Legendary science fiction/fantasy writer Piers Anthony combines fascinating magic with a gripping struggle between good and evil in this most ambitious series. As with the series' other stand-alone novels, Wielding a Red Sword depicts a mere mortal who is called to serve as a god-like incarnation. It is the thrilling story of Mym, an Indian prince who takes up the Red Sword to become Mars, the Incarnation of War. To avoid breaking his betrothal to the princess Rapture and the war that would surely result, Mym accepts the fearsome office. As Mars, he plans to keep Rapture by his side as he stops the suffering caused by Earth's incessant wars. But will Mym's princely training, even his abilities as a berserker, be enough to defeat Satan himself? Piers Anthony weaves together adventure, romance, and Eastern and Western mytholigies to create this charming allegory. Master narrator George Guidall delivers the elegant tale with a dignified tone and much dramatic flair. Also available: On a Pale Horse, Bearing an Hourglass, and With a Tangled Skein.
Download and start listening now!
"This series was delightful. Not only were the characters well rounded, but the story lines made me think in new ways. I completely enjoyed the author's views! I also was amazed that each book stood alone so well and were all designed so they could be read in any order with no loss of ideas or integrity to the story. I have always had difficulty with understanding war ... the ideas and concepts in this book aided more than any history or ethics class."
— Dusty (5 out of 5 stars)
“Creamy-smooth and agreeable.”
— Kirkus" LOVED this series, but they are hard to find to re-read! :-( "
— Heather, 2/17/2014" Read as a kid - not sure how it would hold up now... "
— carl, 2/11/2014" Mini-review: I would have enjoyed the book more if it ad dealt more with the office of War and less with the main character's love life. "
— Lisa, 1/23/2014" Not the best in this series, but still very good at 4/5 stars. Some books in this series were bound to be better than others but it's all good, and this book does not disappoint even if it's a bit repetitive in some parts. However, the philosophical discussions between Mars and Satan are to be considered and thought about, since they raised some excellent points (and I became more appreciative of this book after reading 'For Love of Evil') "
— Delicious, 1/20/2014" The fourth book in the series spent a lot of time exploring Hell. You pretty much can't go wrong with a story like that. The downside to it though, is that the climax fizzled out at the end. No great revelation, no real final battle, but otherwise a good read. "
— David, 1/20/2014" This was a good book, I liked it, not as much as the first three but it was still interesting "
— Gian, 1/16/2014" Meh. Not sure I will continue this series. "
— Eric, 1/13/2014" The 4th book is War... my least favorite of the series. Wars name is Mym.. The only interesting thing for me in theis story was when Mym found himself in Hell and to get out of Hell he builds and army and attacks the forces of Satan. This was a very creative approach and scenario "
— Linda, 12/31/2013" Skip this one, all about getting the War god laid and a bride, maybe "
— Arctic, 12/24/2013" see my pale horse review for my comments on the series "
— Alex, 12/7/2013" Love the charater WAR, Good book in the xanth collection. Light hearted read, love the characters "
— Dennis, 11/28/2013" Another strong addition to the family of the immortal mortals! "
— Dave, 10/13/2013" Tja, het verhaal blijft wel intigreren. Maar is het nu echt nodig om meerdere vrouwen te hebben en ze als seks-objecten te zien. Wat een loser, die Mars! "
— Marielle, 10/6/2013" What do you get when a polygamous Hindu prince from India becomes a demigod within a quasi-"Western" (weird) supernatural framework? Confused as all get out. "
— Peter, 9/14/2013" What a wonderful series. The incarnations are amazing everyday people made extraordinary. "
— Rhonda, 7/31/2013" Loved the entire series. Dark but delightful. "
— Susan, 6/23/2013" One of the best series out there. Totally different than his Xanth novels, Piers Anthony hit it out of the park with these. "
— Samara, 5/6/2013" Grade C. Book I4. "
— John, 7/8/2012" It is a seris of books that provokes thought and I feel worth the read. Piers Anthony is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy writer but this series was a really good read. I own them all. "
— Patti, 1/20/2012" Very interesting piece in the Incarnations series. Not my favorite, but a good perspective on War. "
— Christopher, 1/3/2012" A little hard to finish as it drags in the middle and near the end..but a good addition to the series. "
— Lauren, 4/11/2011" I read this before I started my goodreads account. Review forthcoming in the future.<br/> "
— Aimee, 2/3/2011" I did not like this one and have yet to get more than half way through it. It was not good enough to keep me interested in finishing it. "
— Regina, 12/14/2010" see my pale horse review for my comments on the series "
— Alex, 12/1/2010" The story of Mars, the incarnation of the war. My least favorite of the series. "
— Meredith, 10/21/2010" Number 4 in a really great series about the immortal and intangible concepts of Death, Time, Fate, etc. - this book is about War and examines how War actually is necessary (even though I don't agree with that) "
— Dan, 9/17/2010" I haven't read much Piers Anthony, but this series spoke to me. A beautifully interweaved story. It really doesn't matter which book you read first in the series, because they all overlap -- a difficult task i would imagine. <br/> <br/>WAR!!! Not my favorite of the series, but still good "
— Angela, 9/4/2010" To sum it up: "Mars Needs Women." I thought the final standoff against Satan wasn't quite as inventive as other incarnations experienced, but the series continues along. "
— Brett, 7/14/2010" this one was okay. more adventurous than the last couple so a bit more entertaining. "
— Levi, 5/16/2010" The 4th book is War... my least favorite of the series. Wars name is Mym.. The only interesting thing for me in theis story was when Mym found himself in Hell and to get out of Hell he builds and army and attacks the forces of Satan. This was a very creative approach and scenario "
— Linda, 1/30/2010" The fourth book in this wonderful series. Introducing War. <br/> <br/>1990 edition "
— Amy, 1/29/2010" One of my top best for Fantasy novels. The entire series is amazing. "
— Jared, 1/9/2010" This is my least favorite in the Incarnations of Immortality series. It's okay, but it's clear that the author doesn't like the subject matter (war) and the book suffers as a result. "
— J.W., 12/14/2009Piers Anthony is one of the world’s most popular fantasy
authors and a New York Times
bestseller twenty-one times over. His Xanth novels have been read and loved by
millions around the world, and he daily receives hundreds of letters from his
devoted fans. In addition to the Xanth series, Anthony is the author of many
other bestselling works. He lives in Inverness, Florida.
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.