Dark of the Gods

Rating:
Summary: Subtle and Different
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Subtle and Different
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: I am so glad these books are back in print
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Makes old ideas seem new
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Don't let the cover art fool you - this is one great heroine
Review: In previous printings of this work(s), Jame is depicted on the covers with more artistry. But that is my only complaint with this great re-print. I first read God Stalk in 1988 and had no idea Dark of the Moon existed until severel years (and librarians) later. I followed up with Seeker's Mask and Blood and Ivory. These should all be on your shelves!

Give this book as a gift - to others and yourself!

Rating:
Summary: Makes old ideas seem new
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Nice conglomeration of two books
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Good enough to keep me after it for 15 years
Review: The first book I read of Hodgell's was "Dark of the Gods" in '85. It was five years later when I finally found the first book "God Stalk" and I loved it more than the sequal. In the quest for her books over the years I've annoyed bookstores, dealers (who sell out as fast as they get them), various publishers and some poor woman in N.Dakota I woke up at 6 am whose unfortunate number was mistakenly given to me as a source for Hodgells books. I never been able to find even a used copy of "Seeker's Mask" on the internet. If you need any proof of how good Hodgell's books are just try to get someone to part with one! So read it! And write Meisha Merlin to make sure they print her other books!

Rating:
Summary: These books are amazing
Review: There is a reason that fans of P.C. Hodgell can be seen frantically scanning used bookstore shelves looking for the elusive copies of her books. They're amazing. The stories of Jame, her brother, and the other members of the Kencyr are enthralling and gorgeously written--the world they inhabit is one of the most original and complete in all sf/f and the stories themselves are complicated enough and fascinating enough for any reader. If you want enthralling characters, interesting background myths and some of the most lyrical writing anywhere..these are the books. plus, they DO have a sense of humor! This book, in particular, is wonderful because it brings together the first two in the (currently) trilogy and a few short stories that also take place in the same universe. A must for anyone--pick these books up and you won't regret it! They're wonderful!

Rating:
Summary: Dark of the Gods
Review: This collecton of books, the first being "God Stalk"was written/published in 1982. Having missed this author the first time around, I found the volume compelling,imaginative, and fun. However the last book in the 600 page plus series "Dark of the Moon" was choppy and not as coherent. P.C. Hodgell definately left room to continue the saga, and I liked the story comcept well enough to buy the next volume should it be published.