Dangerous Journeys 1: Anubis Murders

The Anubis Murders by Gary Gigax it's a curious way to begin a line about classic sci-fi writers (many of them unknown to the common reader), but as Erik Mona (in the prologue) and James Sutter (in PaizoCon 2009) exposed there is a reason. Gary Gigax with his new game (not new any longer, and well known to most or all of us) and the early novels based on his first setting, both of which had a profound influence from this classic authors, exposed us to fantasy in ways that had been left forgotten in time. Yes, fantasy and sci fantasy still existed, but the source that influenced lots of them and in the end the hobby in which we participate were left in the past and when reprinted... they lost much of what was worth on them. So I suppose to begin Planet Stories was a tribute to the man who brought this lost world back to us. But why the Anubis murders, considering he had stories before it? Well Erik explains it plainly in his prologue so I won't ruin a good story... but I would also think it's like to have a fresh beginning. The Anubis Murders is presented in a world not so different than ours during the classic era, a quite defined world where Camelot brushed elbows with the "Ancient Egypt", a world where Merlin is a renowned wizard, but no more, a land where gods influence the world and an ancient evil stirs. So why began with Anubis Murders? Because, it's a good place to begin with. The Anubis Murders is a refreshing look of the world and a refreshing read, one of the first stories in which we have a cleric (ok wizard priest) as the main hero. Not a man to take sword or "adventurous" even if he does follow adventure wherever it takes. Setneh Inhetep, servant of the pharaoh, wizard-priest, uncanny detective and a man with a rich background, made human for the fact that he not only has virtues, but also flaws he can understand and accept... if not change. Setneh takes us into the path of danger while analyzing his surroundings, seeing beyond our sight, but giving a few clues so we can arrive to his same conclusions by our own insight. The Anubis Murders in the end is a detective stories of the pulp era happening in a world not so different than ours, and where magic should have made it easy to arrive to an early ending. But taking this into account I believe Gygax arrived to an elegant performance of why would magic doesn't uncover the mystery after a few chapters. Yes, the story is NOT perfect and it has a few flaws. It falls in clichés (understandable with Gigax experience and how true he was to the classic sources) and his heroine Rachelle, even when she could easily be an heroic character he tells us early in the story that she can be as much heroine as lady in disgrace. No complains here, I did liked Rachelle. Another small detail is how in the last chapters he exchange in descriptions one character for another, I suppose Paizo left this intentionally, letting the source be as true to itself as they could. The careful and attentive r

The Anubis Murders is a fun read that is a good kick-off to the Planet Stories line. I quite enjoyed the book. The Good The characters are distinctive and the protagonists are interesting and engaging. I especially liked the rapport between them, and there was never a dull moment when they were featured. The plot moves along at a nice pace and the action is well-written. The Bad The only thing that was a bit out of place was the ending, which, without spoiling it, leaves a little room for improvement. Suffice to say, it's clear that this book was not meant to competely stand alone, as there is certainly unfinished business. The Very Bad If you are new to Gary Gygax's novels, and/or if you intend to read his "Gord the Rogue" series, then skip the introduction by Erik Mona. For some reason, Mona makes the (in my opinion) bone-headed decision to throw out a pretty major spoiler for both the novel and the Gord-The-Rogue series. Again, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to more great stories in the line.

This is the first book in Paizo Publishing's Planet Stories line. I think it is great. I've long been a fan of mystery and fantasy fiction. This novel pulls both together along with a heavy dose of Egyptian mythology. The novel is written by Gary Gygax, co-creator of the Dungeons and Dragons Roleplaying game. The novel itself is not set in the D & D universe; rather a world like ours with countries' names changed slightly to add a familiar, yet different feel. The plot is that influential mages and rulers throughout the world are being systematically targeted by a mysterious cult that seems to be connected somehow to Anubis. Setne Inhetep, a cross between Sherlock Holmes and an Ancient Egyptian priest, is called off of vacation to investigate these magical deaths. Will he succeed in his mission? Buy the book and find out! While it is not going to win any awards for the most literary book I have ever read, I do feel it is a good read for both casual and frequent fantasy readers. This book is just pure fun. I have read over 60 books this year, and this is probably the most enjoyable one I have read. Gygax wrote a few other books with Inhetep as the protagonist. They are The Samarkand Solution and Death in Delhi. The Samarkand Solution is set to come out in the Planet Stories line in March 2008. Hope this is helpful to you.

A JACKAL OF ALL TRADES- A MASTER OF EVIL. Magister Setne Inhetep was badly in need of a vacation. That's why the great Egyptian wizard-priest was less than thrilled to see the three high mages before him telling him of the potent magic and heinous murders that were spreading like mad through the most elite circles of distant Avillonia. The only connection between these horrible acts of violent magic is a stauette of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis- known to all as the Master of Jackals. It is up to Setne and his beautiful bodyguard, Rachelle, to unmask the true killer behind these gruesome murders and clear the name of their revered god. As he wanders through an underground maze of secret Egyptian cults and double-crosses, Setne soon finds himself enmeshed in a diabolical web of international blackmail and trickery, fueled by a powerful, evil magic possibly more potent than his own. And when Rachelle is kidnapped and Setne is accused of treason, it will take every bit of sorcery and cunning the sardonic Egyptian has to save their lives... and to keep the world from plunging into a darkness beyond imagining...

Gary Gygax weaves a very interesting and intricate plot of magick and intrigue. The book kept you guessing until near the very end. However, the ending left something to be desired. It abruptly changes gears and leaves issues unresolved.