The Jewels of Aptor

This debut novel by a 19 year old Samuel R Delany is set hundreds of years after a nuclear apocalyse has made society regress to an almost mediaeval level with only the vaguest hints of the past surving as poems and tales,and it reads more like science fantasy. I kept expecting Tarzan to pop out from one of the ruined cities.I found the book a bit confused at times,with its philosophical ideas about religion and mans suconscious motivations,often uneasy fit with the derring-do and fast paced adventures as four friends search for a kidnapped child and a jewel which can control men's thoughts.The White Goddess,shapeshifting monsters,blind priestesses,wise ancient sea creatures,nuclear radiation,exotic temples,a wicked pirate etc all were tossed exuberantly into the fray,but it still dragged a little bit at times. Still Delany's verve and already interesting style and panache,plus the exotic locations, managed to keep my interest. Enjoyable enough first effort.