The Rainbow Annals

by Grania Davis

He came from a jeweled mountain in the center of the universe . . . The Monkey Prince was a god of awesome power and curiosity who somersaulted through the dimensions of time to reach the harsh, snow-peaked Earthland of Dza. There he searched for the secret of Chos, key to perfect knowledge and compassion. And there he met the demoness Drolma, who took his heart in an instant and claimed it for all eternity. Their passionate union spawned generations of mortals destined to follow in their exalted to search for Chos, and to forever wage battle with the Black Shen, master of monsters, black magic, and nightmares—the evil destroyer of all love and wonder!

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Grania Davis (nee Grania Kalman) was an American author and editor of science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. She was also the primary editor of the posthumous work of her former husband, Avram Davidson.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly beautiful read. The writing is a pleasure and the story is easy to follow, even as it spans generations, eons and kaplas of time.

When the Monkey Prince meets the demoness Drolma, their union is passionate, but it also sets in motion a generational destiny that drives much of the story’s heart and continuity. The world is stunning but dangerous, with jeweled mountains and snow‑peaked lands that make it visually striking, while nightmares and other spiritual threats remind you that peril comes in many forms.

While it might seem like a simple good-versus-evil tale, their fight against the evil Black Shen echoes across generations. Victories and losses ripple through time, affecting descendants and shaping the moral and mythic landscape. Meanwhile, the Monkey Prince pursues his spiritual quest for Chos, a journey of knowledge, compassion and enlightenment.

Having just finished it yesterday, I’m still amazed by how vividly imagined and mythic this world is. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythic, epic fantasy with deep spiritual and moral themes.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over 25 years ago and again about 15 years ago. It is a love story that overcomes time and space. It is good vs evil. It is simple and beautiful. It is, in essence, the origin myth of Tibet written in novel form.

I have not read it recently so I do not know if it holds the same appeal to a middle-aged woman as it did to a young twenty-something who was wide eyed and in love with the world BUT I can say that it has stayed with me like no other book has. And it is such a simple read.

I would definitleely recommend this book and in fact just loaned out my tattered copy with the caveat that I must get it back as it is hard to come by now.

[J'aime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had misfiled this with my fantasy novels so I was expecting something different, and was surprised (in a good way! Yes, I'm that person who buys tiny used novels based on the cover, not knowledge of the author, plot, or apparently.... genre.) Anyone with an interest in Tibet, Buddhism, folklore, or legend would likely enjoy it too. It has adventure, love, humor, and spirituality. I feel like I will come back and re-read it often.