Wielding a Red Sword

Incarnations of Immortality, Book Four

By: Piers Anthony

Narrated by: George Guidall

Legendary science-fiction/fantasy writer Piers Anthony combines fascinating magic with a gripping struggle between good and evil in this most ambitious series. As with the series' other stand-alone novels, Wielding a Red Sword depicts a mere mortal who is called to serve as a god-like incarnation. It is the thrilling story of Mym, an Indian prince who takes up the Red Sword to become Mars, the Incarnation of War.

To avoid breaking his betrothal to the princess Rapture and the war that would surely result, Mym accepts the fearsome office. As Mars, he plans to keep Rapture by his side as he stops the suffering caused by Earth's incessant wars. But will Mym's princely training, even his abilities as a berserker, be enough to defeat Satan himself?

Piers Anthony weaves together adventure, romance, and Eastern and Western mythologies to create this charming allegory. Master narrator George Guidall delivers the elegant tale with a dignified tone and much dramatic flair.

Don't miss the other books in the Incarnations of Immortality series.©1986 Piers Anthony Jacob (P)2000 Recorded Books

overall good

the performer kept mispronouncing names. and would not consistently say the same pronunciation. it was very annoying. overall though the story was good.

Mars needs a girlfriend? srsly?

Love the author and narrator, but this installment in the series is my least favorite.

Piers Anthony, incarnations of immortality, awes

I am listening to the series I loved as a teen. while no one likes war, this war is lovable. surprises and delights, early and often. love this series!!!

Disturbingly sexist, given who it is aimed at

This is a good read, but it is NOT appropriate for the young readers it is aimed at. The characters live in a blasted hellscape where the worst stereotypes about men and women are not only taken as fact, they _are_ fact. Woman are weak and untrustworthy and men are promiscuous and strong. Also, all of the good female characters are objects with no real agency (you might point to Luna and the Amazon queen, but the first one does nothing onscreen and the second follows the plans of the male lead). Rapture is a possible exception, but it's debatable whether the book views her as good or evil. Unfortunately, this is typical of the series, but if you can look past all that, the world is interesting, the characters are likeable (in same-sex company, and when not discussing women), and the plot is compelling. Hence the overall 4-star review despite the subtle but pervasive sexism.

Fascinating

As great a story as Pale Horse, but completely different! Funny, bittersweet, and brilliant!