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branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to the first in the series (Alternate Routes), and the ghostly side of Powers’ unique mythology is still at the forefront. I enjoyed the historical aspects in this one, even if it departs a bit from the exclusive use of real historical figures.
I was less impressed with the continuing emphasis on car chases and gun battles, but this is set in modern LA after all.
A note to the editors at Baen: I saw at least a dozen typos in this edition - seems excessive to me for a professionally published book.
I continue to recommend Powers highly to all readers, and this book is no exception, but I still prefer his earlier books, and I’d suggest those new to his work start with the classics. For contemporary fantasy, go with Last Call and its “sequels”; for historical: The Anubis Gates, The Drawing of the Dark, On Stranger Tides, or The Stress of Her Regard.
I was less impressed with the continuing emphasis on car chases and gun battles, but this is set in modern LA after all.
A note to the editors at Baen: I saw at least a dozen typos in this edition - seems excessive to me for a professionally published book.
I continue to recommend Powers highly to all readers, and this book is no exception, but I still prefer his earlier books, and I’d suggest those new to his work start with the classics. For contemporary fantasy, go with Last Call and its “sequels”; for historical: The Anubis Gates, The Drawing of the Dark, On Stranger Tides, or The Stress of Her Regard.
rdominick's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I didn't know Vickery and Castine had become a series. A birthday present, read months later because that's how the to-read pile works. Not as much fun as the first one because it's not as focused on the supernatural underpinnings of the story. Still, well worth a read.
Just bought book 3.
Just bought book 3.
johnwillson's review against another edition
4.0
I love Tim Powers' books, but I only liked this one. The promise of Egyptian mysteries didn't really pay off. The ghost thing is less exciting than the premises of some of his other books. That's alright. He's exploring new ground instead of retreading old successes, which I appreciate.
chukg's review against another edition
4.0
More in the Vickery and Castine series. Enjoyable mystical mystery with Powers' typical weird 'magic', more ghosts mostly this time and also some magical hieroglyphs. I kind of wonder if there will be more.
d_tod_davis's review against another edition
4.0
Powers is a genius when it comes to mixing historical detail and supernatural shenanigans with nonstop action in a contemporary urban setting. This time it's another one set on the streets of L.A. and the areas around Southern California where the impending threat is the summoning of a massive, mind-consuimg Egyptian godhead. The usual ghosts and spirits and a sprinkling of returning characters make this a very satisfying sequel to "Alternate Routes"and just as hard to put down. Thoroughly entertaining.
vailynst's review against another edition
4.0
Notes:
Not as strong as the first book but still a weird in the way that I associate with TP's work. =)
Bronson Pinchot's narration was great.
Not as strong as the first book but still a weird in the way that I associate with TP's work. =)
Bronson Pinchot's narration was great.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of Tim Power and I could rate 5 stars his shopping list.
I loved, loved, loved this story and read it as fast as I could.
Mr Power is a master storyteller and this story has all the elements that make me love his book.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved, loved, loved this story and read it as fast as I could.
Mr Power is a master storyteller and this story has all the elements that make me love his book.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
craniac's review against another edition
3.0
I am a huge fan of Tim Powers, but I feel that worked against me as I didn't quite have that feeling of delightful bewilderment that new readers experience when dropped into his world of seedy, L.A. noir-ish gritty magic. It was really fun.
kateofmind's review against another edition
5.0
Tim Powers makes ghosts spooky again. I presume I'd be even more invested in this if I knew the Los Angeles highway system, though. As it was, pfft - but then comes that scene at La Brea!