The Dancer from Atlantis

by Poul Anderson
The Dancer from Atlantis cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 2564
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • ISBN: 9780575109209
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-29
  • Reviews: 3

The Dancer from Atlantis follows the journey of Duncan Reid, a man from the twentieth century, who is abruptly pulled out of time and space, along with three other individuals from vastly different historical periods. Oleg Vladimirovitch hails from medieval Russia, Udin is a cunning Hun barbarian, and Erissa was once a sacred priestess from a lost continent. Thrown together by a miscalculation in a futuristic time experiment, they find themselves in an ancient world where their fates are intertwined with the very future of the land they now inhabit. /n/n As they navigate this unfamiliar world, the group must confront not only the challenges of survival but also the deeper mysteries of time and destiny. Their alliance becomes crucial as they uncover a plot that threatens the existence of the world they have found themselves in, forcing them to use their unique skills and knowledge to prevent catastrophe.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2000-01-01
excellent 4.00

The novel is praised for its engaging narrative and vivid world-building, making it a thrilling journey through a lost civilization. The main character's perspective adds depth to the story.

This novel is highly regarded for its captivating storytelling and intricate world-building. Readers are drawn into a lost civilization, experiencing the adventure and romance through the eyes of the protagonist. The main character's perspective adds a layer of depth and personal connection to the narrative, making the journey even more immersive. The events are well-executed, though some feel the ending is a bit rushed.

Quick quotes

    Filled with intrigue and vivid world-building, this novel is a thrilling journey through a lost civilization.

    The story is really told from the main character's point of view.

    The events of the novel are also well done, though the timed closing feels a little rushed.

Stranger than SF · 2000-01-01
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer criticizes the novel, suggesting it is not among the author's best works. They recommend other books by the same author instead.

This reviewer is quite critical of the novel, stating that it is not one of the author's better works. They mention having read several of the author's time travel stories and find this one lacking. The reviewer advises readers to choose other books by the same author, such as 'Tau Zero' or 'Satan's World,' instead of this one. They believe these alternatives offer a more satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    In fact, I've read half a dozen of his time travel stories, and they all suck.

    So don't read The Dancer From Atlantis.

    Instead, I suggest Tau Zero or Satan's World.

Rising Shadow · 2000-01-01
engaging 4.50

The novel is described as a mesmerizing tale of adventure and romance. The story of four strangers from different ages and lands adds a unique twist.

This review highlights the novel's ability to captivate readers with its blend of adventure and romance. The premise of four strangers from different ages and lands being stranded in 1400 B.C. adds a unique and intriguing twist to the story. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to transport readers to a different time and place, making it a compelling read. The combination of historical elements and science fiction creates a rich and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    They were four strangers from different ages and lands, snatched up by a time machine and stranded in 1400 B.C!

    A mesmerizing tale of adventure and romance.

    An anomaly of time transports a twentieth-century man backward through history toward the greatest catastrophe.

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