TOR, Aug 2001, 24.95, 384 pp.
ISBN: 031287037X
Following a deadly battle between the Gods and the Giants, a shipwrecked Proteus barely manages to reach a nearby beach but has lost his memory. Already on the shore are Jason and the Argonauts preparing to continue sailing in order to take the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes. Proteus decides to join the quest and performs feats beyond that of the heroes of the Argo.
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As Proteus begins to regains pieces of his memory, he concludes that King Pelias hired him to kill Jason. However, his time amidst the Argonauts, especially the brave leader makes him realize he cannot do this task and instead becomes an intrepid and loyal member of the crew. After fleecing Aeetes and other adventures, the Argonauts land on the enchantress Circe's island where Proteus not only learns more about himself and the truth, but plans to do something about it, that is if he lives long enough to do so.
This retelling of the Greek epic Jason and the Argonauts is a well-written fantasy tale that keeps reader attention throughout the book. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action though much is seen through the eyes of the mysterious and bewildered Proteus as opposed to Jason, Hercules, and some of the other mythical heroes. Highly regarded Fred Saberhagen, in his fourth “BOOK OF THE GODS” novel, is not quite on the level of the mythological classic or the Ray Harryhausen animated enhanced movie, but will provide the author's myriad of fans with an entertaining story.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
