Customer Reviews

Kirlian Quest (Cluster, Book 3)

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

 

 

I read this series awhile back, but I clearly recall how enjoyable it was. The Kirlian Quest is a galaxy wide romp. 'Kirlian' comes from the 'Kirlian Aura' that displays around every intelligent being. Anthony shows his vivid imagination in this series by creating some very interesting aliens, and by going into great detail into thier mating habits, physiology, and peculiar views on existence.

He also has an imaginative method of interstellar travel - basically if you want to travel across light years - you find a willing host (one is found for you by the destination spot) and transfer your mind from your human (or alien body) into a willing host across the vast gap of light years. So the traveller ends up in a totally unique alien body.

This should appeal to all, but especially Anthony's more mature readers who may want a break from the Xanth novels. Don't get me wrong, I like Xanth, but I have always prefered his Sci-fi work. For other good Anthony sci-fi reads, check out the Orn, Ox, and Omnivore trilogy. His older novel Chthon is also quite good.

The surreal quality of the characters and incidents in Kirlian Quest renders it similar to Michael Moorcock's Dancers at the End of Time series. In Piers Anthony's world the power of a being is determined by its Kirlian aura and those with high auras have the ability to heal by touch. They can also 'Transfer' to different galaxies in the universe, hence opening possibilities for intergalactic communication that doesn't involve physical travel.

Before the main thrust of the story begins, Herald the Healer from Sphere Slash, Andromeda, meets Whorl of Precipice and Smallbore of Metamorphic, both who foreshadow dangerous events. One of these is love - Herald finds himself besotted with Psyche, whose fluctuating aura hints that she may be a guardian of one of the Ancient Sites. These sites must be found and used to defeat the non-Kirlian (without aura) Amoeba. The Amoeba threatens to overwhelm all known space with its high technology travel known as mattermission.

Anthony winds together these abstract concepts with fluidity and humour. He instils an affection for Herald, who despite his high aura and power, has a weakness for personal affairs. Should he save the known universe for its own sake, or for his love of Psyche and is his love of Psyche genuine, or does he love her only for her high aura?

The only thing denying this book five stars is its 330 page length. One feels that 2/3 through the book the novelty has worn off. But its dialogue, strangeness, and xeno-creativity will have you reading to the end.

Former nogoodnik side's turn to do some galaxy saving.

Yet another descendant gets to play Kirlian hero, and this time he is of Andromedan lineage. It will be pretty easy, all he has to do is stop a space fleet of a million ships or so, and maybe dig up some old funky Ancient tech.

Kirlian Quest is another book from Pier's that inculdes his usuall puns and fantasy worlds. I strongly recommend it, along with his other master pieces which are the first books from his Xanth series.