In his follow-up to ‘The Ravening Deep’ (reviewed previously), we return again to an Arkham ruled by magus Carl Sanford and The Silver Twilight Lodge. While we might think that this town, of all places, would be a haven for cults and secret societies, Sanford is determined that his is primary above all others - so when an apparent challenger to his throne arrives about his own Great Work, it’s time to take decisive action!

I wasn’t aware that the first book would continue into a series, and it was a pleasant surprise to be reunited with these characters again, particularly master-thief Ruby and the mysterious Warden of the Lodge. Tim Pratt seems to agree, as these two strong, capable women are by far the most sympathetic characters in the book, seeking to make the best of their situations despite the tricks and bargains the egotistical magi work around them.

Because this is a book about egos. With some awareness of Aleister Crowley and his ilk, anti-hero Sanford is (to put it bluntly) so far up himself that he can’t see daylight! Master of his Domain, he is so threatened by newcomer Tillinghast that he charges in to battle the new dog in the park… and it’s such a pleasure to see him taken down as a result.

Those caught up in this reflect the reader as they try to determine who is the right horse to back. Who is the lesser of these two evils? Both are power-hungry magicians, seeking to harness the Great Old Ones for their own ends. The citizens of Arkham are practically pawns, as Tillinghast utilises a ‘Needful Things’-style approach to corruption rather than that of an bribing mobster.

It’s a hugely fun ride, and I’m certainly looking forward to how the story continues in future. This book leaves a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions, but this isn’t frustrating, I’m glad to say. While we have hints about what’s going on, this part of the journey is about how not to take on a master at his own game, and how far one might fall if they overreach in their bid for power.

I was also left wondering who/what Tillinghast’s assistant Gloria truly was. Perhaps the most chirpy and efficient lady I’ve ever seen in a Lovecraftian tale!

I read this in a couple of days and am definitely all in for what comes next. An easier read than its predecessor, it dives deeper… and I’ve no choice but to wonder what the next book will dredge up.

Writing a review without spoilers is hard for this one so I keep it short. I had my problems finding a way with the characters every now and then, even though I loved it was about the villains. The setting was great if you like the horror and mystery vibes.

Pratt elevates a fairly straightforward story by how fun he makes Carl Sanford. He is a villain undoubtedly, but one you still find yourself rooting for. Eager to see where this goes next.

This book when I started reading it I was expecting more about the plot but then everything went perfect in this story.

This had everything that I enjoyed from the Arkham Horror universe, it had that horror element that I enjoyed and the writing style that I've come to expect from this series. Tim Pratt does a fantastic job in bringing this to life and I wanted to read more when finishing this. It uses the Arkham element that I wanted and enjoyed how good everything worked. The characters were what I was hoping for and enjoyed how they worked with the mystery elements. It was a great sequel in the Sanford Files version of this world and glad I got to continue reading this.