Bearing an Hourglass (Incarnations of Immortality)

This book is a talks of the Incarnation of Time, Chronos and his assumption of this office and his Battle with Satan. This book is by far more complex than any other book in this series because it deals with issues such as the Paradox, which this book is riddled with (Chronos is immune to the Paradox), the fact that once the office of Time is assumed the office holder must live in reverse for that is the nature of the office. Some of the conversation with charaters that he has not aligned with is tough. (?naem I tahw eeS)...His device of his office THE HOURGLASS is by far the most powerful the incarnations wield and his learning to use it is an essential key in this story.Satan is a key figure in all of the incarnation books for as a new person assumes the various offices, he like to take advantage of their inexperiece to exploit them to his advantage.Read this book slow and down't be afraid to re-read sections to get it all. It is an awsome book if you take it slow. The Other incarnation novels are not nearly as complex.

Bearing an Hourglass was a good follow-up story to On a Pale Horse. It introduces new ideas about time. Norton is an interesting character who has quite a few problems. Zane and Luna show up affrequently in this wonderful story. Zane is introduced as Thanatos and Luna as Senator Kaftan. 20 years later it's almost time for Luna to balk Satan but the Father of Lies manipulates things where he can. Will Norton be able to fix time and save the world from Hell on Earth? Another Question. Through the series how many more names WILL the brilliant author come up with for Satan? The parts with Gwain the ghost may be pretty mundane at times but keep reading. It gets un-boring fast and ends up being REALLY good.A must read for everyone who loved On a Pale Horse.

"Bearing An Hourglass" is, frankly, one of the best books I have ever read. Piers Anthony is a wonderful writer, continuing the series that began with "On A Pale Horse" (my personal favourite). "Hourglass" caused me to actually pause and think, which is something to be treasured when provoked by any means (I began to read Stephen King while blundering my way through the fourth grade). I took to slowly absorbing all the book has to offer, and still have not made my way entirely through everything. My favourite thought to turn over in my mind is this: Who initiated the relationship between Clotho (otherwise known as Niobe) and Chronos (Norton)? I shall leave you to mull it over for yourself...this question stole quite a few hours of sleep from me!

Bearing an Hourglass is an excellent novel, combining the feeling of classic science fiction with a story of a man who is searching for his place in the entire scheme of things. The same theme is present in this particular novel that is shown in the other four books of the first five. Many times during my reading of this book, I found myself trapped within the pages. I could not put it down. You will most likely finish this book in one sitting. But, a word of warning. Bearing an Hourglass may give you a headache :( . The fascinating plot will make you have to think very hard of what is actually being said. This is my personal favorite of the series and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

I'd been dreading this book since after I finished "On A Pale Horse," because it was sure to be a confusing story. Not only does it deal with Chronos (the Incarnation of Time), his attaining the role and his adventures that ensue, but everything occurs backwards! Talk about confusing! However, Piers Anthony pulls it all off seamlessly! Incredible concept, outrageous plots, and unforgettable characters make this book a must have for Anthony fans and/or intelligent minds.