Customer Reviews

The Willing Spirit

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The Wlling Spirit is a must read novel for those in love with mythology, India, playful deities and honest but sometimes naive males:-)This first novel of Alfred Tella in collaboration with Piers Anthony was great. Full of details about Indian religions and beliefs, it opened a window to a wonderful world full of colors and smells. The idea of a wager between a horrible demon and beautiful deity is not new, but in this novel it is innovative and fun to read. If you want a fun reading, with colorful characters and places, this is the book to read.

Enjoy! I know that I already did :-)

In this modern world of computers and skyscrapers it's always nice to be able to escape into the realm of fantasy. This little sojurn takes the reader to the India of the past where a young Brahmin, Hari, goes out into the world to learn of life only to become a pawn in a game of the Gods. Who shall win? Shall Hari be killed or seduced? Only the Gods know and this will keep you in suspense the whole time. There are amusing adventures that will make you laugh out loud, but hang on to your seat or you'll be lost in the action. There is no hidden plot and very little hidden meaning, but this is a great little novel just to read for the sheer pleasure of it. Happy reading!

THE WILLING SPIRIT by Piers Anthony and Alfred Tella is a very refreshing novel. Written mostly by Tella with only a small involvement by Anthony this is a tale straight out of Hindu mythology. Two spirits, one female and pulchritudinous and the other male, crude and violent, form a wager as to the effectiveness of their methods. They will each have seven chances to cause a chosen mortal's seduction or destruction. The target is a young Brahmin who has decided to take a journey of discovery.

During the Brahmin's travels he becomes involved with nobles, the Rajah, powerful religious figures and many other interesting and colorful people. Needless to say he is still alive at the end when he returns to his home village.

I do not pretend to be an expert on Hindu mythology and beliefs but the story seemed consistent and well researched. The only flaw I found involved a pair of conjoined twins who were not identical (while possibly lifted from some Hindu tale it is scientifically impossible). With the usual assortment of Arthurian and Medieval European fantasies stocking the shelves THE WILLING SPIRIT bings the same fresh approach that BRIDGE OF BIRDS did last decade. While I hope I don't have to wait another decade for something similar, this one is well worth seeking out.

Very enjoyable--the authors' technique of letting us "eavesdrop" on the 2 meddlesome deities was fun. I guess deities don't have enough to do any more! Hari, the main character, often seems to be just a bit of flotsam on the waves, getting washed up in the darnedest places.But, catlike, he always lands on his feet. Or sometimes in another more interesting position! CLHaass

I like a good build up, but, hate a bad end up. Didn't like the end trick of all the tricks most.

Nic