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Pantheon
Eric Syrdal’s Pantheon is the novel told in free-verse that you never knew you needed to read. Epic in scope but always deeply rooted in its humanity, it defies genres and expectations. “Pantheon is a thrilling philosophical journey exploring the depth and meaning for one passing through a metaphorical world of inner demons and dragons, goddesses of the soul, of warrior and poet. A journey that crosses boundaries of time, space, and perception. I am captured by the intimate revelations of this intuitive and sympathetic protagonist battling the dark ages of his subconscious moving instinctively forward into innerscape, relying upon and exalting the virtue goddesses that guide and deliver him from barbarity and trial by ordeal both physical and spiritually as he transports from one state of being to another, from one point of time to another"Holly Rene Hunter
396 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2018
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 11, 2018
Pantheon is a novel written in free verse, which I find to be a welcome change from the norm. Not only does the author know how to use language effectively, but his writing is beautiful and elegant. The imagery is powerful, as are the characters. The thoughts and feelings evoked by reading Pantheon will stay with you long after you have finished it. It is simply amazing. There is not enough room here for me to list everything that I love about this book, so you will have to read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
November 17, 2019
Amazing! This book is beautiful. ♡
December 11, 2018
You have never read something like this before and you won't read something like this again. Why? Is it possible to be original anymore? Yes. This novel proves it. It also proves you can combine poetry and prose, history and science fiction and STILL be an incredible work of art. This is one of the most intense books I have ever read, I was continually stunned by where the author took the story, you couldn't predict it if you tried all of your life. There is nothing unoriginal about this novel, it's just a gripping, incredible tour de force and explosive, emotive, classic that I believe will continue to take the indie market by storm. To try to describe it would take far too long, think Neil Gaiman on ecstasy and set on fire by starlight and you may be close. Suffice to say, if you love reading and you love things you have never even considered could be written, then this is the novel you'll want to purchase and probably gift to everyone you know.
May 3, 2020
Pantheon, the debut novel by Eric Syrdal, is unique. His free verse poetry weaves mythology for modern times while being entertaining, insightful, and visionary in its scope. Told in semi-epic verse, his passion within each tale skillfully blends modern constructs with ancient forms. Mixed within are fairy tales and spaceships, where you'll find characters you not only want them as a part of your life but want to be them.
This genuinely ambitious work is creativity at its best. The compelling story within Pantheon is on a level with Homer's Odyssey or Virgil's Aeneid.
Just as these epics are rooted in the mythology of their time, Eric has carved new mythology for ours.
Mythologies have existed as long as our species has been able to communicate. Myth has provided us with explanations for the world around us, and answers for existential questions such as:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
For centuries, artists have turned to ancient myth as reference for their art. Today, I have finished reading modern mythology worthy of being added to the archives of inspiration. For if a picture is worth a thousand words, contained within this debut novel by Eric Syrdal is a museum's worth of art.
Syrdal's heroines are; The Queen of Hearts, Grace, Karma, Courage, Fate, Mercy, and Hope. The story unfolds as our narrator meets or reconnects with these personifications of human concepts, for what else is a god or goddess, who have each influenced and assisted the hero through his many journeys.
The many tales woven throughout the myths of Pantheon create a rich tapestry, showing us in vivid imagery the journey through a multi-verse of genres. Our protagonist explores worlds set in Science-fiction, Fantasy, and Time Travel as he learns what he really seeks. Eric Syrdal has blended these concepts and different visions of reality with skill and deftness surpassing any single genre story. The imagination required to create this mythos is greater than the sum of its parts.
To experience life in all of its variety, the joy, and heartbreak, and it all echoes the spirit within so we may experience the exhilaration of life. This hero's quest is not one to save the world, but ultimately, ourselves, as the tales unfold, the questions asked, only to find we are the answer.
The semi-autobiographical mirror held up by Eric Syrdal reflects not only paths he has trodden but sheds light on the path we have chosen for ourselves. It demonstrates why we should be deliberate in our travels, not settling, but choosing only the path with heart for you. The way will not always be easy, but if you take the traditional way, you may never realize your own potential.
An epic poem, the style was as enjoyable to read as it was fresh. My eyes flowed as freely as the verse over each page. The drama, humor, and flights of fancy, as you follow, will keep you turning page after page. For within are multilayered depths of meaning and experience. I have followed Eric's writing for many years, was able to watch as this incredible work developed, and with each reading, I find new concepts to regard and consider.
One of my favorite myths within Pantheon is Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All), which is the story of Fate. If it does not move you, then you may need to check your heart.
I want to offer this short excerpt from the myth 'The Dragon and the Damsel.'
"This time it's not a roar
No
it is a sorrowful
pitiful howl
of an animal that is realizing
and the odds of escaping
with its life
are not good…
'Never heard that before' says Angel as she takes her first
steps toward the door sword in hand.
Courage smiles, 'All this time you've heard what it sounds like when it's in control. When it's on top. Now…for the first
time, dear Angel, you will know what it sounds like
when it is afraid. And it is. It is afraid of you.'
And together
They step through
the doorway to engage
in a battle,
the outcome of which,
is not only a victory for one woman's soul
but for the soul of mankind."
Please look for more by Eric Syrdal on his blog My Sword and Shield.
This genuinely ambitious work is creativity at its best. The compelling story within Pantheon is on a level with Homer's Odyssey or Virgil's Aeneid.
Just as these epics are rooted in the mythology of their time, Eric has carved new mythology for ours.
Mythologies have existed as long as our species has been able to communicate. Myth has provided us with explanations for the world around us, and answers for existential questions such as:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
For centuries, artists have turned to ancient myth as reference for their art. Today, I have finished reading modern mythology worthy of being added to the archives of inspiration. For if a picture is worth a thousand words, contained within this debut novel by Eric Syrdal is a museum's worth of art.
Syrdal's heroines are; The Queen of Hearts, Grace, Karma, Courage, Fate, Mercy, and Hope. The story unfolds as our narrator meets or reconnects with these personifications of human concepts, for what else is a god or goddess, who have each influenced and assisted the hero through his many journeys.
The many tales woven throughout the myths of Pantheon create a rich tapestry, showing us in vivid imagery the journey through a multi-verse of genres. Our protagonist explores worlds set in Science-fiction, Fantasy, and Time Travel as he learns what he really seeks. Eric Syrdal has blended these concepts and different visions of reality with skill and deftness surpassing any single genre story. The imagination required to create this mythos is greater than the sum of its parts.
To experience life in all of its variety, the joy, and heartbreak, and it all echoes the spirit within so we may experience the exhilaration of life. This hero's quest is not one to save the world, but ultimately, ourselves, as the tales unfold, the questions asked, only to find we are the answer.
The semi-autobiographical mirror held up by Eric Syrdal reflects not only paths he has trodden but sheds light on the path we have chosen for ourselves. It demonstrates why we should be deliberate in our travels, not settling, but choosing only the path with heart for you. The way will not always be easy, but if you take the traditional way, you may never realize your own potential.
An epic poem, the style was as enjoyable to read as it was fresh. My eyes flowed as freely as the verse over each page. The drama, humor, and flights of fancy, as you follow, will keep you turning page after page. For within are multilayered depths of meaning and experience. I have followed Eric's writing for many years, was able to watch as this incredible work developed, and with each reading, I find new concepts to regard and consider.
One of my favorite myths within Pantheon is Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All), which is the story of Fate. If it does not move you, then you may need to check your heart.
I want to offer this short excerpt from the myth 'The Dragon and the Damsel.'
"This time it's not a roar
No
it is a sorrowful
pitiful howl
of an animal that is realizing
and the odds of escaping
with its life
are not good…
'Never heard that before' says Angel as she takes her first
steps toward the door sword in hand.
Courage smiles, 'All this time you've heard what it sounds like when it's in control. When it's on top. Now…for the first
time, dear Angel, you will know what it sounds like
when it is afraid. And it is. It is afraid of you.'
And together
They step through
the doorway to engage
in a battle,
the outcome of which,
is not only a victory for one woman's soul
but for the soul of mankind."
Please look for more by Eric Syrdal on his blog My Sword and Shield.
March 17, 2019
Syrdal’s Pantheon is a modern novel but of epic proportions; seeking to harness the same storytelling power of Homer’s Odyssey or Virgil’s Aeneid. I found the first two chapters/books a fascinating exploration of the human condition and the daily battles we face, framed in fantasy.
The novel as a cohesive whole was perhaps lost on me toward the end but each book has its own story and I thoroughly enjoyed each one. Especially Cindie’s story which broke my heart and has this modern epic take a sci-fi turn.
Ultimately, Syrdal has explored Love and our capacity to love in Pantheon. He explores our ability to love ourselves, others and our children; but he also explores the dual nature of love, how it is innately selfless and selfish all at once.
Despite drawing upon ancient oral tradition, Syrdal takes on the persona of a bard who is new and different.
The novel as a cohesive whole was perhaps lost on me toward the end but each book has its own story and I thoroughly enjoyed each one. Especially Cindie’s story which broke my heart and has this modern epic take a sci-fi turn.
Ultimately, Syrdal has explored Love and our capacity to love in Pantheon. He explores our ability to love ourselves, others and our children; but he also explores the dual nature of love, how it is innately selfless and selfish all at once.
Despite drawing upon ancient oral tradition, Syrdal takes on the persona of a bard who is new and different.
December 5, 2018
To write an entire novel in Free Verse is ambitious; and I can't think of anyone better equipped with the written language than Eric Syrdal. Pantheon is sophisticated, yet unpretentious, and wholly entertaining. Within the pages, myth and science fiction marry, and the relationship is gorgeous. Please read Pantheon. You will not regret the adventure.
January 4, 2019
One of my favorite reads of 2018. It is the novel told in free-verse that I never knew I needed to read. Epic in scale, genre-defying, and beautifully human. I was baffled about how Eric Syrdal could possibly wrap the book up at the end, and then he did so, perfectly.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews