Title: God Stalk
Author: P.C. Hodgell
First published January 1, 1982
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780425060797 (ISBN10: 0425060799)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
In the debut novel of the Kencyrath series, join Jame on an epic journey of self-discovery as she navigates the treacherous city of Tai-tastigon. Plagued by amnesia and haunted by memories of a murky past, Jame must summon all her strength and cunning to survive in a city rife with corruption, wealth, and divine beings.
Along the way, she forges relationships both tender and tumultuous, earning both love and enmity from those she encounters. As she strives to regain her memories and reunite with her people, Jame must confront her darkest fears and confront the ghosts that haunt her every step.
Editoral Review
God Stalk by P.C. Hodgell is a classic fantasy novel that was first published in 1982. The author is known for her unique and immersive world-building, which is on full display in this exceptional novel.
The book was originally published in paperback by Warner Books. God Stalk is a high fantasy novel that tells the story of Jame, a young woman who is running from her past.
She finds herself in the city of Tai-tastigon, a dangerous and labyrinthine place where gods and demons roam freely. Jame must navigate this treacherous city, making alliances and enemies as she searches for a way to control her own destiny.
Hodgell’s writing is top-notch, with detailed descriptions and vivid imagery that bring the city of Tai-tastigon to life. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets.
The pacing is excellent, with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged. One of the strengths of God Stalk is the way that Hodgell blends different cultural and historical influences into her world-building.
The city of Tai-tastigon is clearly inspired by cities like Constantinople and Cairo, while the gods and demons draw from various mythologies. This creates a unique and immersive world that feels both familiar and exotic at the same time.
However, the book does have some weaknesses. Some readers may find the beginning of the novel to be slow-paced and confusing, as there is a lot of information to absorb about the world and characters.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could be more fully fleshed out. Overall, God Stalk is a must-read for fans of high fantasy.
The book is a classic in the genre, and its influence can be seen in works by authors like Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan. The world-building is exceptional, the characters are engaging, and the plot is full of twists and turns.
Readers who enjoy epic fantasy with rich world-building and complex characters will love God Stalk. We give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
