Like most fantasy titles nowadays, this novel is the first in a trilogy. However, this trilogy is not the first in the overall series dealing with the...moreLike most fantasy titles nowadays, this novel is the first in a trilogy. However, this trilogy is not the first in the overall series dealing with the Grey Griffins. I mention this because, IMHO, this novel does not stand well on its own. As you may have guessed, I have not read the first trilogy (composed of The Revenge of the Shadow King, The Rise of the Black Wolf and The Fall of the Templar) and I found The Brimstone Key somewhat lacking in several fundamental aspects. Most of all, I felt that it lacked substance.
I never got emotionally attached to any of the characters, most of the cool technological and fantastical elements turned out to never be fully explained, plot elements and characters introduced once, never to be used again. It left me frustrated. I may seem harsh, but I'm fairly certain that, had I read the first trilogy, already "known" the characters, been given more background on the overall universe, I would have been better prepared for this read. I'm well aware that, being the first in a trilogy, it's quite normal for there to be unresolved plot points and cliffhangers, but throughout my reading of this novel, I could never quite shake the feeling that I was missing something, that I didn't have all the elements in hand.
In the end, I can't quite recommend this title. If, like me, you haven't read the first Grey Griffin trilogy, I would tell you not to start here. But, having not read the first trilogy, I can't recommend it, can I? But I still think it's the best way to go. You can tell it's a rich and complex universe the authors have brought to life, it's simply that their explanation and exploration of it remain too superficial in this novel for the reader to come out satisfied.(less)
I'm giving up on this one. Besides, I was mostly reading it for work (note that it's in the agency-author shelf, yes this is a newly created shelf for...moreI'm giving up on this one. Besides, I was mostly reading it for work (note that it's in the agency-author shelf, yes this is a newly created shelf for those books I'm reading because/thanks to work! These will be advance reading copies or manuscript mostly).
The book in and of it self is not bad really, it's just in terrible need of some serious editing which, my understanding is, it's not going to get...
I will only say that this book will probably appeal more to mainstream readers. If you're a science fiction reader or a steampunk fan, there's not much in there for you. The themes and issues debated in the book have already long since been treated in the genre and, from the perspective of a genre reader, the book will probably appear simplistic and very unoriginal.
The story does have this fairy tale like feel going for it but, more often than, it seems to give the author an excuse to lose the main thread of the narration and dwell into things that are of no real interest to the reader. I'm fairly certain this is intended, to give a more authentic feel to the reading experience. These are afterall the main character's memoirs so I guess that it makes sense that said character would lose himself in his past and wander around more than necessary. Maybe I just wasn't receptive.
Again, I'm not saying this is all bad. Publishers Weekly has the most wonderful things to say about this title. I just really don't think this is a book for genre fans or readers. Definitely more up mainstream readers' alley. It might even be a great introduction to steampunk for some.(less)
I was starting to feel really guilty at the idea of never having read a single of Tim Powers' book especially after all the good I had heard of them....moreI was starting to feel really guilty at the idea of never having read a single of Tim Powers' book especially after all the good I had heard of them. And then I had the opportunity to listen to one of his (few!!) interviews by a French journalist and well, I must say that the guy sounded quite easy going and humorous so I told myself: "Self, it is definitely time"
And may I add that Self doesn't regret this in the least...
I think that the word that best describes the Anubis Gates is diversity: a fine mix between egyptian mythology, time travelling, English literature of the 19th century, magic and historical events... most of the plot takes place in the 19th century.
Of course, there are a few details that you guess even before the main character, Brendan Doyle, even thinks about it, but I'm not sure that this wasn't made on purpose on the part of the author. After following a discussion on clichés and such on Communautés epicfantasy, I can definitely say that a 100% surprise doesn't make a suspenseful novel. I'm tired of these characters doing and saying things that make no sense at all. I like telling myself "Ok this is logical, I would've done that too had I been in the same situation". I'm sick and tired of characters doing unjustified things because it fits the storyline better... see what I mean?
Anyway, out of all this diversity and crazy universe, Powers manages to make something really good and believable, in the end, you can't exactly tell what's historical fact and what's not... I think the whole adventure could've turned out to be absurd or even a parody but here, even though you smile and sometimes even laugh, we're a far cry from Pratchett's style.
Constantly playing and different styles (Thriller, SF, humor... urban fantasy even?), Powers never gets lost in long detailled scientific explanations about time travelling... I think that could've lead to poor characterization... so amateurs of hard science might be a bit disappointed here.
A few questions remain unanswered but nothing that really disturbs the conclusion of the story. A few plot holes or rather paradoxes withing paradoxes that mustn't be lookd at too closely but overall a more than satisfying book that you pick up and can't seem to let down (yeah, just my luck when I should've been reading Raboteau's "Slave Religion"!)
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