The Willing Spirit - Hardcover

Anthony, Piers; Tella, Alfred

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312862660 ISBN 13: 9780312862664

Publisher: Tor Books, 1996

Synopsis

Hari leaves his native village on a quest for true wisdom, but unbeknownst to him, his journey becomes the subject of a wager between two immortals, the beautiful Mohini and the evil Ravana.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Bestselling fantasist Anthony (Yon Ill Wind) collaborates with the lesser-known Tella (Sundered Soul, 1990) to cook up a tale of light eroticism and occult adventure inspired by mythic Indian tales including the Ramayana. Mohini, the beautiful goddess of love, and the god Ravana, ugly and cruel and lustful, gamble over the fate of a human named Hari. If Hari, with Mohini's help, can seduce (or be seduced by) seven women before Ravana can get him killed, Mohini will win a century of peace from Ravana; if not, she'll owe the dark god "a century of erotic frenzy." Despite Ravana's best efforts, Hari's life rarely seems to be at serious risk, with the ensuing story emphasizing the human's romantic adventures and misadventures with lovers, including a servant girl, a she-demon, a man-hating priestess of Kali and an invisible ghost. Finally, political plots are uncovered, and Hari, rescued from Ravana's last trap, marries the only partner suitable after such escapades. This smooth confection provides spirited entertainment for adults and just enough sexual detail to interest Anthony's large adolescent readership.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

New collaboration from Anthony (Yon Ill Wind, p. 1110) and Tella (Sundered Soul, not reviewed)--though the latter ``did most of the work.'' In a fantasy India, the young, naive Brahmin Ilari sets off on a pilgrimage in search of true wisdom. Meanwhile, the beautiful lesser goddess Mohini and the hideous demon Ravana are engaged in their own contest of wills, and Hari unwittingly becomes a pawn in their game. To win, according to the rules they've agreed upon, Mohini, using only indirect means, must help Hari accomplish the seduction of seven different women. After every seduction, Ravana, again indirectly, will attempt to arrange Hari's demise. So, will honorable, well-favored, quick-witted, and forever innocent Hari succeed in his pleasant task before Ravana's machinations bring about his downfall? The details don't matter: This is a lighthearted, agreeably diverting yarn, duly respectful of India's cultures and customs. Something like a thinking reader's Xanth--without that series' more ludicrous scenarios or tedious, relentless puns. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0312862660
• ISBN 13: 9780312862664
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 287