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pinkguin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thetofuterror's review against another edition
2.5
This book didn't age well. I liked it better when I was younger. Now I find it a bit juvenile, rambling, repetitive, and self-indulgent. The female characters are pretty one-dimensional. But the basic story premise is interesting, and the book has its moments. If it was published today, I'd give it two stars at best. But considering it came out in 1983, I'll grade on a curve and give it 2.5.
areidjohnson's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
harbinger1230's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting setting and compelling idea didn't save it. The main character was weak and stagnant and the way the author wrote women was uncomfortable to read.
rhonda55's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it! I am fairly certain that the writers for the TV show Supernatural have read this book!
katieapp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
virtualdragonkitty's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I really enjoyed this book, it gave a lot to think about. Science vs magic, good vs evil, and the meaning of death and life. The world building is amazing and the characters are complex and relatable. Looking for to reading more of the series
nnnaaattteeee's review against another edition
1.0
Really loved the idea of the story, but could not get into the reading style. The premise is a man kills Death and must take the Job.
nicheinterests's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Pedophilia
roxanamalinachirila's review against another edition
2.0
Creative, but didactic. Occasionally funny, but often just boring. The plot drags on, although it sometimes moves in jolts.
I think the worst part is that it starts off sounding so *neat*: Zane walks into a shop full of magic stones and can't afford any of them. You truly feel the atmosphere, the way magic works, the way this universe functions.
And then, later on, after wanting to kill himself and ending up as Death, it seems to lose some of its charm. The discovery of his office is exciting at first, but you're starting to feel like Piers Anthony is preaching in supposedly fictional prose (but what he's saying didn't really interest me). There are a few disjointed episodes of dying that I can understand the purpose of, but which didn't really catch me.
I initially cared about the romantic plot with Luna, possibly because she seemed to promise so much as a character. By the end, however, she'd ended up as the damsel in distress falling in love with the main character without much else going on for her.
And the ending was the biggest disappointment and the reason the rating is at 2 stars, not 3: it's the cheesiest thing ever.
George Guidall's audio version is pretty neat, however, making what I feel is the best of not very good prose.
I think the worst part is that it starts off sounding so *neat*: Zane walks into a shop full of magic stones and can't afford any of them. You truly feel the atmosphere, the way magic works, the way this universe functions.
And then, later on, after wanting to kill himself and ending up as Death, it seems to lose some of its charm. The discovery of his office is exciting at first, but you're starting to feel like Piers Anthony is preaching in supposedly fictional prose (but what he's saying didn't really interest me). There are a few disjointed episodes of dying that I can understand the purpose of, but which didn't really catch me.
I initially cared about the romantic plot with Luna, possibly because she seemed to promise so much as a character. By the end, however, she'd ended up as the damsel in distress falling in love with the main character without much else going on for her.
And the ending was the biggest disappointment and the reason the rating is at 2 stars, not 3: it's the cheesiest thing ever.
George Guidall's audio version is pretty neat, however, making what I feel is the best of not very good prose.