The Drawing of the Dark

A Novel

By: Tim Powers

Narrated by: Charles Johnston

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.

©1979 Tim Powers (P)2024 Tantor

great narration

the voice actor and the author's use of words suit the story very well. Although fictional, supernstural elements are woven in, this account intrigues me enough to learn more about the real history. I'm not a history buff so that's saying something.

Excellent Debut!

This is a an excellent debut by Tim Powers! I’m sure to read more of his work!

Will think of this every time I have a dark beer

Wow, written in 1979 this is another example of how Powers takes something we take for granted, beer, and weaves it into a supernatural story with historical background. Would give 5 stars on performance, but the artists female characters voices too manly. I get it, I probably can’t sound like a woman, but it’s not my profession either. :)