The Prince and the Singularity - A Circular Tale

Quite a “different” view on life and the universe. Very creative and thought-provoking. Got bogged down a little half-way through, but kept on reading and finished it.

The Prince is not a book for those with a strong belief in mainstream Theology. Although it does draw from many theologies, philosophies, and beliefs, it is, at heart, a fantastical tale intended to provide an alternative view of the meaning of life.I say that it is fantastical, but it is not Fantasy. Rather, it is a book that concerns itself with Metaphysical concepts and ideas, such as the origins of the Universe, our role within it, the circle of life, and the Eternal Return; the idea that the Universe exists in an endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.As the title suggests, it is indeed a circular tale.Its writing is deceptively simple, hiding complex ideas in plain sight, in plain language.We follow the Prince as he struggles to master his baser drives, in order to become enlightened. Many lessons are learned, and many failures experienced.In fact, the Prince changes to such a degree that we meet him in different guises, with different names, in various parts of the book. But always his central motivation is towards leading a moral and good life, and helping others do the same. He is not Everyman, rather he is a noble spirit, tainted by the realities of life.The plot is secondary to the underlying message that is explored in the experiences of the protagonist, and it is his mental and spiritual journey that is the true story.Perhaps The Prince and the Singularity is best described as an allegory: a philosphical musing on the meaning and meaningless of life.I do not think that you will find all the answers here, since a central tenet of the book is that there really are no answers.Reality just...is.Recommended...

Pedro Barrento has created wonderful and witty tail based on the story of creation. Drawing from both Eastern and Western belief systems he has managed to weave a story that is as simple and easy to read as it is profound and thought provoking.I make no guarantees that this book will change your life or your outlook on life or what you believe is beyond this life but it will challenge you consider all three from a different prospective. Using humor and satire, Barrento has effectively and enjoyably approached the significance of existence, stripped it bare and laid it out for any and all to see, comprehend and come to their own conclusions.If you are looking for a humorous book to read, then give it a chance.If you are looking for something light and fun to read, then give it a chance.If you are looking for something thought provoking to read, then give it a chance.If you are just looking for something to read and you are not sure what the hell you want to read, but want to read something but haven’t found anything to read then spend the $2 for the electronic copy or the $8 for the physical copy and read it while you are trying to figure out what you want to read… don’t let this little gem pass you by.

"The Prince and the Singularity - A Circular Tale" is an amusing take on the Creation myth, drawing from different religious and philosophical sources and mixing them in an original, challenging and often very funny way. It is written in a multi-layered format, allowing it to be read both as a simple and entertaining fable and as a deeply philosophical work, full of hidden references and satire.It's the story of the Prince aka the Master aka Francis, who is more or less immortal and goes through the millennia fighting Desire and Rejection, the roots of all unhappiness and evil. He always fails until the moment he loses interest and decides to die, which he doesn't. Instead he gets promoted.In a way the book is similar to the American movie "Groundhog Day" in that it relives adventures over and over but instead of being trivial and silly it is thought provoking and meaningful. So, if you are looking for some entertaining yet thought provoking reading be sure and give this one a read. Stop The Insanity Target 2014

Yes, this story is indeed a circle!Things do happen in cycles and this author took that to an extreme and gave a very interesting concept of God and gods.It did get repetitive, but I guess that's the point.I think the best part was from THE END, which was not the end, so I can't say I liked the end, but I did like the end!That last 5% was a really good wrap up!I really like the philosophy that, "Reality is neither good nor bad. Reality just is."PS "Creationists" would really hate this book, so if you're of that mindset, don't read it.However, if you're open minded and like a little imagination, give it a try!

I really don't know how to describe this book, I think it is an allegorical description of the author's definition of reality, or his belief of what God or reality is. I really liked it, nonetheless, as I believe that we cannot readily describe what reality is, if you are interested in the big questions of life, then I think you would really like this book, as I liked it.

This is a story with no beginning and with no ending, a universe that expands and contracts time and time again. A fable about a prince (master and Francis) who has immortality and travels the universe over and over again. About gods with "magical" powers, creating the universe over and over again. It's thought-provoking to say the least in regards as to how we all came into being. A little irritating when the "gods" are arguing among themselves, I just can't see God being so trivial, speaking the way he does. But, it does make you think!

The Gods are bored, well wouldn't you be if you lived for eternity after eternity? So one of them propose as game. The game is simple, but the consequences are high, with every bet lost the loser has to use a piece of himself or herself to create something. Once the game starts it can't stop until there is just one winner, the last God standing and all that has been created.But love for each other leads two of the gods to cheat, but they are found out and to escape their divine pursuers they use the last units of divinity to become ideas. One becomes desire and the other becomes hatred.A human prince witnesses this and instantly falls victim to these ideologies, wishing straight away To sell the rare timber all around him to become richer than he is; then hating his father for not allowing such greed.He recognises these thoughts aren't his, that they are the result of the selfish gods he has just witnessed and determines to work to relieve this curse on humankind. Just then the three Gods pursuing the cheats appear, the prince sets about gaining some divine powers from them with another wager. He succeeds and ends up with the power to walk on water, the power to cure the sick and the power to choose when he will die.What follows is an interesting interpretation of some of the world's religions, along with a fascinating exploration of an alternative truth.This might seem heavy going, but it's not. The writing is so light and simple it reminded me of Siddhartha by Herman Hesse or of works by Paulo Coelho. The author is utterly sympathetic to the humans in his story. He shows the faults, foibles and feelings of disciples and destroyers alike.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, so much so that I've just bought the authors second book. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to ponder the intricacies of faith. If you are the kind of person that clings to your belief and takes any challenge as a personal affront you may want to give it a miss. Although it is clearly not an attempt to indoctrinate anyone it will be enjoyed more with an open mind!This review appeared here first - http://www.thebookeaters.co.uk/the-prince-and-the-singularity-a-circular-tale-by-pedro-barrento/

Back when I was about 20 I spent my days reading stuff by Richard Bach (eg Jonathon Livingstone Seagull) and Robert Pirsig (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance). Reading this book brought those two to mind. It's nothing like either of them - in fact it's nothing like anything I've ever read before but it's quirky and unusual and makes you think, just like those two do.I loved the circularity of it, and the way it explains nothing in the end, but also asks the question what is reality and is it good or bad? Some things are currently unexplainable; the nature of reality is one such topic; but this book manages to show that reality is unexplainable in a very enjoyable way. If this review comes across as circular and doesn't actually tell you what the book is about, that's a good thing because that's what the book is like anyway.I think it's good. Read it and make up your own mind.

"Surprisingly", because independently produced books are rarely good in my experience. The "Prince and the singularity" is an exception, that combines myths and modern science in a though-provoking blend. 'Tis a pity I don't want to give you any spoilers about surprising interpretation of world religions, which I would loved to discuss. I especially liked the first part, but the second after "the modern times" flaggging, so three stars. I recommend giving it a read

This is a brisk, no holds barred examination of Creation from the standpoint first of Greek Mythology, rapidly followed up by the orthodoxies of Buddhism, Christianity, particle physics, and then a further alternate mythology that seems to be all the author's own. Never a dull moment, therefore, and frequent touches of humour,pathos, and some fine poetic writing along the way. I doubt you will have read much in this vein before because it is a very original way of looking at things, but fans of Pratchett and Coelho in particular will find some resonances here. Recommended for everyone who has ever wondered: What are we doing here? And where the hell is 'here' anyway...

I got the kindle book free and to be honest although I finished it I nearly didn't. I feel that maybe there was a really complex and earth shattering message behind the story but for me it just didn't come across in a way that 'clicked' for me.Worth maybe a read if you can get it free.