Altruism

Playing Gods #3

by Chris Rohan, Karen Rohan

EYES OF BLOOD SKIES HORNS OF PRIDE SCARS FANGS TASTING THEIR OWN FLESH CLAWS OF ARGON CALAMITY WINGS SENTIENT AND CRAWLING TAILS LASHING AT CREATION SPIKES OF REPRESSION VEINS OF NOTHING ARMS IN PRAYER TO HOWLING MINES EYES OF BLOOD SKIES HORNS OF PRIDE SCARS FANGS TASTING THEIR OWN FLESH CLAWS OF ARGON CALAMITY WINGS SENTIENT AND CRAWLING TAILS LASHING AT CREATION SPIKES OF REPRESSION VEINS OF NOTHING ARMS IN PRAYER TO HOWLING MINES EYES OF BLOOD SKIES HORNS OF PRIDE SCARS FANGS TASTING THEIR OWN FLESH CLAWS OF ARGON CALAMITY WINGS SENTIENT AND CRAWLING TAILS LASHING AT CREATION SPIKES OF REPRESSION VEINS OF NOTHING ARMS IN PRAYER TO HOWLING MINES EYES OF BLOOD SKIES HORNS OF PRIDE SCARS FANGS TASTING THEIR OWN FLESH CLAWS OF ARGON CALAMITY WINGS SENTIENT AND CRAWLING TAILS LASHING AT CREATION SPIKES OF REPRESSION VEINS OF NOTHING ARMS IN PRAYER TO HOWLING MINES EYES OF BLOOD SKIES HORNS OF PRIDE SCARS FANGS TASTING THEIR OWN FLESH CLAWS OF ARGON CALAMITY WINGS SENTIENT AND CRAWLING TAILS LASHING AT CREATION SPIKES OF REPRESSION VEINS OF NOTHING ARMS IN PRAYER TO HOWLING MINES

The story of Playing Gods continues, and reality bends to its demands.

Genres: Fantasy

Audiobook

Published January 15, 2021

About the author

Chris Rohan grew up in a family of actors, and the influence is obvious. Despite being an introverted soul and not pursuing acting as a career, he has a performative streak and is often playing the quippy comedian.

He loves video games and spent his childhood with controller in hand. When he's not working he's usually gaming, and is particularly inspired by innovation and subversion in the medium. This background informed a lot of his thematic choices regarding Playing Gods.

Chris specializes in dialogue, characters, fast-paced action, and plotlines/plot twists. He does sound design and voice acting for the series.

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Altruism (Playing Gods, #3) by Chris Rohan is a masterful conclusion to a series that not only explores divine power but the very essence of morality. This third installment delivers a complex and riveting tale that pushes the boundaries of philosophical questions while still maintaining its grip on the reader's attention. With its bold narrative and thought-provoking themes, this book both challenges and rewards the reader.

As with the previous books in the Playing Gods series, Chris Rohan once again dives deep into the nuances of divinity, creation, and the role of gods in a universe that feels simultaneously familiar and vast. The characters, who have evolved across the trilogy, reach the pinnacle of their arcs, culminating in an unforgettable finale.

"A universe shaped by the whims of gods is, in the end, a reflection of the conflicts within themselves."

This quote encapsulates the essence of the story. The gods in Rohan’s universe are not omniscient beings but rather flawed entities struggling with their own desires, limitations, and questions of altruism—can true selflessness exist in a world shaped by power?

Character Development: One of the greatest strengths of Altruism is its intricate character growth. We witness the inner turmoil of the protagonists as they grapple with their own perceptions of good, evil, and the often-blurred line between them. Rohan has done an exceptional job creating characters that feel real, despite their godlike abilities. By the end, each character is irrevocably changed, and so is the reader's understanding of morality.
Philosophical Depth: The philosophical undertones that Rohan weaves throughout the book are both subtle and deeply profound. The title itself, *Altruism*, is not just a passing reference but a core theme that ties the narrative together. The question of whether true altruism can exist in a world filled with conflicting interests makes the reader reflect on their own beliefs and actions. These ideas are layered into the plot without feeling overbearing, making the novel an engaging intellectual journey.
World-Building: As expected from Rohan, the world-building is impeccable. The landscapes, cultures, and the divine hierarchy are vividly portrayed. There is a richness to the setting that makes the cosmic universe of gods feel tangible, yet never overwhelming. The descriptions are lush, but the pacing never falters, keeping the reader enthralled from start to finish.

Thematic Exploration:

At the heart of this novel is the question of selflessness. Can a god, with all its powers and influence, ever act in a way that is truly devoid of self-interest? Rohan explores this concept masterfully, presenting scenarios where the gods are forced to confront their own motivations. Without giving away too much, the resolution of these questions leaves the reader both satisfied and contemplative.

The final confrontation between the central gods is as much about internal battles as external ones. Their struggle to redefine what it means to be a god—and whether sacrifice can truly be altruistic—creates an emotionally charged climax that lingers long after the last page.

Writing Style:

Rohan’s prose is eloquent without being overwrought. There’s a flow to his writing that makes even the most abstract philosophical discussions feel approachable. Each chapter builds suspense, but there is a certain elegance to how he unravels the plot, allowing moments of reflection to balance the intense action sequences. The pacing, too, is spot on, with no chapter feeling too drawn out or too rushed.

The introduction sets the tone immediately, pulling the reader back into the universe with a sense of familiarity and a looming sense of finality.
The middle of the book deepens the exploration of key themes, with character dynamics driving much of the tension.
The conclusion is both epic in scope and intimate in its emotional weight, tying together the various narrative threads in a satisfying manner.

Final Thoughts:

Altruism (Playing Gods, #3) is not just the conclusion of a thrilling series, but a statement on the complexities of morality, divinity, and the human (or godly) condition. Chris Rohan has crafted a work that doesn’t just entertain—it challenges. For fans of the series, this book will provide the closure they’ve been waiting for, and for new readers, it serves as a testament to Rohan’s skills as both a storyteller and a philosopher.

Rating: 4/5

If you're looking for a novel that blends cosmic battles with deep philosophical musings, Altruism is a must-read. It’s not just about gods playing with the universe—it’s about the universal questions we all face.

[Aleksa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story good.
Characters infuriating.