Cerberus Slept

Summit of the Sun #1

by Doonvorcannon

An American Aeneid, “Cerberus Slept” is the first step of a three-legged journey into eternity. Virtue is tested, time and meaning are questioned, and power, fate and purpose all are challenged through impossible conflict and deep dialogue. This is an epic for those royal few ready to leave the herd and ascend into the fires of a new tomorrow. Awaken and ascend! Having fallen along with his precious Constantinople, the brave soldier Rangabes awakens in the darkness of death—in Tartarus no less. From the yawning maw of the underworld, he is thrust into the center of an epic struggle between the myths of old and the coming of a new order. He is forced to travel through the various pantheons of old myth and face their many perils. He contends with gods and monsters alike, battles legendary heroes, and his will is tested again and again. Befriending an ancient poet and a three-headed hound, he journeys towards Hyperborea in hopes of becoming worthy of carrying his ancient blood onto new shores.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2019

Reviews

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call it a meta-epic, Odyssey of today. The Hero's path to the glory through Greek, Egyptian, Nordic and Celtic myths. A very inspirational reading.

[Amy Takant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of something new, grand, and extremely exciting.

He takes the ideas of myth and spins them into creating an epic one of his own. The prose is strangely poetic, verging on almost affected yet remaining wholly authentic, ancient and new. A strange feel that makes sense and works for me. Some might not like this style, but it is not a poem nor in verse! It can feel like a free verse prose-poem at points.

Another excellent aspect I enjoyed was the action. These fights, these huge battles against gods and monsters are intense. Like, you feel the energy and kinetic crunch of bone against bone. Like I'm reading an Anime battle scene... but not in a pulpy or unrealistic way. Vivid images and scenes burst in my mind with some of these huge fights. All the senses are steeped in this violence when it comes. So good.

Then there is the philosophy behind this all. Purity of powerlesness... the seemingly paradoxical concept is what makes this for me. I will leave it to you to explore, but it reminded me of amor fati while still a bit different. I love this kind of stuff. And the one will, purely focused through time, being perfectly as yourself while infinitely increasing in this well of self... read this book. All the way through. All the ideas and concepts come together in such a brilliant manner, a spear tip, as he'd say :)

[Matthew Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I can see why it’s been described as an American Aeneid.

Unique mix of existing mythologies and the appearance of a divinity near the end (while not a surprise) was very welcome.

Can’t wait for further instalments.
If you liked Neil Gaimans American Gods this May hold some interest

[Shad Aijalon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very good.

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had me barking and howling

[Giovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doon does it again! A great blend of myth and ideas! I look forward to continuing!!

[cadfael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mythology revamped.