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songwind's review
3.0
Moorcock takes us on an absurd journey into the far future when death, birth, freedom and energy itself are settled questions. We find an earth populated with a small number of idle humans whose every whim can become reality.
Into this world is thrust a time traveler from Victorian England. Jherek, himself a strange example of the human species at the end of time, decides to fall in love with her, and ends up doing so in truth. When another's revenge takes the form of sending his beloved back to her own time, Jherek decides he must follow her.
An Alien Heat is a fascinating (and fascinatingly probable) look at what the future might be like if all of our needs were truly met. It's also an excellent vehicle for the leftist, anarchist Moorcock to expose some of the foibles of Victorian England, a period often viewed by nostalgics through rose-colored glasses.
In the end, I found it a bit too predictable to be truly excellent, but I certainly did enjoy it. I plan to pick up the rest of the "Dancers at the End of Time" as well.
Into this world is thrust a time traveler from Victorian England. Jherek, himself a strange example of the human species at the end of time, decides to fall in love with her, and ends up doing so in truth. When another's revenge takes the form of sending his beloved back to her own time, Jherek decides he must follow her.
An Alien Heat is a fascinating (and fascinatingly probable) look at what the future might be like if all of our needs were truly met. It's also an excellent vehicle for the leftist, anarchist Moorcock to expose some of the foibles of Victorian England, a period often viewed by nostalgics through rose-colored glasses.
In the end, I found it a bit too predictable to be truly excellent, but I certainly did enjoy it. I plan to pick up the rest of the "Dancers at the End of Time" as well.
mikepalumbo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
dantastic's review against another edition
5.0
I've been avoiding Michael Moorcock's Dancers at the End of Time series for years and now I feel like kicking myself. An Alien Heat was absurd and hilarious! Who knew Moorcock was so funny? Jherek Carnellian is a fantastic character, Bertie Wooster-ish at times. I knew I was going to enjoy the book when the prologue said "Following is the story of Jherek Carnellian, who didn't know the meaning of morality, and Mrs. Amelia Underwood, who knew everything about it."
The plot is as follows: The end of time approaches and all that's left of the human race is a group of decadent near-immortals. Jherek Carnellian falls in love with Victorian time traveler Mrs. Underwood and pursues her back to the 19th century. Hilarity ensues. The humor is equal measures Oscar Wilde, Douglas Adams, and P.G. Wodehouse. It's something to behold.
Here's another quote to show you how hilarious this book is:
"Do you plan to have any children, Mr. Underwood?"
"Unfortunately." Mr. Underwood cleared his throat. "We have not so far been blessed..."
"Something wrong?"
"Ah, no..."
"Perhaps you haven't got the hang of making them by the straightforward old-fashioned method? I must admit it took me a while to work it out. You know," Jherek turned to make sure Mrs. Underwood was included in the conversation, "finding what goes in where and so forth."
That's about all I have to say. Buy it. Read it. Quote it to your friends until they feel like slapping you.
The plot is as follows: The end of time approaches and all that's left of the human race is a group of decadent near-immortals. Jherek Carnellian falls in love with Victorian time traveler Mrs. Underwood and pursues her back to the 19th century. Hilarity ensues. The humor is equal measures Oscar Wilde, Douglas Adams, and P.G. Wodehouse. It's something to behold.
Here's another quote to show you how hilarious this book is:
"Do you plan to have any children, Mr. Underwood?"
"Unfortunately." Mr. Underwood cleared his throat. "We have not so far been blessed..."
"Something wrong?"
"Ah, no..."
"Perhaps you haven't got the hang of making them by the straightforward old-fashioned method? I must admit it took me a while to work it out. You know," Jherek turned to make sure Mrs. Underwood was included in the conversation, "finding what goes in where and so forth."
That's about all I have to say. Buy it. Read it. Quote it to your friends until they feel like slapping you.
jameshaus's review against another edition
4.0
Weird, wild stuff. Debauchery at the end of time meets victorian era morality. Am interested in finishing the series.
shrivelledsnake's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
bums's review against another edition
4.0
Read is part ah the [b: Dancers at the End of Time|60147|The Dancers at the End of Time (Dancers at the End of Time, #1-3)|Michael Moorcock|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492574964l/60147._SY75_.jpg|927025] omnibus.
nobodyatall's review against another edition
1.0
I struggled through this bit by bit over several days, I'm not really sure why I stuck with it. Perhaps it was once a groundbreaking, fascinating novel but to me it was very dated, simplistic, crass and deeply unfunny. The kind of funny where all the jokes are highlighted and very apparent but not in the slightest bit amusing (like Jimmy Carr).
Very disappointed having really enjoyed the Elric stories.
Very disappointed having really enjoyed the Elric stories.
arthurbdd's review against another edition
5.0
Establishes Moorcock's most original and imaginative series. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/the-soirees-of-infinity/