THE GATES OF NOON

Steve Fisher must return to the Spiral, a timeless world that interweaves with contemporary Earth, in order to fight a zombie army

This rich, original sequel to Chase the Morning weaves exciting Far East locales and mythology into a stirring fantasy. Years before the tale begins, Stephen Fisher had ventured into the Spiral, a magical world where myths are reality. Now an international shipping agent, he is baffled by the inexplicable setbacks suffered during his company's efforts to transport vital water-purification equipment to the island of Bali. When Fisher has a bizarre supernatural encounter in a Bangkok alley, he realizes that his experiences with the Spiral are not yet over. Awesome forces have arrayed themselves against him, and to get the needed shipment to Bali he embarks on a perilous voyage within the Spiral, aided by a motley band of pirates and a mysterious sorcerer. Those unfamiliar with the first book may find some of the story's threads a little difficult to pick up, but this engaging tale successfully combines colorful characters, spirited swashbuckling, atmospheric settings and thoughtful political debate. A welcome change from standard sword-and-sorcery quests.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Sequel to Chase the Morning (not seen): a strange, hectic fantasy with an exotic Far East setting and more weird beasties than you can shake a stick at. Corporate fixer Steve Fisher has won a contract to supply computers and know-how to help redevelop the collapsing water-based economy of the Indonesian island of Bali; he is also a mighty warrior in a magic universe composed of a stable Core and a highly magical Spiral. Now, two powerful entities are lining up to prevent him from delivering the cargo: the ancient, silver-tongued tiger- god, Barong, and the seductive death-goddess Rangdu. On Steve's side are an odd old Dutchman, Ape (he turns out to be Hunaman, the monkey god), and skeptical blond Eurasian Jacquie, an ex whom Steve treated poorly in the past. A furious, well-orchestrated, often eye-popping series of battles and scenarios commences, during which Steve makes the transition between avaricious corporate dolt and thoughtful, ecologically correct maturity--and wins back the lovely Jacquie, too, of course. Finally, Ape will intervene to offer the new, improved Steve the opportunity to determine the fate of the island and its culture. Hard-working and different, with tons of local color, bustle, and noise: sometimes humidly suffocating, equally often dazzling. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.