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mlou186's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eletricjb's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting. Kind of a mess. Most of it easy enough to figure out, rest didn't make sense. But mostly entertaining.
gospelflare's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
i don't know what i expected when i first bought it at a used bookstore 10 years ago, but what i ended up getting was definitely something else. this might be the most bonkers book i have ever read. enjoyable, but bonkers.
yikah's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chaosmavin's review
2.0
I knew after the first 15 minutes I should just cut my losses and return this book. But I became mildly intrigued when we are introduced to Darrow... And I do love the romantic poets so I'll meet up with Coleridge sounded like it could be a good time… What ensues is a whole lot of people running around and body switching and it not really making a whole lot of sense. I don't know exactly what you might be looking for if you pick up this book… I had a friend recommend it and I'm guessing they rented a long time ago and forgot that while it is a time travel back… Which I tend to enjoy… This is not a very good one… Though I will say as a audiobook the narrator Bronson Pinchot… Yes you heard that right Cousin Belke does a phenomenal freaking job reading the book… He's got a great voice and annunciation! This may be why I finished it because I was purging some crap out of my house while I was listening and it kept me going!
spitzig's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this the first time I read it in paper form. The second time, I read it as an audiobook. I think maybe Powers is too difficult for me to read as an audiobook. It wasn't as good.
I still remember so many of the weird things from reading the paper version. That's the main thing I loved about the book. Regarding plot, it had an interesting "scale". By which I mean the what the time travel story was about.
Also, the main character was well-done and interesting. An English professor who seemed kind of blase about his job, a regular guy-not at all prepared for an adventure. But, he got prepared. I think Powers does this very well, gradual character development of people from walks of life I don't usually see as main characters.
I still remember so many of the weird things from reading the paper version. That's the main thing I loved about the book. Regarding plot, it had an interesting "scale". By which I mean the what the time travel story was about.
Also, the main character was well-done and interesting. An English professor who seemed kind of blase about his job, a regular guy-not at all prepared for an adventure. But, he got prepared. I think Powers does this very well, gradual character development of people from walks of life I don't usually see as main characters.
dansiger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
oddrid's review against another edition
3.0
I remember enjoying it as I read it, and a few things stand out, but a year or two on I can't really remember much about it, so that's not really a great sign.
bennought's review against another edition
5.0
Ever wondered how interesting it would be to travel back in time to see your favorite author or poet speak publicly? Well, as it turns out, it would probably end up being more interesting than you expected--and not necessarily in a good way. This is a rip-roaring adventure through early 19th century London, chock full of interesting historical characters, philosophy, contemporary poetry, Egyptian mythology, magic, and fascinating (and often hilarious) interpretations of contemporary stories and writings. Not many writers can weave vast amount of utterly fantastical and wide-ranging plots and concepts as Tim Powers, and do so in such a convincing and compelling fashion. Fun, funny, engaging (I read it in three days), fast-paced, though admittedly a bit predictable at points. Regardless, highly recommended.
showell's review against another edition
4.0
It's like reading Neil Gaimon without the humor. I enjoyed reading it, but it turns out I prefer a bit of funny mixed in with the weird.