The Anubis Gates

by Tim Powers
The Anubis Gates cover
Good Books rating 4.41
Fantasy
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6601
  • Added: 2025-11-26
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780575101821
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-11-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Brendan Doyle, a mild-mannered English professor, finds himself stranded in 1810 London after a time-travel mishap. To survive in this treacherous world, he must transform into a cunning con man and skilled swordsman, navigating a landscape teeming with deformed clowns, magical societies, and deadly creatures. His journey is fraught with peril, including encounters with murderous beggars, black magic, and even a trip back to 1684. Along the way, he crosses paths with literary legends like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Lord Byron, adding a layer of historical intrigue to his adventure. /n/nThe novel is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and fantasy, blending real historical figures with fantastical elements. The story is not just an adventure but also an exploration of a unique and darkly magical version of London, where the line between reality and myth is blurred. Doyle's transformation from an academic to a street-smart survivor is a compelling narrative, making this a must-read for fans of time-travel and historical fantasy.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-12-06
excellent 4.40

The book is well-written with a unique plot that feels authentic. The author's attention to detail is evident throughout.

This review highlights the book's excellent writing and intricate plot, which doesn't feel contrived. The reviewer praises the author's extensive research and the authentic feel of the story. They appreciate the blend of historical detail and fantastical elements, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the plot is engaging and well-structured, keeping the reader hooked throughout.

Quick quotes

    This book is excellent, well written, with a strange plot that does not seem contrived.

    Power's clearly spends a great deal of time researching details of the period.

    The plot is strange but it does not seem contrived.

Rob McMinn's Blog · Rob McMinn · 2024-10-12
brilliant 4.50

The Anubis Gates is described as a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, with a compelling narrative driven by magic and time travel. The reviewer appreciates the book's originality and engaging storytelling.

Rob McMinn highlights The Anubis Gates as a novel that defies easy categorization, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy in a way that feels fresh and exciting. They particularly enjoy the use of magic to drive the time travel plot, which adds a layer of intrigue and originality. McMinn also praises the book's engaging narrative and well-developed characters, making it a standout read in the genre.

Quick quotes

    It's a time travel novel, so could be described as yer actual science fiction.

    Except that the time travel is created using magic, so this is fantasy.

    It's a unique blend of genres that works incredibly well.

The Little Red Reviewer · 2012-09-26
fantastic 4.75

The Anubis Gates is described as utterly brilliant and amazing, with a unique blend of magical realism and time travel. The reviewer particularly enjoys the character of William Ashbless and the book's imaginative setting.

The reviewer from The Little Red Reviewer is highly enthusiastic about The Anubis Gates, describing it as a brilliant and amazing novel. They particularly enjoy the book's unique blend of magical realism and time travel, which creates a rich and imaginative setting. The reviewer also praises the character of William Ashbless, who adds depth and intrigue to the story. Overall, they find the book to be a standout read that fans of the genre will not want to miss.

Quick quotes

    The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers is utterly brilliant and amazing.

    I loved the William Ashbless character and how he came into being.

    Amazing magical realism to bring in sorcery and time travel to 18th century London.

The Guardian · 2010-01-25
excellent 4.00

The Anubis Gates is praised as a captivating read with a richly detailed setting and intriguing plot twists. The reviewer highlights the book's unique blend of fantasy and historical elements.

The reviewer from The Guardian finds The Anubis Gates to be a highly engaging novel that seamlessly blends fantasy and historical fiction. They appreciate the intricate plot and the vivid portrayal of 18th-century London, making it a standout read. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its constant twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    I'm certainly not the only one to think The Anubis Gates is a cracking read.

    My last few fantasy blogs saw many of you heartily recommend it;

    The Anubis Gates is a cracking read.

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