Dead Morn

by Piers Anthony, Roberto Fuentes

With humankind surviving underground in the twenty-fifth-century's last city, a courageous man journeys back in time into Cuba's history to try to alter the past and stop the worldwide conflagration that would leave Earth a nuclear wasteland. Reprint.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Time Travel, Speculative Fiction, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy

340 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 1, 1994

About the author

Though he spent the first four years of his life in England, Piers never returned to live in his country of birth after moving to Spain and immigrated to America at age six. After graduating with a B.A. from Goddard College, he married one of his fellow students and and spent fifteen years in an assortment of professions before he began writing fiction full-time.

Piers is a self-proclaimed environmentalist and lives on a tree farm in Florida with his wife. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting exploration of the paradoxes of time travel. As someone who has read many of Piers Anthony's books, Though I don't think that it was his best work, I rated it higher because of its potential. He takes risks in this book that were refreshing, I would very much like to see some of his future solo projects do the same. I enjoyed the exploration of the "what if" factor; however, many questions were left unexplored. I feel certain that this could have been a two or three book series to make it complete.

For those thinking of this as a possible gift, I would recommend it for more mature readers only.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, this was one of my favorite books. It was so earthy, so raw and human; I had never read anything like it at the time.

Looking back, I realize that 1.) This was probably not at all an age appropriate book for a 12-yr-old to be reading, as is the case with most of Piers Anthony's books, and 2.) most of what I knew about the Cuban revolution before college was because of this fictional work.

Nonetheless, it gives BOTH perspectives of the revolution as Bringas switches from one side to another, as well as the added fun of time-travel to see what the outcome would have been had certain sides been victorious during the conflict.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read, for better or worse, a lot of Piers Anthony books, and this one for the most part seemed more co-author than Anthony, which was fine (whether true or not). Although a SF novel, it's really more a story of revolutionary Cuba (true and not), and that's what makes the book good and interesting and worth the read. Well done, seems factual when it can be when dealing with "our" version of reality, and overall an enjoyable read.

Towards the end, things get a bit confusing, and it seems more "Anthony" than the beginning, including a preponderance of Anthony's go-to type words (such as "demesne")when more familiar ones might better serve the story. Overall all, though, better than expected and worth the time.

[Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was a pre-teen and remember at times it was a difficult read. Other than that, I really liked the story and the talks about paradox, time travel, as well as history. At that time, it was probably one of my favorite Piers Anthony books, having only read the Xanth and Apprentice Adept series. Over 15 years later, I think I should probably re-read this book. A lot from it still stands out in my mind, and it was not completely forgettable.

I would read it again, and probably should soon. I used to have a copy, but left it with a friend to read, then never got it back. Bastard.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a society where castes are strictly determined and intermarriage is never allowed, citizens 197 and 233 (a Yellow and Green) commit the ultimate "sin" and fall in love. They take an extreme chance and 197 disguises himself as a Green in the evenings so he can be with his wife and child. One day he is caught, however, but the higher powers give him an opportunity to rectify things in their society by traveling back in time.

Reminds me of his other race/class book featuring the gold and indigo people. An interesting setting of the revolution in Cuba for the time travel piece.

[Jeff Koeppen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago as my introduction to Piers Anthony. He is primarily a fantasy writer, so I am not interested in most of his work but a friend recommended this book since it was more sci-fi, and I love time travel. I remember hating the book and struggling to finish it.

[Cliff Hess]

A good read, especially if you want to learn about the rise to power of Fidel Castro. While not entirely biographical Dead Morn will show you what life was like under the shadow of the Cuban Revolution. The ending was weak though so be forwarned.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy my first exposure to Piers Anthony, much to my wife's dismay. Just not an enjoyable read and I love time travel