This complex tale places a strong emphasis on both the risks and the rewards associated with psychic development.

It commences at a slow and somewhat ponderous pace. However, as the reader manages to make their way through the intricate thicket of characters, the pace gradually picks up, and they can finally step into the protagonist's point of view.

The strong emphasis on Christianity in this story is anything but conventional. The questions it poses are perhaps even more relevant in today's society.

The final part of the tale is truly electrifying.

The outstanding questions here are: How do we come to know our true self, and how can we live authentically?

Is there anything more worthwhile than the journey to the center of the self? Howatch presents a compelling argument that there is not.

I have been in love with this book ever since I first laid my eyes on it and read it from cover to cover. And not just this one, but all the other Starbridge novels penned by Susan Howatch as well.

It is truly a wonderful experience to revisit these novels every few years. Each time, I am reminded anew of just how incredibly good they are. They are not only interesting and stimulating but also profound and thought-provoking.

The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to come alive on the pages. The storylines are engaging and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Plus, every single one of these novels is a ripping yarn that you just can't put down. They transport you to another world, a world of love, passion, drama, and mystery.

If you haven't read the Starbridge novels by Susan Howatch yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.

The first sight of the intense Nick left a profound impression.

His eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, as if he was constantly driven by an unwavering determination.

Every gesture he made was filled with purpose and energy, commanding attention and respect.

Nick's intense nature was not only evident in his physical presence but also in the way he spoke and interacted with others.

His words were sharp and to the point, cutting through any unnecessary distractions.

He listened intently, his mind constantly analyzing and processing the information.

It was clear that Nick was a force to be reckoned with, someone who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

His intensity was both intimidating and inspiring, making those around him strive to reach their own potential.

With Nick, there was no room for mediocrity or half-hearted efforts.

He demanded excellence from himself and those he associated with, pushing everyone to go beyond their limits.

Overall, the first sight of the intense Nick was a memorable experience that set the stage for what was to come.

Another excellent instalment in the Starbridge series (#5).

In some ways, I found this book to be even more captivating than the previous novels in the series. The author's ability to create a vivid and engaging world is truly remarkable. However, in other aspects, I felt that it didn't quite measure up.

By the end of the book, the author has done a great job of tying up most of the fantastical elements into rational, real-world stories with logical explanations. This added a sense of closure and made the overall narrative more satisfying.

Nevertheless, while reading, I did struggle to swallow some of the details. Given that the story is set in the 60's, I found it a bit hard to believe that so much odd stuff could have happened.

I also didn't love the main character as much in this book as I did in some of the previous ones. There was something about their personality or actions that didn't quite click with me.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the suspenseful writing in this book is truly amazing. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I simply couldn't put it down. Overall, it's a great addition to the Starbridge series and one that I would highly recommend to fans of the genre.

This is my least favorite installment in this series.

The explanation provided for Nicholas's vision appears to be extremely far-fetched. It lacks a certain credibility that makes it difficult to fully engage with the story.

Moreover, the character of Christian is highly unpleasant. His actions and demeanor throughout the narrative are such that I have never found any enjoyment in reading about him.

It seems as if the author has failed to create a likable or relatable character in Christian, which ultimately detracts from the overall reading experience.

Despite these drawbacks, there may still be some redeeming qualities in the story, but they are overshadowed by the issues with Nicholas's vision and Christian's character.

Overall, this installment leaves much to be desired and fails to meet the expectations set by the previous books in the series.

'Mystical Paths' holds the position of book #5 within Susan Howatch's captivating Starbridge Series. Howatch masterfully continues to weave her intricate tale that revolves around the men and women connected to Starbridge. This particular installment delves into the story of Nicholas Darrow, the son of the psychic clergyman Jonathan Darrow, who is now in his eighties. Set in the middle of the 1960s, when we are introduced to Nicholas, he is on the verge of being ordained into the Anglican Church. He has a complex and conflicted relationship with his father (as well as his contemporaries), and by this time, he has also lost his mother. Nicholas possesses a remarkable psychic gift, perhaps even surpassing his father's powers. However, he must learn to use these abilities wisely. Enter Lewis Hall, a rather flawed clergyman who becomes Nicholas's mentor. We have already encountered most of these characters (with Hall being the exception) in the previous books, yet they manage to maintain the reader's attention as their stories unfold through Nicholas's perspective. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the narrative, and just when you think you might be growing tired of reading, Howatch surprises you with something completely unexpected. I have found all of the books in this series to be highly entertaining thus far. I would highly recommend reading these books in order, although each one can also stand alone.

See the review of Glittering Images. This remarkable piece offers a detailed and in-depth look at the subject matter. The review delves into the various aspects of Glittering Images, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. It provides valuable insights and perspectives that will surely interest the readers. Whether you are a fan of the topic or simply curious, this review is a must-read. It presents a comprehensive overview that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Glittering Images. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore and discover the wonders of Glittering Images through this engaging review.

I took this book away as a holiday read.

However, I soon discovered that it was not the ideal book for a holiday. !! There was an abundance of deep and profound reading material within its pages, and I simply could not maintain a genuine interest for a sufficient length of time to justify spending a day by the pool engrossed in it.

I have to admit that I didn't manage to finish it. Even when I returned home, I was unable to muster enough enthusiasm to pick up where I had left off during my holiday.

I have always had a great fondness for the series and other books written by Susan Howatch. But this particular one was really a tough slog. It seemed to lack the engaging qualities that I had come to expect from her works.

Perhaps it was the nature of the subject matter or the way it was presented, but for whatever reason, it just didn't click with me this time around.

I truly had a great admiration for the narrative style and characterizations presented in this author's work. The subject matter was extremely captivating, as it delved into the internal struggle of a would-be priest torn between his religious beliefs and his psychic abilities.

However, I unfortunately could not progress beyond the initial couple of chapters. The reason for this was that there seemed to be an excessive amount of narrative dedicated to his sexual preoccupations and fornicative escapades. It felt as if these elements overshadowed what was supposed to be the central and genuine story.

This imbalance made it difficult for me to fully engage with the plot and the characters on a deeper level. I had hoped to explore more of the priest's spiritual journey and the conflict between his two worlds, but instead, I was bombarded with details that seemed to detract from the overall essence of the story.

Nonetheless, I still believe that the author has the potential to create a truly remarkable piece of work if they can rebalance the narrative and focus more on the core themes.

This is an incredibly amazing book. I first read it many years ago, and it has left a lasting impression on me.

Some might think the plot is a bit far-fetched, but I believe that those who think so simply haven't lived long enough to understand the depth and complexity that such stories can offer.

We often allow writers like Stephen King to dream up fantastical and evil beings, yet we are sometimes hesitant to give the same leeway to more conventional writers.

In "Wonder Workers" and other books, we witness the maturation of Nick Darrow. However, in this particular book, he experiences the sixties and boosts his own ego. Just like all of us, he has to deal with the consequences of his actions.

I am truly grateful to Howatch for writing this wonderful piece of literature. It has provided me with countless hours of entertainment and has made me think deeply about various aspects of life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story that combines elements of drama, adventure, and self-discovery.

This is truly a very thought-provoking read.

The plot line is excellent, carefully crafted to keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

There are several unexpected twists along the way that add an element of excitement and surprise.

It's one of those books that you just can't put down.

The moment you pick it up, you're drawn into the story and find yourself completely immersed.

The characters are well-developed and the writing is of a high standard.

It makes you think about various aspects of life and human nature.

Overall, it's a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, thriller, or just good literature in general, this book is sure to satisfy.

It's one that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

So, if you're in the mood for a great book, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

I truly love this series.

The story line is simply great. It has the ability to captivate the readers from the very beginning and keep them engaged until the very end. The plot twists and turns are so well-crafted that one can never predict what is going to happen next.

Moreover, the theology presented in the series is extremely interesting. It makes one think and reflect on various aspects of life and faith. The ideas and concepts are presented in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

Overall, this series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with a touch of theology. It has the power to entertain, inspire, and educate all at the same time.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this amazing series.