Monday, April 15, 2013

Vellum - The Book of All Hours by Hal Duncan

“Vellum: The Book of All Hours” by Hal Duncan is a kaleidoscope of fantasy and science fiction, myth and mysticism, psychology and reincarnation. It is the first of a two book series that reinvents myths and religions creating a powerful three dimensional epic about the battle between good and evil. Vellum is not an easy, entertaining read. It helps to have a basic knowledge of mythology, but love it or hate it, it’s a book that will stimulate your brain and make you think.


Angels and demons walk the Earth in 2017 seeking the Book of All Hours which is supposed to be a blueprint for all creation. Reynard Guy Carter finds the book in a library and discovers it’s a series of progressively larger maps. When he leaves the building things have changed. Reality shifts and Guy finds he has entered the Vellum via the book. Meanwhile Metatron, the angel, wants to restore order but others prefer the chaos. Phreedom Messenger, Seamus Finnan and other characters play their parts as reiterations of various gods, angels and demons throughout history.


Duncan’s tale of alternate realities is challenging as it takes unexpected twists and turns. This confusing read switches points of view and moves through multiple time periods and places, from ancient Mesopotamia to the future United States. In unconnected stories and different incarnations, the characters move through history and have experiences that will lead them to the showdown between the angels and demons. It’s tough to connect with any of the characters because they change so frequently. Seamus is incarnated as Prometheus, Christ and Matthew Shepherd. And it’s difficult to follow the plot because things don’t happen in a chronological time frame. If you prefer a straightforward story then give this one a pass.


Publisher: Del Rey; 1st Ballantine edition (April 25, 2006)


ISBN: 978-0345487315


Pages: 480


Price: $14.95



Vellum - The Book of All Hours by Hal Duncan

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