Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Devastated, Disappointed, and feeling Deceived!, August 29, 2000
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.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Subtle and Different, November 10, 2002
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.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definately a keeper!, October 22, 2002
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!
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