Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
22nd out of 49 books
—
67 voters
The Drawing of the Dark
by
Tim Powers
Del Rey's Impact line introduces a list of titles that have "slipped through the cracks and become buried treasure." The re-release of Tim Powers's The Drawing of the Dark (first published in 1979) is indeed worthy of the imprint. It was his third novel and first foray into the fantasy genre.
It is the year 1529 and Brian Duffy, a soldier of fortune, finds himself in Venic
...morePaperback, 336 pages
Published
November 14th 2002
by Gollancz Paperbacks
(first published 1979)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
2,752)
Tim Powers is a mad genius.
The siege of Vienna, Vikings, and the Fisher King. Oh, and Merlin, of course. I'm tired, and lazy as hell, so that's about all the plot summary I can muster. On one level this is a book about beer, as might be inferred (playfully) from the title. It's the secret history of what the Ottomans were really after when they marched on Vienna, and a forgotten chapter of Arthurian Legend.
This is one of Powers's early novels, and I found it a little more concise than some of h...more
The siege of Vienna, Vikings, and the Fisher King. Oh, and Merlin, of course. I'm tired, and lazy as hell, so that's about all the plot summary I can muster. On one level this is a book about beer, as might be inferred (playfully) from the title. It's the secret history of what the Ottomans were really after when they marched on Vienna, and a forgotten chapter of Arthurian Legend.
This is one of Powers's early novels, and I found it a little more concise than some of h...more
Sep 15, 2009
Mohammed
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
favorite-books
My favourite Tim Powers book and one of few modern fantasy books i have read that was a truly great read.
I liked it cause of his style of writing, his characters ,the humour,action and the awesome blend of historical setting and the supernatural. His themes are very interesting.
A ripping yarn ! A great historical fantasy.
I liked it cause of his style of writing, his characters ,the humour,action and the awesome blend of historical setting and the supernatural. His themes are very interesting.
A ripping yarn ! A great historical fantasy.
4 likes · like · see review
I enjoyed this fantasy novel set in 1520's. It has an unusual mix of history (highlighted by the Siege of Vienna, pitting the Ottoman forces under Suleiman the Magnificent against the reigning Western / Christian rulers and their troops), combined with fantasy (with magicians, gods, and legends all making cameo appearances). I enjoy both history and fantasy, so the book appealed to me, but I don't imagine that the mix of genres will work for all readers. The Drawing of the Dark features compelli...more
Boy, that must really be some good beer!
The best thing about this book, is that so many people read it and then it dropped off the radar. That means it'll be a new experience for everyone reading it now un affected by the reactions of others.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I read it prior to 1983. This book gives a remarkable look at Europe's history then overlays that with a tale that rivals Kevin Hearne's wide open "Hounded" for bringing all the old Deities under the big tent.
T...more
The best thing about this book, is that so many people read it and then it dropped off the radar. That means it'll be a new experience for everyone reading it now un affected by the reactions of others.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I read it prior to 1983. This book gives a remarkable look at Europe's history then overlays that with a tale that rivals Kevin Hearne's wide open "Hounded" for bringing all the old Deities under the big tent.
T...more
I read this book years ago ('79 or 80 I believe)...and forgot about it till it was resurrected as a "lost fantasy classic", which I agree it is.
This one predates the glut of Arthurian pastiches, adaptions and outright rip-offs that got so popular for a while. Here we start with the story of a 14th century "soldier of fortune" com adventurer who's traveled and been a rogue and mercenary (among other things), Brian Duffy. Faced with what might be termed "an affair of honor" (facing 3 men) he find...more
This one predates the glut of Arthurian pastiches, adaptions and outright rip-offs that got so popular for a while. Here we start with the story of a 14th century "soldier of fortune" com adventurer who's traveled and been a rogue and mercenary (among other things), Brian Duffy. Faced with what might be termed "an affair of honor" (facing 3 men) he find...more
Esencia oscura, como buena parte de las novelas de Tim Powers, es un relato de fantasía histórica. Eso para quien le guste poner etiquetas a todo lo que se menea, claro, porque en realidad toda la fantasía es fantasía y, si me apuras, ficción y punto. Pero el libro tiene una buena cantidad de elementos sobrenaturales que Powers utiliza para dar una explicación alternativa al asedio de Viena de 1529, así que tampoco vamos a ponernos demasiado quisquillosos y aceptaremos "fantasía histórica" como...more
I love the ideas Tim Powers comes up with: outrageous, yet anchored firmly in ancient fables and folklore. This is a reprint of an early book of his, copyright 1979, which suggests that when Prometheus came to earth bringing humans an illicit gift from the gods, what he brought wasn't fire. It was beer.
A comic tale set in 16th century Vienna when Turkey tried to invade the West, the story follows hapless mercenary Bryan Duffy as he struggles to defend the West, and to understand the weird dreams...more
A comic tale set in 16th century Vienna when Turkey tried to invade the West, the story follows hapless mercenary Bryan Duffy as he struggles to defend the West, and to understand the weird dreams...more
This is a fun book. I really liked the combination of history, mythology and general silliness. Brian Duffy, mercenary and master swordsman is hired to be a bouncer at the oldest brewery in Vienna, possibly the world. But strange things are afoot, from the creatures that follow him from Venice to Vienna, to the Vikings that show up in the canal, to the troubling dreams he keeps having about a sword and a lake. All he wants is a good life, to marry the girl that got away, to have a nice quiet hom...more
Having read another of Tim Powers' books recently, The Anubis Gates, I can say that this one is very similar in style and in content, but that it doesn't hang together as well as The Anubis Gates. Certain characters would have been nice to get to know better, certain bits of imagery, particularly early in the book, seem to be thrown in just because they sound nice, and the climax is rather anticlimatic. On the other hand, the imagery in this novel is quite good and really transports the reader i...more
This book was fun, not very deep, but fun, especially if you like books about reluctant heroes caught up in something bigger than they ever imagined. That’s the winning part of this book, the hero, Brian Duffy. He’s an aging soldier, a long way from home, wandering from job to job, battle to battle. When he is offered a lucrative position as bouncer at an inn in Vienna, he doesn’t know what he’s really agreed to take on. From here the story pulls in Arthurian legend, old magic and mythology, Vik...more
6 likes · like · see review
So I finally got around to reading my first novel by Tim Powers, it being this one. I had read his short story collection a few years ago, and found it interesting enough to read more of his work, but wasn't so bowled over by it. His writing skills seemed better suited for novels.
From the Amazon.Com review, here is a rundown on the plot:
From the Amazon.Com review, here is a rundown on the plot:
It is the year 1529 and Brian Duffy, a soldier of fortune, finds himself in Venice. A late-night confrontation with three brothers over a matter of honor convin...more
1 like · like · see review
I know I've given all of Tim Powers's books the same rating, but this is one of my favorites. (Actually, most of his books that I've read so far are my favorites!) And this one is about beer -- the "Dark" is a magical beer, and the novel is peopled with mythical heroes that come together to fight off a siege, defending this magical beer against the forces of evil. The archetypical heroes include the Fisher King and King Arthur, and even a boatful of Vikings (who spend most of the novel drinking...more
Battles, beer, broken swords and burial mounds.
Tim Powers uses familiar mythological characters and themes to create a truly original story, with the mystical elements of the story slotting seamlessly into the realistic historical setting of Vienna in 1529. I never come away from one of his books thinking I've read it before, nor does he feel the need to stretch a story over twelve volumes when one will do.
While the citizens of Vienna and their hired mercenaries prepare for a siege and wonder wh...more
Tim Powers uses familiar mythological characters and themes to create a truly original story, with the mystical elements of the story slotting seamlessly into the realistic historical setting of Vienna in 1529. I never come away from one of his books thinking I've read it before, nor does he feel the need to stretch a story over twelve volumes when one will do.
While the citizens of Vienna and their hired mercenaries prepare for a siege and wonder wh...more
Practically a mainstream historical fantasy by Tim Powers who normally writes things that are a lot more offbeat (and is finally being credited as the inspiration behind the zombie pirates in a certain highly successful series of pirate movies). I enjoy his books, more the historicals than the ones set in present day California, but I will say that this is the only novel that has made me physically feel sick. I've cheerfully read my way through Chuck Palahniuk, Brett Easton Ellis and Matt Stokoe...more
It took me a while to get into the book as there is a lot of mystery in the first half that isn't explained until about the half way point. The reader can easily make the right guesses but in general they are kept in the dark. It's the same for the main character who often gets frustrated in not knowing what's going on and what's real, and I guess I started to feel a little bit of this same frustration for a while.
But it paid off in the end as things came together. Other then that issue the writ...more
But it paid off in the end as things came together. Other then that issue the writ...more
This is about as close to traditional fantasy as Tim Powers has gotten, at least in the books of his that I've read; and it still rings with historical authenticity and a strong sense of place. This story is set mainly in Vienna, at a time when Suleiman is leading his Turks eastward to conquer Europe. Powers mixes both Western and Asian mythologies, drawing most strongly on the Arthurian legend. As always, his characters are very distinctive and human in their (flawed) behaviors. There is a lot...more
This was an interesting blend of history and fantasy. The story is set in Vienna in 1529, as the Turks are trying to take over Europe. Interwoven with the basic siege story are all sorts of mythical characters, including Merlin, Arthur, the Fisher King, characters from Norse legends and a variety of mythical beasts.
I enjoyed the slow unfolding of the story, as the hero, Irishman Brian Duffy becomes a part of the fantastical happenings. Later though, the story seemed to drag a bit for me and the...more
I enjoyed the slow unfolding of the story, as the hero, Irishman Brian Duffy becomes a part of the fantastical happenings. Later though, the story seemed to drag a bit for me and the...more
Apr 09, 2013
Simon
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
fantasy-masterworks
Never have I read a novel infused with so much drinking of beer! I could not turn a page, it seemed, when the protagonist Duffy doesn't quaff yet another tankard of ale. The very title itself refers to the drawing of the special, dark brew of beer that is performed once every few hundred years in order to invest the agents of the west with its magical, life enhancing properties.
Punctuating the relentless beer drinking is plenty of action; Duffy is beset by antagonists at every turn trying to thw...more
Punctuating the relentless beer drinking is plenty of action; Duffy is beset by antagonists at every turn trying to thw...more
3 likes · like · see review
What's not to like about a Tim Powers book? Where else can one find historical reimaginings so deftly interwoven with thoroughly believable, yet fantastical, explanations?
At first, I approached this one as I approach all Powers books, with a bit of trepidation, like an old friend that I've not seen in a long while. I'm not sure we're still going to hit it off. Not certain we still have enough in common to get past the awkwardness. Worried the rapport is going to be stilted and forced. But then I...more
At first, I approached this one as I approach all Powers books, with a bit of trepidation, like an old friend that I've not seen in a long while. I'm not sure we're still going to hit it off. Not certain we still have enough in common to get past the awkwardness. Worried the rapport is going to be stilted and forced. But then I...more
My opinion (and rating) hasn't changed since the first time I read this: it's a decent but uninspired novel, with a straightforward plot and excellent writing craftsmanship. You can see the beginnings of the kind of story Tim Powers has since become famous for, even though it's your basic Arthur/Merlin story with some unique touches.
The fundamental message is that beer is the foundation of Western civilization and has the power to change the world, but I'm sure beer drinkers everywhere already...more
The fundamental message is that beer is the foundation of Western civilization and has the power to change the world, but I'm sure beer drinkers everywhere already...more
è capitato che sia rimasto invischiato in George R.R. Martin, mi sia smaronato quattro libri da mille pagine l'uno senza che arrivassero poi a una conclusione, e mi dovevo far sbollire l'incazzatura (in attesa che si degni di scrivere il resto).
il mio spacciatore di letteratura fantastica (strategie evolutive)
melo presentava così:
----- qte -----
Un vecchio mercenario irlandese assoldato come buttafuori di una birreria, durante l’assedio di Vienna da parte dei Turchi, comincia a notare alcune stra...more
il mio spacciatore di letteratura fantastica (strategie evolutive)
melo presentava così:
----- qte -----
Un vecchio mercenario irlandese assoldato come buttafuori di una birreria, durante l’assedio di Vienna da parte dei Turchi, comincia a notare alcune stra...more
When a down-on-his-luck and somewhat over-the-hill mercenary is accosted by the sons of a man he drunkenly disparaged over dinner, Brian Duffy is unexpectedly offered a job as bouncer at inn fronting one of the most famous (fictional) breweries in Europe. Of course, it just so happens that the year is 1529, and the inn & brewery are located in Vienna, destined to be the target that year of Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
But few things are as they seem, and strange ev...more
But few things are as they seem, and strange ev...more
This is a rare five-star classic, a book I would review to anyone. Tim Powers (a colleague and conspirator with James Blaylock) often lapses into the mythic using "fantasy reality" tropes. This book, and perhaps the more famous ANUBIS GATES, treat the fantastic as part of a perfectly understandable world, which makes for an interesting writing style.
Duffy is an aged soldier on the road to the Siege of Vienna, where he hopes to achieve some employment as a defender of the city. Along the way he s...more
Duffy is an aged soldier on the road to the Siege of Vienna, where he hopes to achieve some employment as a defender of the city. Along the way he s...more
2 likes · like · see review
This was a weird book. I don't know if I would have liked it better if I were more up on medieval history and/or beer, but I think maybe the ending would still have felt like the author just quit writing and called it done? Denouement is for weenies or something? I dunno. There's all this rich world building and magic and characters... I wanted more of a payoff. But maybe I just missed the point somehow? Again, I dunno. Not terrible by any means, this book: I just wanted it to be better.
This was freakin' good. It had all the important stuff: sword fights, the occasioinal dwarf or demon, vikings, wizards, and an appropriate reverence for beer. In 1975, this was a shot in the arm to the fantasy genre, bringing the fantastic folk out of the misty woods and into a city setting (Vienne circa mid 1500s). It was also an interesting take on Arthurian legend and also the Turks' seige of Vienna. Also, it was not a babbling-on fantasy novel clocking in at under 300 pages.
I generally only read literary fiction, but I make an exception for some fantasy writers. Tim Powers is one of those writers. Declare and Last Call are amongst my favorite novels. This novel, however, fell flat. The lack of a cohesive ending, paired with a less than coherent plot made this a dud for me. I'd have given it two and a half stars if I could, but only because of my love of anything involving the Fisher King (who I wish we'd seen and heard more from).
Good solid fantasy writing with Powers's signature offbeat take: if you love beer and brewing, you'll definitely love a tale in which the drawing of a mug of magically micro-brewed beer saves civilisation! Even though it's set in the 16th century, the prose is more akin to hard-bitten noir writing, as is the downbeat protagonist, Brian Duffy. Solid read and a good intro to Powers, whose subsequent works only get better and better.
Aug 11, 2011
Ketan Shah
added it
King Arthur resurrected as an aging Irish soldier of fortune in the 16th century.A magical war fought against the Turkish armies,and the fate of the Western world depends on the brewing of a perfect pint of dark ale. What's not to love ?Tim Powers throws in a lot of historical detail ,but it never bogs down the story in this highly entertaining fantasy.Smart dialog and a lot of self deprecating humour make this a must read.
Brian Duffy, aging soldier of fortune, had been hired in Venice by a strange old man who called himself Aurelianus Ambrosius. He was supposed to go to Vienna and act as bouncer at an inn where the fabulous Herzwesten beer was brewed. That was clear enough.
But why was he guided and guarded on the trip by creatures from the ancient legends? Why should he be attacked by ifrits and saved by mythical dwarfs? What was so important about the Herzwesten beer to the Fisher King -- whoever he was? Why w
Mar 23, 2011
Joe Stamber
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paper,
read-1980s
My first Tim Powers book. It was a great introduction to a consistently (in my experience so far) good writer. In a theme that was to continue, DotD mixes history with fantasy to produce a winning combination. A 16th century mercenary is guided to a Venetian inn to work as a bouncer. What follows is an incredible adventure with a broad spectrum of characters, some recognisable, some imaginary, but all wonderful.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Timothy Thomas Powers is an American science fiction and fantasy author. Powers has won the World Fantasy Award twice for his critically acclaimed novels Last Call and Declare.
Most of Powers's novels are "secret histories": he uses actual, documented historical events featuring famous people, but shows another view of them in which occult or supernatural factors heavily influence the motivations a...more
More about Tim Powers...
Most of Powers's novels are "secret histories": he uses actual, documented historical events featuring famous people, but shows another view of them in which occult or supernatural factors heavily influence the motivations a...more
Share This Book
1 trivia question
More quizzes & trivia...
21 de Feb 16:30
LOL. Madam, I'm sure I don't...more
21 de Feb 18:00