Pagan Passions

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22767

Title

Pagan Passions

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In a transformed New York where ancient Greek and Roman gods have returned with full power, William Forrester, an acolyte of Athena, navigates a world where war and economic cycles are outlawed. Tempted by the Goddess of Love and pursued by religious police, he must survive trials of intrigue and danger while uncovering the true origins of the divine.

Summary up to 500 words

In Randall Garrett and Laurence M. Janifer's *Pagan Passions*, the ancient gods of Olympus descend upon modern Earth, instantly reshaping society by outlawing war and poverty. Landmarks like the Empire State Building are transformed into mythological equivalents, such as the Tower of Zeus. William Forrester, a young Athenan worshipper of Athena and a history teacher, finds his life upended by this divine intervention. He faces constant temptations from devotees of Venus, the Goddess of Love, who challenge his commitment to wisdom and intellect. Forrester's journey takes a dramatic turn when he is recruited by the Interstellar Police. Undergoing a mysterious transformation, he becomes a demi-god resembling Dionysus. This new existence subjects him to perilous trials involving shape-shifting and combat against the War God, Mars. During a confrontation in a burning Amazon jungle, Forrester learns the shocking truth: the gods have been hiding on Earth for millennia to avoid detection by an advanced alien police force. They were not merely visiting; they had been secretly enslaving humanity and misusing technology. Ultimately, the gods are arrested for these crimes. However, rather than facing eternal destruction, Forrester and his fellow deities are offered a chance to serve as undercover Overseers. They are tasked with protecting Earth's future and ensuring humanity does not make irreparable mistakes before joining the Galactic Federation, all while remaining hidden from the mortals they once ruled. The novel blends science fiction with supernatural elements, exploring themes of power, temptation, and the responsibility that comes with divinity, all while maintaining a tone of suspense and intrigue.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science Fiction