Customer Reviews

God of the Golden Fleece (Book of the Gods)

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Following a deadly battle between the Gods and the Giants, a shipwrecked Proteus barely manages to reach a nearby beach but has lost his memory. Already on the shore are Jason and the Argonauts preparing to continue sailing in order to take the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes. Proteus decides to join the quest and performs feats beyond that of the heroes of the Argo.

As Proteus begins to regains pieces of his memory, he concludes that King Pelias hired him to kill Jason. However, his time amidst the Argonauts, especially the brave leader makes him realize he cannot do this task and instead becomes an intrepid and loyal member of the crew. After fleecing Aeetes and other adventures, the Argonauts land on the enchantress Circe's island where Proteus not only learns more about himself and the truth, but plans to do something about it, that is if he lives long enough to do so.

This retelling of the Greek epic Jason and the Argonauts is a well-written fantasy tale that keeps reader attention throughout the book. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action though much is seen through the eyes of the mysterious and bewildered Proteus as opposed to Jason, Hercules, and some of the other mythical heroes. Highly regarded Fred Saberhagen, in his fourth BOOK OF THE GODS novel, is not quite on the level of the mythological classic or the Ray Harryhausen animated enhanced movie, but will provide the authors myriad of fans with an entertaining story.

Harriet Klausner

One of 5 books which have taken the classical Greek myths and updated them with a sci-fi hook. When are the stories in the books taking place? Before the classical Earth-centric Greek period? Or, sometime way, way, way after our civilization has passed? Saberhagen drops a hint or two (use of word "bio-computer) which may or may not lead one astray. But the good storytelling and stories stand by themselves. If anyone has a copy of Robert Graves 1955 (or later re-issue) The Greek Myths, it's a wonderful co-read. Unfortunately, word from the Saberhagen web-site indicates the publisher, Tor Books, is not interested in continuing the series. Maybe we, the readers, should let Tor know that WE ARE interested in the series being continued. I, for one, want to know more about the background and future of this new mythological world.

This is a good book with a non-typical ending. A good Saberhagen book