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Return of the Old Gods
The modern gods are gone; they have been removed from power by the old gods. The old gods are Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Roman, Hindu, Aztec, Celtic, Japanese, Chinese, Babylonian, and many others.
The first thing they do is kill off over 1 billion people who have been judged as Evil. They also eliminate the weapons of all of the militaries, all nuclear power fuel, and waste.
Gordon Anderson was a clerk at a 7-11, and he was (as usual) late for work. That is suddenly the least of his problems.
The world is changing; everything is in turmoil. However, the most disturbing fact may be that his phone now has some new contacts listed in his address book.
The gods of old, the ones that have just judged and executed a billion people and are literally shifting continents like chess pieces. They now have him on speed dial…
The first thing they do is kill off over 1 billion people who have been judged as Evil. They also eliminate the weapons of all of the militaries, all nuclear power fuel, and waste.
Gordon Anderson was a clerk at a 7-11, and he was (as usual) late for work. That is suddenly the least of his problems.
The world is changing; everything is in turmoil. However, the most disturbing fact may be that his phone now has some new contacts listed in his address book.
The gods of old, the ones that have just judged and executed a billion people and are literally shifting continents like chess pieces. They now have him on speed dial…
223 pages, Hardcover
Published January 12, 2024
192 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
David Collins
30 books21 followersI am a retired software engineer who has worked on various medical/robotic hardware, oceanographic mapping, telecommunications, and submarine communication systems. He currently resides in New Hampshire and has decided to try writing some science fiction books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 15, 2024
Self edited
Tried to read but this writer made so many grating errors in grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, wandering changes in POV between third person and first person . I had to wonder if this writer went thru his daily life without the use of any contractions. He had his characters talk that way, scene after scene. Thought I was reading a second grade primer.
Tried to read but this writer made so many grating errors in grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, wandering changes in POV between third person and first person . I had to wonder if this writer went thru his daily life without the use of any contractions. He had his characters talk that way, scene after scene. Thought I was reading a second grade primer.
June 18, 2025
Snarky tale
Alternate universe, deus ex machina apocalypse
The MC is Gordon Anderson, a convenience store clerk late for work one fateful night. The old gods reward the selfless during the apocalypse, and Gordon gets rewarded. Simplistic, at lot gets shuffled off into "it was handled" plot device used several times. Amusing at times, with some head scratching about women and kids. Several readers hope there will be a sequel, but I don't see that happening; Gordon has a full time job at the end.
A lot of big questions are never answered. Like Africa and South America need to evacuate, and we're told processes like ships arriving to move people, but not where they are moving to. This happens a bit.
The worst part is the lack of editing. As a writer, beta reader for a professional writer, and former teacher, the editing on this novel is below average. Think high school freshman English. It's not enough to turn one off, but after five pages, I had to take a break and put myself into the mindset to ignore the errors, and even then, I made a few notes. The author has some talent, but needs work. After reading his bio, I don't see him putting in any effort to improve his writing skills. His choice.
Amusing, but mind your step, some of the literary toys on the floor can hurt like suddenly finding a Lego on bare feet.
Alternate universe, deus ex machina apocalypse
The MC is Gordon Anderson, a convenience store clerk late for work one fateful night. The old gods reward the selfless during the apocalypse, and Gordon gets rewarded. Simplistic, at lot gets shuffled off into "it was handled" plot device used several times. Amusing at times, with some head scratching about women and kids. Several readers hope there will be a sequel, but I don't see that happening; Gordon has a full time job at the end.
A lot of big questions are never answered. Like Africa and South America need to evacuate, and we're told processes like ships arriving to move people, but not where they are moving to. This happens a bit.
The worst part is the lack of editing. As a writer, beta reader for a professional writer, and former teacher, the editing on this novel is below average. Think high school freshman English. It's not enough to turn one off, but after five pages, I had to take a break and put myself into the mindset to ignore the errors, and even then, I made a few notes. The author has some talent, but needs work. After reading his bio, I don't see him putting in any effort to improve his writing skills. His choice.
Amusing, but mind your step, some of the literary toys on the floor can hurt like suddenly finding a Lego on bare feet.
October 9, 2024
Great concept, poorly executed.
This is a frustrating read, primarily due to its lack of focus and execution. The book feels more like a rough outline or an elevator pitch than a fully developed novel. Instead of immersing the reader in a rich narrative, Collins offers a disjointed collection of ideas that never coalesce into a cohesive story.
The premise—an intriguing one involving the resurgence of ancient gods in modern times—has potential, but the execution falls flat. Characters are thinly sketched, the plot meanders without clear direction, and the pacing is uneven. The book jumps from one idea to the next, leaving readers with the sense that they’re being hurried through a list of plot points without the depth or development necessary to make them meaningful.
Ultimately, Return of the Gods lacks the attention to detail, character development, and narrative structure that would have made it a compelling read. Fans of mythology or speculative fiction may love find the core idea intriguing, but the overall presentation is unsatisfying.
This is a frustrating read, primarily due to its lack of focus and execution. The book feels more like a rough outline or an elevator pitch than a fully developed novel. Instead of immersing the reader in a rich narrative, Collins offers a disjointed collection of ideas that never coalesce into a cohesive story.
The premise—an intriguing one involving the resurgence of ancient gods in modern times—has potential, but the execution falls flat. Characters are thinly sketched, the plot meanders without clear direction, and the pacing is uneven. The book jumps from one idea to the next, leaving readers with the sense that they’re being hurried through a list of plot points without the depth or development necessary to make them meaningful.
Ultimately, Return of the Gods lacks the attention to detail, character development, and narrative structure that would have made it a compelling read. Fans of mythology or speculative fiction may love find the core idea intriguing, but the overall presentation is unsatisfying.
December 12, 2024
Better bone up on ancient mythology, the old gods are back!
Things are changing! This is an EOTWAWKI in away you would never expect. The gods of mythology are back. Be good and don't make them mad, or else😑. On the other hand, they are trying to make things better. I don't want to spoil your read so I'll leave of here. It's very well written with humor, adventure, some romance nd unique storyline. Buy it, you'll like it, cause you don't want to pis Zeus off, believe me!!!!
Things are changing! This is an EOTWAWKI in away you would never expect. The gods of mythology are back. Be good and don't make them mad, or else😑. On the other hand, they are trying to make things better. I don't want to spoil your read so I'll leave of here. It's very well written with humor, adventure, some romance nd unique storyline. Buy it, you'll like it, cause you don't want to pis Zeus off, believe me!!!!
November 25, 2024
Very Inventive
An idea of how things might change if the old gods decide to return and straighten things out on Earth. In addition, it does highlight some of our current problems. The initial action was to terminate one billion “bad” people. Bad refers to what the Old Gods feel is bad. The changes and challenges are described from the viewpoint of one man and the friends he makes. This is a humerus story as the Gods and humans try to adjust to the new circumstances.
An idea of how things might change if the old gods decide to return and straighten things out on Earth. In addition, it does highlight some of our current problems. The initial action was to terminate one billion “bad” people. Bad refers to what the Old Gods feel is bad. The changes and challenges are described from the viewpoint of one man and the friends he makes. This is a humerus story as the Gods and humans try to adjust to the new circumstances.
June 20, 2025
Very fun read
Enjoyed this book. Strange premise, Zeus and the rest of the mythological gods decide humans have F up the world and need to be reeducated. So the evil people are turned in to dead mummies this includes presidents down to pet store owners that mistreated their animals. Those who demonstrated good behavior were adopted by gods and given powers. Despite what should be heavy material it all comes off in a light humorous story.
Enjoyed this book. Strange premise, Zeus and the rest of the mythological gods decide humans have F up the world and need to be reeducated. So the evil people are turned in to dead mummies this includes presidents down to pet store owners that mistreated their animals. Those who demonstrated good behavior were adopted by gods and given powers. Despite what should be heavy material it all comes off in a light humorous story.
September 23, 2024
Good Read
I liked the story it was funny and moved.
Now gor the hard part: the Grammer needs to be checked, as does the proper use of quotations.
The concept was original (no crazy harems) but also felt rushed and crammed together. I gave it 5 stars due to the story, causing me to outright laugh out loud.
I liked the story it was funny and moved.
Now gor the hard part: the Grammer needs to be checked, as does the proper use of quotations.
The concept was original (no crazy harems) but also felt rushed and crammed together. I gave it 5 stars due to the story, causing me to outright laugh out loud.
December 4, 2024
Cute and weird
Kind of a cute book. Interesting premises, the old gods coming back and booting the new gods out. The new gods are, of course, unnamed and now out of a job. The MC seems to communicate with a lot of these old gods and the merriment ensues. I still don't see what the entire premise of the book is other than Mankind Screwed the pooch. The old gods made changes.
Kind of a cute book. Interesting premises, the old gods coming back and booting the new gods out. The new gods are, of course, unnamed and now out of a job. The MC seems to communicate with a lot of these old gods and the merriment ensues. I still don't see what the entire premise of the book is other than Mankind Screwed the pooch. The old gods made changes.
January 2, 2025
I miss Jesus, but this was interesting anyway
I would prefer to have more Christians in the follow on story. But I am not the author. You may enjoy that most politicians ceased to exist and a form of Judges emerged and no Kings. So much of what the Bible intended is in this work of fiction becomes the norm! I enjoyed this work & recommend it as food 4 thought.
I would prefer to have more Christians in the follow on story. But I am not the author. You may enjoy that most politicians ceased to exist and a form of Judges emerged and no Kings. So much of what the Bible intended is in this work of fiction becomes the norm! I enjoyed this work & recommend it as food 4 thought.
August 23, 2025
Loved it, BUT…..
I love the book. The only problem was the jarring, switching between first and third person narration.
To the author: DUDE!!! Have at least someone else review your work before you put it on Amazon!
Also, there was a lot more potential with things like Mars (the planet).
You should have Mars terraform in the second book and people settling there!
I love the book. The only problem was the jarring, switching between first and third person narration.
To the author: DUDE!!! Have at least someone else review your work before you put it on Amazon!
Also, there was a lot more potential with things like Mars (the planet).
You should have Mars terraform in the second book and people settling there!
September 1, 2024
I like it
This is the most orderly apocalypse ever. I enjoyed the light hearted tone and the playful portrayal of the gods. Overall, an enjoyable read, so long as you remember not to take it seriously.
This is the most orderly apocalypse ever. I enjoyed the light hearted tone and the playful portrayal of the gods. Overall, an enjoyable read, so long as you remember not to take it seriously.
September 8, 2024
A very nice and amusing story
Great literature this is not. A very good story with a lot of humor. Mr. Collins is an author I'm following and reading all his unlimited books. I think I'm up to four and so far only one has been so so and that is a matter of personal taste.
Great literature this is not. A very good story with a lot of humor. Mr. Collins is an author I'm following and reading all his unlimited books. I think I'm up to four and so far only one has been so so and that is a matter of personal taste.
September 26, 2024
Light Romantic and Comedic but
The Old Gods do kill off a billion or so evil people at the beginning of the book.
The good news is the Author doesn't go into gory details about that.
Enjoy.
The Old Gods do kill off a billion or so evil people at the beginning of the book.
The good news is the Author doesn't go into gory details about that.
Enjoy.
October 2, 2024
What a hoot
Interesting and fun read about the old gods taking back control from the new gods. Engaging characters and a hoot of a storyline. All of David Collins books have been an enjoyable read.
Interesting and fun read about the old gods taking back control from the new gods. Engaging characters and a hoot of a storyline. All of David Collins books have been an enjoyable read.
January 30, 2025
Entertaining!
David's books are very entertaining. Light Sci-fi with light humor. He has a wonderful sense of humor which makes his books a delight to read. My only suggestion would be for him to hurry up with more books which continue the stories he has written!
David's books are very entertaining. Light Sci-fi with light humor. He has a wonderful sense of humor which makes his books a delight to read. My only suggestion would be for him to hurry up with more books which continue the stories he has written!
January 30, 2025
Lol the whole way though
Lol the whole way though the story...amusing and full of twist and turns. Only thing that got me at the end was is this a single story or a series ..ehh let see where we go.
Lol the whole way though the story...amusing and full of twist and turns. Only thing that got me at the end was is this a single story or a series ..ehh let see where we go.
October 10, 2024
Different
That was one of the strangest books! It was very different than most of the sci-fi you'll find here. I did enjoy it and recommend it.
That was one of the strangest books! It was very different than most of the sci-fi you'll find here. I did enjoy it and recommend it.
November 13, 2024
Awesome!
Followers of the Old Ones will love it! Looking forward to the next one, can’t wait to see more of the Norse pantheon…
Followers of the Old Ones will love it! Looking forward to the next one, can’t wait to see more of the Norse pantheon…
November 17, 2024
Fun
I picked this book after the short intro and it seemed to be funny. It was. Funny, cute, easy to read, and lots of fun.
I picked this book after the short intro and it seemed to be funny. It was. Funny, cute, easy to read, and lots of fun.
February 8, 2025
Great read
I liked that this story was funny and cute. It was a much needed gentle outlook on our society and politics. Beware the old gods!
I liked that this story was funny and cute. It was a much needed gentle outlook on our society and politics. Beware the old gods!
May 9, 2025
This was really fun!
This was really fun! After the first billion or so people died, it became quite lighthearted. I loved the occasional oddball member of the extended pantheon.
This was really fun! After the first billion or so people died, it became quite lighthearted. I loved the occasional oddball member of the extended pantheon.
Read
September 19, 2025Not worth the Read
I have read alot of his books, this one is terrible. Some 20 year old kids idea of Utopia, really pathetic.
I have read alot of his books, this one is terrible. Some 20 year old kids idea of Utopia, really pathetic.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews