The Drawing of the Dark: A Novel

Tim Powers

May 2011 · Sold by Del Rey

About this ebook

“Combining the best of mythology and real history, Tim Powers takes you on a rollicking magical adventure that is both tense and hilarious. You won’t read a more plausible explanation for Western civilization, or one that’s half so much fun.”—David Brin

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 was Duffy plagued by visions of a sword and an arm rising from a lake? And what had a bunch of drunken, ancient Vikings to do with it all?

Then there was no time for speculation as Vienna was besieged by the Turkish armies of Suleiman. Duffy found himself drawn into a war of desperation and magic. It was up to him to preserve the West until the drawing of the Dark.

Ratings and reviews

Such a good book spoilt by a hurried end. It seemed as if part was missing. I may have to start a book from the end first so I'm not disappointed after a long read. For the most part though, it was really good.

Kick back with a yard o' the dark with Prester John and the other defenders of Vienna. Let someone else entertain Suileman and his Ottoman thugs. Until the relief of Vienna, might as well be entertained.

The most fun of all Tim Powers books IMHO. Not the most developed. But in a sense that's why it's so fun. It leaves you filling in the gaps and reminds you that mythology works because of those gaps. Powers deftly navigates multiple characters, plots, and mythologies and ties them all together where most authors would devolve into a literaly morass.

About the author

Tim Powers is the author of several novels including the Philip K. Dick award winner The Anubis Gates, the World Fantasy award winner Last Call, and the Locus award winner Expiration Date.  He lives in San Bernadino, California.