נהר האלים הרוקדים

Dancing Gods #1

by ג'ק ל' צ'וקר

Life had not been kind to Joe and Marge. Now, according to the stranger who met them on a road that wasn't there, they were due to die in nineteen minutes, eighteen seconds. But the ferryboat that waited to take them across the Sea of Dreams could bring them to a new and perhaps better life.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Humor, Adventure, Ebooks

287 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of other reviewers have made the obvious comparison to Xanth, and they're right - this first book in a prolonged series reads very much like a slightly more mature Piers Anthony novel. But only slightly. The River of Dancing Gods is part traditional portal-epic fantasy, part satire of that genre. Chalker must have had a lot of fun writing this, but in his self-aware parody, he sometimes comes off as trying a little too hard to convince us it's all a joke. "See, the bit about beautiful women walking around half-naked, it's in the Rules!" Yeah, okay Jack, I get it, you're being totally subversive. Har har.

Ruddygore turned to Marge. “You realize, of course, that you’re almost more in a state of undress than dress. That’s what Joe was talking about.”
“Well, yeah, but…Oh, those books again.”
Ruddygore nodded. “Volume 46 is mostly concerned with appearances. Page 119, section 34(a)—‘Weather and climate permitting, all beautiful young women will be scantily clad.’ It’s as simple as that.”
She just stared at him.

Marge and Joe, a trucker and a woman on the run, find themselves at a literal ferry crossing, where they meet an enormously-girthed wizard named Ruddygore who gives them the classic call to adventure, layered with a bit more metaphysics. Chalker builds his alternate world with a story about heaven and hell and how the magical fantasy world of Husaquahr was built as a sort of prototype for the "real" world, Earth. Ruddygore needs a couple of adventurers from Earth, for rather obscure reasons that aren't completely explained in this book, to help prevent the Dark Baron from conquering Husaquahr, which hell will then use as a beachhead from which to launch an invasion of Earth.

Upon crossing over, Joe becomes a brawny, iron-thewed barbarian warrior complete with a magic sword, and Marge becomes a half-naked elfin witch. The two of them go through a quick training period, then acquire a group of companions to accompany them on their quest, which involves a Circe-like sorceress who transforms men into animals, some battles with enemy soldiers in the mountains, a neurotic dragon, a genie in a magic lamp, and finally, a big staged battle between fantasy armies.

This is a classic, cliche-heavy epic fantasy, but the twist is that it's deliberately and intentionally so - when the angels created Husaquahr, they did so with a book of Rules concerning how magic and quests and everything else were supposed to work. Then a Council of wizards took over the job, and like all bureaucracies, has added to it over time until now the Rules are an immense library governing everything from genies to magic swords to barbarian heroes to the attire of beautiful young women. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from these Rules, so we are continually reminded that there's a reason for the cliches.

And here's how it ends:

He sighed. “Remember back at the start of this thing? Remember, Marge, when you labeled it the start of an epic?”
She chuckled. “Yes, I remember. I didn’t know how true that was when I joked about it.”
“You still don’t,” he told her. “The Books of Rules, Volume 16, page 103, section 12(d).”
“Yeah? So what’s that crazy set say about us?” Joe wanted to know.
“All epics must be at least trilogies,” Ruddygore replied, and laughed and laughed and laughed…

This book was fun, light reading, though were some passages where it felt like Chalker was just kind of filling space by telling us what happened between the scenes he really wanted to write. The worldbuilding hints at a bit more complexity than is immediately apparent, but nothing like his Well World or Quintara Marathon series. This is basically a book that's a product of its time, the 80s boom in epic fantasy of indifferent quality, and while Chalker is always an entertaining author, this series was probably not his best work. The first book was okay, but I'm not really motivated to read the rest.

I downloaded this ebook as a free Phoenix Pick, and then randomly read it out of order in my TBR queue because I used to really like Jack Chalker but had not read him in a long time. (FYI and OT, if you are a SF&F fan, especially if you like older stuff, you should subscribe to the Phoenix Pick newsletter - they offer a free ebook every month, usually an older first-in-a-series book, and have a nice mix of classic formerly OOP SF and new stuff for sale.)

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start this off by saying I am a big Chalker fan and have read most of his science fiction works, but this is my first fantasy series by him. Despite the change in genre, Chalker still evokes many of the tropes he is known for, such as transforming bodies of the characters and moving the self of one being to another. While Chalker never seems to take him self too seriously, as in trying to create a time proven epic or something, he really ups the snark here and TRODG comes off just to one side of satire. I found myself laughing more at TRODG than any other of his works, and they all have a humorous side.

The story centers on three main protagonists-- Marge, Joe and Throckmorton P. Ruddygore. Marge and Joe are from our universe, and the story begins with Joe driving his truck in Texas and picking up a hitchhiker-- Marge. Joe and Marge's lives are in kinda a mess, with Marge fleeing from a bad marriage and a series of crappy jobs and Joe estranged from his son and without much to live for. While driving in a rain storm, the highway seems to split and Joe and Marge suddenly find themselves on a off ramp with Ruddygore standing in a vast white light. Ruddygore tells Joe if he stays in the present universe, he will die in less than 20 minutes and makes an offer to join him 'across the sea of dreams' to another universe. Marge was unexpected by Ruddygore, but he makes her the same offer; they both elect to go.

Once in the new universe, one where magic rules and populated by humans and all sorts of other creatures, Ruddygore transforms them (with the help of a demon) to become a barbarian warrior and a magical witch and sends them off to training. It is the eve of a great war, with Ruddygore and his allies against an evil force led by the Dark Barron with assistance of demons from hell!

In many ways, this could be read as a spoof of typical fantasy motifs, and I a mentioned, it comes pretty close to satire of the genre. Nonetheless, the battle of 'good versus evil' is fun (and heavily qualifies regarding what those terms mean) and the quest Ruddygore sends Marge and Joe on is again typical of fantasy literature, but humorous as well (there are even allusions to Monty Python's quest for the holy grail!). Chalker always abounds in ideas and snarky commentary on life in general and that really comes to the fore here. As usual, he could have used a better editor and this could be more polished, but for better or worse, that quality of his work is almost trademark. 4 solid snarky stars!

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, rip-roaring fantasy adventure that pokes fun at fantasy tropes while gleefully engaging in them. I look forward to seeing where the rest of the series goes.

[Matthew Havrilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series that a roommate had me try back in '96. I read the first two books and they left such a good impression that I just had to find them 15 years later. Or rather, Brenda did and got them for my birthday. Lol. They are no longer in print so a used book store or site would be ideal.

These are a simple read. I would say somewhere along the lines of Piers Anthony. Not a complicated read, but a good simple story with a few decidedly adult moments. As well, he is one of the only authors (Jim Butcher and Niel Gaimen being the others) who can literally make me laugh out loud when reading.

[Cheryl]

Read for a buddy read that I initiated in SFFBC, Nov 7 2020.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I had a bit to say, but this sample is enough for here:
Maybe a sequel would be fun if it played with the Rules. For example if people found loopholes in them, or fought against them. I dunno, just musing... because I do own the next book and don't want to skip it.

If you know this book, or want to read it soon, we'd love to have you join the discussion!

[Paps · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice beguinning to a series. Well developed characters, not to mention decent pacing. I am excited about what else is in store.

[BookLuva28 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just OK. Not the strongest introduction to a series at my rating of 2.5 stars. Though some readers of fantasy may argue that Jack Chalker tried a little too hard with the parody, I appreciated his sense of humor in this book. The characters were fleshed out well enough; I guess the letdown for me was the overall story. In comparison with others I have read in this genre, it just paled. It started out strongly and then eventually fizzed out like an aged firecracker you're waiting to see burst into magnificence but instead peters out leaving much to be desired. However, this may change in the continuing story. I may or might not read the second installment, as long as I don't have to purchase it.

[Bill Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and looking forward to the 2nd in the series.
I've previously read the Changewinds and Soul Rider series.
All 3 have body changes and portals to new worlds, so far I'd say this is closer to Changewinds in that the amount of bodily changes are limited. Soul Rider went overboard,
Unique story line and humorous as well to this point.

[Ted Fauster · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I decided I would become a writer. This was the pivotal book for me. The journey of Joe and Marge precluded everything by Salvatore, Williams and the others. It was my catalyst.

The classic 'portal' tale, River of the Dancing Gods transports two ordinary people into a rich fantasy world. There's a quest, of course. There's always a quest.

What is unique about this book, and all the subsequent books in this series, is the complete transformation each character endures. The unlikely heroes physically change from book to book, which makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

The best part - characters experience all the trappings of a good fantasy novel, yet they speak to each other like normal people. I love that element most of all. It only amplifies the weirdness of the place and makes the story all the more believable.

This book is a MUST READ for anyone who writes portal fantasy fiction.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly original fantasy, which, although formulaic in some parts, continually surprised me with refreshing characters and unexpected events. In many cases, the characters were likable, however the reader should not expect to find persons or creatures who are deeply developed and interpreted. Consequently, this book is simply entertaining without being absorbing in emotion or awe. To put it another way, I could never escape from the animated feeling of the story that would allow me to enter a physical realistic world. This wasn't simply due to its fantasy type theme, but also the associated writing style. To me, Mr. Chalker's goal was only to charm with a good story, absent of any deep seated or inspirational message. And this he accomplished very well.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

reread 4/26/12
I remembered this book as a goofy fun romp. It was a little more tiresome/tired than I remembered, but it's also more self-aware and self-criticizing than I'd remembered, too, which was interesting. Chalker plays around with a lot of fantasy tropes, installing them as the "Rules" of this world: fair maidens MUST be scantily clad when weather permits, magical items like lamps and charms MUST be well defended, and of course, epics MUST at least be trilogies. Chalker's sense of humor is really what makes his books worth reading and rereading for me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the very first Fantasy novel I ever read. I remember clearly going into the adult section of the library (I think I had only been in 6th or 7th grade, and the adult section was still a Whole New World). I was waiting for mom to finish up and I had been spinning one of the paperback racks. The cover caught my eye and I checked it out. I had never read anything like it before.

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is semi-fun, but seems tiresome after a while. The beginning of the end for me with Chalker. I read all 4, none are horrible, but there's no really neat series idea, to me. Ends up feeling like a Xanth/early Discworld novel with a bit more depth.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first sci-fi/fantasy book I ever read, and a great story too!

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story was ok. The characters weak.

[Lex · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Just because your whole life is going to hell doesn’t mean you have to walk there.”

I have started this review with the book’s opening line because it is one of the best I have come across. A lot of fantasies revolve around this idea of fate / predetermination - much like the story’s hero, Joe, who at the beginning of the novel must leave all that the he knows behind, either through a fated death or by choosing to enter a fantasy realm. And much like the second part of the line suggests, Joe - along with the heroine Marge - are given plenty of opportunities throughout to make the most of their destinies.

Overall, the book is an amusing and entertaining fantasy that does not take itself too seriously. While this is the first book in a series of five, the narrative captures a complete adventure and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone if you don’t mind a few loose ends.

The plot makes frequent references to and incorporates many famous myths, legends and folklores - most of the characters too reflect species and archetypes from this literary bank.

This does, however, make the book pretty much a bundle of self-aware clichés that all hum along to the tune of the Hero’s Journey. While Marge has more autonomy and personality than your average fantasy heroine, her overt sexuality and voluntary celibacy makes her more the object of the male gaze than it does empower her (at least in my opinion).

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel that breaks boundaries, then I suggest you keep on looking. If you just want a fantasy that is entertaining without being too complicated or experimental, then this will be a good read for you.

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I distinctly remember writing a review for this book last week, but apparently, I'm imagining that because it is not showing up as a review on my reading challenge! Weird. Now on to the book.

I loved it. It is pure fantasy which I also love. The narrative flowed freely, and both the characters and the world were well crafted, but best of all, there are several more books in the series. :) Yay.

The premise/plot of the book is that two people (Joe and Marge) are transported to a new world called Husaquahr by a wizard who looks a lot like Santa Claus (named Throckmorton P. Ruddygore) minutes before they are to die on Earth. Given the chance to be anything they want, Joe chooses to become the quintessential handsome Barbarian and Marge becomes a beautiful elven wizard. They learn about the evil guy called The Baron and that they will have to fight him in order to save the world and Earth.

I found the book delightful and high fantasy has always been my favorite form of fantasy. Yes, it was published in 1984 so it may be a bit outdated to some but it's still a delightful and fascinating read.

[Aoibh Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In mid-1984, I was encouraged to read this book by friends. And how could I refuse? To imagine a world where someone could wave a magic wand, and I'd be my ideal self. It was... inspiring. I won't pretend that all of Chalker's work aged spectacularly well, but as a tongue-in-cheek adventure that lampooned many of the great fantasy series, I loved it.

For anyone thinking of reading it, I'd encourage them to remember that it was 1984, and by today's standards, some bits might seem problematic, but it's worth the read and then some. And while not all of Chalker's work aged terribly well, forty years later, most of it is a fabulous ride into worlds that take me back to that twelve-year-old self. Dancing Gods is no exception. It's still close to my heart.

The writing is good. The story is enjoyable. It pokes fun at every fantasy series that had been written at the time. Most importantly, though, you can get lost in it. I certainly did. I still love these books.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple sword and sorcery story told interestingly and imaginatively. I have a few questions about the self-constancy of the world and its rules but these are minor. On the whole even though overall the story is predictable enough the author kept the story eventful if not particularly suspenseful. I do have qualms with the way the author presents our modern civilization in general and with the attitude he writes about the 'white man' in particular.

One last big gripe:
Of what use is a beautiful, virginal maiden in a fantasy story if she remains well, virginal? In fact, we meet exactly zero marriageable girls in the whole story. These modern fantasies really think outside the box, as it were, but the point escapes me. My confusion perhaps explains the reason for the 'no men allowed' sign on the lawn of Glen Dinig.

Not much reason for me to continue the series but those with more modern sensibilities should find nothing to complain about.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe and Marge. Two humans that are just floating through their lives are swept up by an otherworldly man before one or both of them are going to die. The world feels similar to Xanth, but I think that is just because they both are about magical and non magical worlds with demons. I hope that the books get better throughout the series. Reading fantasy comes with a suspension of belief, but I think it needed a more convincing build up to its events. I enjoyed the book. Give it a read.

Remember, a book about another reality is allowed to have its sins. This isn't a purely good story, it has darkness.

[Samantha Logsdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The River of Dancing Gods starts out slow, giving too many specific details about things that could have been alluded to or just simply left to the readers imagination. But about a quarter of the way through the book, the action kicks in and the adventure begins! It’s a slow start to a great story!

[Phil Favre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard Chalker. I’m more partial to his sci-fi works. I don’t think he ever topped the Well of Souls series. Four Lords of the Diamond came close. Still, a light, fun quick paced read with its moments. I’ll read the next one but maybe not right away.

[Maaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tikrai neblogai parašyta knyga, bet erzina yra spragos ir neatitikimai kurie erzina per visą knygą, pvz taisyklė kurią pabrėžia pradžioje o tada ignoruoja per visą knygą tarsi nieko nebūtų apie tai minėta ir visi elgiasi tarsi jos nebūtų be jokių pasėkmių.

[Sean Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantast adventure with a twist

The tale of a trucker turned barbarian and his hitchhiker turned fae changeling and their FIRST adventure in a new and wondrous world of swords and sorcery! All with a hefty dose of tongue in cheek humor makes this a great read, and re-read.

[Robin Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waw, I just love this series, i have them all and always find myself going back for another read. The Author has humour and scope, the adventures the main characters go on are amazing. They grow with the series and find others to share in their adventures.

[James S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

An inoffensive fantasy, decently written and with a somewhat intriguing premise, but just ultimately too silly for me to take seriously.

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Nothing innovative but worked for me as a comfort read. I hope for some more humor in the sequel.

[Shawna Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oldie but goodie!

This has stood the test of time surprisingly well. It's got everything a fantasy lover could want and is worth reading.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this ages ago but I still remember how much I loved it. I got distracted with life so I never finished the series but it’s definitely on my to do list.

[carol shewman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this series of books several times and thoroughly enjoy it each and every time. We lost a great storyteller when Jack Chalker passed.