The Drawing of the Dark by Tim Powers

I was recently discussing favourite fantasy books and authors. The book The Drawing of the Dark by Tim Powers is one of my all time favourite books and one of less than a dozen that I have re-read and enjoyed just as much.

The following review is by Audrey M. Clark

"Brian Duffy, an aging soldier, feels a bit down on his luck in Venice. Growing weary of the exertions of war, he agrees to take a job assignment as bouncer at the Zimmerman Inn in Austria, under the pay of the mysterious (and often absent) Aurelianus. As Duffy travels to Austria, he encounters numerous strange beings, straight out of old legends, and his dreams are haunted by a strange, yet familiar, sword and arm emerging from a shiny lake. Once Duffy reaches Austria, he discovers that his job -- to protect the famous Herzwesten brewery -- is more dangerous than he ever could have imagined. His legendary (more so than even he knows) fighting skills are called upon once more in a battle of such magnitude that its ramifications could destroy the entire Western kingdom. Yet Duffy's concerns are more selfish, as he struggles in a personal battle to simply save himself."

The backdrop of Venice during the Renaissance period is slightly askew when compared to 'classic fantasy' but the story develops well and keeps the reader enthralled. I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend it.

Tony