G.P. Taylor, Wormwood

Wormwood

G.P. Taylor

Putnam, Sep 2004, $17.99, 272 pp.

ISBN: 0399242570

Dr. Sabian Blake is an astronomer and a student of the kabbalah. He is euphoric when the tome Nemorensis mysteriously falls into his hands. Inside are prophesies of the future. It says that the comet WORMWOOD is coming and "many will die from its bitterness". Sabian calculates when the comet will appear in the sky, but when it actually arrives night becomes day until the world is briefly engulfed in total darkness.

Simon wants the honor of being recognized for discovering the comet. He discusses this with a friend, but is overheard by his servant Agetta, who steals from him whenever she can. Agetta meets with Lady Flamberg, a woman who is more than she seems. Flanders arranges for Agetta to steal the Nemorensis, which the servant does. The forces of good and evil mobilize as the comet comes closer to earth. If evil wins, the comet will strike the planet. Only the common thief servant Agetta can decide the fate of humanity.

This work is targeted for young adults, but older readers will gain much pleasure also especially those who enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia and Lewis Carroll. G.P. Taylor is a wonderful storyteller who makes the unbelievable seems real while combining science fiction and fantasy into an action-packed yet character-driven tale as the two key players learn life lessons. Sabian discovers that wanting power at the expense of his humanity makes him a magnet for dark forces while Agetta finds out that thievery is not the best way to survive, especially since those same malevolent souls claim her as one of them. WORMWOOD is a fabulous urban fantasy with strong sci fi elements.

Harriet Klausner