Book Review: On A Pale Horse

On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


It took me a few months to finish this book as the characters are completely one-dimensional which makes it very difficult to care about what happens to them. If you prefer character-driven stories with page-turning dialogue, definitely look elsewhere because you will find neither in this book. The main focus of the story seems to be more of a philisophical exploration of ideas about the nature of good vs. evil, and as such, the prose is somewhat mechanical.



The premise of the story was interesting enough for me to try an author I've never read before -- man accidentally kills Death and inherits Death's job -- but the slow pacing, long chunks of dry narrative and cliched dialogue made this a tough read.



The protagonist Zane decides to commit sucide because of guilt over his mother's death and depression over his boring life. In the midst of his suicide he accidentally kills Death and inherits the mantle, whereupon he discovers how mortal lives are affected by the Incarnations of Immortality (Fate, Nature, Death, War, Time). He then seeks explanations for the effects of God and Satan's private war and its effects upon mankind as well as the Incarnations' manipulation of people's lives. Bucking the system soon results in dangerous consequences for both himself, and his newfound love. If you're a fan of philosophy, you may appreciate the questions raised within the novel, but if you're looking for excitement, thrills, witty dialogue, or page-turning prose, you will definitely be disappointed.



I will not be purchasing another book by Piers Anthony.



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