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The Immortals
It is the year 2010, and the United States is ravaged by disease and stiffled by martial law. With whole cities succumbing to a lethal virus known as V-CIDS, the panicked authorities take the drastic action of hearding the infected into specially designed internment camps. Into one of these prisons stumbles Michael Barris, a wealthy interactive-television mogul with a controversial past. He is searching for his sick son, spending his fortune and his future for answers. What he finds is a carefully guarded nightmare -- one that he helped create.
As Barris struggles to survive in this shadowy world, he comes to aunderstand that reaching his son is not his only battle. For the camps have a far more sinister agenda than the military is willing to admit -- an agenda which threatens not only life, but the very spark of human spirit.
As Barris struggles to survive in this shadowy world, he comes to aunderstand that reaching his son is not his only battle. For the camps have a far more sinister agenda than the military is willing to admit -- an agenda which threatens not only life, but the very spark of human spirit.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1996
13 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Hickman
452 books2,725 followersNYT Best-selling fantasy authors Tracy Hickman, with his wife Laura, began their journey across the 'Sea of Possibilities' as the creators of 'Dragonlance' and their voyage continues into new areas with the 'Drakis' trilogy, 'Wayne of Gotham', a Batman novel for DC Comics and his
'Dragon's Bard' collector's series
. Tracy has over fifty books currently in print in most languages around the world. A record of both Tracy and Laura's DNA currently orbits on the international space station and he is the writer and editor of the first science-fiction movie actually filmed in space. Follow us on
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 5, 2014
I’m going to try and keep this short. Usually, when I say that, I fail miserably.
Just like there are characters (real and imagined) whom I love to dislike (Hate’s too strong a word for me) because of what they say, every now and then I come across one or two that allows me to put the others in perspective and become less enchanted with disliking them than before. I’m talking about those writers and their books… well, really their books… that find a crack in the wall and allow a new understanding of humanity that somehow includes those that I’ve spent so much energy disliking. For me, it’s humbling. I get so proud of the ivory tower I’ve built and my philosophy on life that’s worked so well for me that I become a pinnacle in my own mind aloof and above anyone who disagrees that I often get so wrapped up in being the best human I can be, that I forget that there are probably a few more humans around that I can learn from, share with and grow with if I just give myself a moment to listen and hear the cadence, tone and passion in what they say. If I can just stay calm long enough, I am able to hear what the person is saying, rather than getting bent and warped out of shape by the way he says what he speaks or where it leads him.
When it comes to books and I stumble across one that forces my eyes open and turns my face to the sun with irresistible force, when no matter how much I try to resist the idea that there is a message that is so much better, more profound or more useful than my own message, then, as I read, the incredible weight of humility crashes upon me like a tidal wave and forces me to take notice. Humility is a wonderful thing. Though it’s often a struggle because, humility involves us admitting that we are not as important, not as capable, not as strong, not as safe, or not as able to help our loved ones as we once thought we were, humility brings freedom-the freedom to learn and grow in spirit, the freedom to weep cleansing tears, the freedom let go and let the other forces in the universe that may be more powerful than us carry the weight of the universe on their shoulders and with freedom comes relief.
Spiritual relief knows no single religion, all are welcome. Spiritual relief knows no dogma or doctrine, there are many paths that lead to the truth. Spiritual relief does not require all to agree, understand each other and live in complete harmony. Spiritual relief is individual, and involves learning the difference between what is real, and important, and what is a reality of fiction built up to be salve to our fear, cool flame quenching water to our anger, and roses to our love. We build up so many issues as walls between us and them, or me and you and we hold them as gospel truths in our hearts, then, safe within our own fortress of solitude, holding close only those who have forged similar armor as us and feel empowered by the self licking ice cream cone of our own making. They believe me therefor I’m right, I believe them, therefor they are right. And then, in the most important times of our lives, when crisis abounds, futures bend together, and the world hangs in the balance, we forget the most important reality. That the path we have stuck to religiously, fervently, aggressively like ideological pitbulls with jaws locked on our enemy, our prey, that this path we’ve taken ourselves down did not start as the truth, but as a choice… a choice in how we want to live, and just as importantly, a choice in how we want to die.
When I am lucky enough to stumble blindly across a book that brings relief and lightens my spiritual load, by peeling back the layers of fear and anger so I can see the best parts of humanity, how those feel and how to create the best environment for them to flourish, I call it, for me, a treasure.
So let it be with “The Immortals” by Tracey Hickman.
Tracey Hickman is a devout Mormon, something that I would have never guessed and, after reading over 20 of his sci-fi and fiction novels. He’s written about dragons and knights, and the sweet endearing irascible Kinder creatures that make great thieves. He’s written about “The Lodi and the Little One,” (two of my favorite supporting cast members from sci-fi) and a tough as nails cyborg. Great stories but never in my life would I have thought he could write something as serious and seriously enlightening as this book.
Synopsis
Since I hate writing a synopsis I’ll be brief (yeah, I know, I said that before). This is a dystopian world set in the future as it was written, but, like the famous book 1984, time has passed this dystopian future by and it is now a dystopian alternate reality. In this story earth, AIDs has been cured but the cure created a new disease that is even more virulent deadly and contagious. Those who have not been infected have enough fear of those who have that they start rounding up the infected and interring them in concentration camps that are similar to those Japanese Americans were herded into by war fearing citizens of the United States and in other ways, similar to those Jews were herded into by Nazis who feared everything but their own beliefs in World War II.
Now, Michael Bearis, enters the dark, dangerous world of the infected and dying as he infiltrates one of these prisons in search of his son and he learns how the worst side of humanity creates tribes of the lost, almost walking dead, where might makes right and love and caring are dormant and unreachable for most.
General Thoughts
I’d love to find a discussion about this, because I fear that “discussion” here will spoil any surprises and water down the results of those who want to read it (if they read her first), so I’m just going to give some general thoughts and hopefully you will be as impressed by what you find reading as I was.
First thought…This story has more going on in the unwritten parts hidden within the scenes than meets the eye. It’s not a story that finds a purpose along the way, it’s one that is written for a purpose from start to finish. That means that, even if you don’t get it, that most events, characters and events are there and happen for a reason. That doesn’t mean that those reasons are made clear just that, there is one.
Second Thought… I didn’t see anything significantly interesting with this book, other than being a decent Dystopian Fiction story, until about 40% of the way through. Even the speech the hero gave at the “big moment” when he finally has his chance seemed a bit lame to me and lacked that emotional punch that snaps your metaphorical head around seemed “lack luster.”
Third Thought … don’t stop reading until your more than halfway through. If you get more than halfway through and you still don’t want to read anymore… then drop it. (and call the Wizard in the Emerald City and see if he can get you a new heart.)
Fourth Thought - Tissues… bring lots of tissues, you’ll need ‘em. I did and I’m a curmudgeon.
Fifth Thought – The human story in this book is like exploring a giant funnel backwards, small end first. Walk a little bit, look a little bit, and it’s still looks like a narrow, tunnel. Then, without warning things change dramatically as you pass out of the feeding tube into the bell of the funnel. Talk about opening up quickly. In a few short chapters the possibilities of how things turn out, spiritually, humanly, tactically multiply quickly.
Sixth Thought – This reminds me of what I liked in “Swan Song,” (McCammon). Just when it starts to look like all hope has been swallowed up, we get crack, then another crack and as Leonard Cohen wrote in his Poem “Anthem,” that’s how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
Seventh Thought – The spiritual message is good for everyone, not just people of one faith or another.
Summary
The story starts as an allegory about AIDs, Homosexuality and Conservative Faith’s thoughts and fears of such things, but, instead of leaving us with that ugly conclusion and exclusive image, once you get to the middle of it, the book expands exponentially bringing everyone under the same broad tent of faith, life, love and Immortality and makes everyone guilty of the same conditoin, Humanity. I forgot about the distinction between gender preference in the story. It didn’t matter that all were domed to die, that realization was background noise to the real story- How do we want to LIVE with the time we have? What’s more amazing is, that was the author’s intention. It’s so nice to read something that doesn’t divide humanity into clans and tribes. So many of our beliefs do this already. Great story that turns bleak, cold darkness and sure death, into warm, comfortable light and living in the moment without fear of the future.
Five Stars
Just like there are characters (real and imagined) whom I love to dislike (Hate’s too strong a word for me) because of what they say, every now and then I come across one or two that allows me to put the others in perspective and become less enchanted with disliking them than before. I’m talking about those writers and their books… well, really their books… that find a crack in the wall and allow a new understanding of humanity that somehow includes those that I’ve spent so much energy disliking. For me, it’s humbling. I get so proud of the ivory tower I’ve built and my philosophy on life that’s worked so well for me that I become a pinnacle in my own mind aloof and above anyone who disagrees that I often get so wrapped up in being the best human I can be, that I forget that there are probably a few more humans around that I can learn from, share with and grow with if I just give myself a moment to listen and hear the cadence, tone and passion in what they say. If I can just stay calm long enough, I am able to hear what the person is saying, rather than getting bent and warped out of shape by the way he says what he speaks or where it leads him.
When it comes to books and I stumble across one that forces my eyes open and turns my face to the sun with irresistible force, when no matter how much I try to resist the idea that there is a message that is so much better, more profound or more useful than my own message, then, as I read, the incredible weight of humility crashes upon me like a tidal wave and forces me to take notice. Humility is a wonderful thing. Though it’s often a struggle because, humility involves us admitting that we are not as important, not as capable, not as strong, not as safe, or not as able to help our loved ones as we once thought we were, humility brings freedom-the freedom to learn and grow in spirit, the freedom to weep cleansing tears, the freedom let go and let the other forces in the universe that may be more powerful than us carry the weight of the universe on their shoulders and with freedom comes relief.
Spiritual relief knows no single religion, all are welcome. Spiritual relief knows no dogma or doctrine, there are many paths that lead to the truth. Spiritual relief does not require all to agree, understand each other and live in complete harmony. Spiritual relief is individual, and involves learning the difference between what is real, and important, and what is a reality of fiction built up to be salve to our fear, cool flame quenching water to our anger, and roses to our love. We build up so many issues as walls between us and them, or me and you and we hold them as gospel truths in our hearts, then, safe within our own fortress of solitude, holding close only those who have forged similar armor as us and feel empowered by the self licking ice cream cone of our own making. They believe me therefor I’m right, I believe them, therefor they are right. And then, in the most important times of our lives, when crisis abounds, futures bend together, and the world hangs in the balance, we forget the most important reality. That the path we have stuck to religiously, fervently, aggressively like ideological pitbulls with jaws locked on our enemy, our prey, that this path we’ve taken ourselves down did not start as the truth, but as a choice… a choice in how we want to live, and just as importantly, a choice in how we want to die.
When I am lucky enough to stumble blindly across a book that brings relief and lightens my spiritual load, by peeling back the layers of fear and anger so I can see the best parts of humanity, how those feel and how to create the best environment for them to flourish, I call it, for me, a treasure.
So let it be with “The Immortals” by Tracey Hickman.
Tracey Hickman is a devout Mormon, something that I would have never guessed and, after reading over 20 of his sci-fi and fiction novels. He’s written about dragons and knights, and the sweet endearing irascible Kinder creatures that make great thieves. He’s written about “The Lodi and the Little One,” (two of my favorite supporting cast members from sci-fi) and a tough as nails cyborg. Great stories but never in my life would I have thought he could write something as serious and seriously enlightening as this book.
Synopsis
Since I hate writing a synopsis I’ll be brief (yeah, I know, I said that before). This is a dystopian world set in the future as it was written, but, like the famous book 1984, time has passed this dystopian future by and it is now a dystopian alternate reality. In this story earth, AIDs has been cured but the cure created a new disease that is even more virulent deadly and contagious. Those who have not been infected have enough fear of those who have that they start rounding up the infected and interring them in concentration camps that are similar to those Japanese Americans were herded into by war fearing citizens of the United States and in other ways, similar to those Jews were herded into by Nazis who feared everything but their own beliefs in World War II.
Now, Michael Bearis, enters the dark, dangerous world of the infected and dying as he infiltrates one of these prisons in search of his son and he learns how the worst side of humanity creates tribes of the lost, almost walking dead, where might makes right and love and caring are dormant and unreachable for most.
General Thoughts
I’d love to find a discussion about this, because I fear that “discussion” here will spoil any surprises and water down the results of those who want to read it (if they read her first), so I’m just going to give some general thoughts and hopefully you will be as impressed by what you find reading as I was.
First thought…This story has more going on in the unwritten parts hidden within the scenes than meets the eye. It’s not a story that finds a purpose along the way, it’s one that is written for a purpose from start to finish. That means that, even if you don’t get it, that most events, characters and events are there and happen for a reason. That doesn’t mean that those reasons are made clear just that, there is one.
Second Thought… I didn’t see anything significantly interesting with this book, other than being a decent Dystopian Fiction story, until about 40% of the way through. Even the speech the hero gave at the “big moment” when he finally has his chance seemed a bit lame to me and lacked that emotional punch that snaps your metaphorical head around seemed “lack luster.”
Third Thought … don’t stop reading until your more than halfway through. If you get more than halfway through and you still don’t want to read anymore… then drop it. (and call the Wizard in the Emerald City and see if he can get you a new heart.)
Fourth Thought - Tissues… bring lots of tissues, you’ll need ‘em. I did and I’m a curmudgeon.
Fifth Thought – The human story in this book is like exploring a giant funnel backwards, small end first. Walk a little bit, look a little bit, and it’s still looks like a narrow, tunnel. Then, without warning things change dramatically as you pass out of the feeding tube into the bell of the funnel. Talk about opening up quickly. In a few short chapters the possibilities of how things turn out, spiritually, humanly, tactically multiply quickly.
Sixth Thought – This reminds me of what I liked in “Swan Song,” (McCammon). Just when it starts to look like all hope has been swallowed up, we get crack, then another crack and as Leonard Cohen wrote in his Poem “Anthem,” that’s how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in
Seventh Thought – The spiritual message is good for everyone, not just people of one faith or another.
Summary
The story starts as an allegory about AIDs, Homosexuality and Conservative Faith’s thoughts and fears of such things, but, instead of leaving us with that ugly conclusion and exclusive image, once you get to the middle of it, the book expands exponentially bringing everyone under the same broad tent of faith, life, love and Immortality and makes everyone guilty of the same conditoin, Humanity. I forgot about the distinction between gender preference in the story. It didn’t matter that all were domed to die, that realization was background noise to the real story- How do we want to LIVE with the time we have? What’s more amazing is, that was the author’s intention. It’s so nice to read something that doesn’t divide humanity into clans and tribes. So many of our beliefs do this already. Great story that turns bleak, cold darkness and sure death, into warm, comfortable light and living in the moment without fear of the future.
Five Stars
April 8, 2010
I am constantly amazed at the forethought of the founding fathers of our nation. As frustrating as our government is at times there are very good reasons to have it the way it is. The government of the United States is every bit a bureaucracy and many times reacts with a ponderous and apparently comical slowness. Even this has its reasons.
Imagine if the government made snap decisions the way people do in their daily lives. Somebody cuts you off on the road - you honk at them, or maybe speed up and cut them off. If somebody makes you mad you react. Right after the World Trade Center was attacked in 2001 young men rushed out to join the military, any branch they could get into. “Make the Middle East into a glass parking lot,” was on everybody's lips. Revenge. Show them Muslims what real Americans can do.
Thankfully the government of our country does not react with that kind of gut-level trigger-happy emotion. Things take time, move slowly and by the time a reaction is implemented rationality has set in. This doesn't always work perfectly but it tempers us so that hopefully, for the most part things tend to ride in the middle.
What if we didn't have those kinds of checks and balances. What if every citizen truly had a voice and the decisions of the worlds most powerful country could be made by the gut instinct reaction of the American citizens?
Tracy Hickman has imagined such a world in his book The Immortals.
In the year 2020 the United States is not a pretty place. The president turned nuclear weapons on Texas when the governor tried to secede from the nation, the entire city of San Francisco was destroyed to stop a gay rights riot. Martial Law has been declared and congress disbanded in the face of a virulent epidemic called VCIDS.
All those infected are rounded up and taken to live in camps in the desert in southern Utah.
These people are declared 'predeceased' and regarded as already dead by the United States government.
Michael Barris does not have VCIDS. His son does. Michael sneaks into the camp at Newhouse to find his son, and finds so much more than what he came for.
I've heard Tracy Hickman say that this is his favorite book that he's written. In his afterword he mentions that he talked about this book to publishers and agents for years and they laughed at him or told him the idea was terrible. Even some of his friends questioned his rationality. I think the reason is that it is such a departure from his usual material. One of the publishers he mentioned it to asked, “Why would you write something so serious?”
Tracy Hickman is a best selling author. Along with Margaret Weis he created the Dragonlance series of books for TSR and has been one of the most influential writers in the fantasy genre. He's very nearly a legend.
The Immortals is not fantasy. It is science fiction, but only in the setting. In its heart it is an immensely powerful story of forgiveness, and finding peace in a dark and violent world.
I must admit to some trepidation when starting this book. I'm not a fan of Tracy Hickman, though I respect the contributions that he has made to the world of fantasy. I don't really like his writing style. About halfway through this book something changed. I began to realize that his book was not just an adventure or a dystopian story. This book means something. It transcends the medium on which it exists. Tracy Hickman's magnum opus, if you will, that, once you are aware of it, carries a weight that pulls on your soul.
The Immortals is bleaker, and darker and sadder than just about anything I've ever read. It is, as the subtitle so aptly puts it, 'a story... of triumph beyond oblivion.”
In the midst of the darkness are scattered moments of pure and radiant beauty that seem all the brighter for the depth of the blackness that surrounds them.
I find it difficult to know what to say about this novel. It feels like one of those experiences that perhaps others should have. On the other hand, its sort of traumatic in a way that makes me nervous to recommend it to anybody.
I will say this. If you read it then it will change you. If you don't then you have missed something very unique and special but probably aren't any worse off.
(9/10)
Imagine if the government made snap decisions the way people do in their daily lives. Somebody cuts you off on the road - you honk at them, or maybe speed up and cut them off. If somebody makes you mad you react. Right after the World Trade Center was attacked in 2001 young men rushed out to join the military, any branch they could get into. “Make the Middle East into a glass parking lot,” was on everybody's lips. Revenge. Show them Muslims what real Americans can do.
Thankfully the government of our country does not react with that kind of gut-level trigger-happy emotion. Things take time, move slowly and by the time a reaction is implemented rationality has set in. This doesn't always work perfectly but it tempers us so that hopefully, for the most part things tend to ride in the middle.
What if we didn't have those kinds of checks and balances. What if every citizen truly had a voice and the decisions of the worlds most powerful country could be made by the gut instinct reaction of the American citizens?
Tracy Hickman has imagined such a world in his book The Immortals.
In the year 2020 the United States is not a pretty place. The president turned nuclear weapons on Texas when the governor tried to secede from the nation, the entire city of San Francisco was destroyed to stop a gay rights riot. Martial Law has been declared and congress disbanded in the face of a virulent epidemic called VCIDS.
All those infected are rounded up and taken to live in camps in the desert in southern Utah.
These people are declared 'predeceased' and regarded as already dead by the United States government.
Michael Barris does not have VCIDS. His son does. Michael sneaks into the camp at Newhouse to find his son, and finds so much more than what he came for.
I've heard Tracy Hickman say that this is his favorite book that he's written. In his afterword he mentions that he talked about this book to publishers and agents for years and they laughed at him or told him the idea was terrible. Even some of his friends questioned his rationality. I think the reason is that it is such a departure from his usual material. One of the publishers he mentioned it to asked, “Why would you write something so serious?”
Tracy Hickman is a best selling author. Along with Margaret Weis he created the Dragonlance series of books for TSR and has been one of the most influential writers in the fantasy genre. He's very nearly a legend.
The Immortals is not fantasy. It is science fiction, but only in the setting. In its heart it is an immensely powerful story of forgiveness, and finding peace in a dark and violent world.
I must admit to some trepidation when starting this book. I'm not a fan of Tracy Hickman, though I respect the contributions that he has made to the world of fantasy. I don't really like his writing style. About halfway through this book something changed. I began to realize that his book was not just an adventure or a dystopian story. This book means something. It transcends the medium on which it exists. Tracy Hickman's magnum opus, if you will, that, once you are aware of it, carries a weight that pulls on your soul.
The Immortals is bleaker, and darker and sadder than just about anything I've ever read. It is, as the subtitle so aptly puts it, 'a story... of triumph beyond oblivion.”
In the midst of the darkness are scattered moments of pure and radiant beauty that seem all the brighter for the depth of the blackness that surrounds them.
I find it difficult to know what to say about this novel. It feels like one of those experiences that perhaps others should have. On the other hand, its sort of traumatic in a way that makes me nervous to recommend it to anybody.
I will say this. If you read it then it will change you. If you don't then you have missed something very unique and special but probably aren't any worse off.
(9/10)
October 26, 2013
This book is so far as I'm concerned flying under false colors. It's basically a sort of paranoid story of a minority group being forced into concentration/death camps.
The problem is it was so far out i just couldn't get into it. Others like the book fine so...build up you suspension of "disbelief" muscles and try it.
Not for me. I have little enough time for reading. I don't force myself through books I don't care for any more.
The problem is it was so far out i just couldn't get into it. Others like the book fine so...build up you suspension of "disbelief" muscles and try it.
Not for me. I have little enough time for reading. I don't force myself through books I don't care for any more.
October 24, 2012
I've listened to this book a few times in the past. Every time, it's a punch in the emotions, especially as I re-hear details I'd forgotten. I almost want to give this book 5 stars, but it's been a while since I last listened to it so I hesitate. Consider it a 4.5 star rating.
To sum up: It's 2020, there's martial law, and the government has been "quarantining" people infected with an AIDS-like disease into internment camps. The book focuses mainly on the people in the camps, but also gives glimpses both behind the curtain and into the mindset of a non-infected person. The author calls it a cautionary tale- an apt description.
I highly recommend it. It's free, anyways, on Podiobooks. You don't even need to register, you can just download the whole thing for free, with the blessing of the author. There's zero risk, and it's a good book. Just... keep the kleenex handy.
To sum up: It's 2020, there's martial law, and the government has been "quarantining" people infected with an AIDS-like disease into internment camps. The book focuses mainly on the people in the camps, but also gives glimpses both behind the curtain and into the mindset of a non-infected person. The author calls it a cautionary tale- an apt description.
I highly recommend it. It's free, anyways, on Podiobooks. You don't even need to register, you can just download the whole thing for free, with the blessing of the author. There's zero risk, and it's a good book. Just... keep the kleenex handy.
June 1, 2011
Not your typical Tracy Hickman book, but well worth your time. This was a very thought provoking novel about an AIDS-like virus that is being contained by sending the infected to death camps. Interestingly, though, the emphasis is not on the post apocalyptic world, the prison camp society, or the military/government which would do such terrible things. No, the emphasis is on humanity. This is a book about how we treat each other and what is important in our lives. The story was heart-breaking and inspiring at the same time. I'm glad I read this book and I strongly recommend it to others, just know what you're getting into. This isn't Dragonlance!
My only complaint is that the particular paperback copy I bought started to fall apart after a few pages. It is a signed copy, so I was being extra careful with it, but I don't think it would survive another reading without pages falling out. Hopefully, it was just my copy and not a problem with this particular print run...
My only complaint is that the particular paperback copy I bought started to fall apart after a few pages. It is a signed copy, so I was being extra careful with it, but I don't think it would survive another reading without pages falling out. Hopefully, it was just my copy and not a problem with this particular print run...
July 12, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise is interesting, but the story is quite dated already. Much of the plot is based on the idea that advances in communication technology will make Americans eager to toss away all civil liberties and embrace fascism and American Idol-style decision-making based solely on tiny snippets of government-controlled information. Massive atrocities go completely unreported. Millions die, entire cities are destroyed, and no one notices. Where are the families and friends of all these millions, not to mention the soldiers being executed on a daily basis? The author clearly didn't anticipate cell phone cameras, twitter, facebook or you tube.
A second gripe is that the author has a poor understanding of the immune system. If the V-CIDS virus "resets" the immune system, that is not the same as having no immune system. Our bodies are exposed to new viruses all the time. Why would people die of colds or flu when their immune system is functioning? They wouldn't. Give them some antivirals already.
Third problem--the characters didn't behave in ways that made sense to me. For example, the inmates outnumbered the pastor's bullies about 1000 to 1. Why would they put up with beatings and murder? My least favorite part was that whole bit with Amanda. Catatonic little girl melts the heart of every man in the camp, who suddenly all want to be her daddy. In a five-day span she goes from catatonic orphan to screaming to playful to sick to dead. And despite all their own problems and losses, somehow the loss of that one child is the most devastating thing to happen to the entire camp? Not buying it.
Getting back to the original premise of this as an AIDS concentration camp, it doesn't make sense that they would lump together gays and lesbians in the camp.. Lesbians aren't likely to have AIDS. They are a low-risk group. Why would they have rushed out to get the AIDS vaccine? Plus, the treatment of the gay and lesbian inmates revealed, at least to me, the author's lack of empathy. All the gay characters are described as having unfeeling parents who either try to fix them or have nothing to do with them. For example, Michael says he doesn't even know Jason and has nothing in common with him. Really? All those years of childhood were completely obliterated when Jason came out? I cannot sympathize with a parent who can't see their child as anything more than their sexual orientation. Even back when this book was written, many people had openly gay family members who were loved and treated with respect. The author should have known this.
On the plus side, the audio quality was good and it was free. It kept me entertained on a long road trip. Although the part about Amanda screaming made me feel stabby. Was it really necessary to add piercing child screams to the audio? I'll take your word for it that she was screaming.
A second gripe is that the author has a poor understanding of the immune system. If the V-CIDS virus "resets" the immune system, that is not the same as having no immune system. Our bodies are exposed to new viruses all the time. Why would people die of colds or flu when their immune system is functioning? They wouldn't. Give them some antivirals already.
Third problem--the characters didn't behave in ways that made sense to me. For example, the inmates outnumbered the pastor's bullies about 1000 to 1. Why would they put up with beatings and murder? My least favorite part was that whole bit with Amanda. Catatonic little girl melts the heart of every man in the camp, who suddenly all want to be her daddy. In a five-day span she goes from catatonic orphan to screaming to playful to sick to dead. And despite all their own problems and losses, somehow the loss of that one child is the most devastating thing to happen to the entire camp? Not buying it.
Getting back to the original premise of this as an AIDS concentration camp, it doesn't make sense that they would lump together gays and lesbians in the camp.. Lesbians aren't likely to have AIDS. They are a low-risk group. Why would they have rushed out to get the AIDS vaccine? Plus, the treatment of the gay and lesbian inmates revealed, at least to me, the author's lack of empathy. All the gay characters are described as having unfeeling parents who either try to fix them or have nothing to do with them. For example, Michael says he doesn't even know Jason and has nothing in common with him. Really? All those years of childhood were completely obliterated when Jason came out? I cannot sympathize with a parent who can't see their child as anything more than their sexual orientation. Even back when this book was written, many people had openly gay family members who were loved and treated with respect. The author should have known this.
On the plus side, the audio quality was good and it was free. It kept me entertained on a long road trip. Although the part about Amanda screaming made me feel stabby. Was it really necessary to add piercing child screams to the audio? I'll take your word for it that she was screaming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2008
The book describes a dystopia with a plague, where everyone who is infected is put into concentration camps. And unknown to the general population of the U.S., they are cremated en masse. The book describes a country where the country's passions where inflamed so that this was possible by a media whose purpose became, not to inform, but to reinforce their audience's beliefs.
It is a story of a father and son, who were separated because of prejudices inflamed by the media. There is a story about how the prejudices that were grown on the outside the camp they were in came with the infected on the inside.
The big question Tracy addresses is the purpose of arts. The protagonist created a media empire that only existed to inflame people's prejudices. The end of the book has the arts enabling the the prisoners of the camp to express who they are, almost the ideal of the arts as expressing what it means to be human, especially coming from the residents of the camp who have been given up for dead before they arrived in the camp.
The ending is disappointing, as you get the idea that the administration and party that inflamed the prejudices and created the camps was overthrown as society rebelled against the practices, but Hickman spent the last chapters discussing the maintenance of the records of the artistic creation of the camp. While there is action, the new characters do not deal with the knowledge of the prejudices that lead to the camps. I would have removed the action, which is almost besides the point.
The book does not seem to be in print any longer. I got it as a free audiobook from Podiobook.com (http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-i...). The music that introduces each chapter gets annoying, but I liked the delivery otherwise.
It is a story of a father and son, who were separated because of prejudices inflamed by the media. There is a story about how the prejudices that were grown on the outside the camp they were in came with the infected on the inside.
The big question Tracy addresses is the purpose of arts. The protagonist created a media empire that only existed to inflame people's prejudices. The end of the book has the arts enabling the the prisoners of the camp to express who they are, almost the ideal of the arts as expressing what it means to be human, especially coming from the residents of the camp who have been given up for dead before they arrived in the camp.
The ending is disappointing, as you get the idea that the administration and party that inflamed the prejudices and created the camps was overthrown as society rebelled against the practices, but Hickman spent the last chapters discussing the maintenance of the records of the artistic creation of the camp. While there is action, the new characters do not deal with the knowledge of the prejudices that lead to the camps. I would have removed the action, which is almost besides the point.
The book does not seem to be in print any longer. I got it as a free audiobook from Podiobook.com (http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-i...). The music that introduces each chapter gets annoying, but I liked the delivery otherwise.
October 29, 2007
I've been listening to this on as a podcast. Get it from podiobooks.com or the iTunes store.
The year is set in the year 2020 something. There is a deadly immune system virus that has swept through the gay population and spread to the rest of the US. The response from the government has been to quarantine people in concentration camps. When the camps fill up, the government bombs them. It's called sanitation. Very few people know it's happening. The story is told mostly from the view point of some of the detainees. There is also some exposition from the military personnel who are in charge of the sanitation.
The book has hooked me in but it is rather terrifying. I'm waiting to see what will happen to the poor people trapped in containment camps and if they will ever escape their horrible fate.
The year is set in the year 2020 something. There is a deadly immune system virus that has swept through the gay population and spread to the rest of the US. The response from the government has been to quarantine people in concentration camps. When the camps fill up, the government bombs them. It's called sanitation. Very few people know it's happening. The story is told mostly from the view point of some of the detainees. There is also some exposition from the military personnel who are in charge of the sanitation.
The book has hooked me in but it is rather terrifying. I'm waiting to see what will happen to the poor people trapped in containment camps and if they will ever escape their horrible fate.
March 26, 2010
This was another re-read of one of my favorite books. When The Immortals was originally written, it was set in the near future: April 2010. Which is...now. That was weird. Anyway, an AIDS-like epidemic called V-CIDS has appeared and is spreading. The government has been rounding up all people infected with the virus and putting them in concentration camps, ostensibly until a cure can be found. The story is about the people in one camp reclaiming their humanity and learning to love one another.
The story is character-driven rather than plot driven, and I became very attached to the people. The first time I read this book it made me sob a couple of times (which was unfortunate because I was on an airplane, in a middle seat between two strangers). This time through, it was no less poignant.
The story is character-driven rather than plot driven, and I became very attached to the people. The first time I read this book it made me sob a couple of times (which was unfortunate because I was on an airplane, in a middle seat between two strangers). This time through, it was no less poignant.
July 10, 2020
This is one of those books that starts slow and takes half the book to have enough happen that you start caring more about the characters.
A lot of things in this "alternate future" of 2010 are built on stereotypical assumptions about GLB (LGBTQA) communities, and I hated that entire one-dimensional part of this universe, but maybe I just don't remember the late 80s/early 90s well enough and I am ashamed that I don't know more about such recent history. Some of the future tech is going in the right direction regarding social media, and I appreciate that sort of worldbuilding.
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for almost 20 years, and I just picked it back up to read in December but didn't get far until last month. Unintentionally, it became a COVID-19 quarantine read.
A lot of things in this "alternate future" of 2010 are built on stereotypical assumptions about GLB (LGBTQA) communities, and I hated that entire one-dimensional part of this universe, but maybe I just don't remember the late 80s/early 90s well enough and I am ashamed that I don't know more about such recent history. Some of the future tech is going in the right direction regarding social media, and I appreciate that sort of worldbuilding.
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for almost 20 years, and I just picked it back up to read in December but didn't get far until last month. Unintentionally, it became a COVID-19 quarantine read.
July 4, 2018
The Immortals takes a great idea for a novel and turns it into a mediocre story, although to be fair it may have improved after I gave up on it about half way through. In my defence, I would have continued had I not been listening to the audio book. I guess whoever produced the audio book didn't think The Immortals could stand on its own because they have tried to jazz it up instead of relying on the story itself. The result is woeful. Imagine giving a class of over enthusiastic schoolchildren a box of budget sound effect records and letting them get on with it. The two stars are for the written novel, the audio version is an exercise in poor judgement and scores nothing.
November 15, 2018
Ignore the star rating I stumbled. This was written in 1996, it shows. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but in this case the book is set today (ish) and the queerphobia present in the book is stomach churningly bad. The queerphobia is from e characters, not the author, but to be honest I couldn't read it much to confirm that is the entire case, just what I gathered from the bits I did. If I wasn't queer, didn't have queer friends and didn't live through the marriage equality postal survey in Australia last year, I might continue on without the book, but I'm not willing to subject myself to it right now.
August 15, 2011
Had a pretty hard time with this. There seemed to be one 'info dump' after another with just information being passed on to the reader with no dramatic context.
I didn't believe in what had led up to the main action of the book and didn't really believe in the way people dealt with the situation in which they found themselves. I did like the humanity in the face of terrible things shown by some of the characters but I just didn't really think the subject was properly thought out or explored with any insight.
I didn't believe in what had led up to the main action of the book and didn't really believe in the way people dealt with the situation in which they found themselves. I did like the humanity in the face of terrible things shown by some of the characters but I just didn't really think the subject was properly thought out or explored with any insight.
September 14, 2018
This book is written in 1997 and is set in 2020. I enjoyed the book although you really have to keep in mind when it was written or you will find the views expressed by the government to be outdated. I enjoyed the dystopian setting around the internment camps if you were infected with V-SIDs, the intolerance of people towards what they don't understand or wish to accept, and the conspiracy surrounding the camps. You can really imagine something like this happening with today's intolerance of "other".
May 31, 2008
This book was the biggest lump of mormon propaganda ever. About halfway through listening to it on audio book format in a room at work, I remarked, "Do you suppose he's a mormon?" - I really had no idea until the second time the LDS faith was mentioned - at first, you know, you think - well they're in Utah, how couldn't they mention the LDS....
Oy.
Unbearable.
Awful.
Do I have to give it a single star?
Oy.
Unbearable.
Awful.
Do I have to give it a single star?
June 7, 2019
OMG!!! What a boring chore. I cannot finish this book. 35% through and nothing has happened. A bunch of talk about things that have never been explained.
October 8, 2019
Solo venture for the coauthor (with Margaret Weis) of the fantasy Death Gate Cycle. If The Immortals had simply been a story, I probably would have enjoyed it. Most people that commented at Goodreads seemed to like it. The ideas that Mr.Hickman addresses still haunt me! He very skillfully addresses issues of racism, disease, war, the news and propaganda. Are we as humans so lacking thought that we cannot come up with ideas ourselves? Do we need our lives programmed by the media? This book would say, 'yes!' Today, with reality television and the dumbing down of Hollywood films and books, I would agree with Mr. Hickman. This is not a very happy book, but I still think about the ideas that are addressed. There is a section in the middle of the book where the main character speaks about how mankind must not forget the past; how he and his followers were must carry on their predecessor's legacies, as well as their own. As a humanitarian and a historian, this section gave me goosebumps. I am truly sorry that I am the only person that seems to have read this book, and got something out of it. Personally, this is one of the most important books that I have ever read in my entire life. More of you need to get off the couch and read this book. You will never think about life around you in the same way!!! Those that didn’t seem to have disliked it mostly because of the terribly in depth characterizations. Well, you all know me, I love characterizations, so that never really bothered me. In fact I really enjoyed it. Almost all of the major characters were fully fleshed out and given a great deal of empathy and feeling. I’m sure you’ve figured out by now though that I didn’t like it. Not at all.
You see, I simply got tired of being beat over the head with the idea that we need to change as a society. Guess what? I agree. I really do. I just don’t need to have it thrown at me for hours on end. Now hold on, you might disagree with me. Some of our greatest authors have written pieces that were social commentary. What would a survey of English Literature be without the likes of A Modest Proposal? There are way too many examples of this done right to point them all out now. However, this is the problem. This wasn’t subtle or abstract. I literally felt like I was being beaten with the author’s belief system, which seems to be becoming more acceptable. If you can’t hide your commentary behind a good story, write a nonfiction treatise for heaven’s sake. Surely some of you must disagree with me. Maybe I can be persuaded. Did I miss something? Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Hickman was able to pull some strings even when I knew he was trying to do this, but rather than making his point, he just aggravated me. SO, if you like thinly veiled commentary instead of story, by all means, listen. However, if you feel like you should be able to enjoy the story, whether you agree with the author OR NOT.
Interestingly, this novel is a far departure from this author's normal genre of fantasy dragon novels. A lovely example that writers can span genres successfully when the writing is incredible and the topic compelling.
You see, I simply got tired of being beat over the head with the idea that we need to change as a society. Guess what? I agree. I really do. I just don’t need to have it thrown at me for hours on end. Now hold on, you might disagree with me. Some of our greatest authors have written pieces that were social commentary. What would a survey of English Literature be without the likes of A Modest Proposal? There are way too many examples of this done right to point them all out now. However, this is the problem. This wasn’t subtle or abstract. I literally felt like I was being beaten with the author’s belief system, which seems to be becoming more acceptable. If you can’t hide your commentary behind a good story, write a nonfiction treatise for heaven’s sake. Surely some of you must disagree with me. Maybe I can be persuaded. Did I miss something? Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Hickman was able to pull some strings even when I knew he was trying to do this, but rather than making his point, he just aggravated me. SO, if you like thinly veiled commentary instead of story, by all means, listen. However, if you feel like you should be able to enjoy the story, whether you agree with the author OR NOT.
Interestingly, this novel is a far departure from this author's normal genre of fantasy dragon novels. A lovely example that writers can span genres successfully when the writing is incredible and the topic compelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
I listened to this book via the free podiocast done by Tracy Hickman. At first the background sounds were a bit jarring but emersive.
This was a power story. It felt so real and possible. For a fictional story, there is so much truth to humankind in the story.
We are shown the lives of how a large portion of the United states becomes infected and segregated forever being swept under the rug.
There is only a few twists but the character pull you in and make you feel compassion. If you are looking for a happy book, this one is not for you. You will be in tears by the end.
Tracy pulls on the heartstrings from the very begining. I was surprised when I first started listening. I didn't know what to expect from this book, originally I thought it was about zombies or some such silly need but I was wrong.
There is a lot of religion pulled into the book. Along with several contraversal themes. Yet it pulls it together to show true human nature.
This was a power story. It felt so real and possible. For a fictional story, there is so much truth to humankind in the story.
We are shown the lives of how a large portion of the United states becomes infected and segregated forever being swept under the rug.
There is only a few twists but the character pull you in and make you feel compassion. If you are looking for a happy book, this one is not for you. You will be in tears by the end.
Tracy pulls on the heartstrings from the very begining. I was surprised when I first started listening. I didn't know what to expect from this book, originally I thought it was about zombies or some such silly need but I was wrong.
There is a lot of religion pulled into the book. Along with several contraversal themes. Yet it pulls it together to show true human nature.
June 7, 2020
FRIGHTENING. Tracy Hickman set out to write a book based on the experience of the AIDS epidemic. He wound up writing a prescient work about the COVID-19 pandemic and what could happen when the freedoms and rights we take for granted are imperiled. It is a horrifying piece of fiction that could easily be a preview of history.
January 26, 2018
This was an incredibly moving book. It is a must read! It rides the boarder between this could never happen in a modern world and I hope this never happens in our modern world so perfectly. I will reread it!
June 7, 2019
Hickman is usually a fantasy and SciFi writer. This world of tomorrow is closer now than when it was written. The fear, the potential pain is just a day away. Read this and know the future we might just have...
March 20, 2017
I have been familiar with Mr Hickman's work for almost 30 years. It wasn't until I read Wayne of Gotham that I experienced his writing outside of Dragonlance. That is what drew me to this.
This book is a microscope of all of our collective fears, prejudices and hates tailored to a story that opens our eyes. Mr Hickman blazes the ideas of why we hate and shows us humanity in ways we only see in times of crisis.
This book is chilling and pertinent to everyone. Put aside your hate and see that we are all together in this life as humans.
Thank you for writing this sir!
This book is a microscope of all of our collective fears, prejudices and hates tailored to a story that opens our eyes. Mr Hickman blazes the ideas of why we hate and shows us humanity in ways we only see in times of crisis.
This book is chilling and pertinent to everyone. Put aside your hate and see that we are all together in this life as humans.
Thank you for writing this sir!
August 4, 2008
I bought an mp3 plaer (finally) last winter, A Sansa e250v2 mp3 player but didn't use it. I decided it was time, and I was painting a lot for the last 10 days, so now was a good time to break it in and listle while I work. I really like the player, it is exceptional for $80 new, and I have seen them for $40 used (way less than an iPod). The only thing that drives me nuts is that the e250 v2 display cuts off the chapter number I am on, it doesn't wrap, it scrolls slooooowly. So I need to figure out how to re-title the mp3's. Example: All the chapters listed say "The Immortals - Chapter " . This is not an mp3 player review, so on to the book.
I wanted to download an audiobook from my Library, but couldn't find my library card. Fortunately, the Internet doesn't need a Library Card. (My quote of the day).
www.podiobooks.com was recommended by my good friend, Paul Stone. There were hundreds of free podiobooks to choose from and I downloaded most of "The Immortals" by
Tracy Hickman. I checked out Tracy's web site and discovered the book is out of print, but he recommends the FREE podiobook here.
My review so far 7-19-2008:
I gave it a 4 so far, but it would be closer to a 4 and 1/2, which is high for me. I think I rated it high because I wasn't expecting much from a free pod book downloaded from the Internet. Turns out it is surprisingly entertaining and well written and well read (very important for audioists). The readers are Tracy (the author) and his wife Laura Hickman and the readers started out a little hesitant and slightly amateur, but as I have progressed a few chapters into the book Tracy (who does most of the reading) quickly adapted and he now has got it down. Almost, nearly as good as the super pro readers that I hear so often on other audiobooks. He has lots of difference voice characters, and does women voices well. The production is also really great, actually better than the commercial books I read all the time. There are background voices, music, conversations, phones ringing, etc. I had to check my cell phone a few times cause I thought it was ringing.
The story starts out quick, right to the point and shocking. Takes place in the year 2020. At first I didn't understand what the title declares: A Cautionary Tale of The future story of United States Internment Camps ... of the dreams of the pre-deceased ... and of triumph beyond oblivion. But only 5 chapters in I understood what Cautionary means to this book. A warning to our current generation of what could soon happen if we loose our American freedoms. In that regard it is very depressing, but Tracy has a good sense of subtle humor and a trace of sarcasm that runs over into the main character. OK, so yes, it is the authors viewpoint of what could (and I hope doesn't) happen, but what book isn't someones opinion? So far there are only a few main characters, which I like. I am on chapter 11, racing towards the ending.
My review updated as of 7-27-2008:
Just finished chapter 30. I am still enjoying the book and the readers. The story line is thickening with time running out for the main characters, so it is getting tense. I still enjoy and recommend this book.
My review updated as of 8-1-2008:
Just finished this Audio Podio Book while cleaning up a bathroom (for 5 hours). I liked the book, and I knew there wouldn't be a happy ending (and there wasn't) but it was as happy as it could be in a cautionary tale.
Read this book and you will fight for the freedoms of all people.
I wanted to download an audiobook from my Library, but couldn't find my library card. Fortunately, the Internet doesn't need a Library Card. (My quote of the day).
www.podiobooks.com was recommended by my good friend, Paul Stone. There were hundreds of free podiobooks to choose from and I downloaded most of "The Immortals" by
Tracy Hickman. I checked out Tracy's web site and discovered the book is out of print, but he recommends the FREE podiobook here.
My review so far 7-19-2008:
I gave it a 4 so far, but it would be closer to a 4 and 1/2, which is high for me. I think I rated it high because I wasn't expecting much from a free pod book downloaded from the Internet. Turns out it is surprisingly entertaining and well written and well read (very important for audioists). The readers are Tracy (the author) and his wife Laura Hickman and the readers started out a little hesitant and slightly amateur, but as I have progressed a few chapters into the book Tracy (who does most of the reading) quickly adapted and he now has got it down. Almost, nearly as good as the super pro readers that I hear so often on other audiobooks. He has lots of difference voice characters, and does women voices well. The production is also really great, actually better than the commercial books I read all the time. There are background voices, music, conversations, phones ringing, etc. I had to check my cell phone a few times cause I thought it was ringing.
The story starts out quick, right to the point and shocking. Takes place in the year 2020. At first I didn't understand what the title declares: A Cautionary Tale of The future story of United States Internment Camps ... of the dreams of the pre-deceased ... and of triumph beyond oblivion. But only 5 chapters in I understood what Cautionary means to this book. A warning to our current generation of what could soon happen if we loose our American freedoms. In that regard it is very depressing, but Tracy has a good sense of subtle humor and a trace of sarcasm that runs over into the main character. OK, so yes, it is the authors viewpoint of what could (and I hope doesn't) happen, but what book isn't someones opinion? So far there are only a few main characters, which I like. I am on chapter 11, racing towards the ending.
My review updated as of 7-27-2008:
Just finished chapter 30. I am still enjoying the book and the readers. The story line is thickening with time running out for the main characters, so it is getting tense. I still enjoy and recommend this book.
My review updated as of 8-1-2008:
Just finished this Audio Podio Book while cleaning up a bathroom (for 5 hours). I liked the book, and I knew there wouldn't be a happy ending (and there wasn't) but it was as happy as it could be in a cautionary tale.
Read this book and you will fight for the freedoms of all people.
April 6, 2009
I started reading this book because I heard the author give a speech at a writer's conference. I LOVED what Tracy Hickman had to say, I liked his vibe, so I figured I would really enjoy his books. I chose The Immortals because this is his favorite book.
It took me a long time to get into this book. This is the reason for the three stars rather than four. The basic reason was that I had a very difficult time suspending my disbelief. It turned out that this was something that really could have been fixed because all the information ended up being there. It just wasn't revealed until later. I fear that Hickman was so in love with his idea that he wanted to unfold it as part of the mystery. The problem is that nearly all of the main characters knew everything that made me so skeptical I nearly didn't go on. Most of what they knew was basic history to the world. This forced mystery wasn't what the book was about anyway. I would have included all this info as fast as possible to give a very clear picture of the setting, so that we could watch the story unfold.
The Immortals starts us out with Jason Barris, a gay diagnosed with V-CIDS which is AIDS on steroids, and his father who he estranged himself from. Jason is caught and stuck in an internment camp. His father, Michael Barris gets himself inside this same camp to see what he can do to help his son. It becomes a story of forgiveness, acceptance on both their parts, and learning to overcome even death so that their stories could be told.
Once I got all the setting information, about halfway through, this was where the story really started. I finished it up in just a couple of days and enjoyed the ending. So, despite earlier struggles in reading it I don't count it time wasted and with that caveat, I would recommend reading The Immortals.
It took me a long time to get into this book. This is the reason for the three stars rather than four. The basic reason was that I had a very difficult time suspending my disbelief. It turned out that this was something that really could have been fixed because all the information ended up being there. It just wasn't revealed until later. I fear that Hickman was so in love with his idea that he wanted to unfold it as part of the mystery. The problem is that nearly all of the main characters knew everything that made me so skeptical I nearly didn't go on. Most of what they knew was basic history to the world. This forced mystery wasn't what the book was about anyway. I would have included all this info as fast as possible to give a very clear picture of the setting, so that we could watch the story unfold.
The Immortals starts us out with Jason Barris, a gay diagnosed with V-CIDS which is AIDS on steroids, and his father who he estranged himself from. Jason is caught and stuck in an internment camp. His father, Michael Barris gets himself inside this same camp to see what he can do to help his son. It becomes a story of forgiveness, acceptance on both their parts, and learning to overcome even death so that their stories could be told.
Once I got all the setting information, about halfway through, this was where the story really started. I finished it up in just a couple of days and enjoyed the ending. So, despite earlier struggles in reading it I don't count it time wasted and with that caveat, I would recommend reading The Immortals.
July 24, 2010
A poignant and relevant book set in the near future where AIDS has been cured and a new more deadly virus has emerged. The virus is so deadly the US government mandates the victims of the virus must be placed in concentration camps and categorized as pre-deceased. With no rights and no hope this bleak outlook is part commentary on the perils of a government out of control and people making impulse decisions on life-affecting topics as well as an example of the human spirit enduring when it seems despair is all that remains. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which had me sprouting tears of sadness as well as tears of joy.
Interestingly, this novel is a far departure from this author's normal genre of fantasy dragon novels. A lovely example that writer's can span genres successfully when the writing is incredible and the topic compelling. While I own the hardcover version, which is out of print, the book is available in paperback as well as a free serialized audiobook through podiobooks.com.
Interestingly, this novel is a far departure from this author's normal genre of fantasy dragon novels. A lovely example that writer's can span genres successfully when the writing is incredible and the topic compelling. While I own the hardcover version, which is out of print, the book is available in paperback as well as a free serialized audiobook through podiobooks.com.
April 18, 2011
As a deadly epidemic sweeps through the paranoid and homophobic country, advanced technology accelerates the move to martial law, internment camps, and mass executions. In the midst of chaos and cover-ups, a group of prisoners tries to find a purpose in their shortened lives and impending deaths.
Hickman wrote The Immortals at the height of the AIDS crisis and clearly understood the importance of his book's subject matter; unfortunately this means he gets a bit heavy-handed and sermonizing at times. It also takes a while for the story to really get rolling, especially since Hickman needs to establish multiple storylines that eventually intersect. But the story is solid and suspenseful, the characters are interesting, the analogies are cleaver, and the vignettes are heart-wrenching. Most importantly and most unfortunately, the messages still resonate: homophobia and AIDS are still very much with us, and fear and the internet shape politics more than ever.
Hickman wrote The Immortals at the height of the AIDS crisis and clearly understood the importance of his book's subject matter; unfortunately this means he gets a bit heavy-handed and sermonizing at times. It also takes a while for the story to really get rolling, especially since Hickman needs to establish multiple storylines that eventually intersect. But the story is solid and suspenseful, the characters are interesting, the analogies are cleaver, and the vignettes are heart-wrenching. Most importantly and most unfortunately, the messages still resonate: homophobia and AIDS are still very much with us, and fear and the internet shape politics more than ever.
September 9, 2015
Hickman creates a believable world and a compelling scenario that examines the question of what it means to be human, to be alive. The dialogue gets clunky in places, and military jargon overwhelms at times (especially toward the end), but the story moves.
Well told, with an ending that is both satisfying and perhaps less happy than some might prefer. Not without flaws, but engaging and thought-provoking.
Discovered the author while listening to Writing Excuses. He was a guest in Season 2, Episode 23 and Episode 24. Came off as very thoughtful.
Well told, with an ending that is both satisfying and perhaps less happy than some might prefer. Not without flaws, but engaging and thought-provoking.
Discovered the author while listening to Writing Excuses. He was a guest in Season 2, Episode 23 and Episode 24. Came off as very thoughtful.
May 30, 2014
Not what I was expecting from fantasy author Tracy Hickman--this book takes place in an alternate USA where an AIDS-like virus has decimated the population and those infected are herded into death camps in the southwest desert.
I wouldn't say it's an uplifting story, but there is hope. The focus here is on what it means to be human and to be remembered rather any specific character and despite the bleakness of the plot, there are some beautiful moments. However, I gave it three stars more for pacing problems than any actual issues with the writing or story which are both very good. It felt like the story took a while to get going...and then rushed towards the ending. Still, a solid read and it kept me guessing up to the end.
I wouldn't say it's an uplifting story, but there is hope. The focus here is on what it means to be human and to be remembered rather any specific character and despite the bleakness of the plot, there are some beautiful moments. However, I gave it three stars more for pacing problems than any actual issues with the writing or story which are both very good. It felt like the story took a while to get going...and then rushed towards the ending. Still, a solid read and it kept me guessing up to the end.
July 5, 2015
It took me a while to catch the big picture of the story, but then it was a page-turner. Memorable characters shape their own destiny against adverse circumstances as the reader keeps hoping for a happy ending. The good and the evil is generally clear cut and it seems it takes huge sacrifices for good people to make the brave decisions of righting wrongs and getting some kind of liberation. Prejudices and hate bring the world in this novel to extreme cruelty and new and yet recognisable "final solutions" against the diseased and the persecuted, who end up seeking at least a way for their lives and their souls to be remembered as deeply human for ever. A dystopia that should be a warning for all judgemental societies.
March 6, 2014
3.5
Intense. Poignant. AIDS, Homosexuality, Dystopia, Totalitarianism, Forgiveness, Redemption, Immortality.
Excellent ideas and execution. Mediocre prose.
Tangential to the main plot: Political policy was reflected in real-time country-wide internet surveys. Careful deliberation (for which we so often criticize the government) gives way to immediate policy changes - reducing planning to the gut instinct of the masses. Democracy is/should be? about collectively choosing good people, not policy. This is often forgotten, and this future shows one possible, scary, result through the lens of a plague crisis.
Intense. Poignant. AIDS, Homosexuality, Dystopia, Totalitarianism, Forgiveness, Redemption, Immortality.
Excellent ideas and execution. Mediocre prose.
Tangential to the main plot: Political policy was reflected in real-time country-wide internet surveys. Careful deliberation (for which we so often criticize the government) gives way to immediate policy changes - reducing planning to the gut instinct of the masses. Democracy is/should be? about collectively choosing good people, not policy. This is often forgotten, and this future shows one possible, scary, result through the lens of a plague crisis.
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