This series was one I massively enjoyed growing up, and coming across a cheap copy, I was interested to see how it holds up. I could still remember the basic premises so starting mid series was not a significant problem. So did it hold up? Well just about.

The basic universe premise is a somewhat technologically current world much like ours, but where magic also functions. God and Satan are also real physical entities as are the other major powers of Western canon - Fate, Nature, Death War and Time. They are mortals temporarily granted those powers and attributes. The narrative hook running through the series is that Satan's grand plans hinge on a mortal vote sometime in the near future. Each of the established incarnations actively thwarts Satan, but in turn each is replaced by a new incumbent, whom Satan challenges to try and wring advantage in the future vote. This one features Mars, the power of War, wielding a Red Sword.

Although most of the series is set in the West, this one bizarrely is Indian in origin. Mym is a dutiful son of a Rajah, and then denied the women he loves, turns into a berserker rage which triggers his ascension to Mars. Here however Satan arranges for a new love, to also be denied to him. Mars's quest for revenge might allow Satan the space he needs.

The whole western ethos set in India doesn't really work, and his portrayals of many of the women, can be offensive to modern ears - lots of servitude and being unable to cope on their own. This is an issue with some parts of the Indian caste system today, but it isn't made obvious enough that it's inappropriate. I also didn't lie the very protracted beginning and set-up along with the tedious introductions to each Incarnation, leaving the final resolution with Satan exceptionally rushed.

That said it's a fast fun read, a clever world still just about hanging together - the first in the series is probably the best though. As usual Satan gets all the best lines, and it is worth thinking about what he says - knowing it to fundamentally true, but also distortingly false. Not as good as I remembered it, but enjoyable flick through read.
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I loved the Incarnations of Immortality. Have we ever really gotten beyond personifying the great forces in life? Death, war, fate, etc. Obviously there's something innate to humanity that makes it seem natural. ( )

At first this one was less irritating to me than the others; it was more straightforward and less romantic. But in the end, the stupidity of the characters just made me crazy. The preachy tone was back and the bad dialogue. I wish Satan would win every once in a while, but of course he didn’t. ( )

Here is where the series fell down for me. Some of it may come from my not being comfortable with the Indian lifestyle of the main character. I just could not connect with him so the book was ultimately unsatisfactory for me. Also, the playfulness with the world and the office did not seem to be there. ( )

The nadir of the series? ( )