing with the Spanish invasion and their greedy search for gold and treasure. One would think that De Soto's success in Peru would have satisfied his greed. Of course it didn't, and he drove his army literally to their death, and his. Some of the Spaniards managed to make their way to Mexico City eventually. Though all colonial nations treated first people terribly, and often still do, the Spanish seem to have a special place in hell reserved just for them.

In addition to their devious and cruel methods of dealing with natives, the white race also brought with them smallpox, measles, influenza, etc. By some estimates nearly 4/5ths of the native people succumbed to disease around this time, making it difficult to know the population of the area and the continent before whites arrived. Tale Teller blames this on his failed mission to acquire a magic crystal, which would have saved his family and friends. Anthony deals well with superstitious beliefs, making them seem an inevitable outcome of depending on Nature for one's well being and success in life. Christianity is brought over, of course, but is completely unacceptable and outrageous to the native mind (and to mine).

This is where reading the author's afterword is essential to the story, and how Anthony came across it, researched it, and developed it. It is a fascinating account of Tatham Mound itself, and its actual excavation. A good story, well told. It's of note here to mention that in 2005 Norman Spinrad wrote Mexica, a superior account of the conquering of Mexico by the Spanish, so if you enjoyed Anthony's story, Spinrad's will floor you.

***1/2 stars. Reviewed February 9th/22

MERCYCLE

Cover art by Barclay Shaw.

The cover art is the best thing about this mess of a novel. Published in 1991, it is 343 pages long, including a short postlude by the author. If you want proof that just about anything will be published once an author's name is out there, look no further. First written in 1971, the book was rejected by numerous publishers. For once, Anthony agreed with them; it was his worst novel. So he dusted it off, rewrote it, added 25,000 more words, and ended up with--a total mess that should not have been published.

Some books do not even deserve a review, and this is one of them. A quick summary instead: five people bicycle underwater in the Caribbean Sea. One of them is a government agent, and another is an alien, trying to save our world from an incoming comet. The cyclists are protected by a type of phase environment. They cycle all around the Sea, discovering a lost city of Crete (surprise, it's Atlantis!), a sunken ship with text explaining all about Minoan civilization, Chinese mermaids and merman living down there so they can train for life on Jupiter (!!!), and lots of adventures in deep trenches and canyons, which will likely bore you as much as it did me.

Anthony's writing continues to lack any sense of spirit or soul. It is surface writing, all description and dealing scientifically, rationally, and calmly with numerous problems. What he substitutes for emotions are simple human traits; nothing is deep here except the water. Of course the stuttering archeologist marries the hairless woman in the end, so they can all live happily ever after, sorting out other parallel worlds that might also be in trouble. I wish them well; I just don't want to hear anything about it.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed May 7th/22

THE CATERPILLAR'S QUESTION

Cover art by Romas Kulkalis

First published in 1992, I had some high hopes when starting this novel. It lasts for 254 pages, followed by 10 pages of afterword by both authors. The story was first called "Tappuah," which Anthony wrote in 1963. Over the years it failed 15 times to get published. Eventually, Farmer wrote a 2nd chapter after Anthony's first one, and it became a collaborative novel project. Other than the first few chapters, the authors are not telling who wrote what. However, to this reviewer it isn't difficult to tell, broadly, who is writing and when. Of course with those two names attached, it found a publisher when the first half was submitted.

The story is very confusing, and very often disjointed. It's the kind of book that would have benefited from being a small series, a specialty of both authors. In this case, one book doesn't do the subject justice, and looked at another way, the book might have been a bit shorter. Anyway, I found the tale to be below standard. At first I liked the two characters of Tappy and Jack. At first, I liked their adventure of falling through a boulder and arriving at another planet, one with many mysteries about it. But before long, along came the one dimensional Gaol race, conquering the galaxy because that's what it does--destroy and conquer. Then came the even more scary premise that the Imago, a secret weapon devised by a now extinct Elder race, would make everyone love one another and never want to fight or conquer anyone again. Imagine something like that on a universal scale!

All in all, it's rather a restless story that some might find appealing. But I had hoped for something a bit more cerebral, along with the adventures. I did like the climax in the crater, and think it would make an awesome movie finale. I do wish there had been at least one more chapter, allowing things to settle in a bit and see how it was going. But obviously the authors were only too glad to see it come to an (abrupt) end. As such, the novel isn't much more than curiosity, due to its authors.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed September 6th/22

IF I PAY THEE NOT IN GOLD

Cover art by Darrell Sweets.

From 1993, this 398 page waste of time is one of the most boring books I have ever read. The static cover art sums up much of the action in this snoozer. Based on an idea by Anthony, it was penned by Mercedes Lackey. Then Anthony went over it with a fine tooth comb, adding ten thousand words. The first two hundred pages take place in a city ruled by women, who make slaves of the men. Women can conjure magic, but men can't. That part is never really explained very well. The Queen is a bitch and tries to kill the young girl, Xylina, who shows much prowess in magic. She tries to kill her over and over again, but somehow always fails. This is too bad, since the story could have ended much sooner.

After two hundred very tedious pages, we set out on a journey to fetch a piece of magic crystal for the Queen. On board is Xylina, the Queen's feared young magician, who is in charge of the expedition. This part is like a very slow moving, hideously written version of Wizard of Oz, as the small group traipses through land after land, meeting monsters, warriors, and strange environments. I have mostly given up reading modern fantasy stories, and this novel only strengthens my case. Magic out of nowhere used to subvert virtually every obstacle is very tedious and boring. The characters, including a demon who changes sex every time he has sex, is one of the most ridiculous characters I have ever encountered in fiction, along with his two sorry conquests (one of whom is our stalwart heroine).

If this novel doesn't prove that a big name can get anything printed, than I don't know what does. My copy went straight to the recycling bin. Avoid.

*1/2 star. Reviewed October 6th/22

GEODYSSEY SERIES

ISLE OF WOMAN

Cover art by Eric Peterson.

From 1993 comes the first book in yet another epic series, this one under the title of Geodyssey. This first book is 470 pages long, including the author's afterword. In his own words, this is 'history light,' and the simple writing seems aimed at a high school audience. He said that he hated history in school, finding it dull. He wanted to make it more interesting with this series, which begins with a story from 3.7 million years ago, up to one from the near 'future' of 2021. So how does he make it more interesting?

In 20 chapters he tells the story of mankind from various epochs, with the longest story dealing with Catal Huyuk, lasting for 90 pages. Most chapters are short, and deal with one situation or problem. Locations are quite varied, though most are European. The author attempts to follow two families throughout history, often using the same names for the people. He also has them age a bit with each new chapter and epoch. It is an interesting way of approaching storytelling, breaking from the traditional historical fiction template of staying one one era for the entire novel or series.

In this first volume the author admits to minimizing 'bad guys' and instead focussing on people helping one another to achieve their goals. While this may seem simplistic, it avoids much of the brutal truth of history and human encounters. Still, it's nice to read a book where people mostly cooperate with one another rather than fight tooth and claw. My main trouble with the book is that (once again) Anthony focusses so much time on having sex, often between very young girls and older men (but the girls initiate it, so it must be okay). Very young children grow up having watched their parents have sex so much that it is no big deal with their time comes around. There are no homosexual relations between men or women (another trait of Anthony's stories).

Having read volume one of the series, and owning vol 2, I will likely read the next volume as well. But it is doubtful if I will go further.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed February 8th/23

SHAME OF MAN

Cover art by Brad Schmehl.

From 1994 comes the 2nd volume in the author's attempt to make history interesting and popular. It lasts for 503 pages, including the afterword by the author. In 20 chapters he introduces and follows a family from millions of years ago to beyond the present day. The story is a continuous one, despite the great leap of years between each chapters, though adjusted somewhat by the new locale and time. It is an interesting way to tale a story. However, Anthony ends up virtually telling the same story over and over again.

He also continues to write towards Gr 9 or 10 students, and includes plenty of adult sex. The introduction of a pair of bad apples (a brother and sister) does nothing except make the repetition of the stories even more pronounced. We soon expect them to cause mischief for the nice family, always knowing that they will somehow prevail. I am reminded of the Danny Rugg character from the Bobbsey Twins books, always causing hardship for Bert and Nan. Sigh.

On the positive side, the author does consider very different locales, including Asia, Africa, and even Tasmania and Easter Island. At least kids will be reading about places and histories other than America.

I am done with this series, and likely with all future books by this author, having exhausted my patience and wasted too much time. I'm not saying that he doesn't try from time to time to write intelligent books. It's just that I am tired of reading through them in search of something akin to his earlier books and series. So for now, so long Piers.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed March 9th/23

_______________________________________

KILLOBYTE

Cover art by Den Beauvais.

From 1998 comes this 304 page novel from someone whom I tire of reading quite easily these days. There is also an 8-page afterward by the author. Anthony's formula for much of his later writing is on full display. Start an adventure. Hit an obstacle. Go through complete thought process of person afflicted, covering every single angle of problem while standing there. Figure out best way to deal with problem. Move on. Encounter new obstacle. Repeat complete thought process. Figure out way to deal with problem. Move on. Encounter new obstacle. Repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat. There, we've covered most of the first chapter. And on it goes....

To say that Anthony can be predictable and very tedious is not coming close to his big problem. He has forgotten how to write as a person, and writes like a robot. It's very unfeeling, and very sterile. He is not only writing for money now, but for his fans, who can't get enough of him. I will be so glad when my pile of Anthony books has been read, and I am thankful that I never bought any more after a certain point. I'm reminded of a Fritz Leiber novel, where he comes up with the idea of robots writing books. He calls their product word wooze. Piers Anthony has become a master robot writer of word wooze.

A diabetic, a paraplegic, and a sadistic teen age hacker walk into a virtual reality game. Soon afterwards, my eyes glaze over, and I begin reading as fast as I can. If you want non-stop mindless action, look no further. But be prepared for extreme amounts of character inner thinking and inner dialogue.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed July 7th/22

______________________________________

THE SHORT FICTION

Cover art by Joe Bergeron.

21 short stories are included in this 381 page collection published in 1985. The stories date from 1963 to 1985, and each one is introduced by Anthony.

Possible to Rue is from 1963, and is 6 pages long. This is the first of Anthony's stories to be accepted for publication. A little boy and his father are continually thwarted in buying an animal for the boy's birthday. One can already see lightness and humour emerging from his writing, rather than darkness and woe.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

The Toaster is from 1985, and is 7 pages long. A story that was never accepted for publication, it shows the beginnings of Anthony's sexual leanings towards young girls. It is also quite an amusing tale.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Quinquepedalian is from 1963, and is 20 pages long. Remember Gorgo, and why she came ashore to cause so much destruction? The film came out in 1961, and Anthony uses the concept of a rather large mother seeking revenge for the destruction of its baby. This one also has a positive outcome, if one doesn't count the two humans who die.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Encounter is from 1964, and is 8 pages long. A bizarre tale of the future, featuring a man and a tiger. Quite good story telling.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Phog is from 1965, and is 14 pages long. More horror story than SF, this is an effective tale about intellect versus evil. A bit of Lovecraft, with an Anthony twist and flavour.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

The Ghost Galaxies is from 1966, and is 29 pages long. An original short version of the novel Ghost from 1986. The novel remained unpublished until 1986, when Anthony was a big shot. This story is preferable, as the novel really loses its way after a time. I can understand it not being published.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Within The Cloud is from 1967, and is 5 pages long. A very short tale, and in the intro to it he bemoans how bad an editor Fred Pohl was. I think any editor is the enemy to Anthony. Anyone who would dare change even one world of his creation must be a monster.

** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

The Life of the Stripe is from 1969, and is 5 pages long. A funny supernatural tale about a cursed army stripe. It would make a fun short film, too.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

In the Jaws of Danger is from 1967, and is 19 pages long. The 2nd story in a series that eventually began the novel Prostho Plus. This is the episode where he repairs the rotten tooth of an alien infant, already much larger than a whale. Goes on with repairs a bit too long, but a very amusing concept.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Beak By Beak is from 1967, and is 11 pages long. We, too, like Anthony, once kept a flock of birds, including parakeets. A good story about an alien space ship parked quietly in Earth orbit, while a mysterious red bird visits Mr. and Mrs. Average Human.

*** stars. Reviewed Nov. 6th/22

Getting Through University is from 1969, and is 38 pages long. Another story about Dillingham, the interstellar dentist. This time he is trying to apply as a student to the main galactic dental school. A group of these stories was turned into the novel Prostho Plus.

*** stars. Reviewed November 7th/22

In The Barn is from 1972, and is 36 pages long. Published by Harlan Ellison in his 2nd Dangerous Visions collection of stories. This one qualifies as SF horror, and is not for the squeamish, or for females. It's hard to believe that this was actually published, but it was (by the man who wrote A Boy And His Dog). Anthony thinks of his story as an animal rights sort of thing, which I guess it is. Certainly unique in the annals of short fiction (thankfully).

*** stars. Reviewed November 7th/22

Up Schist Creek is from 1972, and is 22 pages long. Anthony has tried many times to be "out there" in his writing, but he seems to go off in so many inappropriate directions. this is another one of those. The story itself makes little sense, though it owes some to the film "Man In The White Suit." Certainly will appeal to a limited amount of low brow readers.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed November 7th/22

The Whole Truth is from 1970, and is 15 pages long. A man at a lonely space base outpost admits a stranger to his domain, despite all regulations to the contrary. Is she human, or one of those nasty aliens that can change themselves into a human-seeming critter. One way to find out.....

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed November 7th/22

The Bridge is from 1970, and is 17 pages long. Another tasteless story from Anthony, whose imagination too often leads him to areas where no one really wishes to tread. What kind of reputation did this writer have among other writers and editors. One can only guess. Be warned.

* star. Reviewed November 7th/22

On The Uses of Torture is from 1981, and is 26 pages long. Worse and worse. It's almost impossible to read every line of this story. How badly did the author want to get published? Enough to write this? Why would it be published at all? Why would Anthony republish it in this anthology? So many questions. And a cute little ending doesn't really do much to erase the rest of this abomination.

* star. Reviewed Nov. 8th/22

Small Mouth, Bad Taste is from 1970, and is 19 pages long. A virtually nonsensical story about evolution, and tracing down a major missing link.

* star. Reviewed Nov. 8th/22

Wood You? is from 1970, and is 12 pages long. A three year old enters an alien wood carving contest, and wins. A very strange story, and perhaps mostly pointless.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 9th/22

Hard Sell is from 1972, and is 19 pages long. In 1990, Anthony published the same title as a novel consisting of six previous shorter stories, about a hapless man who has trouble earning money, and hanging on to what he has. It's a mostly pointless tale. This was the first of those stories, and it now reminds me (unfortunately) of all the internet and phone scams that are so commonplace today. The story is meant to be amusing, but it isn't funny at all.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 9th/22

Hurdle is from 1972, and is 33 pages long. The 3rd story that went on to become the novel Hard Sell (see above). This one concerns a land race, though even when he wins it, our hapless hero refuses to take the money. A typical Anthony character trait, and it's frustrating as hell. If you like Hot Wheels type action, this story is for you. Again, it's all meant to be amusing, but its mostly a waste of time.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed Nov. 9th/22

Gone To The Dogs is from 1985, and is 10 pages long. The stories seem to get worse and worse,and I am so glad this volume has come to an end. A story that was never accepted for publication (it makes me have some faith in editors and publishers, after all), it is one of the worst ones I have ever read. I think it's supposed to be funny, but I'm not really certain.

* star. Reviewed Nov. 9th/22

ALIEN PLOT

Cover art by Erin McKee.

From 1992 comes this collection of 17 short stories (one of them, Transmogrification, is missing from my table of contents, but is included in the book), from 1970-1992. Several stories were written for this volume, but most of the others are from the 1980s, often unpublished till now. A short essay at the beginning and a longer one at the end are by the author. He also introduces each story individually. Anthony is on about editors again, but in a somewhat playful manner. The final essay is enlightening, where Anthony gives out free advice as to why he is so commercially successful. Essentially, he says, spoon feed your readers, and do not challenge them with material that might be above their heads. This would explain the severe downward trend in the quality of Anthony's writing once he got into fantasy.

Alien Plot is from 1992, and is 46 pages long. Unpublished till now, this novelette is intended as an hommage to Tolkien, who Anthony acknowledges as a heavy influence on himself. Instead of a Hobbit, he takes an "average" man and transports him into a world where magic works, and allows himself to succeed at his goal of living a happy and peaceful life away from our version of Earth's present problems.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 2nd/22

Nonent is from 1992, and is 6 pages long. An alien's plot to overthrow the Earth is foiled by publishers and editors who don't even bother to read his manifesto, but return it with a form letter. A not so subtle dig at some of Anthony's acquaintances.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 2nd/22

20 Years is 8 pages long, and is from 1992. After winning a competition, a man refuses the gift of an extra 20 years of life. The story makes its point, but I think I agree with Harry Harrison; I'd take the extra years.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 3rd/22

December Dates is from 1985, and is 10 pages long. An old man lands a young girl. Not too surprising, coming from this author.

* star. Reviewed Dec. 3rd/22

Ship of Mustard is from 1992, and is 10 pages long. Sex is often a topic with Anthony. Here he reverses things, having a lone, helpless male accosted by four or five women who long for sex with a man.

* star. reviewed Dec. 3rd/22

Soft Like a Woman (The Fleet) is from 1988, and is 32 pages long. Anthony's supposed proof that he is not sexist. A woman single handed saves a secret military operation from failure by taking over the assignment herself, after her sexist male comrades are killed by infiltrators. Not a bad story, but it suffers the usual writer's technique of the author, that of throwing every possible obstacle in front of the heroine before she overcomes all of them. In this case, it is likely justified.

*** stars. Reviewed Dec. 3rd/22

Imp To Nymph is from 1987, and is 8 pages long. A typical (sexist) Anthony story, about an undercover cop entering a magic castle to unmask the doings of black magic. The tokens idea, the magic room choices, the glib inner voice of the hero, the monster he must face, are all tropes that Anthony reuses over and over. And the hero always says "Oh no!" when things take an (unexpected?) turn for the worse.

* 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 3rd/22

E van S is from 1992, and is 16 pages long. A strange little tale (unless you've read a lot of Anthony) about a demon taking over a woman's television programming, and the effect it has on her lifestyle.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

To The Death is from 1982, and is 1 page long. This is the first of 3 short stories of no more than 50 words. In this one, a martial arts master meets his match in a physically wasted ascetic.

*** stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Transmogrification is from 1982, and is half a page long. A silly 50 word story about brownies, the little forest imps, and brownies, the kind we love to eat.

** stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Deadline is from 1982, and is half a page long. A Martian collector makes his final acquisition just in time, then heads for home in his flying saucer. Another 50 word story.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Hearts is from 1970, and is 4 pages long. A somewhat sappy Christmas story, with (of course) heavy Christian overtones.

** stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Revise and Invent is from 1992, and is 18 pages long. A very funny and effective story about a writer dealing with editors who return his work and suggest changes. And then more changes. Anthony cleverly used some of his very short older stories to make this one work.

*** stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Baby is from 1992, and is 4 pages long. This is the opening to a story Anthony wrote for a contest to see who could best finish it. It concerns a suspect adoption agency...

Unrated.

Cloister is from 1991, and is 8 pages long. Another offbeat tale, this one of the famous Cloisters in New York City, with some clever puns and uses of names of locations.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Love 40 is from 1992, and is 12 pages long. More like a futuristic 1970s spy caper, as a madman plans to take over the world with his machines that can enhance and control human emotions. Like those 70s movies, the story is a bit silly.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Kylo is from 1988, and is 6 pages long. A pretty funny dinosaur story.

*** stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Plague of Allos (Plague of 10 Chiefs) is from 1986, and is 28 pages long. Written for an Elfquest volume of stories. I know nothing about Elfquest, other than what is in this story. I will likely continue to know nothing of Elfquest in future.

** 1/2 stars. Reviewed Dec. 4th/22

Page proofread April 4th, 2019

Mapman Mike

Friday 13 January 2017

The Avon/Equinox Rediscovery Series #8: Omnivore, by Piers Anthony

OF MAN AND MANTA

OMNIVORE

ORN

OX

__________________________

CHTHON

PHTHOR

BATTLE CIRCLE TRILOGY

VAR THE STICK

NEQ THE SWORD

______________________________________

THE CLUSTER SERIES

BOOK 1: CLUSTER

BOOK 2: THE CHAINING THE LADY

BOOK 3: KIRLIAN QUEST

BOOK 4: THOUSAND-STAR

VISCOUS CIRCLE

TAROT

GOD OF TAROT

VISION OF TAROT

FAITH OF TAROT

___________________________________________

ZANTH

THE SOURCE OF MAGIC

_______________________________________

THE APPRENTICE ADEPT

___________________________________________________

INCARNATIONS OF IMMORTALITY SERIES

____________________________________________________

HASAN

MACROSCOPE

THE E.S.P. WORM

PROSTHO PLUS

STEPPE

RACE AGAINST TIME

RINGS OF ICE

TRIPLE DETENTE

BUT WHAT OF EARTH?

PRETENDER

GEODYSSEY SERIES

_______________________________________

______________________________________

THE SHORT FICTION