A dystopian, post-apocalyptic short novel. This is surprisingly sophisticated, but considering it is one of Anthony's pre-Xanth novels, that's not surprising. It starts out stunningly simple - two men with identical names meet and battle for the right to keep their name and weapon. When Sol the Sword loses, he has to find a new future for himself. The barbarians that wander this post-atomic war future are fed at hostels where they find plenty of food and clothes and weapons, and sometimes mates, but the rules of society prevent forming larger than small tribes. Sol/Sos is determined to build an empire and change the world - but is that a good thing?
Good but simple post-apocalyptic fiction.

PS. I love Planet Stories! ( )

This is the first in one of the strangest trilogies I've ever read. I don't know why I like it so much & it probably doesn't deserve 4 stars, but there is a quirky charm to it.

Set in an odd, post apocalyptic world, fighting duels in a circle is the road to dominance in the society. What lengths a man will go to for victory & what the costs are is the basic theme.

When originally published, the second book, 'Var the Stick' (people are named for their weapons, which are codified.) was the only book I could find for years. It hinted at this book, but I couldn't find it for years. Finally, the trilogy was re-issued in a single volume & shortly after that I found a copy of both the first & third volumes - FINALLY! Anyway, this search may have colored my enjoyment of this trilogy - the anticipation was fierce. ( )

In general, I dislike Piers Anthony's books with the exception of A Spell for Chameleon. However, I remember enjoying these when younger. I've never reread them, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and rate them on memory. ( )

http://www.amazon.com/review/RKZ... ( )