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ninjalawyer's review against another edition
2.0
A book that, more than any other, demonstrates what can go wrong when you tell rather than show.
arthurbdd's review
2.0
The only Titus Crow novel which isn't completely appalling, largely because it's the only one which even attempts to be the sort of Lovecraft-esque cosmic horror it's billed as. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2016/12/18/lumley-revisited/
inciminci's review against another edition
3.0
Somewhat charming, I guess. This is Cthulhu explained (or overexplained) for beginners. I love the idea of a Sherlock-like figure actually fighting against, or more TRYING to holding out against one of the Great Old Ones, the worm-like burrower Shudde-M’ell. The story has a pacing problem, though, and way too long conversations really do spoil the flow of the story. Still, I somehow like it.
eldritchscholar's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
azm0's review
5.0
Some authors whose work is derivative of Lovecraft end up doing a better job of writing in that universe than the original author himself. Such is the case with this novel, as Lumley’s Titus Crow is intelligent and interesting, where many of Lovecraft’s main characters are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lumley also does a great job fleshing out the previously unnameable and unknowable beings in the Cthulhu mythos, and the main point of the work is that our heroes fight back instead of simply being a conveyance. I’m looking forward to more in this series as Crow continues his battle.
statelyelmslibrarian's review
2.0
2.5 rating
Lumley has built his stories on the Derleth mythos, a rigorously structured system of good vs. evil, Elder gods vs. Old Ones (something that must have HPL rolling in his grave).
There is little here that reflects Lovecraft's cosmicism and existential horror. Really nothing Lovecraftian at all aside from large creatures with tentacles and name-bombing 'Cthulhu' every few chapters.
The character of Titus Crow has potential, however. And I respect the fact that Lumley has integrated various elements of Lovecraft's stories (mind control, telekinesis, cultism, grimoires) and created a work of fiction that may feed the slimy cravings of someone who has read all of Lovecraft and needs something more.
Lumley has built his stories on the Derleth mythos, a rigorously structured system of good vs. evil, Elder gods vs. Old Ones (something that must have HPL rolling in his grave).
There is little here that reflects Lovecraft's cosmicism and existential horror. Really nothing Lovecraftian at all aside from large creatures with tentacles and name-bombing 'Cthulhu' every few chapters.
The character of Titus Crow has potential, however. And I respect the fact that Lumley has integrated various elements of Lovecraft's stories (mind control, telekinesis, cultism, grimoires) and created a work of fiction that may feed the slimy cravings of someone who has read all of Lovecraft and needs something more.
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