Title: The Stress of Her Regard
Author: Tim Powers
First published January 1, 1989
427 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781892391797 (ISBN10: 1892391791)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
After finding his beloved wife dead in their bed, Michael Crawford is thrust into a world of terror and danger. He soon realizes that a malevolent spirit is claiming him as her own, and he must flee to survive.
But he is not alone. The greatest poets of his day – Byron, Keats, and Shelley – join him on his journey to battle the vampiric fiend who seeks pleasure in their ravaged bodies and imperiled souls.
Tim Powers masterfully weaves a secret history of passion and terror, transforming the tragic lives of the Romantics into a uniquely frightening tale. This newly revised edition of The Stress of Her Regard will thrill both Powers fans and those new to this gripping Gothic tour de force.
About the Author
Meet Timothy Thomas Powers, an accomplished American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Powers has earned two World Fantasy Awards for his highly acclaimed novels Last Call and Declare.
One of Powers’s signature writing styles is “secret histories.” He takes actual documented events featuring notable figures but twists them to include supernatural or occult influences that heavily impact the characters’ actions and motivations.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Powers moved to California with his Roman Catholic family in 1959. He attended Cal State Fullerton, majoring in English Literature, where he met fellow writers James P.
Blaylock and K.W. Jeter. They jokingly referred to themselves as “steampunks” in contrast to the popular cyberpunk genre of the 1980s.
During this time, Powers and Blaylock even invented a poet.
Another writer Powers met during this period was science fiction icon Philip K. Dick.
The character “David” in Dick’s novel is based on Powers, and Blade Runner is dedicated to him.
Powers’s first significant novel was The Skies Discrowned (1979), but it was his work on The Anubis Gates that earned him critical acclaim. He won the Philip K.
Dick Award, and the book has since been translated into several languages.
When he’s not writing, Powers teaches part-time at the Orange County High School of the Arts, where Blaylock is Director of the Creative Writing Department. He and his wife, Serena, reside in Muscoy, California.
Powers has also served as a mentor author for the Clarion science fiction/fantasy writer’s workshop and taught at the University of Redlands.
Editoral Review
The Stress of Her Regard, written by Tim Powers, is a horror fantasy novel that was first published on January 1, 1989. The book is set in the early 19th century in Europe where the Romantic poets, such as Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, reside.
Powers blends elements of historical fact and fiction into a tale of terror, lust, and obsession. The story centers around Michael Crawford, a struggling poet who discovers that his creative muse is not a figment of his imagination, but a shape-shifting monster that feeds on blood.
As Crawford delves deeper into his own madness, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceptive relationships, dark magic and supernatural powers, as he tries to untangle the secrets hidden within the annals of history. Powers’ writing style is rich in detail and immersive in its storytelling, painting a vivid picture of the world his characters inhabit.
He masterfully blends real-life figures with fictional ones, making the story more relatable to modern audiences. The romantic poets’ eccentric personalities complement the book’s eerie ambiance, and their artistic endeavors intertwine with the book’s overarching themes.
The book’s central conflict is between Michael and the three female monsters, the Lamia, Scylla, and Charybdis, who are inspired by Greek mythology. Powers’ exploration of their ancient motives and desires, which contrast with the modern characters, creates an interesting dynamic that highlights the consequences of obsession.
Powers’ character development is commendable; each character, including the minor ones, is well-crafted and serves a purpose in the story. The pacing of the story is also well-maintained, with the book alternately moving slow and fast-paced, matching the mood of the story.
Despite the book’s strengths, there are a few weaknesses, such as the ending, which could be considered abrupt and underwhelming. However, this is a minor issue that does not detract from the overall quality of the story.
In conclusion, The Stress of Her Regard is an engrossing horror-fantasy novel that delivers suspense, intrigue, and complex characters. If you are a fan of the horror-fantasy genre or are interested in historical fiction, this book is worth picking up.
The stunning prose, character development, and its unique blend of history and fantasy make The Stress of Her Regard a compelling read that is not to be missed. I give this book four stars out of five.
