The Map of Moments

Hidden Cities #2

by Tim Lebbon, Christopher Golden

What if you were given a map to a magic that could change the worst moment of your life...for a price?From two all-stars of dark fantasy, Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, coauthors of Mind the Gap, comes this terrifying new thriller of magic and dangerous passions, where an ordinary man searches the magical landscape of an extraordinary city for the chance of a lifetime. Barely six months after leaving New Orleans, history professor Max Corbett is returning to a place he hardly recognizes. The girl he’d loved—and lost—is dead, and the once-enchanted city has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Max has not thought much beyond Gabrielle’s funeral—until a strange old man offers him a map, and an insane proposition . . .“Forget all the stories about magic you think you know. . . .”It looks like an ordinary tourist map, but the old man claims that it is marked with a trail of magical moments from New Orleans’s history that just might open a door to the past. But it is a journey fraught with peril as Max begins to uncover dark secrets about both his dead love and the city he never really got to know. How is Gabrielle linked to an evil group from the city’s past? And can Max evade them long enough to turn back the clock and give Gabrielle one last chance at life?From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Supernatural, Time Travel

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2008

About the author

I love writing, reading, triathlon, real ale, chocolate, good movies, occasional bad movies, and cake.

I was born in London in 1969, lived in Devon until I was eight, and the next twenty years were spent in Newport. My wife Tracey and I then did a Good Thing and moved back to the country, and we now live in the little village of Goytre in Monmouthshire with our kids Ellie and Daniel. And our dog, Blu, who is the size of a donkey.

I love the countryside ... I do a lot of running and cycling, and live in the best part of the world for that.

I've had loads of books published in the UK, USA, and around the world, including novels, novellas, and collections. I write horror, fantasy, and now thrillers, and I've been writing as a living for over 8 years. I've won quite a few awards for my original fiction, and I've also written tie-in projects for Star Wars, Alien, Hellboy, The Cabin in the Woods, and 30 Days of Night.

A movie's just been made of my short story Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies. There are other projects in development, too.

I'd love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Here's the deal: You get to go back in time to fix the worst, awfulest thing you've ever experienced. You have to go through some rancid goo to get there, and it will stick to you. But you get to change something that's shredding your insides every day of your life.

Do you do it? Who could resist, right?

After reading this book, I'd say you'd hesitate a good long while before answering. Change comes only at a price. Prices have a way of changing, even though you think you know what they are. Ever bid on something at an auction? Do you honestly think for an instant about the commission, the taxes, the shipping, the added insurance, that winning the auction will entail?

No you don't, and don't lie, it's not nice.

Max the forty-year-old falls in love with Gabrielle the nineteen-year-old. (Ewww, right?) She loves him right back, passionately and completely. Right up until she screws another man and Max walks in on it.

Oh, poor duped oldster. Sniff boo hoo, at least you got some nineteen-year-old...uhhh, well. So what do you do? Run away, go home, leave your job in New Orleans to go back to (grim, unpleasantly stuffy) Boston.

Four months before Katrina. Which kills Gabrielle.

And back comes Max to bury the woman he loves, the woman he'd do anything at all to save, to rescue, to ask "why?" of (and the answer is never, ever one you want to hear, why do people insist on asking it?). He meets Ray, a old man with a proposition: Follow this map of moments, this guided tour of New Orleans's magical history, and you'll land up at a Moment where you can save Gabrielle's life! She'll be alive! Isn't that what you want, Max?

Oh, be careful what you ask for lest the answer be yes...for getting what we ask for isn't always (ever, in my actual experience) for the (personal) best. Max gets a chance to see the hidden magic that sustains New Orleans, and he gets to put right some very basic wrongs, and the price he pays is breathtakingly high.

And I will bet you large sums of money that he'd do it all again. He's that kind of a guy. It's the reason I liked spending my rainy, gloomy Friday with him, and I'll bet you would too.

[Janice Bonczek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cool sequel to Mind the Gap, also by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon. Although these two books are both part of the "Hidden Cities" series, they share neither characters or location. It seems that each book in this series is to be set in a different city, and each story will be about the hidden "heart", or "spirit" of the city. Quite an interesting premise.

While the first book dealt with an actual hidden city beneath London, in old abandoned tube tunnels and bomb shelters; the "hidden city" in Map of Moments is more like a group of people who run the city (New Orleans) behind the scenes, or it could possibly be referring to the hidden "moments" in time that he gets to access throughout the city.

We meet Max Corbett, a history professor who taught briefly at Tulane University in New Orleans, then abruptly left his position (and the city) a few months before hurricane Katrina hit due to a broken heart. He is called back to the city by Corinne, the cousin of Gabrielle (his ex-girlfriend), asking him to please come back to the city for her funeral. He learns that she died in the hurricane, and finds himself travelling back to the city which holds so many good (and heartbreaking) memories for him.

However, as soon as Gaby's funeral is over, Max learns that there is perhaps another reason he was called back to the city. He meets Ray, and old man professing to be a friend of Gabys, who tells him he knows of a "conjure-man" who ccan possibly send Max back in time to save Gaby! Max isn't sure whether or not he believes this crazy-sounding man, but he is too hopeful to ignore the man. After all, he reasons, his flight back to Boston isn't for another 2 days anyway, what could it hurt to follow the "map of moments" that Ray has given to him, and just see where it leads. Max does not bargain on the map leading him to different moments in time throughout the history of the city!

While Max follows the map, he begins to pick up magic like static electricity all over and around his body. And as he soon comes to find out, some dangerous people in the city have begun to notice him. What is their role in the city & its important moments? Why does everyone seem to be afraid to even mention their name? What do they have to do with Gaby? And what do they want from him?! Max will try to find answers to these questions while following his map, and hopefully he can do it before they catch up with him!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Map of Moments is a beautifully rendered journey through the city of New Orleans. The storytelling captures the mystery of the city, as well as provides a unique historical perspective. The main character returns to New Orleans to attend a funeral post-Katrina. The aftermath of the 'bitch,' as Katrina is called, is chilling but the spirit is enduring. The reader must trust in the magic of the city in order to believe the adventure that occurs to the main character. Through a series of moments, the life of New Orleans is revealed. History and magic are intertwined and the past is a hue, rather than a defined black or white. The language, flow and descriptions opened my eyes and I was able to feel like I was transporting back and forth in time. Even though the story borders on fantasy and paranormal, the author keeps the tale grounded in concrete reality by connecting the impossible with actual events. It is fantastical, but given the unique setting, very believable. And, like the main character, I wanted to believe.

The tiniest thing caused a slight distraction. It came down to money. The main character is a teacher/professor. During his visit to New Orleans he is shelling out a lot of cash and tipping generously from place to place. It wouldn't have mattered if the amount wasn't mentioned every time he paid. I couldn't help but start doing the mental math and wondering how a teacher could afford it. This could be rectified by simply stating that Max paid the bill etc. It was a distracting detail and I couldn't figure out why it was necessary or important. Secondly, the last line/paragraph was rather lame. I hate the type of implied 'dream' inferences that were used on the last page. I don't want to say more, because it might spoil. It doesn't change the outcome or overall enjoyment of the story, but it was a bit weak.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read books by this author before, but the title caught my eye, along with a magical/mysterious take on New Orleans post Katrina. Compelling, but I found the writing to be less than stellar.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Corbett is a history professor at Tulane University in New Orleans. There he meets a beautiful young girl and falls passionately in love with her until he catches her with another man. He leave New Orleans to return to Boston just before hurricane Katrina strikes. After that, Corinne, Gabrielle’s cousin contacts Max to come back for Gabys funeral.

Just after the funeral Max is approached by a man that offers him a map of New Orleans magical moments. If Max follows the map he will find himself at a monument that will let him change a moment in his past. But as he travels the map he attracts the attention of some powerful people. He also learns that changing the past comes with a high price to pay.

This is a great sequel to Mind the Gap. Although it is a different character and city, the tension and magic are the same. I kinds felt bad for Max but at the same time I could see Gabys betrayal and following course to change time coming like a freight train. But I loved the different moments Max found himself in. Of course the bad guys are close behind and wanting to claim the prize for themselves.

I really enjoyed this book and think it’s a great addition to the Hidden Cities series. I can’t wait to see what city is explored next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Daniplx · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book took me forever to read and really felt like a slog to get through, but if you ask me why it felt that way, I couldn't tell you. The premise was really intriguing and it was a shorter book, but something fell very flat for me and I couldn't wait to finish it (which I only did due to a reading challenge).

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really hated the main character in this book. A white professor who took advantage of his student and fetishized her blackness, then after she dies the thing he thinks about most is how hot she looked naked? Classy. I couldn’t really get past that in this story.

[Molly Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

AH SO GOOD WHAT. the main characters motive with love gets him into trouble. SO many creepy moments but it’s such a interesting and unexpected story line that i was desperate to keep learning more and more about. a very unexpected ending left me wanting of the characters than i could get.

[Brett Grossmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good but that should be no surprise. Golden makes writing look easy. This pair of writers do good work together but it's Golden that has the magic.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donated to Friends of the Library 2019

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book, and I enjoyed the premise. I'm interested in reading the first in the series now and seeing where they take this idea in the future.

It was dark but not overwhelming so and while magic was a huge part of the story, it was used quite subtly and was never overwhelming, it felt quite practical and believable.

However, for a story set in New Orleans, the city itself never felt real, it could almost have been set ANYWHERE and was just labeled New Orleans.

Also the characters were never quite fleshed out, though that isn't necessarily a detraction. They served the story quite well as is and to me it felt as if that was what they were there for, not to be fully fleshed out people, but to simply propel the story forward and give a reason for it to be told.

I'm reading the first of the Hidden City books next, and look forward to future editions. It will be interesting to see what cities they focus on.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book set in post-Katrina (two months) New Orleans. Max left New Orleans months earlier after his girlfriend Gabrielle broke his heart. Now he finds out that she's been killed in the hurricane and he returns for her funeral. He's approached by a man who makes the intriguing proposal that Max visit various Moments in New Orleans' history in preparation for stepping back in time to rescue Gabrielle. If he hadn't been so drunk, Max would probably have just walked away but when he visits the first Moment, he begins a journey that raises more questions than it answers. Now he's drawn the attention of a group that wants to kill him and he's no longer sure that he even knew Gabrielle.

This is a fast paced book with a good dose of the supernatural that seems to fit so well with New Orleans.

[Caressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book on the New Fiction shelf at the library, and was really excited! I've read the first novel of the Hidden Cities, and rather enjoyed it. I'm in love with New Orleans, so to have a novel set this beautiful and enigmatic city just flipped my flapjacks.

The descriptions are both beautiful and horrifying, portraying the post-Katrina devastation. I was liking the protagonist, and getting pulled into the mystery and magic of NOLA.

Then the authors started dropping the F-bomb. Like films, I don't need my prose squeaky clean, I understand the dramatic effect of a well placed swear. However, when every exclamation contains a four letter word, it hits my offense meter. I had to put this book down only a few chapters in, because I couldn't stomach the characters' language. Tragic, imho, as Golden paints an exquisite portrait of wonder and despair.

[Clarice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast and easy read. It's about on par with the rest of Christopher Golden's novels. Not my favorite of his, but still pretty good. I believe this is in the same vein as Mind the Gap, however this story is a little bit more... mystical? Something. No repeat characters, some pretty good conflict... but I do feel like this one was a bit more flat somehow. The reasons behind the main characters actions just fell flat a bit, and I did not feel the full emotional impact that I think was being reached for. I did want to know "what happens next" so I did get through it pretty fast, but I was left feeling like it could have gone farther or deeper or something. So liked it, but did not love it.

[Sylvia Marquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

First 100 pages had me doubting my choice. Very slow start, but I had been reading action packed stories prior to picking this up so I expected more. Glad I did not put it down. Took place in post Katrina New Orleans. An insight on how the city was ravaged by mother nature. The story was a puzzle of moments that held magic, voodoo and the paranormal. Right up my alley. Toward the end, the pieces of the puzzle started to make sense; an aha moment if you will. A quick fun read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because it was sort of a historical mystical tour of New Orleans, and also gave a first-hand account of what post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans was like with detailed imagery. However, the characters were a little one dimensional, especially Gabrielle, and the choices the main character makes are just stupid. But I suppose without his stupid choices there wouldn't really be a novel.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first Hidden Cities book had a YA vibe to it but this is definitely more adult-oriented. The basic idea is the same: an innocent person gets involved in something quasi-magical they don't understand and are pursued by a Menacing Gang throughout most of the book while interesting details from the city's past are revealed. The authors do a nice job portraying the dislocation of New Orleans after Katrina, and though it's slow to get going the story is entertaining overall.

[Juliana]

History Professor Max Corbett returns to a post-Katrina New Orleans to attend the funeral of his former lover Gabrielle. He meets a strange man who gives him a map and a mission--follow the map and attend significant moments of magic in New Orleans history and find his lost love.

The book is lighter on New Orleans history than I would have liked but overall it was an enjoyable read. You'll enjoy this if you like Urban Fantasy.

[Echo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this based on the concept. However, right away I detested the characters and the voice, feeling as though the main character was a drip and uninterested in his lost love affair and inability to get over it. I made it to p 108 but then abandoned it in favor of books that will keep my attention because they are written in such a way as to hold it. I was keen to see how the concept played out but really uncommitted to the characters. Too much else I want to read.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done tale of magic set throughout the history of New Orleans, beginning and ending in the post-Katrina era. The plotting is much tighter than in the previous Hidden Cities book (Mind the Gap), and the characters are well-done and convincing, if not always likeable. It's a thought-provoking and occasionally surprising enjoyable read.

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not something I would normally read, I was in the mood for something different. The story is set in New Orleans, post Hurricane Katrina. Max is to follow a map to change the past. I found I could only read this book a little at a time because the "darkness" spooked me. I am glad I can say I read this book, but I don't think I will actively seek out these authors again.

[Lissa Notreallywolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Map of Moments is a history professors rite of passage in a post Katrina new Orleans. I have no idea how accurately it depicts moments in New Orleans macabre history, or if these are simply dark fantasy creations of the author. But it is an interesting journey through his grief and disorientation, both for the city and his lost love.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent, compelling read. Not stunning, but enjoyable in an escapist sort of way. A guilty-feeling professor follows a magical map through moments of New Orlean's history to save his ex-lover from death in Hurricane Katrina.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man visits post-Katrina New Orleans and through a conjurer who gives him a magic map, visits past historical moments of the Big Easy. His motive is to change the events that led to the death of his girlfriend. Very action packed and requires a suspension of disbelief. Would be a great movie.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Orleans is the setting and a major character of this tale. Kind of a sad ending, though. The girl the main character wants to save is alive at the end of the story, but he doesn't end up with her.

[Tasula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating setting- New Orleans shortly after Katrina. A professor returns for the funeral of a woman who betrayed him in love, and gets embroiled in a battle of magicians- evil vs "not so evil".

[Kori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot line was a bit thin, however it was interesting to read about historical New Orleans as well as a couple of months post Katrina New Orleans.
I love fictional ways to read about history.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read from 12/21 to 12/25.

[Suburbangardener · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this book, a person traveling around post-Katrina New Orleans, experiencing first hand important moments from the city's history, but it was too gruesome for my taste.

[Jocelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The protagonist running around trying to find points on the map made for a storyline that dragged on a little, but I liked the setting of post Katrina New Orleans.