- Author: Christopher Pike
- Genre: Horror
- Pages: 233
- Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton
- Date:
January 1, 1993
Book Summary
Josie is on vacation in Greece with her friend, her father and his girlfriend. While visiting the sacred island of Delos, she stumbles upon a statue of a goddess. She takes it with her when she leaves the island. The trouble starts. The Goddess wants something from Josie she doesn’t want to give.
Author Bio
Christopher Pike is the pseudonym of Kevin McFadden. He is a bestselling author of young adult and children’s fiction who specializes in the thriller genre.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
Santa Claw Review
A Guilty Pleasure with Greek Flair
As a longtime Christopher Pike fan, I finally picked up The Immortal, a book that’s been sitting on my shelf for years. While it delivers Pike’s signature addictive storytelling, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his best work.
What Works:
Pike immediately hooks you with Josie’s mysterious connection to Greece the moment she lands with her father. The character dynamics shine; Josie, Helen, Tom, and Pascal create an engaging group chemistry that keeps pages turning. Pike’s vivid descriptions of Greek landscapes and mythology add an authentic atmosphere that elevates the story beyond typical YA fare.
The ancient Greek storyline featuring Sryope and Phthia genuinely intrigues, particularly the trial scenes that blend historical drama with tension. These moments showcase Pike at his most creative.
What Falls Short:
The science fiction subplot involving David and Vani feels jarringly out of place. While I understand Pike’s thematic intentions, this narrative thread reads like filler material that could belong in any of his other novels rather than serving this specific story. It disrupts the mythological momentum rather than enhancing it.
Additionally, Silk’s character represents missed potential. Introduced with intrigue and menace, the execution ultimately wastes what could have been a compelling antagonist.
Verdict:
The Immortal satisfies as a guilty pleasure read, especially for Pike devotees who appreciate his blend of horror, romance, and mythology. The Greek setting and ancient storyline provide genuine entertainment value, though uneven pacing and unnecessary subplots prevent it from achieving true greatness. Worth reading for the atmosphere and character relationships, but manage expectations regarding the sci-fi elements.
Perfect for: Fans of Greek mythology and 90s YA romance thriller.
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