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Service Goat
Orphaned and blind seven-year-old Callie has a service animal – a goat with extraordinary powers. Ben Hemoth is a down-on-his luck news reporter facing prison. Needing to save his job and his reputation, he teams up with Venus, a young seductress caught up with a teenage drug gang. When a mysterious letter arrives detailing a top-secret investigative operation, Ben and Venus think they’ve found their chance for redemption. The mission? Investigate a goat. In exchange for an extravagant paycheck, Ben and Venus must piece together the wild rumors swirling around Callie, her supernatural goat, and a possible UFO visit. Piers Anthony’s Service Goat is an extraordinary tale rich with adventure, extraterrestrial visitors, secrecy, dangerous governmental operations, and the classic hints of mischief that readers have come to expect and love from the New York Times bestselling author of the Xanth series.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2016
20 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Piers Anthony
448 books4,239 followersThough 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.
Piers is a self-proclaimed environmentalist and lives on a tree farm in Florida with his wife. They have two grown daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 14, 2017
‘Service Goat’ is a thirty thousand word novella by well-established American author, Piers Anthony. It is a quirky little tale which can easily be read in one sitting. In my case, whilst I was waiting to be triaged in the Emergency Room.
I did wonder briefly it this was aimed at children however the speedy introduction of rather a lot of adult content, albeit with a degree of irony and humour, made me realise I was wrong.
I don’t think the cover sells the book particularly. It looks like a photograph which doesn’t catch the eye of the reader. I think this unconventional story would have benefited from an unconventional design, but others may disagree with me.
There is no time to flesh out of characters but nevertheless, the author does manage to convince us of the bond between girl and goat, as well as the unlikely relationship between an ex-reporter and teenage tearaway.
The plot zips along with dual threads until the two sets of characters meet, in roughly the middle of the book. This sometimes necessitates the duplication of scenes, acted out from two different perspectives. However, at no time did I find this confusing as the structure was refreshingly simple.
This is undoubtedly an original story which doesn’t take itself too seriously and I congratulate the author on his depth of imagination. It took my attention away from my broken arm and will appeal to anyone who enjoys a superficial innovative fantasy adventure. I award ‘Service Goat’ four well-deserved idiosyncratic stars.
Reviewed by Julie on www.whisperingstories.com
I did wonder briefly it this was aimed at children however the speedy introduction of rather a lot of adult content, albeit with a degree of irony and humour, made me realise I was wrong.
I don’t think the cover sells the book particularly. It looks like a photograph which doesn’t catch the eye of the reader. I think this unconventional story would have benefited from an unconventional design, but others may disagree with me.
There is no time to flesh out of characters but nevertheless, the author does manage to convince us of the bond between girl and goat, as well as the unlikely relationship between an ex-reporter and teenage tearaway.
The plot zips along with dual threads until the two sets of characters meet, in roughly the middle of the book. This sometimes necessitates the duplication of scenes, acted out from two different perspectives. However, at no time did I find this confusing as the structure was refreshingly simple.
This is undoubtedly an original story which doesn’t take itself too seriously and I congratulate the author on his depth of imagination. It took my attention away from my broken arm and will appeal to anyone who enjoys a superficial innovative fantasy adventure. I award ‘Service Goat’ four well-deserved idiosyncratic stars.
Reviewed by Julie on www.whisperingstories.com
November 4, 2016
Service Goat is one of those reads where I wasn’t quite one hundred percent sure what I was getting into.
It seemed like such a basic concept, and yet there was more to it than I’d expected. There was a much deeper story than a mere investigation into the possible alien goat. It was one of those stories where you can see so much more, if you’re willing to stop and think for a few moments. It’s so simple, so straightforward, and yet there is much more than you’d imagine.
I fear saying too much, however. It’s such a short read that any information I give will offer up some kind of spoiler. Just know there is more to the story than the synopsis will have you believing.
Despite the hidden depth of the story, I found I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it as much as I had wanted to. Whilst the story offered up much more than I’d initially imagined, the characters left a lot to be desired. Most of the characters felt flat, so much so that they were interchangeable. They were supposed to come from different walks of life, and yet they all read the same. Moreover, even without this factor, I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy any of them. I wanted to enjoy them, and yet they didn’t have the depth I’d been hoping they would.
Moreover, I felt somewhat… well, confused is the best word I can think to use. The story felt as though it would be perfectly suitable for children, and yet there was a lot of sex. It wasn’t graphic or anything, it simply didn’t fit with the feel of the overall story. It felt as though it was thrown in pointlessly. Furthermore, one of the characters felt as though she was thrown in simply for this purpose. It simply didn’t feel right with the overall experience of the story. It just felt off to me.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable enough read. It was something different, something I could quickly complete.
As a final note, I would like to thank Dreaming Big Publications for contacting me for a review.
It seemed like such a basic concept, and yet there was more to it than I’d expected. There was a much deeper story than a mere investigation into the possible alien goat. It was one of those stories where you can see so much more, if you’re willing to stop and think for a few moments. It’s so simple, so straightforward, and yet there is much more than you’d imagine.
I fear saying too much, however. It’s such a short read that any information I give will offer up some kind of spoiler. Just know there is more to the story than the synopsis will have you believing.
Despite the hidden depth of the story, I found I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it as much as I had wanted to. Whilst the story offered up much more than I’d initially imagined, the characters left a lot to be desired. Most of the characters felt flat, so much so that they were interchangeable. They were supposed to come from different walks of life, and yet they all read the same. Moreover, even without this factor, I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy any of them. I wanted to enjoy them, and yet they didn’t have the depth I’d been hoping they would.
Moreover, I felt somewhat… well, confused is the best word I can think to use. The story felt as though it would be perfectly suitable for children, and yet there was a lot of sex. It wasn’t graphic or anything, it simply didn’t fit with the feel of the overall story. It felt as though it was thrown in pointlessly. Furthermore, one of the characters felt as though she was thrown in simply for this purpose. It simply didn’t feel right with the overall experience of the story. It just felt off to me.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable enough read. It was something different, something I could quickly complete.
As a final note, I would like to thank Dreaming Big Publications for contacting me for a review.
January 9, 2017
This whole book sort of feels like a really extensive drunk text to me. I realize that sounds horrible, so let me break down what I mean there. Generally, when I get a drunk text from someone, it's rambling and hard to follow, but it's usually pretty entertaining, too. When I started this book, I was mildly entertained by the cynicism that seemed to flow in the narrator's style. But then I got to the next chapter, which was narrated by a goat and things got a little crazy. I'm really all for science fiction and fantasy and I even like aliens as a concept when their existence makes sense. This whole shape shifting telepathic alien goat thing never did completely make sense to me, but I was willing to jump on the suspension of disbelief train and give it a go for the sheer entertainment value of seeing where things would go next.
The longer the story went on, though, the more confused I became. Honestly, I had a lot of difficulty understanding the passage of time in the chapters narrated by Ben and Venus. I also had a great deal of trouble connecting with any of the characters in this story. The relationship between Ben and Venus feels contrived to me. Besides that, their love story, which characterizes basically all of their chapters in the first half of the book, feels like a completely unrelated story line to the main plot. Still, I was pushing through for the sake of following the goat and blind girl story. There were quite a lot of holes in that story line, too, though. The community that Callie lives in seems to lack so much human instinct! Very few of them ask questions and they do things like touching a strange goat without asking any questions. Maybe I'm just a skeptical person, but if someone approached me and told me "You may pet my goat," I'd probably run the other way because it sounds like a trap. Furthermore, when the people watching the whole "circle of silence" thing happen actually see the goat essentially brainwash someone, they still don't ask questions! They're sheeple! They blindly let themselves be herded along and told what to believe and no one sees anything wrong with this. No one at school, no one at the hospital, none of the kids' parents...
Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but this story asks for that in the extreme. If I could have managed to overlook everything else that didn't quite feel right in this book, I still would've stopped before I finished, which, unfortunately was the case here. You see, while Ben and Venus constantly getting it on in their chapters was a little awkward and unnecessary, the alien goats flirting was more than I could handle. So, if you're into that sort of thing, go for it and see how this story ends up. But for me? That was too much. I really don't appreciate the mental images of two alien goats exchanging telepathic banter while sniffing one another's tails to their hearts' content. I'm sure there are people out there that would be perfectly glad to read a story like this. I just happen to not be one of them.
The longer the story went on, though, the more confused I became. Honestly, I had a lot of difficulty understanding the passage of time in the chapters narrated by Ben and Venus. I also had a great deal of trouble connecting with any of the characters in this story. The relationship between Ben and Venus feels contrived to me. Besides that, their love story, which characterizes basically all of their chapters in the first half of the book, feels like a completely unrelated story line to the main plot. Still, I was pushing through for the sake of following the goat and blind girl story. There were quite a lot of holes in that story line, too, though. The community that Callie lives in seems to lack so much human instinct! Very few of them ask questions and they do things like touching a strange goat without asking any questions. Maybe I'm just a skeptical person, but if someone approached me and told me "You may pet my goat," I'd probably run the other way because it sounds like a trap. Furthermore, when the people watching the whole "circle of silence" thing happen actually see the goat essentially brainwash someone, they still don't ask questions! They're sheeple! They blindly let themselves be herded along and told what to believe and no one sees anything wrong with this. No one at school, no one at the hospital, none of the kids' parents...
Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but this story asks for that in the extreme. If I could have managed to overlook everything else that didn't quite feel right in this book, I still would've stopped before I finished, which, unfortunately was the case here. You see, while Ben and Venus constantly getting it on in their chapters was a little awkward and unnecessary, the alien goats flirting was more than I could handle. So, if you're into that sort of thing, go for it and see how this story ends up. But for me? That was too much. I really don't appreciate the mental images of two alien goats exchanging telepathic banter while sniffing one another's tails to their hearts' content. I'm sure there are people out there that would be perfectly glad to read a story like this. I just happen to not be one of them.
December 26, 2016
'Empathy is many things among them the ability of one person to feel the feeling of another person. Not only to intellectually understand his joys and sorrows, but to actually feel them, This is accomplished, technically, by what we call mirror neurons, that react to duplicate perceived emotions. To feel another' pain. That is the cornerstone of the human condition, something that sets us apart from the animal kingdom.'
Above words said by a character is the turning point of the sensual and gripping science fiction written by Piers Anthony.
6.5 out of 10 stars
'Engaging short read science fiction'
About the book
Orphaned and blind seven-year- old Callie has a service animal – a goat with extraordinary
powers.Ben Hemoth is a down-on- his luck news reporter facing prison. Needing to save his job and his reputation, he teams up with Venus, a young seductress caught up with a teenage drug gang.When a mysterious letter arrives detailing a top-secret investigative operation, Ben and Venus think they’ve found their chance for redemption. The mission? Investigate a goat. In exchange for an extravagant paycheck, Ben and Venus must piece together the wild rumours swirling around Callie, her supernatural goat, and a possible UFO visit.
Piers Anthony’s Service Goat is an extraordinary tale rich with adventure, extraterrestrial visitors, secrecy, dangerous governmental operations, and the classic hints of mischief that readers have come to expect and love from the New York Times bestselling author of the Xanth series.
Attractive cover page, matches the interior of the book; The book written in third person revolves around the orphan girl and alien goat. Two spy also add thrilling romance in the book. allover story is predictable but till book is engaging.
The plot was very good, the author could have built better and there was lots of potentially; author was not fully successful to make reader to empathise the protagonist.
Writing style fluent and climax is expected. One time read book should be your in kindle library if you are fond of science fiction; and fantasy.
The book can be a good children/ Young adult book if we ignore few intimating scene.
This short read although not master piece but also not ignoble creation of the author.
From my side i will give 6.5 out of 10 stars
Above words said by a character is the turning point of the sensual and gripping science fiction written by Piers Anthony.
6.5 out of 10 stars
'Engaging short read science fiction'
About the book
Orphaned and blind seven-year- old Callie has a service animal – a goat with extraordinary
powers.Ben Hemoth is a down-on- his luck news reporter facing prison. Needing to save his job and his reputation, he teams up with Venus, a young seductress caught up with a teenage drug gang.When a mysterious letter arrives detailing a top-secret investigative operation, Ben and Venus think they’ve found their chance for redemption. The mission? Investigate a goat. In exchange for an extravagant paycheck, Ben and Venus must piece together the wild rumours swirling around Callie, her supernatural goat, and a possible UFO visit.
Piers Anthony’s Service Goat is an extraordinary tale rich with adventure, extraterrestrial visitors, secrecy, dangerous governmental operations, and the classic hints of mischief that readers have come to expect and love from the New York Times bestselling author of the Xanth series.
Attractive cover page, matches the interior of the book; The book written in third person revolves around the orphan girl and alien goat. Two spy also add thrilling romance in the book. allover story is predictable but till book is engaging.
The plot was very good, the author could have built better and there was lots of potentially; author was not fully successful to make reader to empathise the protagonist.
Writing style fluent and climax is expected. One time read book should be your in kindle library if you are fond of science fiction; and fantasy.
The book can be a good children/ Young adult book if we ignore few intimating scene.
This short read although not master piece but also not ignoble creation of the author.
From my side i will give 6.5 out of 10 stars
October 14, 2016
I was immediately intrigued by the concept of this book—a young girl who does not have a service dog, but rather a service goat as an aide. As with his other works, Anthony takes this concept and transforms it into a fun, fantastical story with a fast pace and lots of intrigue. I enjoyed the science fiction tendencies of this novella, especially its inclusion of mysterious UFOs and aliens, as well as its inspection into empathy and what truly makes us human. In contrast to its many strengths, I found the writing of “Service Goat” fairly sexist at times, especially in regard to Venus, who seemed to exist only to serve Ben sexually.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
January 8, 2017
Admittedly the review score on this one put me off. The idea that an iconic writer whose works have plagued my mind for twenty years might deserve such a marking had me scared. Still, after reading this fiction I can say there a few bluntly discussed dynamics that may be rubbing people the wrong way. In addition, maybe readers expected more. I did.
There are four major players: investigator guy, his gal, a blind girl—and the alien goat. I liked the goat. The goat cheated a lot in this book to make things smooth. For some reasons these scenes—where the goat calmly alters people's minds and they're just like ‘oh, your goat is neat’ —made me laugh. Some of the passages from space goat's point of view are also funny. Here’s a passage...
‘That was evidently a shock to the goats; sheep were a lesser species, an insulting likeness. It seemed that it had not occurred to them that sapience could arise in a creature other than a goat.’
Now that being said, some readers may not like the casual interactions between hulk like investigator guy (Ben) and his gal (Venus)—the majority of their scenes are ‘find information X, have sex, find information Y, have more sex, repeat.’ Don't be confused—there's no actual graphic scenes, it's closer to a fade to black while someone holds up a sign saying “They're doing it again, please wait.” I wasn't bothered.
In addition—and this may be a failing on my part—but the conversations felt almost too clinical. The people are insanely candid when talking. That strikes me as weird— because most people I talk to are confused half the time. Maybe that’s me projecting. Potential readers may feel the same way—and the best answer is to use the ‘Look Inside’ preview on Amazon then judge for yourself.
Those looking to find earlier Xanth or Incarnations of Immortality style stories should dismiss the idea out of hand. This work stands closer his Mode series. It’s not a novella that will appeal to everyone. Measuring this against nostalgia for Piers Anthony’s earlier works (On a Pale Horse is the reason I read at all) is a mistake. It’s new and an easy little read—plus I really liked the goat.
www.frustratedego.com
There are four major players: investigator guy, his gal, a blind girl—and the alien goat. I liked the goat. The goat cheated a lot in this book to make things smooth. For some reasons these scenes—where the goat calmly alters people's minds and they're just like ‘oh, your goat is neat’ —made me laugh. Some of the passages from space goat's point of view are also funny. Here’s a passage...
‘That was evidently a shock to the goats; sheep were a lesser species, an insulting likeness. It seemed that it had not occurred to them that sapience could arise in a creature other than a goat.’
Now that being said, some readers may not like the casual interactions between hulk like investigator guy (Ben) and his gal (Venus)—the majority of their scenes are ‘find information X, have sex, find information Y, have more sex, repeat.’ Don't be confused—there's no actual graphic scenes, it's closer to a fade to black while someone holds up a sign saying “They're doing it again, please wait.” I wasn't bothered.
In addition—and this may be a failing on my part—but the conversations felt almost too clinical. The people are insanely candid when talking. That strikes me as weird— because most people I talk to are confused half the time. Maybe that’s me projecting. Potential readers may feel the same way—and the best answer is to use the ‘Look Inside’ preview on Amazon then judge for yourself.
Those looking to find earlier Xanth or Incarnations of Immortality style stories should dismiss the idea out of hand. This work stands closer his Mode series. It’s not a novella that will appeal to everyone. Measuring this against nostalgia for Piers Anthony’s earlier works (On a Pale Horse is the reason I read at all) is a mistake. It’s new and an easy little read—plus I really liked the goat.
www.frustratedego.com
June 25, 2017
This book was very interesting to say the least. The storyline was so creative, which made it a great page turner. Anthony writes in a very attention-getting, no nonsense way that was fun to keep reading. I was so intrigued by the wild plot. I’m not usually into a lot of science fiction-y books, but the lack of complicated jargon and scientific overload helped keep my interest since I wasn’t bombarded by words I didn’t know.
There were a few things keeping it from being a 5, however. While the book was a quick read, I felt it was kind of fast paced. There were a lot of moments that I would have loved to be further explained, or moments between characters further elaborated to build some relationships. Maybe some more of Callie’s thoughts.
The book does have some sexual content (nothing graphically described) that I wasn’t bothered by. However, I was bothered by one of the characters, Venus, being overly sexualized, especially by someone older than her. A principal of a grade school admits to fantasizing about her when she was in eighth grade and the comment (which I found pretty gross) was overlooked by everyone else who was present.
Despite the pacing and the one creepy comment, the rest of the novel was an interesting one that is hard to explain unless you read it for yourself. And you should read it for yourself.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
There were a few things keeping it from being a 5, however. While the book was a quick read, I felt it was kind of fast paced. There were a lot of moments that I would have loved to be further explained, or moments between characters further elaborated to build some relationships. Maybe some more of Callie’s thoughts.
The book does have some sexual content (nothing graphically described) that I wasn’t bothered by. However, I was bothered by one of the characters, Venus, being overly sexualized, especially by someone older than her. A principal of a grade school admits to fantasizing about her when she was in eighth grade and the comment (which I found pretty gross) was overlooked by everyone else who was present.
Despite the pacing and the one creepy comment, the rest of the novel was an interesting one that is hard to explain unless you read it for yourself. And you should read it for yourself.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
March 13, 2017
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I've been wanting to read something for Piers Anthony for a while now so I jumped at the chance to get a free copy to review.
I like the four main characters. Ben is down on his luck because of Venus but she is trying to redeem herself. Callie was in a car accident in which her parents were killed and she would have died too if the goat, Nanny, hadn't come along. Nanny is an alien who is able to take away the pain and desperation that Callie feels.
The people in this book are manipulated by Nanny enough so that they will keep her secret. They are generally good people, though. The only "bad guys" are the government. That's a big obstacle though. Will they be able to keep their secret as more people learn about Nanny?
I definitely recommend Service Goat. There aren't any explicit sex scenes but sex is mentioned many times so I suggest parental guidance.
I like the four main characters. Ben is down on his luck because of Venus but she is trying to redeem herself. Callie was in a car accident in which her parents were killed and she would have died too if the goat, Nanny, hadn't come along. Nanny is an alien who is able to take away the pain and desperation that Callie feels.
The people in this book are manipulated by Nanny enough so that they will keep her secret. They are generally good people, though. The only "bad guys" are the government. That's a big obstacle though. Will they be able to keep their secret as more people learn about Nanny?
I definitely recommend Service Goat. There aren't any explicit sex scenes but sex is mentioned many times so I suggest parental guidance.
May 28, 2023
An enjoyable return to Anthony's work.
I started reading Piers Anthony's books more years ago then I want to admit. But through those years I discovered so many great series from Xanth, to The Incarnations of Immortality, to Bio of a Space Tyrant to name but a few. I loved Anthony's work so much that my oldest son's first and middle name is Piers Anthony. So, when I tripped across this story on my Kindle, I had to read it. I'm glad I did. Now I find myself ready to jump back into the imagination of Piers Anthony.
I started reading Piers Anthony's books more years ago then I want to admit. But through those years I discovered so many great series from Xanth, to The Incarnations of Immortality, to Bio of a Space Tyrant to name but a few. I loved Anthony's work so much that my oldest son's first and middle name is Piers Anthony. So, when I tripped across this story on my Kindle, I had to read it. I'm glad I did. Now I find myself ready to jump back into the imagination of Piers Anthony.
October 6, 2024
Great fun!
You can always bank on Piers to come up with something out of the ordinary and this is no exception! I grew up reading the Tarot and the Incarnations of Immortality series and loved them. I'm now 67 and this took me straight back to my childhood, in a good way. Thank you Piers.
You can always bank on Piers to come up with something out of the ordinary and this is no exception! I grew up reading the Tarot and the Incarnations of Immortality series and loved them. I'm now 67 and this took me straight back to my childhood, in a good way. Thank you Piers.
July 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book as part of the Whispering Stories team. To read my review, please follow the link below:
http://whisperingstories.com/service-...
I awarded Service Goat four stars.
http://whisperingstories.com/service-...
I awarded Service Goat four stars.
October 16, 2016
A simple concept of having a goat as a service animal gets taken on a sci-fi spin in Piers’ work. It’s similar in concept to some of his other works, with an extraterrestrial joining forces with a human and all the chaos you’d naturally expect to have come from that. While I found the sheer amount of sexual content to be a bit much, and some of his female characters one-sided and flat, it is still a rather decent read. If you like Piers’ other works, I suggest giving Service Goat a chance, this is definitely a read you wouldn’t be disappointed with.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
March 9, 2017
Having been a Piers Anthony fan for many decades, when given the opportunity to review this book I jumped at it. It was nothing like my expectations, for which I can't blame the author.
It is an original idea however I felt like it was forced, it did not flow smoothly.
The main story, an intelligent goat comes to the rescue of a blind girl and the circle of people who must keep a secret continually grows. Government conspiracy and inappropriate use of power, I can appreciate that.
I know that seven year olds today are far more sophisticated than when I was that age, and this girl has boosted powers, intellectual and emotional, from her contact with the goat. I could not suspend my disbelief enough to accept her traits.
This would have made for a nice young reader story if not for the excessive and graphic sexual content which did not add anything to the story. It felt like Piers was pandering for an assumed specific audience. His talent does not require this. 2.5 stars.
I did accept this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
It is an original idea however I felt like it was forced, it did not flow smoothly.
The main story, an intelligent goat comes to the rescue of a blind girl and the circle of people who must keep a secret continually grows. Government conspiracy and inappropriate use of power, I can appreciate that.
I know that seven year olds today are far more sophisticated than when I was that age, and this girl has boosted powers, intellectual and emotional, from her contact with the goat. I could not suspend my disbelief enough to accept her traits.
This would have made for a nice young reader story if not for the excessive and graphic sexual content which did not add anything to the story. It felt like Piers was pandering for an assumed specific audience. His talent does not require this. 2.5 stars.
I did accept this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 12, 2017
Actually 3 1/2 stars.
If you enjoy reading Piers Anthony, this book is not quite on par with many of his earlier works. I am not sure why he picked goats as the intelligent alien coming to our planet, still, I kind of get the humor in his choice. Service Goat is udderly, a fun, quick science fiction that turns the alien invasion upside down.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2017/03/bo...
If you enjoy reading Piers Anthony, this book is not quite on par with many of his earlier works. I am not sure why he picked goats as the intelligent alien coming to our planet, still, I kind of get the humor in his choice. Service Goat is udderly, a fun, quick science fiction that turns the alien invasion upside down.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2017/03/bo...
February 26, 2017
The concept at the core of Service Goat is an interesting one. It follows through delightfully on the wacky and quirky promises of its summary. On top of that, the plot develops into a thoughtful commentary on interactions between people and the powers of both apathy and empathy.
I only wish that the author had taken a bit more time in developing this plot and the people in it. The story felt rushed and haphazard because of how quickly it flowed from one plot point to another. Because of this harmfully fast pace, at times it reads like a children’s book, just with some clearly adult content, specifically nongraphic sex scenes. If either these scenes were eliminated or the plot was fleshed out with some heavier world building and slower storytelling, the final product would be much more cohesive.
Nevertheless, the novel conveys a very compelling story, exacerbated by an expert decision to divide it between two perspectives and focuses.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
I only wish that the author had taken a bit more time in developing this plot and the people in it. The story felt rushed and haphazard because of how quickly it flowed from one plot point to another. Because of this harmfully fast pace, at times it reads like a children’s book, just with some clearly adult content, specifically nongraphic sex scenes. If either these scenes were eliminated or the plot was fleshed out with some heavier world building and slower storytelling, the final product would be much more cohesive.
Nevertheless, the novel conveys a very compelling story, exacerbated by an expert decision to divide it between two perspectives and focuses.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
November 22, 2020
The book is very enjoyable and the chapters are delightfully short and readable. The story grabs your attention from the very first chapter. There is however some very mild sexual content that may rate the book a PG. The adventures between a seven year old and her Service Goat is very compelling and children who do read the book might relate to both Callie and the wonderful connection she has with her Service Goat, Nanny. Nanny is a UFO from another planet who finds Callie in a storm which destroys Nanny's spaceship and plunges the car which Callie's father is driving into a disastrous car crash which kills both her parents and leaves Callie mournfully wounded. Nanny appears by her side and by her touch alone, she makes the physical and emotional pain of the crash more bearable for Callie. The connection she has with the Goat enables her to understand everything that Nanny communicates to her telepathically, including the fact that Nanny is from another planet and is sent to earth to collect data about the findings of earth. Nanny asks Callie to help her to obtain the data and in return Nanny will protect Callie from the pain she'd have to endure as a result of the car crash and make the torment of losing both her parents more bearable. Callie is also left permanently blind as a result of the crash but with Nanny, Callie is able to see the world again but only through the eyes of her Service Goat.
Ben Hemoth is a newspaper investigator who's investigation of a drug cartel puts him into trouble with both his job and his wife when she files for divorce. He does however meet the beautiful Venus Intra, who having been involved with the cartel, almost loses her life and is saved by Ben Hemoth, the man who she'd spiked and now the two make a new pair. Ben is given a secret assignment by an anonymous agency to investigate the girl and her Service Goat and to report back about his findings and about what makes the Goat magic. Much to Callie and Nanny's oblivion, Ben and Venus Intra are stalking her and Ben suspects the Goat is a UFO. The orphan child and Service Goat may not be entirely safe.
This is a wonderful story and entirely relate-able. The special relationship which Callie has with Nanny can be paralleled with the relations which blind people have with their Service Dogs. Like Callie and Nanny, these special animals are allowed in all public institutions to be helpfully by their side at all times. There is more than just love and friendship, there is also compassion and understanding. Anyone who simply touches or pets the Service Goat, Nanny, instantly gets it. Nanny has the power to bring all their foes together and turn them into friends simply because they pet her! This has a marvelous way of protecting both her and Callie as well as introducing the more important themes of understanding and kindness that makes up the essence of this book.
This is a wonderful story with a marvelous happy ending where two planets from two different worlds come to an agreement and are enforced as one. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ben Hemoth is a newspaper investigator who's investigation of a drug cartel puts him into trouble with both his job and his wife when she files for divorce. He does however meet the beautiful Venus Intra, who having been involved with the cartel, almost loses her life and is saved by Ben Hemoth, the man who she'd spiked and now the two make a new pair. Ben is given a secret assignment by an anonymous agency to investigate the girl and her Service Goat and to report back about his findings and about what makes the Goat magic. Much to Callie and Nanny's oblivion, Ben and Venus Intra are stalking her and Ben suspects the Goat is a UFO. The orphan child and Service Goat may not be entirely safe.
This is a wonderful story and entirely relate-able. The special relationship which Callie has with Nanny can be paralleled with the relations which blind people have with their Service Dogs. Like Callie and Nanny, these special animals are allowed in all public institutions to be helpfully by their side at all times. There is more than just love and friendship, there is also compassion and understanding. Anyone who simply touches or pets the Service Goat, Nanny, instantly gets it. Nanny has the power to bring all their foes together and turn them into friends simply because they pet her! This has a marvelous way of protecting both her and Callie as well as introducing the more important themes of understanding and kindness that makes up the essence of this book.
This is a wonderful story with a marvelous happy ending where two planets from two different worlds come to an agreement and are enforced as one. Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
Service Goat is a cute, quick read perfect for young adults. The material and dialogue is light-hearted, allowing the reader to finish the story in one sitting if they would like. At first, the idea of a goat with special powers was a bit bizarre to me, but the author kept me engaged with quick plot development and an interesting array of characters.
Piers Anthony’s style is simple and easy to read. Some of the material suggests a more mature state of mind, which threw me a bit due to the title looking more like a kids novel. I think the novel could have done without these scenes or rather notions of sexual scenes, but there was nothing graphic or too revealing and it was easy to quickly bypass.
Definitely an interesting sci-fi read from an acclaimed author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Piers Anthony’s style is simple and easy to read. Some of the material suggests a more mature state of mind, which threw me a bit due to the title looking more like a kids novel. I think the novel could have done without these scenes or rather notions of sexual scenes, but there was nothing graphic or too revealing and it was easy to quickly bypass.
Definitely an interesting sci-fi read from an acclaimed author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
December 29, 2016
Surprisingly quite a nice story! I say surprisingly because-
This was one of the strangest books I have ever read, not THE strangest, but one of the strangest (the author might be upset by this because I'm pretty sure strangest was what he was going for!). But... as you all know - I do like strange (or, um, unique lol) once in a while.
Besides all the wackiness, there were actually some quite interesting facts about service animals and was a very endearing story. I had a friend who was raising a dog to be trained as a service dog he ended up failing the test and they got to keep him as a pet. So I knew a little about service animals.
But! - An alien in goat form posing as a service animal with powers to make a blind girl see, only to learn facts about Earth??? Now that is something new. This was quite an amusing read indeed! It definitely kept me reading. The pace was steady throughout and got quite exciting at the end (without overdoing it). Great character development! I loved Callie and Nanny (the alien goat, of course!).
He pondered. What they wanted was simple enough: a private investigation of--A goat. Ben stared at the text. So did Venus. “Maybe the money's fake,” she said. But it wasn't. Ben phoned. “You want this private, but the moment I start asking questions about a damned goat they'll know something's up. Nobody cares about a goat.”
Had there been an Unidentified Flying Object--a UFO or flying saucer--that delivered the animal and departed? That would explain it, to a degree. But why would an alien craft deliver not a combat robot or an extermination bomb, or a Bug-Eyed Monster (a BEM) lusting after lovely human maidens, but a goat? It just didn't make sense.
*Is this the type of book I would want to read all the time - probably not
*Is Piers Anthony going to be my favorite author- probably not
*But - Would I read another one of his book - absolutely!
This book will certainly have me looking at goats in a different light!!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving this book from Dreaming Big Publications. Thank you!
This was one of the strangest books I have ever read, not THE strangest, but one of the strangest (the author might be upset by this because I'm pretty sure strangest was what he was going for!). But... as you all know - I do like strange (or, um, unique lol) once in a while.
Besides all the wackiness, there were actually some quite interesting facts about service animals and was a very endearing story. I had a friend who was raising a dog to be trained as a service dog he ended up failing the test and they got to keep him as a pet. So I knew a little about service animals.
But! - An alien in goat form posing as a service animal with powers to make a blind girl see, only to learn facts about Earth??? Now that is something new. This was quite an amusing read indeed! It definitely kept me reading. The pace was steady throughout and got quite exciting at the end (without overdoing it). Great character development! I loved Callie and Nanny (the alien goat, of course!).
He pondered. What they wanted was simple enough: a private investigation of--A goat. Ben stared at the text. So did Venus. “Maybe the money's fake,” she said. But it wasn't. Ben phoned. “You want this private, but the moment I start asking questions about a damned goat they'll know something's up. Nobody cares about a goat.”
Had there been an Unidentified Flying Object--a UFO or flying saucer--that delivered the animal and departed? That would explain it, to a degree. But why would an alien craft deliver not a combat robot or an extermination bomb, or a Bug-Eyed Monster (a BEM) lusting after lovely human maidens, but a goat? It just didn't make sense.
*Is this the type of book I would want to read all the time - probably not
*Is Piers Anthony going to be my favorite author- probably not
*But - Would I read another one of his book - absolutely!
This book will certainly have me looking at goats in a different light!!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving this book from Dreaming Big Publications. Thank you!
October 30, 2016
Despite its overly fast moving plot and only semi-developed characters, I liked this book. The story line was enjoyable, following a service goat and its mutualistic relationship with a young blind girl. The only thing I did not enjoy was the sexual content that seemed slightly out place and not beneficial to the overall story line. However, if you enjoy Piers Anthony, this is similar in concept to some of his other works with the scientific fiction/fantasy theme, and you will race through it with a grin on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
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