Plunged into an existence that initially seemed meaningless, Norton accepts an extraordinary mantle: the Incarnation of Time. In a universe governed by powerful cosmic entities—Death, Fate, War, and Nature—Norton finds himself living backward, from future to past, an unconventional guardian of the temporal flow. Welcomed by his fellow Incarnates, even receiving peculiar 'gifts' from the enigmatic Satan, Norton soon uncovers a sinister plot. The supposed gifts are cunning traps, designed to distract him while the Evil One orchestrates a grand scheme to unravel all that is good. Enmeshed in a cosmic conflict far greater than he imagined, Norton, armed with nothing but his mystical Hourglass, is compelled to confront Satan directly. Despite being banished to the fiery depths of Hell, his resolve remains unshaken, setting the stage for an enduring battle against overwhelming darkness and exploring profound questions of existence, free will, and the very nature of time itself.
Critical Reception
"This pivotal installment in the 'Incarnations of Immortality' series solidified Piers Anthony's reputation for crafting imaginative philosophical fantasy that resonates with a devoted readership."