Alp is a warrior from the Russian Steppes, living in the 9th Century. He is brought forward in time to the 24th Century to take part in The Game. The Game is a holographic, computer controlled reconstruction of history with the characters being played by any citizen who can afford a part.

Citizens playing roles that get high ratings in the game earn money, so that the entry fee becomes a gamble to many, hoping they play a central enough role to make money. Alp is intended to make money for people thinking the best person to carve out a role in the reproduced 9th Century World would be someone very familiar with that world.

This is a very well written novel, the idea is enthralling, the execution near flawless. For all of Piers Anthony's reputation regarding his Xanth books I have always preferred his other writings. This is good sf, and anyone who knows of Piers Anthony only for his juvenile fantasy novels should not put off reading this.

It's when I read books like this that I wish Mr Anthony wrote more sf.