Customer Reviews

Dark of the Gods

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those of you already familiar with P.C. Hodgell's books God Stalk, Dark of the Moon, Blood & Ivory, and Seeker's Mask--and who are thus chomping at the bit for the sequel--please be warned: Dark of the Gods is not a continuation of the Jame saga! It is a compilation of the first two books, along with an excerpt ("Bones") from the third. Imagine the devastation and disappointment when (having just re-read the series for the fourth time in the past decade in anticipation of a new book) I discovered that I still don't know what happens to Jame after Seeker's Mask! AAAARRRRRGGGHHH!

On a more positive note, for those of you unfamiliar with Ms. Hodgell's works, this is an excellent opportunity. God Stalk introduces you to Jame as she emerges from darkness to search for her twin; however, this is NOT just another quest story. Instead, the quest steps back to hover in the background while this richly developed character learns a thing or two about politics and thieving (and no, I'm not necessarily being redundant in this case), and faces challenges to her concepts of honor and monotheism. Hodgell's portrayal of Tai-tastigon--the wonderfully intriguing setting, with its wealth of scoundrels, gods, and heroes--makes the city seem almost a character in itself.

"Bones" (a brief tale written, perhaps, as a crust of bread thrown to the hungry dogs howling for a sequel to God Stalk?) provides a glimpse into another of Jame's Tai-tastigon adventures which enhances her reputation as Penari's Talisman. Although I originally read "Bones" out of order (it was written between God Stalk and Dark of the Moon), it seems to have found its proper place sandwiched between its two larger contemporaries. Originally published as a short story and obviously meant to stand alone, it merely serves as an aside--entertaining, without being crucial to the story line.

Dark of the Moon, however, finally introduces the reader to Jame's elusive, and equally complicated, brother Tori--and it is as much Tori's story as Jame's. And while this shared billing perhaps accounts for my personal preference for the first book (being a big fan of strong, honorable female leads), the second book is equally intriguing. Decidedly more complex due to its shifting viewpoints and introduction of an almost entirely new supporting cast, this one should be read slowly and carefully, particularly during its development of Kencyrath history and culture, as well as where the stories begin to overlap and converge. And without giving anything away, one angle that I found most interesting was Hodgell's commentary on the importance--and the dilemma--of responsibility; I am reminded of Stanley Milgram's "The Perils of Obedience" (a must read for anyone, anywhere).

By now (assuming that you are still reading this rather long-winded review) I hope you have reconciled the seemingly conflicting title of my review and the five-star rating. The book is wonderful--how could it not be, given its nature? But my initial disappointment in a lack of new material automatically led me to write this review to warn others like me who are eagerly awaiting the next step of the journey. My initial response was, I confess, one that could have come straight from the mouth of Selina Rosen's Drewcila Qwah (those of you who have read Queen of Denial know what I'm talking about--but my mother is still blessedly in the dark). However, I have decided to just get over it and, instead, to keep Dark of the Gods as a loaner copy. I guess it's only fair since I've been talking about the series for over a decade, but haven't been willing to loan out my copies.

I once had the pleasure of meeting the author of the two novels collected here at a writing workshop held at my college. She is a handsome woman, full of verve, and blessed with a keen eye born of life experience that allows her to be not only a wonderful writer, but a wonderful friend to writers. She also has a Ph.D. in English, so you know her writing is nothing to sneeze at.

This volume compiles her first two fantasy novels, "God Stalk" and "Dark of the Moon," along with a short story, "Bones," that adds to the events of the first novel. In a genre dominated by authors who try to replicate one another's successes, and by readers who shy away from challenge or from anything new, it's no wonder these books are little known. However, true lovers of fantastic fiction will be well rewarded by letting their gazes wander in this direction at least once.

The first book covers a year and a half in the life of the protagonist, Jame, and the second covers a matter of some short months. (The third, "Seeker's Mask," covers a little over a week. Plainly some crisis point is approaching for the character.) Her personal history is murky to us, and evidently only little better to her. She has spent a great deal of time in a place where time evidently doesn't apply, as she is seeking out her long-lost twin brother, who is now ten years her senior. She herself is an enthusiastic youth, and the story arc of the books is a maturation process for her.

In the first book, she finds herself at loose ends in a city where gods appear and disappear quite suddenly, where her own lost God gives her a task that violates everything she holds dear, and where her only options for survival include learning to steal and using her religious devotionals, which involve a hypnotic martial dance, as cheap entertainment. First published nearly twenty years ago, when the author was only somewhat older than the character, it reflects the turmoil all youth go through as they try to define their identities without their parents, while remaining inextricably part of the world around them. It also reflects the author's religious uncertainty, which comes out if you ever talk to her about issues spiritual.

The second book takes the character in a new direction. She leaves behind the trappings of the life in the city, bringing only the newfound self-discipline with her. She thinks she's going to cross the mountains into the land where her brother and her race live, but instead finds herself in a series of distortions, as time, space, and place are warped in an attempt to ensnare her for nefarious ends. The quest for her brother, and with him some form of family link and some form of group identity, takes on the proportions of a heroic quest, and receives only momentary resolution, deeply unsatisfying to the character, at the end.

These novels are more complex than nearly any other written in the fantasy genre. This, combined with the fact that P.C. Hodgell isn't a very prolific writer, has denied this story the popularity it deserves. However, for true lovers of the genre, and for lovers of good popular literature, this omnibus volume is one of great significance and quality. This is a book you'll lovingly reread and assign a treasured place in your collection. More than fantasy, this is a potential novel for the ages-and how few others can make that claim.

...when I was browsing the aisles of my favorite local specialty bookshop and turning my head, saw 'Dark of the Gods'. For one heartstopping moment I thought it might be the next book after 'Seeker's Mask'. But this is nearly as good: someone is reprinting Ms. Hodgell's works! Finally when I rave about her books I'll be able to tell people where to find them. Why do I rave? Great storytelling, first. Second, the magical way in which Hodgell puts her original spin on common fantasy elements. Third: her heroine. Jame is an impressive mixture of the powerful, the impulsive, the kindly, and the destructive. Like a good actor cast as the lead in a movie, she can carry the plot and yet be vulnerable. In the story, Jame must constantly walk a fine line between destroying others with her talents, or being herself destroyed by use of them. She is entropy personified yet Jame also has many endearing traits. I've been reading this story since I found 'Godstalk' in the early 80's. I bought 'Seeker's Mask' for $70 (didn't regret a dime). I bought the soft cover of 'Dark of the Gods' even though I own two copies of 'Godstalk' and one of 'Dark of the Moon' because I want to support this fine author. The long wait between books has done nothing to chill my ardor--for one thing they're extremely re-readable. Go on: buy; read; become addicted!

Set in a semi-medieval world, this book actually encompasses two books: God Stalk(1) and Dark of the Moon(2). In God Stalk, we meet Jame as she is trying to re-discover herself--her memory is scrambled. She winds up accidentally(?) apprenticed to the premier thief of the city. She struggles with her morals, her identity, and who and what she may become. Dark of the Moon does suffer slightly from "2nd book syndrome", in that it is not as compelling as the first. It still makes a good read, as Jame searches for her twin brother. I waited and waited for a sequel to this series! Thank goodness Meisha Merlin stepped in and printed Searcher's Mask--as good as the first book! If you liked Tanya Huff's 4 Quarters series, you should like these.

I used to buy used copies of God Stalk whenever I saw them, just to pass on to people saying "Read this Book!"

Hodgell's books are one of my all time favorite fantasy series, written in the tradition of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser stories (but with a few Lovecraftian twists thrown in).

Jame is one of the most original characters in modern fantasy, and Tai-Tastigon is a wondous hodge-podge of those fantasy cities you always wanted to visit. Hodgell's work recalls many of the greatest fantasists of the pre-Lord of the Rings era, yet has a wondeful modern voice all its own.

Please buy this book, if only help ensure that Hodgell will keep writing, and all of us die-hard fans who have been tearing our hair for 2o years will finally get to read the conclusion of Jame's story.

I first read God Stalk a few years ago on recommendation of a friend. Until Meisha Merlin published their editions of Hodgell's books, they were difficult to find, having been out of print for a while. I later found this compiled edition. I re-read God Stalk, and didn't stop until I finished both novels and the short story "Bones"!

My impression of the first novel, God Stalk, which remains the same after a second reading, is that it is cramped. We see an entire year of Jame's life in this short novel, and besides that we are introduced to the world of Rathillien, Jame's background, the city of Tai-Tastigon, and numerous characters and locations within it. Reading it requires a lot of attention, and even then it's easy to get confused without referring to the detailed map in the front of the book. The supporting characters are more sketches than fully realized human beings--Bane remains a favorite though! But despite any problems, God Stalk is fascinating. Hodgell has a beautiful way with description and her world building is awesome.

God Stalk opens up several questions about Jame that made me rush to read the second book--for example, will she ever realize that her very nature, fairly or unfairly, requires her to be careful about what she does?

"Bones," far from being dispensable, adds much to both Jame's character and to the Maze, her mentor's home and workplace.

Dark of the Moon remedies many of the problems I had with God Stalk. It is 100 pages longer and covers a much shorter time period, a matter of weeks, making for a much better read, in my opinion. While some of the villains (Bortis, for example) are drearily one-note, some of the others, especially the Perimal Darkling characters, are fascinating, and I look forward to meeting them again in future books. Speaking of Perimal Darkling, we are given a lot more background about it and how Jame is connected to it, as well as about the "Builders" who were given minimal treatment in the first book. In Dark of the Moon we also get our first glimpse of the Kencyr society, its attitude towards women, and the conflicts between its major houses. As you might guess, there is quite a lot of detail in this volume; but it was handled in a way that didn't stop the forward momentum of the story. Rathillien builds itself up layer by layer through Ms. Hodgell's marvelous prose, and I became immersed in it, wanting to go back to it after I'd closed the book.

Although Jame and Torisen are given equal stage time in Dark of the Moon, I find Jame much more interesting. I didn't find Jame that involving at first, in God Stalk. In Dark of the Moon, however, she made some conscious and difficult decisions that made me root for her and hope she succeeds against the odds that face her.

Buy these books and enjoy the work of a true fantasy craftsman--someone who puts the half-effort fantasy hacks out there to shame. Both novels give you things to think about after you are done, about faith and about personal responsibility, and offer a vital, dynamic world for you and the characters to discover. It is obvious on every page that Hodgell has put a lot of thought and care into everything she includes in her stories. It is a true joy to see, even in the three years between the publications of God Stalk and Dark of the Moon, how much her writing deepened and became more readable. The third book, Seeker's Mask, and the fourth book, which I hear will be coming soon, are high on my list of things to read next!

Dark of the Gods combines two books (God Stalk and Dark of the Moon) which are the first in a fun & original series of, so far, three books. Chaos and destruction dog the footsteps of the main character in a dark, whimsical, cheery sort of way. This is a series worth buying two copies of, one for lending to friends.

This is a book that I first read in the early to mid 80's. It made enough of an impression on me that I kept looking for the book until I was able to purchase my own copy in the early 90's. Due to circumstances outside my control, I lost my copies, and have been looking for them ever since, until I was able to get new copies earlier this year. I know of no other author that would inspire me to embark on close to a 20 year quest to own her books. That, in my mind, speaks for itself. The books are well writen, with a plot line that has yet to drag. The characters are old friends that I continuely delight in reading about, over and over again. The ONLY complaint that I have about PC Hodgell, is the length of time that it takes between books. I have found, however, that the wait has been more than worth it, each time that I get a new copy in my hands to read.

This is an author that you owe it to yourself to read. Enjoy!

I was pleasantly surprised by the books ability to take ideas that have been around since the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser and turn them them into something interesting and worth reading. There are still a number of raw spots, but overall definitely an original treatment that was fun to read and with enough moral ambiguity to make things interesting.

I read the two books in this volume about ten years ago, and just read them again in preparation for reading the sequels. I have to say, I felt the same about them the second time around.

Unlike some reviewers who found both satisfying, or even the second book better than the first, I felt that God Stalk was the stronger of the two. The city of Tai-Tastigon gives the book an anchor, a framework on which to lay out the constantly shifting plot and the frequent addition of new characters. I appreciated Hodgell's spare, flowing writing style and the lack of long-winded conversation, and in the first book I actually loved the fact that we do NOT get to listen in on Jame's inner monologue. She often acts, and clearly there is a thought process guiding her choices, but it remains internal.

It is true that Jame turns out to be something of a superwoman, one of the cliches of fantasy that makes me cringe a bit, but the world and the city through which she moves are so unusual and mysterious and even a bit frightening, and Jame's personal issues provide enough of a character flaw for me to find her interesting.

That brings me to another thing that I admire about these books - Hodgell's ability to create a world in which weird, bizarre and frightening things happen with regularity, and a cast of characters that accept those things as a given. However, here again the second book disappoints me. There are spooky moments, but often the weirdness is layered on so thick, or the weirdness is glossed over so quickly (again that spare prose) that it fails to really sink in. The rate of plot twists continues, but in the second book it feels more forced to me, more as someone else said, like she's making things up just for the sake of having weird things happen.

The second book doesn't have the framework of a city to anchor it, has more characters but not enough exposition. All the conversations are moving the action forward rather than showing us how these people feel about each other. Maybe that's not quite right, but the dialogue felt like it was missing some essential humanness.

Events on top of events, weird places and magical items piled on thick, and I was left feeling like there were not necessarily rules that this world had to follow. When anything can happen, it's hard to care about what does happen.

Nevertheless, I'm willing to give the third book a try.