“Whatever else could be said of her, her beautiful sister-in-law-vain, selfish, and apt to float through life on a sea of pink gin and discarded lovers-had rescued her from that, and the gift of renewed laughter was among the most precious she’d ever received.” I loved the beautiful, eerie atmosphere, the characterization of Hollywood in the 1920s, the cast of characters, and even the slowly developing plot. Bride combines her best skills here a lavish historical setting with a disconcerting mystery of supernatural origins. Her bibliography ranges from epic other-world fantasy to Star Wars/Trek novels to historical mysteries to historical fiction, but nothing in her writing comes close to the fast and loose writing of pulp magazines. Past president of the SciFi Fantasy Writers of America, multiple Locus award nominee and Nebula winner, Hambly is a highly skilled and successful writer. The first edition of this book has a 50’s pulp cover, terribly misleading to both the story and writing style. A multi-thread plot line surrounds a growing sense of danger on the latest movie set, a persistent and mysterious elderly Chinese man, and Norah’s feelings of loss and growing attraction to Alec the cameraman. I persevered with faith in my fellow reviewers, and discovered the campy beginning was only a scene from Chrysanda Flamande’s latest movie, “Kiss of Darkness.” Her impoverished sister-in-law, Norah, and she are at the movie’s premiere. Over-dramatic, stereotypical imagery a helpless, pursued heroine, a moonlit night, bloody hands, steep cliffs. With the first two pages, I admit I was worried. How can she and her friends thwart the magical powers and monstrous guile of the fiendish creature who haunts her every move? In a town where the borders between fact and fantasy are all too often blurred, time is running out for Chris to elude the clutches of a demonic suitor and escape becoming the unwilling Bride of the Rat God:- Review(s): 'A splendid romp' - Locus:- (original cost £4.99).Read January, 2014 and January 2022 ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 When those around her start to die in mysterious ways, Chris grows ever more desperate as doom stalks closer. Then an elderly Chinaman warns her that the fabulous necklace she wore in her latest screen triumph has marked her to become the bride of an ancient devil-god of Manchuria. Los Angeles, 1923: Chrysanda Flamande is the surliest star of the silver screen - fawning fans, glittering parties, exotic diversions, and baubles to spare. 1st printing of 1995 edition:- Synopsis: The magic of the movies. © 1994: A stand-alone novel by Barbara Hambly. Condition: Near Fine: Small signs of wear.

Bride of the Rat God by Barbara Hambly