From Last Call to On Stranger Tides to Declare to Three Days to Never, any book by the inimitable Tim Powers is a wonder. With Hide Me Among the Graves, it’s possible that the uniquely ingenious Powers has surpassed even himself. A breathtaking historical thriller in which art and the supernatural collide, Hide Me Among the Graves transports readers back to mid-19th century London and features a reformed ex-prostitute, a veterinarian, and the vampire ghost of Lord Byron’s onetime physician, uncle to poet Christina Rossetti and her brother, the painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. A novel that, like all his others, is virtually impossible to pidgeonhole—or to resist—Hide Me Among the Graves is the taut, gripping, and utterly remarkable literary thrill ride that Tim Powers fans have been eagerly waiting for.
Hide Me Among the Graves
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Endlessly inventive . . . You might finish this overstuffed novel still unsure about the connection between Einstein and astral projection, but if you give in to Powers’s imaginative leaps and relentless pacing you may find that a mere quibble.” (New York Times Book Review )
“The nonstop action of this diverting steampunk thriller will attract many readers.” (Library Journal on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
“[A] breathtaking achievement, the complexity of which a review can only begin to capture...[A] powerful work.” (Locus )
“[I]nternational metaphysical intrigue involving time travel, Jewish mysticism, and Albert Einstein. . . . [I]t all somehow works in Powers’ wily storytelling logic. B+.” (Entertainment Weekly )
“[An] intense, downhill-race of a story . . . the summer sleeper hit of 2006.” (Denver Post )
“[A] stellar supernatural thriller.…Powers works an impressively original variation on the vampire theme....The meticulous attention to historical and literary detail grounds the story solidly in its period and enhances its imaginative reach.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
“A wild and wooly romp-fun.” (Library Journal )
“Almost despite its wonderful weirdness, this thriller moves at a frantic clip . . . [the] very outlandishness [of Powers’s metaphysics] makes the story all the more compelling.” (Booklist )
“Machiavellian . . . [A]n astonishingly sophisticated and engrossing narrative.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) )
“A writer of extraordinary imaginative powers.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel )
“In this fast-paced nail-biter... the breakneck pace and labyrinthine plot pull us through history, mythology, mystery, and horror with [Powers’] signature creative verve. ” (Booklist on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
“The nonstop action of this diverting steampunk thriller will attract many readers.” (Library Journal on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
“[A] breathtaking achievement, the complexity of which a review can only begin to capture...[A] powerful work.” (Locus )
“[I]nternational metaphysical intrigue involving time travel, Jewish mysticism, and Albert Einstein. . . . [I]t all somehow works in Powers’ wily storytelling logic. B+.” (Entertainment Weekly )
“[An] intense, downhill-race of a story . . . the summer sleeper hit of 2006.” (Denver Post )
“[A] stellar supernatural thriller.…Powers works an impressively original variation on the vampire theme....The meticulous attention to historical and literary detail grounds the story solidly in its period and enhances its imaginative reach.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
“A wild and wooly romp-fun.” (Library Journal )
“Almost despite its wonderful weirdness, this thriller moves at a frantic clip . . . [the] very outlandishness [of Powers’s metaphysics] makes the story all the more compelling.” (Booklist )
“Machiavellian . . . [A]n astonishingly sophisticated and engrossing narrative.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) )
“A writer of extraordinary imaginative powers.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel )
“In this fast-paced nail-biter... the breakneck pace and labyrinthine plot pull us through history, mythology, mystery, and horror with [Powers’] signature creative verve. ” (Booklist on HIDE ME AMONG THE GRAVES )
From the Back Cover
London, winter of 1862, Adelaide McKee, a former prostitute, arrives on the doorstep of veterinarian John Crawford, a man she met once seven years earlier. Their brief meeting produced a child who, until now, had been presumed dead. McKee has learned that the girl lives—but that her life and soul are in mortal peril from a vampiric ghost. But this is no ordinary spirit; the bloodthirsty wraith is none other than John Polidori, the onetime physician to the mad, bad, and dangerous Romantic poet Lord Byron. Both McKee and Crawford have mysterious histories with creatures like Polidori, and their child is a prize the malevolent spirit covets dearly.
Polidori is also the late uncle and supernatural muse to the poet Christina Rossetti and her brother, the painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. When she was just fourteen years old, Christina unwittingly brought Polidori's curse upon her family. But the curse bestowed unexpected blessings as well, inspiring Christina's poetry and Gabriel's paintings. But when Polidori resurrects Dante's dead wife—turning her into a horrifying vampire—and threatens other family members, Christina and Dante agree that they must destroy their monstrous uncle and break the spell, even if it means the end of their creative powers.
Determined to save their daughter, McKee and Crawford join forces with the Rossettis, and soon these wildly mismatched allies are plunged into a supernatural London underworld whose existence goes beyond their wildest imaginings. Ultimately, each of these disparate individuals—the sensitive poet, the tortured painter, the straitlaced animal doctor, the reformed prostitute, and even their Artful Dodger–like young daughter—must choose between the banality and constraints of human life and the unholy immortality that Polidori offers.
Sweeping from the mansions of London's high society to its grimy slums, the elegant salons of the West End to the pre-Roman catacombs beneath St. Paul's Cathedral, Hide Me Among the Graves blends the historical and the supernatural in a dazzling, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride—a modern horror story with a Victorian twist.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tim Powers sets many of his novels of the fantastic amidst historical events and personages and then tells the tale of a secret history of supernatural tragedy supported by the actual words of the writers in letters and poetry that precede each chapter. It is quite a trick and most would be advised not to try this at home, but Powers always succeeds and sometimes he succeeds brilliantly. Hide Me Among the Graves is one of those successes.
A very distant sequel to The Stress of Her Regard, Hide Me Among the Graves follows pre-Raphaelite painter Gabriel Dante Rossetti and poetess Christina Rosetti as they fight the Nephilic vampires banished at such high cost by the Romantic poets Byron and Shelley. Someone re-awoke the Nephilim and Christina invited one of the vampires, in the form of her uncle John Polidori, into her home and person as an unwitting fourteen year old. Now everyone is in danger of not only dying, but of never resting after death and of unimaginable suffering in either state. The Rossetti family is accompanied by an ex-prostitute, Adelaide and her erstwhile lover, the veterinarian John Crawford, who produced a daughter, thought dead but now revealed to be under threat from the Nephilim. All four are connected to the characters in The Stress of Her Regard by descent, with the exception of Adelaide.
And so the scene is set for a journey through a supernatural Victorian London never quite depicted before, despite the current fondness for alternate visions of all things Victorian. Hide Me Among the Graves reads like a rocket ship and is well worth the trip. Tim Powers love of complex mixtures of unlikely ingredients and intricate prose have often made the middle of his books over-crowded and over-wrought; this lone weakness is in no way apparant in Graves, all of the pieces and people fit together perfectly and work like clockwork. Powers love of the great poets shines here as it does in many of his works and hopefully will encourage readers to explore the source works. In contrast to Stress, Powers gives us female characters and viewpoints as actors in the drama and this is a wonderful addition. I have always loved the poetry of Christina Rossetti and Powers characterization of Christina is all that I or anyone else could wish. Adelaide, Maria and Johanna are women rather than fantasies too and though the love between the nephilim and the women lacks the cloying, desperate sexuality portrayed in Stress of Her Regard, I believe this to be Powers showing forbearance in an area that could weaken the book rather than a lack.
All in all a wonderful read that has more than renewed my admiration for Powers. I fully expect to see Hide Me Among the Graves on many best lists of the year and nominated for the major genre prizes. Highly recommended to fans of Victoriana, fantastic literature and adventure or just in search of a ripping good alternate history yarn.
A very distant sequel to The Stress of Her Regard, Hide Me Among the Graves follows pre-Raphaelite painter Gabriel Dante Rossetti and poetess Christina Rosetti as they fight the Nephilic vampires banished at such high cost by the Romantic poets Byron and Shelley. Someone re-awoke the Nephilim and Christina invited one of the vampires, in the form of her uncle John Polidori, into her home and person as an unwitting fourteen year old. Now everyone is in danger of not only dying, but of never resting after death and of unimaginable suffering in either state. The Rossetti family is accompanied by an ex-prostitute, Adelaide and her erstwhile lover, the veterinarian John Crawford, who produced a daughter, thought dead but now revealed to be under threat from the Nephilim. All four are connected to the characters in The Stress of Her Regard by descent, with the exception of Adelaide.
And so the scene is set for a journey through a supernatural Victorian London never quite depicted before, despite the current fondness for alternate visions of all things Victorian. Hide Me Among the Graves reads like a rocket ship and is well worth the trip. Tim Powers love of complex mixtures of unlikely ingredients and intricate prose have often made the middle of his books over-crowded and over-wrought; this lone weakness is in no way apparant in Graves, all of the pieces and people fit together perfectly and work like clockwork. Powers love of the great poets shines here as it does in many of his works and hopefully will encourage readers to explore the source works. In contrast to Stress, Powers gives us female characters and viewpoints as actors in the drama and this is a wonderful addition. I have always loved the poetry of Christina Rossetti and Powers characterization of Christina is all that I or anyone else could wish. Adelaide, Maria and Johanna are women rather than fantasies too and though the love between the nephilim and the women lacks the cloying, desperate sexuality portrayed in Stress of Her Regard, I believe this to be Powers showing forbearance in an area that could weaken the book rather than a lack.
All in all a wonderful read that has more than renewed my admiration for Powers. I fully expect to see Hide Me Among the Graves on many best lists of the year and nominated for the major genre prizes. Highly recommended to fans of Victoriana, fantastic literature and adventure or just in search of a ripping good alternate history yarn.
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Oh, Tim Powers. No other author could write so convincingly of fishy ghosts in the Thames, zombie kids and ethereal vampires stalking the Pre-Raphaelites.
For that is exactly what happens in "Hide Me Among The Graves," a distant sequel to Powers' classic "The Stress of Her Regard." This is a horror novel for people with a love of art and philosophy, entwined with grey mist, childhood nightmares and countless quotes of classic poetry -- as well as beloved poets and writers for both villains and heroes.
The Rossetti family has been haunted by the vampiric presence of their uncle, John Polidori, for countless years. But in 1862, Gabriel and his sister Christina begin to suspect that Gabriel's drug-addled wife Lizzie is being preyed on by not only Polidori, but another vampire. Meanwhile, John Crawford is contacted by an ex-prostitute named Adeleide McKee, with whom he once had a brief affair -- and, she now reveals, a daughter named Johanna.
So now McKee, Crawford and the Rossettis must join forces to save the souls of their loved ones -- to save Johanna from Polidori's clutches, and Lizzie from being enslaved as another vampire. When Lizzie dies unexpectedly, they have an opportunity to shatter Polidori's power.
Fast forward seven years. Both Gabriel and Crawford are shocked when their lost loved ones turn up in their homes -- one living, and one undead. Polidori's power has been shattered, but he's determined to regain it by using Christina's blood. Now the odd bunch must reunite before Polidori and his ancient queen use Johanna for their own ends, which could literally tear Britain apart.
"Hide Me Among the Graves" is a vampire novel for people who are literate, intelligent and intrigued by the arts (unlike books like "Twilight"). The book not only has famed poets and artists peppering its pages, but you can feel Powers' love for classic art and poetry seeping through the pages. It doesn't hurt that Powers writes like a poet, with lushly atmospheric prose that clings to you like gossamer-soft spiderwebs.
It's also scary. Really scary. Only a thin grey veil separates the humdrum world of London from the river of fishlike ghosts ("their arms waving like a moonlit kelp forest on the sea floor"), zombie fetii and ghostly vampires, and the people who see beyond that veil are changed forever. And his vampires are truly scary -- they can possess corpses, and they're violently jealous of the people they have claimed.
Powers also excels at taking real-life figures -- Swinbourne, Trelawny, the Rossettis -- and turning them into rich, well-rounded characters. Christina is a particularly compelling character: a devoutly religious woman who is constantly tempted by the dark side (specifically, her attraction to Polidori. Vampire incest?). Gabriel is also fascinating, as an artist tormented by his love for his self-destructing, delusional wife.
And the supporting characters -- the cold-as-ice Trelawny, the strong-willed ex-hooker Adelaide, and the fragile Crawford -- are just as well-rounded, fictional or non-fictional. It's a testament to Powers' skills that he can so easily interweave fact and fiction, giving supernatural explanations for real-life events like Siddal's death or Christina's rejection of her suitors.
"Hide Me Among The Graves" is a must-read for the literate vampire fan -- it's beautifully written, richly-characterized... and scary enough to keep you up at night.
For that is exactly what happens in "Hide Me Among The Graves," a distant sequel to Powers' classic "The Stress of Her Regard." This is a horror novel for people with a love of art and philosophy, entwined with grey mist, childhood nightmares and countless quotes of classic poetry -- as well as beloved poets and writers for both villains and heroes.
The Rossetti family has been haunted by the vampiric presence of their uncle, John Polidori, for countless years. But in 1862, Gabriel and his sister Christina begin to suspect that Gabriel's drug-addled wife Lizzie is being preyed on by not only Polidori, but another vampire. Meanwhile, John Crawford is contacted by an ex-prostitute named Adeleide McKee, with whom he once had a brief affair -- and, she now reveals, a daughter named Johanna.
So now McKee, Crawford and the Rossettis must join forces to save the souls of their loved ones -- to save Johanna from Polidori's clutches, and Lizzie from being enslaved as another vampire. When Lizzie dies unexpectedly, they have an opportunity to shatter Polidori's power.
Fast forward seven years. Both Gabriel and Crawford are shocked when their lost loved ones turn up in their homes -- one living, and one undead. Polidori's power has been shattered, but he's determined to regain it by using Christina's blood. Now the odd bunch must reunite before Polidori and his ancient queen use Johanna for their own ends, which could literally tear Britain apart.
"Hide Me Among the Graves" is a vampire novel for people who are literate, intelligent and intrigued by the arts (unlike books like "Twilight"). The book not only has famed poets and artists peppering its pages, but you can feel Powers' love for classic art and poetry seeping through the pages. It doesn't hurt that Powers writes like a poet, with lushly atmospheric prose that clings to you like gossamer-soft spiderwebs.
It's also scary. Really scary. Only a thin grey veil separates the humdrum world of London from the river of fishlike ghosts ("their arms waving like a moonlit kelp forest on the sea floor"), zombie fetii and ghostly vampires, and the people who see beyond that veil are changed forever. And his vampires are truly scary -- they can possess corpses, and they're violently jealous of the people they have claimed.
Powers also excels at taking real-life figures -- Swinbourne, Trelawny, the Rossettis -- and turning them into rich, well-rounded characters. Christina is a particularly compelling character: a devoutly religious woman who is constantly tempted by the dark side (specifically, her attraction to Polidori. Vampire incest?). Gabriel is also fascinating, as an artist tormented by his love for his self-destructing, delusional wife.
And the supporting characters -- the cold-as-ice Trelawny, the strong-willed ex-hooker Adelaide, and the fragile Crawford -- are just as well-rounded, fictional or non-fictional. It's a testament to Powers' skills that he can so easily interweave fact and fiction, giving supernatural explanations for real-life events like Siddal's death or Christina's rejection of her suitors.
"Hide Me Among The Graves" is a must-read for the literate vampire fan -- it's beautifully written, richly-characterized... and scary enough to keep you up at night.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
At last foggy, atmospheric London has been used to it's full potential in this supernatural thrill ride. Powers takes us into the brilliant but tragic Rossetti family, as a young Christina reawaken the vampiric spirit of John Polidori (the one time doctor of Lord Byron). So begins a tale of magic, addiction, obsession, hungry ghosts and supnatural beings, who jealously guard their human familiars, violently killing anyone they perceive as a rival.
London 1862, Adelaide McKee informs John Crawford that he has a daughter and she has been taken by a vampiric ghost.
Now the adult Christina Rossetti, along with her sister Maria and brothers Gabriel and William find themselves in a battle to help save the young girl, destroy the Polidori being and so free themselves from Polidori's control.
Winding between the poets, artists, prostitutes and high society to the grim life of Londons 19th century poor, the religious social reformers and underground magicians this complex history unfolds.
They are advised by Trelawny, one of the characters from "The Stress of Her Regard", another tale of supernatural beings by Powers, which involved Trelawny, John Polidori, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. Although there are references to this book, it's not necessary to have read it, prior to reading this novel.
The atmosphere, the pace, the settings, the era are all perfectly used by Powers to create a perfect storm of spooky, gothic chills. Using the real people of the time, who did have unusual histories, makes this imaginative plot work on so many levels. It's a marvelous tale, well written and probably, I think one of Tim Powers best.
London 1862, Adelaide McKee informs John Crawford that he has a daughter and she has been taken by a vampiric ghost.
Now the adult Christina Rossetti, along with her sister Maria and brothers Gabriel and William find themselves in a battle to help save the young girl, destroy the Polidori being and so free themselves from Polidori's control.
Winding between the poets, artists, prostitutes and high society to the grim life of Londons 19th century poor, the religious social reformers and underground magicians this complex history unfolds.
They are advised by Trelawny, one of the characters from "The Stress of Her Regard", another tale of supernatural beings by Powers, which involved Trelawny, John Polidori, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. Although there are references to this book, it's not necessary to have read it, prior to reading this novel.
The atmosphere, the pace, the settings, the era are all perfectly used by Powers to create a perfect storm of spooky, gothic chills. Using the real people of the time, who did have unusual histories, makes this imaginative plot work on so many levels. It's a marvelous tale, well written and probably, I think one of Tim Powers best.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
An average addition to his body of work.
Really, that pretty much sums it up. Nowhere near as compelling as "The Stress of Her Regard", which it seems to be following in the footsteps of, this book just doesn't... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dwaz
2.0 out of 5 stars
Okay But Not As Good as Previous Efforts
The subject line says it all. Took quite awhile to understand what was happening. Having figured it out, it was a bit too weird for me.
Published 2 months ago by A. Grant
4.0 out of 5 stars
Improves in many ways over The Stress of Her Regard, but not as spooky
Thoroughly enjoyed, because the time period is fascinating and the connections Powers draws are quite creative. Read more
Published 2 months ago by B. Crist
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powers delivers again
I love Tim Powers and I am pretty sure this is the best book of his that I've read. I always take forever to read his books because of the way they are written; they're poetic and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Matt Young
2.0 out of 5 stars
Nyyyyah
I guess I'm just not into vampires like some people are. Well written, though. I don't really don't have anything else to say about it.
Published 3 months ago by Rick Kean
1.0 out of 5 stars
not for me
too weird for me... glad i didn't pay for it... barely remember it so it must not have held my interest
Published 3 months ago by Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another classic Powers novel
Another vampirish story from one of the best to tell that type of tale. Fans of Powers will not be disappointed
Published 3 months ago by Mike T
4.0 out of 5 stars
Actually creeped me out
This is a different take on the whole vampire thing, more old school, actually gave me the creeps and for a while I stopped reading it when I was home alone in the dark! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mary E. Greenwood
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hard to resist
I am supposed to be reading for a seminary class, but just before bed, when my mind is tired I need a break. In those moments it is hard to resist a good Tim Powers book. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. J. Keel
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointment
Couldn't finish it. Usually such a good writer... guess you get what you pay for. Wouldn't hesitate to try another book by him, however, as he is usually top notch.
Published 4 months ago by Robert Dixon
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