January 2005

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From the punk musician turned vicar turned bestselling author comes this dark fantasy novel about good and evil in 18th-century London. In Wormwood, G.P. Taylor (Shadowmancer) is long on scriptural imagery and otherworldly—often gruesome—demonology.

In this tale (unrelated to Shadowmancer), the comet Wormwood is on a path toward London, threatening to leave the city in ruins. Dr. Sabian Blake tracks the progress of the comet while consulting a mystical ancient prophetic text that exerts a curious hold over many who possess it.

His 14-year-old servant girl, Agetta Lamian, steals the book, which entangles her with powerful forces from heaven and hell. Influencing her for good is the wounded captive angel, Tegatus, but he seems no match for the frightening yet alluring woman Yerzinia, who seeks to inhabit Agetta's body.

A desperate battle between humans and the spiritual world ensues. In spite of the unsightly combat, "It is not for power that the universe was created, but for love," says the angel Raphael, aka Abram Rickards.

Scriptural imagery abounds, and it is clear that God, although never directly alluded to, is at the center of the story. This novel is designed for older adolescent fans of the Harry Potter series, though it will also appeal to adults who like C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Wormwood and Shadowmancer are available from Christianbook.com and other book retailers.

The Shadowmancer website has more information about Wormwood. It also has screensaver downloads, news, and G.P. Taylor tour dates.

More about Shadowmancer, G.P. Taylor's first fantasy novel includes:

Weblog: Shadowmancer, Other Taylor Books Burned | Plus: ...