Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Del Rey Books by Ballantine Books (1983), Edition: 1st, 249 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Science Fiction. Thriller. HTML:In this first novel of the Incarnations of Immortality, Piers Anthony combines a gripping story of romance and conflicting loyalties with a deeply moving examination of the meaning of life and death. This is a novel that will long linger in the reader's mind. Shooting Death was a mistake, as Zane soon discovered. For the man who killed the Incarnation of Death was immediately forced to assume the vacant position! Thereafter, he must speed over the world, riding his pale horse, and ending the lives of others. Zane was forced to accept his unwelcome task, despite the rules that seemed woefully unfair. But then he found himself being drawn into an evil plot of Satan. Already the prince of Evil was forging a trap in which Zane must act to destroy Luna, the woman he loved. He could see only one possible way to defeat the Father of Lies. It was unthinkable�??but he had no other solutio… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member dmsteyn
In a world that mixes magic and technology, Zane is a loser on all fronts. Not only has he gambled away his savings, but he also wastes his last few dollars on a magic stone that is supposed to show him money, but it is really a dud, only leading him to small change. He also missed the opportunity
Zane is forced to become the new Death, inheriting the powers of his predecessor. Admittedly, this is not a terrible idea for a fantasy novel, and having been written in 1982, it predates Terry Pratchett’s Discworld ‘Death’ by a few years. But Pratchett is a much better writer than Anthony, both conceptually and stylistically. Anthony seems to throw in ideas as they come along, often leading to contradictions and non sequiturs. His mixture of magic and technology also seemed unnecessary, to say the least. I would have found the book more interesting if it was based in the ‘real’ world, without the magic. Anthony could still have made an exception for Death as anthropomorphic being, leading to a more coherent book. After all, the book does not really focus on the magic in the world; most of Death’s encounters are with very normal people in normal circumstances. Why Anthony needs to introduce flying carpets, dragons, etc. is beyond me.
On the other hand, I did find the use of the different Incarnations of Immortality absorbing. I also thought the introduction of a Christian eschatology interesting, but Anthony fumbles this, as much else, by being too much of a teller than a shower. Satan is extremely clichéd, which is not really a bad thing, but his interaction with Zane is predictable and somewhat boring. I also thought that Anthony’s handling of Zane’s relationship with the main love interest, Luna, could have been handled more interestingly. I liked the idea that Death goes on strike, refusing to reap Luna because Satan has cheated in order to get her to hell. That was fine. It was Anthony’s awkward style and leaps of logic that irritated me.
I realise that this was Anthony’s first real attempt at a more ‘serious’ book after the success he had with his Xanth series. And it is not utterly terrible. Death has a few interesting conversations with the dying, the most interesting being one with an atheist. To a degree, I wish that Anthony had added some humour to the book, as it seems that this is what Anthony is really best at. Anthony also has an incredibly long and tedious note at the end of the book. He relates his own experiences with mortality while writing the book, which is fine, but then goes into excruciating detail about his life, his children, fans, the writing process, and so on. It could easily have been cut to about five pages, instead of the 25 page monster that it ended up being.
So, I may be tempted to read some of Anthony’s humorous books, but I will be avoiding more of his Incarnation series.
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to buy a gem that would have led him to the love of his life. In despair, he decides to end his life. Just as he is about to shoot himself, Death appears on the scene. So Zane shoots Death instead.Zane is forced to become the new Death, inheriting the powers of his predecessor. Admittedly, this is not a terrible idea for a fantasy novel, and having been written in 1982, it predates Terry Pratchett’s Discworld ‘Death’ by a few years. But Pratchett is a much better writer than Anthony, both conceptually and stylistically. Anthony seems to throw in ideas as they come along, often leading to contradictions and non sequiturs. His mixture of magic and technology also seemed unnecessary, to say the least. I would have found the book more interesting if it was based in the ‘real’ world, without the magic. Anthony could still have made an exception for Death as anthropomorphic being, leading to a more coherent book. After all, the book does not really focus on the magic in the world; most of Death’s encounters are with very normal people in normal circumstances. Why Anthony needs to introduce flying carpets, dragons, etc. is beyond me.
On the other hand, I did find the use of the different Incarnations of Immortality absorbing. I also thought the introduction of a Christian eschatology interesting, but Anthony fumbles this, as much else, by being too much of a teller than a shower. Satan is extremely clichéd, which is not really a bad thing, but his interaction with Zane is predictable and somewhat boring. I also thought that Anthony’s handling of Zane’s relationship with the main love interest, Luna, could have been handled more interestingly. I liked the idea that Death goes on strike, refusing to reap Luna because Satan has cheated in order to get her to hell. That was fine. It was Anthony’s awkward style and leaps of logic that irritated me.
I realise that this was Anthony’s first real attempt at a more ‘serious’ book after the success he had with his Xanth series. And it is not utterly terrible. Death has a few interesting conversations with the dying, the most interesting being one with an atheist. To a degree, I wish that Anthony had added some humour to the book, as it seems that this is what Anthony is really best at. Anthony also has an incredibly long and tedious note at the end of the book. He relates his own experiences with mortality while writing the book, which is fine, but then goes into excruciating detail about his life, his children, fans, the writing process, and so on. It could easily have been cut to about five pages, instead of the 25 page monster that it ended up being.
So, I may be tempted to read some of Anthony’s humorous books, but I will be avoiding more of his Incarnation series.
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LibraryThing member Katiebear
On a Pale Horse is the first book that I have ever picked up by Piers Anthony, and frankly, a little hard to find! Even though Mr. Anthony is such a prolific author, the themes, characters and world of his Incarnations of Immortality do not lose texture and depth.
The book starts out with the the
I loved the characters in this book. They were fantastic - fully alive and complicated. Their interactions were genuine and true to life. The world of OaPH is basically our world (from my opinion), but with magic included, as well as physical manifestations of Time, War, Fate, Death, Nature, as well as God and Satan. It all makes for very interesting interactions.
I looked into Mr. Anthony a slight bit, and can't believe how many books he has creditted to his name. I'll be the first to admit that he is no spring chicken, but he has got to have been churning them out about as quickly as, well, Terry Pratchett. His Xanth series is the only other series to even approach the Discworld series (Xanth has 31 books and counting, Pratchett must be up there somewhere, as well)! I like how simply his books are written. No big complicated sentences and paragraphs. No overly symbolic gestures. It's nice and simple, and easy to pick up. I don't feel overly daunted when I read it, but it's not complete fluff either.
This book would be appropriate for people from the age of about 13. There is mention of sex, and some sexual inuuendo, and the most graphic thing was that a lithe young woman walked into a room naked. Then she left. Not a lot of violence, but (obviously) a strong theme of death and dying. This book is NOT for people who have strong views on God and Satan and their relationship. If you are not willing to suspend belief to include religion, this book is not for you.
I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this series. I fully enjoyed the first book and I am looking forward to finishing the tale, for surely it is not done here.
The book starts out with the the
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protagonist, Zane, rummaging around a gem shop, eventually trading his "love" for a wealthstone, meant to help him make his rent. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances, Zane finds himself face to face with Death, and decided to shoot Death instead of himself. This is where the book picks up, as Zane meets Fate, and assumes the office of Death, going around collecting the souls that hang in the balance of good and evil.I loved the characters in this book. They were fantastic - fully alive and complicated. Their interactions were genuine and true to life. The world of OaPH is basically our world (from my opinion), but with magic included, as well as physical manifestations of Time, War, Fate, Death, Nature, as well as God and Satan. It all makes for very interesting interactions.
I looked into Mr. Anthony a slight bit, and can't believe how many books he has creditted to his name. I'll be the first to admit that he is no spring chicken, but he has got to have been churning them out about as quickly as, well, Terry Pratchett. His Xanth series is the only other series to even approach the Discworld series (Xanth has 31 books and counting, Pratchett must be up there somewhere, as well)! I like how simply his books are written. No big complicated sentences and paragraphs. No overly symbolic gestures. It's nice and simple, and easy to pick up. I don't feel overly daunted when I read it, but it's not complete fluff either.
This book would be appropriate for people from the age of about 13. There is mention of sex, and some sexual inuuendo, and the most graphic thing was that a lithe young woman walked into a room naked. Then she left. Not a lot of violence, but (obviously) a strong theme of death and dying. This book is NOT for people who have strong views on God and Satan and their relationship. If you are not willing to suspend belief to include religion, this book is not for you.
I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of this series. I fully enjoyed the first book and I am looking forward to finishing the tale, for surely it is not done here.
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LibraryThing member Bookmarque
All very dramatic. And the prose fits right in. People in this (future?) world speak strangely. It’s all part of Anthony’s preachy style. And preach he does, this work is clearly just stage dressing for the author’s views on death, the afterlife, God and Satan. And he doesn’t think any of
My feelings about these books haven’t changed since the first time I read them back in the 80s. They’re fun reads with interesting, if hokey, plots and an underlying message of truth, justice and the American Way, with the occasional dragon and love spell thrown in. Zane is a flawed man, but not entirely so and much like the rest of us, he does well under pressure and even has the occasional flash of brilliance. Excellent escapist fare.
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it is fair. That babies can be born with sin on their balance sheets and be sent to Purgatory forever, that seemingly bad acts done with good intention and purpose can be counted as sin, that death is uncaring and blind – all of this bugs Anthony and he lets us know it.My feelings about these books haven’t changed since the first time I read them back in the 80s. They’re fun reads with interesting, if hokey, plots and an underlying message of truth, justice and the American Way, with the occasional dragon and love spell thrown in. Zane is a flawed man, but not entirely so and much like the rest of us, he does well under pressure and even has the occasional flash of brilliance. Excellent escapist fare.
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LibraryThing member endersreads
This is a very fun book! Don't let the title scare you. There is much fun to be had here! Zane is cheated by a proprietor who sells him "The Wealthstone". Much like a Metal Detector, it only brings small change. Things go wrong when Zane decides to commit suicide. We soon find that a magician is
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behind it all and that it is all in the cause of the magicians daughter. Meet the other incarnations and even Satan himself! You won't forget this one! Show Less
LibraryThing member Gkarlives
This story was fun to read because it was refreshingly different. Some people may find it too light hearted, but I found the world fascinating and the characters enjoyable. Piers Anthony has a way of mixing deeper ideas with enjoyable content in this series. Unfortunately the series gets weeker
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after the third book. Show Less
LibraryThing member kamuningangels
The Grim Reaper has compassion! That is a pleasant thought. And he only comes for those souls in balance. Other souls can make their own way to heaven or hell, depending on their "accumulated points" of positive or negative thoughts and deeds.
Somehow, death isn't as scary a thought as it used to be.
Somehow, death isn't as scary a thought as it used to be.
LibraryThing member balzigore
Quite possibly the worst novel writing I've ever encountered. Great premise; horrifying dialogue and narrative prose.
LibraryThing member TadAD
Very interesting plot concept; very bad writing. I read it 20 years ago and remember somewhat enjoying it. I tried to reread it again recently and the writing style just stopped me cold—now that I knew the plot, there was nothing to hold me.
I had bought the first six at a second hand sale, so I
I had bought the first six at a second hand sale, so I
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read that far. I believe the series went to eight. Show Less
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
On a Pale Horse was given to me as a gift by a friend who had been wanting me to read it for a while, who assumed by doing so that I would no longer have an excuse. I still managed to put it off for a few more months before finally getting a chance. I blame grad school.
On a Pale Horse is the first
The first half or so of the book follows Zane as he attempts to adjust to his new persona and slew of responsibilities. Although each encounter with his clients is different, a definite pattern is set up and generally nothing happens that is too terribly surprising. However, the second half of the book really picks up as some interesting twists and developments are thrown into the mix. Also included at the end is an "Author's Note" which I found to be quite delightful. On a Pale Horse is definitely a light and even humorous fantasy read, even while it addresses some weighty topics.
The book is a favorite among my friends, so I was more than happy to read it. Turned out it was rather enjoyable, too. Given its somewhat mediocre beginning (albeit it wasn't bad and I did enjoy it), I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked the book and the story by the end. I absolutely love the premise, but I don't think that the magic in the world really did much for me (though it was at times quite amusing, and certainly at times necessary). While I'm not in a huge rush to read the rest of the series (I've lots of other things I need to get through first), I definitely look forward to seeing where else Anthony takes his concept.
Experiments in Reading
On a Pale Horse is the first
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book in the Incarnations of Immortality series written by Piers Anthony. The basic premise of the series is that Death, Fate, Mother Nature, War, etc. are offices held by individuals and over time these individuals may change. In this first installment, Zane, quite accidentally, manages to off Death, and is therefore required to take the previous holder's place.The first half or so of the book follows Zane as he attempts to adjust to his new persona and slew of responsibilities. Although each encounter with his clients is different, a definite pattern is set up and generally nothing happens that is too terribly surprising. However, the second half of the book really picks up as some interesting twists and developments are thrown into the mix. Also included at the end is an "Author's Note" which I found to be quite delightful. On a Pale Horse is definitely a light and even humorous fantasy read, even while it addresses some weighty topics.
The book is a favorite among my friends, so I was more than happy to read it. Turned out it was rather enjoyable, too. Given its somewhat mediocre beginning (albeit it wasn't bad and I did enjoy it), I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked the book and the story by the end. I absolutely love the premise, but I don't think that the magic in the world really did much for me (though it was at times quite amusing, and certainly at times necessary). While I'm not in a huge rush to read the rest of the series (I've lots of other things I need to get through first), I definitely look forward to seeing where else Anthony takes his concept.
Experiments in Reading
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LibraryThing member jnicholson
If forced to read Piers Anthony, this book will be my choice. The universse described in it interests me, and the series promised to be so much more than it became.
LibraryThing member willowcove
This series is definitely very YA. They are easy reads but enjoyable. A very unique concept.
LibraryThing member arowe
I loved this whole series. A bit bizarre, but if you just go with it, it is a great story. This series is the only work by Piers Anthony that I have been able to enjoy, but it will always be one of my all time fav's.
LibraryThing member patricia_poland
One of my very favorite Piers Anthony books--fascinating look at 'death' as a 'person'.
LibraryThing member thouartodd
After reading this book, i became hooked on the concept of a futuristic world of magic and science in which ordinary people, through a series of suspicious ,usually unfortunate, occurrences, become incarnations of different concepts (Death, Time, Fate, War, Nature, Evil, and Good).
I became so
I became so
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interested in this book that I bought and read all of the other books in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member dmac9000
On a Pale Horse is one of my favorites. It takes a modern look at the Grim Reaper and even adds a futuristic element to it. I just re-read it recently and I like it as much now as the first time I read it.
LibraryThing member symcbean
One of the better Incarnations of Immortality series.
(After I'd read a few of these I kept feeling a sens of deja vu on the later books).
Light reading - great for airplanes/trains/buses.
(After I'd read a few of these I kept feeling a sens of deja vu on the later books).
Light reading - great for airplanes/trains/buses.
LibraryThing member faganjc
This is the one with Zane and the deathmobile and how he collects souls. Some interesting insights into the "why do people die" questions, but mostly it's just an innovative idea.
LibraryThing member Karlstar
On of Piers Anthony's best books, maybe THE best. The concept of this book is fascinating - what if the various powers of the world, such as Time, Death, Nature, were not immortal, but instead were replaced from time to time by mortals? When Evil tries to subvert the whole process, it makes for a
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great story featuring the first Incarnation, Death, of course. Show Less
LibraryThing member methos83
Awesome book! When I first read it, I was sick in bed with the flu and a friend had loaned me her copy. I felt like I was on Death's door myself and then I read this and I was blown away by story as well as the fabulous imagination of Piers Anthony. I have since had to replace my own purchased copy
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several times due to the constant rereading of the series. Everytime I read it I see something new to think about. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwormteri
Zane kills Death, becomes Death, falls in love, and balks Satan. Interesting beginning to a series, I am looking forward to seeing where it goes. This book is easier to understand than Bearing an Hourglass, the mechanics of the office made that one difficult to understand in parts.
LibraryThing member Snukes
I enjoyed this whole series, but I thought this was one of the best in the whole set. The theory of how it's decided who goes to heaven or hell is silly, but the premise does make for a very interesting set of stories.
LibraryThing member bramon
D- This was one of my favorite books in high school. I haven't dared to reread it as an adult, though, as my tastes have changed, and I doubt that I would enjoy the reality of the book nearly as much as my fond memories of it.
LibraryThing member JechtShot
Zane, an everyman down on his luck and ready to end it all, is given the opportunity to take on the role of Death personified. Piers Anthony turns the concept of the grim reaper upside down as we learn that Death is merely a mortal man, who through magical means, takes on the facade of the skeletal
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persona that is associated with death. Zane is forced to learn through trial and error how to perform the job of Death with the help of other incarnations: Time, War, Nature and of course Fate. Through a little dash of Satan into the mix and this becomes quite an enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
While the story was interesting there were times that the preaching broke the suspension of disbelief.
This is the story of a man who kills death and finds himself with the job. The first part of the story is all about this growth into the role and his understanding of the importance of Death. Then
It's interesting, the afterword by the author is fun, the concept of a world a little like ours where magic and technology co-habit and where magic is regarded as just another technology is fun, but it didn't quite truly work for me. If I had read it while younger I would have probably enjoyed it more, it gained a half-star for age.
This is the story of a man who kills death and finds himself with the job. The first part of the story is all about this growth into the role and his understanding of the importance of Death. Then
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he finds himself embroiled in a plot by Satan.It's interesting, the afterword by the author is fun, the concept of a world a little like ours where magic and technology co-habit and where magic is regarded as just another technology is fun, but it didn't quite truly work for me. If I had read it while younger I would have probably enjoyed it more, it gained a half-star for age.
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LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
The story of Zane and Luna is an intriguing one. The concept is one that I was excited to read, but even without a pull to the plot, I would have loved this story and the depth that Anthony is able to give it.
Zane becomes Death. Luna becomes pivotal to the good of the world. They join together, not
Even knowing that there are more in this series to come, I was very happy with the way this chapter was able to wrap up Zane and Luna so neatly. I felt as though I was rewarded for finishing the first book in a series, and I often am left wanting closure at this point in a long story arch.
There were sentences in this work that I would have highlighted, if I were that type of reader. The writing is crystal clear, but still potent with beauty.
Zane becomes Death. Luna becomes pivotal to the good of the world. They join together, not
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so much in love as Zane would like, more so than Luna might be willing to admit in her time of grief. Zane becomes more capable as Death until he goes on strike.Even knowing that there are more in this series to come, I was very happy with the way this chapter was able to wrap up Zane and Luna so neatly. I felt as though I was rewarded for finishing the first book in a series, and I often am left wanting closure at this point in a long story arch.
There were sentences in this work that I would have highlighted, if I were that type of reader. The writing is crystal clear, but still potent with beauty.
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Subjects
Awards
Soaring Eagle Book Award (Nominee — 1991)
Locus Award (Nominee — Fantasy Novel — 1984)
Prometheus Award (Nominee — 1984)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 1984)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1983-10-12
1991-06
Physical description
249 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
0345309243 / 9780345309242