Drinking Midnight Wine

by Simon R. Green

Book Overview

There is a world beyond the world It figures. Just when Bradfordian bookshop clerk, Toby Dexter, finally works up the nerve to talk to his secret crush, she darts into an open door. Toby follows, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451458672
• ISBN13: 9780451458674
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Roc
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Getting it...or not

I've seen a few reviews compare this to a comic book, to which I can only say, you don't "get it". That's fine, there is nothing wrong with that, but my belief is that those who loved Deathstalker, don't necessarily get Green's other work. Green's mastery is as a wordsmith. His genius is in the use of character. It's a bit incorrect to say a Norse god gets modern and becomes a Private Detective, it's a lot more accurate to say that a guy who can't find his place in the world (And who also happens to be the great to the 13th or so power removed in lineage from the Norse Gods) finally finds a nitch that works for him. That's what makes Green readable, you can always find something to identify with in his characters. The human condition is prevalent and strong in Green's writing and that is what links you to his characters. Whether that's Jimmy Thunder or his superlative Hawk and Fisher, they all have something that tugs at you. They all have something with which you can draw a parallel. And along the way you get the best banter in the business short of Brust. I wholeheartedly recommend Drinking Midnight Wine to pretty much everyone. Keep an open mind, relax, enjoy.

Green is my new favorite author

I came across Simon R Green, through his new novel something from the nightside, which I loved. Drinking Midnight Wine wasn't quite as good, but still a fun read. I don't understand why there is a review from Publishers Weekly telling almost every single major plot point. It tells you Leo Morn's true nature, who lives, who dies, and what ultimatley happens to angel. Still I enjoyed this book, and think Green can write fantasy better than all the Tolkien clones. Green comes at his fantasy books from a different angle, with a sense of humor.

A good read...

Green has been my favorite writer since I picked up "Deathstalker Rebellion" some five or six years ago. Since then, I've plowed through just about every one of his other books and he's been getting better and better.That said, "Drinking Midnight Wine" is not a favorite of mine. I wouldn't be surprised if this book sets up a new series, as it has that kind of feel to it - everyone needs to be introduced, the worlds need to be explained. Green seems to be in love with Mysterie and Veritie, as he relishes describing them and how they relate to one another. Absolutely no lack of creativity in worldbuilding, but sometimes the worlds take over the story...The characters are great, well-developed; protagonist Toby Dexter is adorable. The first part of the novel moves at an almost languid pace (I read it during downtime at work - very relaxing) and picks up speed at the end - and yeah, it does feel rushed. Readers used to Green's in-your-face style in the "Deathstalker" series will find a more subdued writer here. All in all, it was a good read. Can't wait to see what happens next.

A strong fantasy world

Toby is a local bookstore clerk until he follows a beautiful woman through a rainstorm and into another world. From that point on he encounters Death, serpents, bad trolls and all manner of oddities which ultimately challenge him to rethink his world and life. A strong fantasy world.

enchanting fantasy

Toby Dexter is an ordinary man living an average life in Bradford-on-Avon clerking at a bookstore. He commutes daily by train to Bath where he sees a woman he considers most beautiful but he is too shy to strike up a conversation or let alone ask her out. One day when they both get off the train at Bradford-on-Avon, it is raining and the woman opens up a door that wasn't there a moment ago. When Toby follows her through the door, it is no longer raining and he finally talks to Gayle, the object of his desire. She informs him that he is now in Mysterie, the magical reflection of the mundane Veritae that he knows as Bradford-on-Avon. The pair learns that Toby following Gayle, a being who is more than she seems, into Mysterie was no accident. It seems he is a focal point of power and possible Humanity's Champion in the upcoming battle with The Sun of the Serpent, his son, and a fallen being named Angel. DRINKING MIDNIGHT WINE is an enchanting fantasy, an adult fairy tale that makes one want to believe such places as Mysterie really exist. The age-old battle between good and evil is fought between the pages of this novel but some of the villainous characters strongly evoke pity in the heart of the reader. That in turn makes the tale more believable as the ever creative Simon R. Green puts a new spin on ancient truths.Harriet Klausner