The River of Dancing Gods (Dancing Gods #1) by Jack L. Chalker

The River of Dancing Gods (Dancing Gods #1) Reviews

• 
  David

  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

  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

  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

  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

  A nice beguinning to a series. Well developed characters, not to mention decent pacing. I am excited about what else is in store.
• 
  BookLuva28

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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.
• 
  Lex

  “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.
• 
  Phil Favre

  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

  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

  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.
• 
  James S.

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

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

  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.
• 
  David

  Mr. Chalker has been one of my favorite authors of science fiction since the early 80's when I discovered the Well of Souls series. In that series humans find themselves in a fantastic world that stretches the readers imagination, not just the characters that must comprehend and deal with the challenges that they are presented with. As complex as the Well World is, so to is the story line of that series.
  The story of Joe and Marge follows a similar pattern. Two humans from our world and time, quite suddenly, find themselves in a fantasy world of elves (not Tolkien elves), dragons and wizards. They are changed and they too have challenges to overcome and a lot to learn about they're new world.
  But that's where the elements I loved of the Well World end. There is none of the complexity of the politics and anthropology in Husaquahr that there is in the Well World and, by me, it is sadly missed.
  Perhaps this is what Mr. Chalker intended. After all, it clear that in part the book is intended to poke fun at the conventions of the fantasy genre and the sword and sorcery genre has more than it's share of simple story lines. But for such a creative, intelligent author to intentionally or unintentionally write such a straight forward story seems like a waste of talent.
• 
  Jamie Barringer (Ravenmount)

  I picked up this book and the rest of the Dancing Gods series off a community free-books shelf a few weeks ago, knowing nothing about them but that they are in the fantasy genre.
  If the men who wrote the Urantia Book had instead decided to just focus on writing halfway decent genre fantasy, they might have ended up with something like this book and the rest of the series.Based loosely on Christian mythology, this fantasy lands 2 people from our world in a bizarre place where they are turned into stereotypical comic book characters. The guy, a truck driver, is transformed into a character a bit like Conan, while his companion, a woman he picked up hitchhiking out in the middle of nowhere in Texas, winds up in a skimpy skirt like what Xena might wear. All along the characters are aware that the stereotypes they are playing out are rather artificial, but they are Rules developed by a committee that helps manage the world they must navigate through on their equally stereotypical quest. It is hard to work out how tongue-in-cheek some of this book is, but it is creative and entertaining.
• 
  A

  The River of Dancing Gods begins with lots of promise as the hero and heroine are transported to a parallel universe prior to their demise on Earth. This parallel universe is sort of the antithesis of Earth. It is governed by a set of "Rules" written in a massive volume of books.
  
  As the book opens the characters learn about their new world and become accustomed. At this stage the books shows lots of promise, but once the hero, heroine, and a new pack of pals head out on their journey to vanquish evil the book descends to a very also ran sci-fi novel.
  
  It became one of those books I finished to say I finished, especially since the climax and closing of the book are rushed and poorly written.
  
  Great idea, but not a book I would waste my time reading again. This was a Good Reads recommended book and the algorithms missed their mark on this one.
  
  
• 
  Matthew Reads Junk

  It's an interesting concept of modern day characters brought into a medivial world and outfitted with swords and sorcerry that's marred by some pedestrian writing and flat characterization.
  
  Things just happen to the characters and they react to it with basic one dimensional emotions, there are a few interesting plot twists and surprises but they're not really expanded on, and are revealed in a couple quick sentences buried in lesser paragraphs.
  
  This book is a short read with an interesting premise but could have really been helped with some fleshing out of things.
• 
  Steven Williamson

  Along with Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series, Chalker's The Dancing Gods series stand out to me as the classic examples of what pure D&D-style fantasy novels should be. They have engaging characters that you wish you could meet in person, and Chalker is an expert at making ordinary things -- like walking barefoot across shag carpet -- seem extraordinary. Like Rosenberg, Chalker's works made me want to become a writer myself.
• 
  Bookwyrm Speaks

  I have read this book many times, and it is one of my all time favorite Fantasy books. Jack Chalker was one of my favorite writers of all time, and this book series is a big reason why. It is a People from our universe taken to a fantasy universe to stop the dark lord story. It has engaging characters, fun fantasy elements, and a mysterious adversary. Well plotted, with an interesting back story for the fantasy world. I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a good rollicking fantasy.