On a Pale Horse

Piers Anthony — 2012

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 solution!

Reviews

Wynter@wynter

May 4, 2023

The writing is terrible and action scenes are as corny as they can get. But... I am giving an extra star for original concept (Death as an office assumed by a mortal) and unique world (blend of science fiction and fantasy), as well as another star for the first few gripping chapters. If the writing didn't go downhill from there, this book would be an instant favorite. Anthony introduced too many loopholes to make his character get out of unbelievable situations that after a while it began to look ridiculous.

Alex Landau@daetura

Aug 19, 2022

This is a re-read for me (having read it as a teen). It is still really good. It does a great job of setting up the world and teaching you things as Zane learns them.

The characters are great. They aren't really good or bad and are really strong in the morally grey game.

Overall it is a good book with a lot of interesting ideas.

Victoria Bartlett@lushrain

Feb 7, 2022

it was interesting. After reading Perdido Street Station the story seemed simpler in style and plot. But the plot was interesting and a quick read. I would read more books in this series.