Dark Side of Time

By Vladimir Chernozemsky

Gordon, a drifter, has not been himself lately. He's been possessed by the wandering soul of ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep IV (Ikhnaton). In his latest novel, Bulgarian-American author Vladimir... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932656022
• ISBN13: 9781932656022
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Triumvirate Publications
• Length: 421 Pages
• Weight: 1.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Imaginative and ambitious

Amenhotep, the ancient Egyptian pharaoh (think The Mummy), is back in our century and inhabiting the body of a witless loser. Aided by a mysterious benefactor, and an ever- changing cast of characters, not to mention The Christ Himself, Amenhotep is on a mission to earn his way to the other side of the pearly gates. First, of course, he and his descendants need to straighten the world out. Dark Side of Time, by Vladimir Chernozemsky is an imaginative and ambitious fictional novel which attempts to substantiate reincarnation and promote unity under One Deity. Chernozemsky blends: his love of Japanese theatre, well-researched Egyptian history (with a healthy dose of creativity), Christian conspiracy theories, and deep philosophical concepts together to create, what I believe, is an excellent foundation for a campy movie. Just as most of King's novels make much better movies, I firmly believe there is more hope for Dark Side of Time, on the wide screen than on bookshelves. But, I am also not a major King fan. Dark Side of Time, is full of: mysticism, mystery, and is complete with some interesting plot twists. However, the novel is ripe with confusing transitions and a bumbling cast of characters. Chernozemsky's female lead characters are either simpering wimps or unrepentant, deceitful creatures driven by greed; which, I admit, rankled my feminist sensibilities. Lastly, the rules of Chernozemsky's world seem to change rather frequently, but, if the reader can hang in there, he does attempt to tie up loose ends. Overall, Dark Side of Time is well written, and in my opinion well suited to the cinema. I think anyone interested in both, epic, campy- fantasy, and the theatre will make an excellent audience for Chernozemsky's novel.

novel explores millenial contest between good and evil

The style of this latest expansive supernatural novel by the prolific Chernozemsky incorporates "elements of the New Testament written as a Noh play." The author's knowledge of the "Theater of the Absurd" from his days as a young actor in Paris is another influence. In a less experienced author's hands, such devices would make for a crazy quilt of a book. But with Chernozemsky, they serve to brings his ideas, vision, and interests into dramatic focus. These center around the main theme of the "various reincarnations of Christ and his coexistence with the Anti-Christ." The benevolent, pacific, character Jesus Christ of the Bible is but one manifestation of the good in its eternal struggle with evil. The protagonist named Gordon encounters individuals in the present who are from different time periods. After examining altered historical religious documents kept in a secret vault at the Vatican, Gordon gains a realization of the Manichaean contest between good and evil playing out in terms of the contingencies of time, personality, and all of the other variables of history and human life. All this makes for an engaging and fascinating exploration into the spiritual inklings and contests in today's world. As in his previous novels, in "Dark Side of Time," Chernozemsky delves imaginatively into timeless subjects and concerns affecting the lives of everyone in different ways in different ages.