Arms of Hercules

Saberhagen continues his saga of gods from Greek/Roman mythology with this volume written from the first-person perspective of Hercules. Saberhagen does a nice job of tying together the legend of Hercules with his own story line, although this volume is a little bland compared to the last two, with things going a little too easily, too simply. Hercules character development is a little stilted, and somebody missing from the first two volumes makes an appearance. But Saberhagen's narrative style is quite enjoyable, and I sped through this volume. Recommended if you enjoyed the earlier books, but not a good place to start the series.

I've enjoyed reading Fred Saberhagen's novels for almost twenty years now. He is very talented, having the ability to breathe life into the worlds which he creates, worlds which become, for all intents and purposes, real, and which many of us would love to live in, no matter the dangers to be found there. Fred's stories always have so much depth to them that they are a delight to read - they are so vivid that they allow you to feel as if you are right there watching the events unfold before your eyes. His new series, Book of the Gods, is highly imaginative and thought-provoking. The Arms of Hercules is the third novel in this Book of the Gods series, and it differs slightly from the previous two, in that it is more of a first person narrative. Much to the amusement of my editor and friends, I have had a little difficulty with this review. As I read the book, it seemed that the voice which was relating the tales of this incredibly strong son of Zeus was actually that of Kevin Sorbo. Okay, maybe I do watch too much television, or perhaps it is just that there was so much hype surrounding Hercules and Xena. Either way, this is the voice which told the tale. Fred's Hercules is very different from the character Kevin Sorbo portrayed. This Hercules is younger, and of a much more average build. He is nothing more than a teen when he is sent with his cousin to herd sheep, and his adventures begin. Being the son of an almost completely omnipotent father and a human mother has got to play havoc with one's body and mind, but Hercules seems to deal with it better than most human boys would. He is logical and tries to reason out his emotions where his lineage is concerned, and does quite well. As is to be expected when there is any tale concerning the legendary Hercules, there are a number of monsters and giants, and other sundry opponents which he must face. Killing is not something which Hercules really enjoys, though, and he would also prefer to remain cloaked in anonymity while his cousin basks in the glory. This is a subject which has, in my mind, been done to death. However, Fred manages to breathe just enough new life into it that I wasn't bored. I knew what was to come to a certain extent, but there were a few changes of drastic import which added to the adventure. And of course the "god faces," translucent half-masks which imbue the human avatar with that particular god's attributes, are very prominent. Hercules is mortal, and has no need of one of the "god faces;" however, there is now talk between Daedalus and Haphaestus of attempting to make one. During the course of this story Hercules is brought together with his father, Zeus, and the rest of the immortals as they battle for their very existence against an ancient foe. Not exactly the reason for father-son time that Hercules had desired, but he will still take what time he can get. I recommend reading this novel, as well as the previous two, The Face of Apollo and Ariadne's Web. It is a de

This was actually alot better than the previous one. I read it clear through. Its a good read. And educational too..

This bookwas mazing not only did it show great signs of adventures, love, and imagination. it explained the courage of hercules and reading this bok has given me a great new respectfor the hero in fact!!!!!