Ötzi's Odyssey: The Troubled Soul of a Neolithic Iceman
Based on the actual discovery of a human mummy in the Ötztal Alps, Neil Perry Gordon’s profound and unforgettable fantasy thriller, Ötzi's Odyssey: The Troubled Soul of a Neolithic Iceman, imagines the mummy’s past, creating an intriguing world where the afterlife and the natural world intersect.
As Bhark watches the men retrieve the Iceman from the frozen ground, he feels a strange connection to the mummy. In 3300 BCE, Bhark had been banished from his clan after his rival, Shadrach, dislodged him from his position as chief. To reclaim his seat and reunite his family, Bhark struck a deal with the devious soul hunter, Creyak. The deal sends Bhark on an arduous journey across the dark realms of Gehenna where Bhark hopes to achieve redemption.
The settings are brought to life by Gordon’s imaginative storytelling that creates striking imagery of Bhark’s world. The background features the magnificent Lake Neith that lies close to his clan’s settlement and the steep, picturesque mountainous landscape which is dotted by majestic pine trees. Blending the spiritual and the natural and the past and present, the plot weaves through multiple realms which host intriguing characters. On his journey, Bhark encounters an elusive seer who offers her guidance, monstrous, wild animals which feature in his people’s legends and ferocious demonic lords who torture and destroy those they govern. Driven by the hope of seeing his family, Bhark trudges through each realm. The story bristles with excitement as it covers each action scene. Bhark must prove himself against the demonic forces he encounters. His journey is not straightforward and throughout his path, he discovers many surprises and revelations that he has to overcome. The story also moves at a swift pace that builds the tension in the book. The characters featured are very intriguing and compelling. Neil Perry Gordon does an exemplary job of building the main character's background story while connecting his past to the present.
Ötzi's Odyssey by Neil Perry Gordon is a page-turner that every fan of thrillers should grab. Its original and surprising twists invite readers into an epic journey through onerous trials as the novel’s main character strives for spiritual restoration. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends Ötzi's Odyssey by Neil Perry Gordon.