Of Man and Manta #1

Omnivore

... Show More
Three scientists came to the mysterious planet Nacre to discover, to explore, to record. Utterly defenseless, they trekked through the grotesque jungle of multiform mushrooms and dense spore-clouds, hoping to unlock the secret of this strange world. The stunning climax of their mission was just the beginning of a complex drama in which their survival--and return to earth-could spell the extinction of humanity.

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1968

This edition

Format
152 pages, Paperback
Published
May 11, 2004 by Mundania Pr
ISBN
9781594260643
ASIN
1594260648
Language
English

About the author

... Show More

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 62 votes)
5 stars
17(27%)
4 stars
26(42%)
3 stars
19(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
62 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
I re-read this a couple of years ago and it's actually still Quite Good.

Not Good Good, mind you - just Quite Good. But it is Piers Anthony, and as such it was rather a relief to get to the finish and not want to scrub myself clean in a bathtub filled with Listerine.

I remember that when I picked up this book, I had certain expectations. Piers Anthony is a well-known author, and I was curious to see what his work had to offer.

As I delved into the story, I found myself engaged. The characters were somewhat interesting, and the plot had its moments.

However, it wasn't without its flaws. There were times when the writing felt a bit forced, and some of the ideas seemed a bit far-fetched.

But overall, it was still a decent read. It kept me entertained for a while, and that's all I really asked for.

I should've left it there, but then, optimistically, I started on the sequel, too. I was hoping that it would build on the strengths of the first book and improve on its weaknesses.

Only time will tell if my optimism was misplaced.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Dated characterizations can sometimes be found in certain works. However, this particular piece also features some really fun science fiction flora and fauna. I happen to have the sequel to it. While I may read it, my main reason for picking up this book was because it is part of the 1970s book series called "SF Rediscovery", which I have a deep admiration for on a purely aesthetic level.


I own approximately 15 of these books from the series. The covers of these books simply make me happy. It's the same kind of feeling I get when I look at the box-art for the cereal "Quisp". There's just something about the visual appeal that draws me in and makes me want to explore these stories further.


Even though the characterizations might seem a bit outdated, the unique and imaginative world of science fiction flora and fauna makes this book worth considering. And who knows, maybe the sequel will offer even more exciting adventures and discoveries.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This article offers a quick and easy read.

It has its moments where it can be quite fun and interesting, captivating the reader's attention.

However, there are also parts that come across as rather boring and pointless.

Perhaps the author could have added more depth and substance to those sections to make the entire piece more engaging from start to finish.

Despite its flaws, it still manages to provide some entertainment value.

Overall, it's an average read that has the potential to be improved with a bit more effort and creativity.

Maybe in the future, the author will take these suggestions into account and produce a more polished and enjoyable piece of writing.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Giving this a rating was a rather challenging task.

I initially found the beginning to be disappointingly slow and a bit disjointed. It seemed to lack a smooth flow, which made it a bit of a struggle to get into the story.

However, to my surprise, it gradually opened up into a quite engaging and good story in the latter half. The author managed to build up the plot and create a more interesting narrative as the story progressed.

Unfortunately, there was a significant flaw in the portrayal of the female character. For the majority of the book, she was primarily depicted as an overly emotional object of desire. This one-dimensional and sexist portrayal was, quite frankly, hard to read and left a bad taste in my mouth.

Despite this, I was glad that I stuck with it until the end. The story did have some interesting and imaginative descriptions of multiform mushrooms on the mystical planet Nacre. These descriptions added a unique and奇幻element to the story.

Overall, I would rate this book 3/5. While it had its moments of brilliance, the slow start and the sexist portrayal of the female character detracted from the overall experience. I won't be rushing to read the other two books in the trilogy.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I read it a long time ago and I don't remember much.

However, that cover still haunts me.

It was truly remarkable and left a lasting imprint on my mind.

The colors, the design, everything about it was so captivating.

Even after all these years, it continues to stay with me.

I'm going to say it made a pretty strong impression!

It's amazing how a single cover can have such a profound impact.

It makes me wonder what else was inside that book that could have been just as memorable.

Maybe one day I'll have the opportunity to read it again and rediscover its magic.

Until then, the image of that cover will continue to linger in my thoughts.

July 15,2025
... Show More


Omnivore turned out to be a much better science fiction novel than I initially anticipated. Years ago, as a teenager, I attempted to read it but couldn't get beyond page 25. It starts rather slowly, and the plot, which is pieced together through a series of flashbacks and episodic scenes, might have frustrated me back then. It reads like a mystery novel, with everything not falling into place until the very end. However, with greater patience and a more refined appreciation for complex fiction now, I found myself enjoying both the story and the accompanying ideas.



To briefly introduce the plot without spoiling anything: Explorers from Earth have landed on the planet Nacre, where they encounter alien life and a strange ecosystem. An investigator named Subble,赋予了超人的力量 and a mission by an unnamed government director, must uncover what the explorers have learned and what it means for Earth's future.



The novel's biggest drawback is its inconsistent attempt to present understandable characters. The only female character is mostly just a sex symbol, and the three main male characters are underdeveloped. We only know the bare minimum about the human characters that the plot requires. However, Piers Anthony has imagined some truly original and fascinating aliens. I appreciate that he even develops the characters and motives of the aliens to some extent. Additionally, the plot is a strength. It progresses at a good pace and contains exciting action sequences that are enjoyable to read.



Omnivore is more than just a great adventure story. It presents ideas that compelled me to think more deeply about Earth's ecology and mankind's impact on our planet. That's why I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. Although it was written way back in 1968, the author's ideas seem increasingly prescient and are even more relevant today than they were then. As one of the characters, Cal, declares, \"Man is an omnivore, figuratively as well as literally. He consumes everything\" (p. 114).

July 15,2025
... Show More
Grade B. Book O1 is an important resource for students. It contains a wealth of knowledge and useful information.

The content in this book is presented in a clear and organized manner, making it easy for students to understand and follow.

It covers various topics, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

By studying this book, students can improve their language proficiency and gain a better understanding of the English language.

The exercises and activities provided in the book also help students to practice and apply what they have learned.

Overall, Grade B. Book O1 is a valuable tool for students who want to enhance their English skills and achieve better academic results.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I have the German edition: Die Macht der Mantas.

This title immediately catches one's attention. The word "Mantas" brings to mind the magnificent and mysterious creatures of the ocean.

"Die Macht der Mantas" can be translated as "The Power of the Mantas." It implies that there is something remarkable and perhaps even awe-inspiring about these mantas.

One can't help but wonder what kind of power they possess. Is it their grace and elegance as they glide through the water? Or is it something more profound, like their ability to adapt and survive in the vast and often unforgiving ocean environment?

Perhaps the German edition delves into these questions and explores the many aspects of the mantas' power. It could offer insights into their behavior, their role in the ecosystem, and the impact they have on those who encounter them.

Whether you are a marine enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, "Die Macht der Mantas" is likely to be a captivating read that will expand your knowledge and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.