Split Infinity

Apprentice Adept Series, Book 1

By: Piers Anthony

Narrated by: Traber Burns

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

On the technological, decadent world of Proton, someone was trying to destroy Stile, serf and master Gamesman. His only escape lay in Phaze, a world totally ruled by magic. Soon he learned that his alternate self had already been murdered, and that he was next. On Proton, his fate depended on winning the great Games. On Phaze, he must master magic to survive. And if he used any magic at all, his friends were determined to kill him at once!

Be sure to check out all of the titles in the Apprentice Adept Series.

©1987 Piers Anthony (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"To solve his own demise, Stiles must travel between the two realities, each abounding with the expected confusions and unexpected plot twists for which Anthony is famous. An artful blending of SF and fantasy clichés and situations, Split Infinity shows Piers Anthony at the top of his ingenious game(s)." (Amazon.com review)

This book has stood the test of time

What made the experience of listening to Split Infinity the most enjoyable?

The story was as good as I remembered. I had originally read this entire series 30 years ago. I can add that the narrator was wonderful.

Have you listened to any of Traber Burns’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

A pleasant Surprise With Turns Around Every Corner

I went in expecting a dated fantasy tale of rather stilted proportions judging by the cover but right from the start this book had me off balance. It begins with an introduction to a very odd and interesting culture as well as a particularly intriguing character who leads the discussion into a surprisingly deep argument of philosophy in the first 15 minutes. Once the story really gets laid out things only get weirder and I haven't quite finished it yet but am enjoying it thoroughly thus far. I recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi and fantasy or possibly even those interested in unique cultures. It's certainly unlike any book I've read before.

Better when I was an adolescent

I read these books in my teens, as a matter of fact, they were the first books that I read from cover to cover. They just don't really stand the test of time.

Overall it was a fun story, I enjoyed the back and forth of sci-fi & fantasy, but the story is somewhat weak when compared to other authors work. Overall it is kind of weak with too much emphasis on a male view of sexuality. The main character seems to be collecting a harem, and brushes off the emotional impact on his partners.

Having said that, I'm still going to listen to the other titles in the series because the story is an easy listen and entertaining enough to get by.

The narrator does a fine job, but just not on par with many others.

Awsomesause

loved it so much just took me a little while to understand it. amazing for people who love fantasy

Good beginning of the series

Piers Anthony is, in the best way, a smartass. His ability to keep continuity going through several sub plots and keep the subtle humor flowing makes for enjoyable listening. You'll like it.

Good listen

Took a longer time to tell than should of. Still Anthony is a great writer

The best of both worlds

SF can be tricky stuff, particularly when you start reaching for books that were printed more than a decade ago. Some books just age well, some just look like giant piles of stinking poo. Split Infinity, written more than 25 years ago, has aged well. The lumping together of Science Fiction and Fantasy can be frustrating to fans of one genre or the other, but this books manages to span the two genres.

We are introduced to Stile, who is a serf on the SF world of Proton. Due to a number of various issues he literally stumbles across to the Fantasy world of Phaze, where he uses the various skills he acquired on Proton, and a lucky dose of magic, to learn more about the world. Along the way we learn the back story of Stile, his training and history as well as more information about the Phaze. Stile is fantastically lucky with the ladies, he seems unable to enter situations where at least one woman doesn't become enamored with him. As well, Stiles also appears to be among the most powerful of Phaze, an Adept, with ready access to magic.

A great story as Stile meets unicorns, robots and werewolves and continues to "know thyself" as well as balance his life in both worlds.

An Entertaining Concept

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The idea was creative and engaging.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stiles, the underdog who succesfully overcomes adversity.

Any additional comments?

Piers goes a little wobbly toward the end of the series, but this first book was thoroughly entertaining.

Classic with contemporary application

Stile’s journey of self discovery puts him in conflict with societal norms from time immemorial. Gender, race, environment echo through this 1980 spellbinder.

blast from the past

Loved it. blast from the past I hate having to put it in 15 words