The Drawing of the Dark

Though not the first work of fiction I have ever read by Tim Powers, THE DRAWING OF THE DARK remains one of my most favorite of his novels. I could not believe how he managed to breathe life into a tired cliche (I cannot say more without spoiling the book). Along the way he gives us very human characters that endear themselves to the readers while not scrimping on the magic and mayhem (some very chilling moments). History blended with wonder and brewed long and dark until one cannot help but finish the book, drain the glass, and sigh contentedly.

Here's an unheralded classic, returned to print after a decade on the shelf, which is simply one of the more marvelous fantasies out there. I was simply spellbound by this book.A brief description of this novel tends to emphasize what's not important about this novel. There are several important things here that make this a delight.First, simply, are the characters. Brightly drawn and lovable, be they knaves or heroes. The texture and dialog do not (as many fantasy novels do) evoke modern Americans, even though there is no dialect used.Second is the feel for medieval Europe, history, and realism (in what is a rather fanciful novel). Although this novel features such things as dwarves, dervishes, King Arthur, Merlin, Excaliber, the Fisher King, Norse gods, etc., the sheer realism of the novel never is pierced.Third is the delight that infuses the whole work. Why the title alone is at least triple entendre, if not quadruple. I mean: how can you dislike a work who's central premise is that Western civilization is based in no small part on quality beer?So by now it is obvious that I love this book. If you like books such as Silverlock or Brunner's Traveller in Black, I think you'll be enchanted by this gem.

Tim Powers is a marvelously gifted writer, whose stories blend real history with incredibly ingenious fantasy. The factual basis for this story is the Turkish siege of Vienna in 1529 led by Suleiman the Magnificent. But Powers takes that historical event and blends in Merlin, King Arthur, an ancient brewery, his own reluctant hero Brian Duffy, and an amazing cast of characters to create a unique and superb fantasy. This is just great stuff. Wait until it becomes obvious where the title of the book comes from... I would have never guessed. Very highly recommended.

It's so good to see this book back in print. When I first got hold of it, I was amaxed as to how good it was. Over the years I've had cause to re-read it a number of times and each time I find something new.Powers skillfully leads his readers on a grand adventure, while at the same time keeping everything light and fun and easy to read. By the time you've breezed through to the end, you realixe he's slipped in a whole boatload of allegorical messages about dealing with parents, following your dreams and not always seeing what you believe.And then there's the beer. Only someone of Powers' ability can make drinking beer an integral part of the Aurthurian mythos.I'll raise a toast to that!