Book Review: The Dream God by Mr. Brendan M.P. Heard
What If Rome Never Fell?
Some have theorized that if Rome had never fallen we’d be a far more advanced society. Yet given Rome’s institutional paganism, what might remain unchanged? The Dream God explores these ideas and runs with them to the far reaches of the galaxy. Humanity has colonized every planet of the solar system and many of the moons, ruling them as Rome would. However, a discovery on Neptune could usher in a new age. Or it could bring about unfathomable destruction.
The Story
We start on Terra as Auric tutors his sorta-relative Telesterion (cloning makes things complicated) in philosophy as they tend a garden on their floating island home. His other duty is protecting Telesterion’s father Oedimum and escorting him to Neptune, a journey that will take years while they travel in stasis. Something found on Neptune could bring the Romans closer to god-status, but there’s a fear that instead it will bring the gods into man’s realm and destroy him. So to determine their next step, representatives from across the galaxy are called to a council.
Coincidentally, the council occurs at the same time as the equivalent of the planet’s Olympic Games. With so much activity, certain parties decide it’s the opportune moment for a political coup. An “insurrection” if you like. Caesar Automedan is technically dead, ruling as a psychic simulation for a designated amount of time before a new caesar is named, so he/it won’t care if Neptune’s ruler is overthrown. And what concern would the gods have in the affairs of men? It’s a good question, that may not be entirely rhetorical.
The reason for all the fuss, called the Ætherium, is a fungus that kills some, drives others mad or comatose, and gives supernatural abilities to others. The full extent of what it can do is a mystery, but it’s clearly powerful. Each council member is given a chapter to argue for or against its use, based on his theological and philosophical perspective.
I’ll be honest, I’m not steeped enough in ancient anything to really appreciate the depth and nuance of the arguments or the world. Fortunately for me, the violent overthrowing of the government provides plenty of opportunities for spectacular assassinations, chthonic, galactic, and psychedelic horrors, and Auric to become a sword and planet hero with whom John Carter himself would fight back-to-back in the gladiator pit.
The Characters
This is one of those books where everyone gets a name and backstory, making it difficult to discern who is actually significant. Arguably, they’re all significant, just to varying degrees. I’ll mention a few that stood out or interested me more than others.
Auric is a tutor, bodyguard, and deeply wounded skeptic. He failed in an earlier battle, now wearing his shame and doubt like a cloak. I was a little slow to realize it, but he’s the hero of this epic.
Oedimum, representative of Terra, is Auric’s responsibility to protect. A wise and doting father, he may be a little too trusting of his peers. As long as we’re identifying archetypes, he’s a major mentor.
Ptolemaeus Rex is the leader of Neptune. He’s not a wise father and too trusting of his son, Eurgetes, who is vain and power-hungry. It’s Eurgetes’ scheme to usurp his father’s throne that causes all the trouble. Assisting in the coup is Grand Vizier Newef, who simply oozes evil.
Uath the Butcher isn’t really a main player, but the ox-headed rage-monster gets a mention just for being an awesome ox-headed range-monster.
Thoth-Azoth the Egyptian magician dies early on, but that doesn’t mean he stops guiding the unfolding events. The Ætherium had a powerful effect on him. Just how much we may not find out until the sequel. It becomes Auric’s mission to move Thoth-Azoth’s body to where he can reach his ultimate potential.
The World
It’s a brutal world, full of mysticism and wonder. The governmental structure is Rome’s on an interplanetary level. There’s no aliens, but genetic splicing has created monsters like Uath the Butcher and others not so dramatic. Like ancient Rome, the architecture and spaceships are described as being as beautiful as they are functional. Nightmarish horrors lurk under the surface of the moons, but mankind’s evil desires are the true threat.
The Politics
If there are any parallels to our current situation, they went over my head. Which isn’t to say that there are no politics, just that they are ancient Rome’s and not those of today.
Content Warning
A young priestess is introduced in the nude, and Auric gets it on with one of Thoth-Azoth’s maidservants. Severed heads are thrown at bad guys, and innocent people are torched with flame-throwers. But all-in-all, it’s pretty tame. You’d find much more lurid stuff in a history book.
Who is it for?
Like the Romanesque elements of Dune but wish there was more? This is for you. Lovers of classical philosophy will probably appreciate The Dream God on another level. But there’s also enough sword and planet sex and violence in the final chapters to satisfy our desire for baser entertainment.
Why read it?
The Dream God blurs the lines between heady sci-fi and action fantasy with its psychedelic take on both. The ancient myths lurk in the shadows, and even Lovecraft gets a nod. If those aren’t reasons enough, it’s the story of a man who finds redemption in a time of political upheaval.