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coleman_matt's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bkoser's review against another edition
5.0
This one's been near the top of my "to read" list for years. It might be Powers's best; Anubis Gates and Declare are still my favorites, but probably more because I prefer the Victorian England and Cold War settings to Las Vegas.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
elsmasho's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
branch_c's review against another edition
5.0
I was inspired by my first ever visit to Las Vegas to re-read this for the first time in thirteen years. I don't think I fully appreciated the brilliance of this book when I first read it in '92. I was already a die hard Powers fanatic at that point, but his masterpieces so far had been primarily historical fantasies: The Drawing of the Dark, The Anubis Gates, On Stranger Tides, and The Stress of Her Regard. So I was wary of the shift to an entirely contemporary setting.
But there was no reason for my concern; this book was easily a five star read for me even then, if not quite up to my previous high standard for Powers books. Now, on probably my fourth re-read or so, I can unreservedly say that it does equal his earlier efforts.
It's easy to be rather bemused initially as we learn about the strange significance of poker as far as the interpretation of events in the world. Then the suspensefulness sneaks up on the reader. The sinister truth about the characters who have manipulated that occult knowledge to their own advantage creeps in slowly and powerfully.
Crane fits the mold of the archetypical Powers protagonist, though he may have slightly more knowledge about the bizarre situation he finds himself in since he was unwittingly steeped in it from childhood.
Soon enough things take a dark turn, with Crane literally chasing alcoholism and death, even as the cast of eccentrics multiplies, bizarre characters easing out of the shadows to take an interest in the world that can only be glimpsed by manipulating cards and other tools of randomness.
From halfway through all the way to the end it feels like a headlong rush, and although I'd remembered almost everything, the feeling of unpredictability remained.
Top notch contemporary fantasy with a thick layer of darkness but dashes of clever humor throughout. Not to be missed, and I'd say for anyone who hasn't read Powers yet, this is excellent place to start.
But there was no reason for my concern; this book was easily a five star read for me even then, if not quite up to my previous high standard for Powers books. Now, on probably my fourth re-read or so, I can unreservedly say that it does equal his earlier efforts.
It's easy to be rather bemused initially as we learn about the strange significance of poker as far as the interpretation of events in the world. Then the suspensefulness sneaks up on the reader. The sinister truth about the characters who have manipulated that occult knowledge to their own advantage creeps in slowly and powerfully.
Crane fits the mold of the archetypical Powers protagonist, though he may have slightly more knowledge about the bizarre situation he finds himself in since he was unwittingly steeped in it from childhood.
Soon enough things take a dark turn, with Crane literally chasing alcoholism and death, even as the cast of eccentrics multiplies, bizarre characters easing out of the shadows to take an interest in the world that can only be glimpsed by manipulating cards and other tools of randomness.
From halfway through all the way to the end it feels like a headlong rush, and although I'd remembered almost everything, the feeling of unpredictability remained.
Top notch contemporary fantasy with a thick layer of darkness but dashes of clever humor throughout. Not to be missed, and I'd say for anyone who hasn't read Powers yet, this is excellent place to start.
piratekingalex's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
choochewtoy's review
5.0
Loads of fun to read.
Maybe takes more than the average number of pages to find the rhythm, but once you do, it's a great story that makes you think about the seemingly random and mundane things around you, even if you're not in Vegas.
Maybe takes more than the average number of pages to find the rhythm, but once you do, it's a great story that makes you think about the seemingly random and mundane things around you, even if you're not in Vegas.
glimnore's review
4.0
There is so much going on here....
Tim Powers has successfully written a masterpiece worthy of the highest praises. His ideas are original, unexpected, and weird as all heck. Reading the Last Call is very much unlike any other book I have read.
Gambling, statistics, probability, tarot, divination, psychology, it's all here. That's the magic system.... Which isn't that much of a system. It's so soft that it can be a bit frustrating at times, but it's so weird that it's refreshing compared to the hard systems that are so prevalent in fantasy now.
I wish I could summarize the story in its entirety, however, I feel that I would not do it justice. This is a book for people who read Neil Gaiman's American Gods and wanted something less 'Divine' and more 'Earthly'. This is a book for people who love Jung's archetypes and the weird parallel mythologies of the world. And the best part is that it's the first book of a three part series.
A single star was docked due to the uneven character development of the main leads throughout the book and for some pacing issues about 70% in.
Aside from that, it's a read I would definitely recommend. Tim Powers is definitely getting put on my list of Authors to keep tabs on.
Tim Powers has successfully written a masterpiece worthy of the highest praises. His ideas are original, unexpected, and weird as all heck. Reading the Last Call is very much unlike any other book I have read.
Gambling, statistics, probability, tarot, divination, psychology, it's all here. That's the magic system.... Which isn't that much of a system. It's so soft that it can be a bit frustrating at times, but it's so weird that it's refreshing compared to the hard systems that are so prevalent in fantasy now.
I wish I could summarize the story in its entirety, however, I feel that I would not do it justice. This is a book for people who read Neil Gaiman's American Gods and wanted something less 'Divine' and more 'Earthly'. This is a book for people who love Jung's archetypes and the weird parallel mythologies of the world. And the best part is that it's the first book of a three part series.
A single star was docked due to the uneven character development of the main leads throughout the book and for some pacing issues about 70% in.
Aside from that, it's a read I would definitely recommend. Tim Powers is definitely getting put on my list of Authors to keep tabs on.
jrenee's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bunnieslikediamonds's review
3.0
Intriguing concept and lots of entertaining action, but I couldn't care less about the characters. This pretty much sums up my feelings on every Tim Powers novel I've ever read. I keep reading them, because how could I resist magic Tarot poker & chaos theory, but I'm always somewhat disappointed because I want to love them instead of just liking them well enough.