Time travel stories have been done to death in SF, but this one shines. It has a unique blend of fantasy to it - not because of any supernatural elements, but because it is the progenitor of much of our mythology. Loki, Hera, Odin-Thor, & many others are regular people, except they can slip through time & change history. Their culture is based on this ability.

This book follows Loki from early on into his time in the Time Guard. It's written in Modesitt's usual, understated style. A lot goes on between the lines, but it's still a quick read & a fun one. Poses a lot of interesting questions about polite barbarians, too. Something to think about since we are or at least are rapidly approaching that point. We have no idea how most of the devices we use & rely on daily actually work, couldn't fix them if they broke, or create a new one.

This was the first book I read by Modesitt & didn't find another for years. It was originally published by TimeScape, the edition I read this time, & later re-issued by Tor as [b:The Timegod|185229|The Timegod (Timegod's World, #1)|L.E. Modesitt Jr.|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1229690420s/185229.jpg|179040]. He then wrote [b:Timediver's Dawn|185220|Timediver's Dawn (Timegod's World, #2)|L.E. Modesitt Jr.|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1296607425s/185220.jpg|179031] which fills in a story told in this book.

I really like his style of writing & the way he watches his economics - not necessarily money, but the ability of the society to support standards of living. Apparently he did economics for a living & this theme shows through in all his books, both SF & fantasy. It was great, a perfect comfort re-read when work is so busy & confusing. ( )

Time Travel! Ancient Gods! Action! Adventure! Fencing! True Love!
Oh, wait, wrong book...
But this book has almost all of that, too! It is not too often that you find an author that can make Loki a sympathetic character, much less a hero! ( )