This Immortal summary

The Immortal and the Post-Apocalyptic Earth

In This Immortal by Roger Zelazny, we are introduced to the protagonist, Conrad Nomikos, a tour guide on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The Earth has been ravaged by a nuclear war, and the remaining human population is struggling to survive. The novel is set in the future, where the Earth is under the control of the Vegans, an alien race who have imposed their rule on the planet. The Vegans are not liked by the humans, and a resistance movement is active.

Conrad is a complex character. He is not entirely human, having been exposed to radiation, and he is also immortal. He is tasked by the Vegans to show a group of wealthy tourists the remains of the Earth's ancient civilization. This journey takes them to places like Athens and the Greek Islands, which are now ruins. The tourists are unprepared for the harsh reality of the post-apocalyptic world, and their journey becomes a struggle for survival.

Conrad's Past and the Vegans' Plans

As the story progresses, we learn more about Conrad's past. He was once a leader of the resistance movement against the Vegans, but he changed his stance after a personal tragedy. He now works for the Vegans, but his true allegiance remains ambiguous. His immortality and his unique position as a bridge between humans and Vegans make him a figure of interest and suspicion.

During the journey, the tourists, especially a young woman named Cassandra, start to question the Vegans' motives and the true nature of Conrad. They suspect that the Vegans are planning to destroy the Earth and move on to another planet, leaving the humans to perish. They also suspect Conrad of being a double agent, working for both the Vegans and the resistance.

The Final Confrontation

As the tension between the tourists, Conrad, and the Vegans escalates, the group encounters various obstacles, including a sea monster and a group of mutated humans. The journey becomes a test of survival and trust. Cassandra, who has developed a romantic interest in Conrad, tries to understand his true motives and identity.

The climax of the story comes when the group reaches a hidden base where the Vegans are planning their next move. Here, Conrad confronts the Vegans about their plans for Earth. He also confronts his own conflicted feelings about his immortality and his role in the planet's future. The truth about Conrad's identity and his intentions is finally revealed, leading to a dramatic and unexpected conclusion.

The Immortal's Revelation and the Earth's Fate

In the final scenes of This Immortal, we learn that Conrad is not just an immortal human, but he is also the last remaining Greek god, a fact he has kept hidden for centuries. His immortality, his unique connection to the Earth, and his godly powers make him the only one capable of saving the planet from the Vegans' destructive plans.

In a dramatic turn of events, Conrad takes control of the situation and prevents the Vegans from destroying the Earth. He uses his godly powers to restore the planet to its former glory, giving hope to the remaining humans. However, his actions come at a personal cost, as he must now face the consequences of revealing his true nature to the world.

In conclusion, This Immortal is a thought-provoking and action-packed science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, power, and the consequences of our actions. Through Conrad's journey, we are forced to question our assumptions about immortality, humanity, and the future of our planet.