This is such an engaging series.

I'm truly enthralled at the way the characters deceive themselves and the reasoning behind their actions. It's like delving into a complex web of human nature.

This book, however, through the eyes of Nicholas Darrow in the 60s, was just too off the rails for me. I simply didn't like Nicholas and the way he callously used women. He would sleep with a different woman every day and then discard them without a second thought.

Moreover, I found his focus on language rather odd. He alternatively called the Devil real, but also referred to it as "picture language." It's as if he couldn't quite decide if he believed in a spiritual world or was just relying on psychological explanations.

I'm always surprised that this author is a woman because the men in this series are all so arrogant. They are confident that they're absolutely right about everything, dismissive of women, and self-deceiving.

Now, it's time to move on to the final book - #6. I'm curious to see how this series will conclude and if it will offer any resolutions or surprises.

This is yet another captivating installment in the series. This time, it not only presents a great mystery but is also structured more like the first two books I read by the author. I was already partway through when I realized that the same characters appear in "High Flier". Set in the 1960s, it delves into how religious truths can be expressed in psychological terms, making it a highly recommended read for my friends interested in both.

The book has a fair share of darkness and unedifying scenes. However, the mystery is ultimately solved, and redemption is found in the end.

On my second reading, I still enjoyed it and spent a significant amount of time engrossed in it. The other books I'm currently reading seem rather dull in comparison. But this time around, it felt like there was just a little too much of certain elements. There were too many bad decisions and sexual content (even if it was set up for redemption, it was still a bit off-putting). The mystery had too many steps to solve (although I had completely forgotten about it, so it felt new). There were also too many references to spiritual language (using old-fashioned picture language) and psychology (which was still my favorite part, with its new ways of expressing ideas).

As always, the ending is excellent, treading those mystical paths towards God/Light/Ground of our Being. I definitely recommend the series, and the Darrows remain my favorite family.

If it were half as short, it would be twice as good.

This statement implies that the length of the work might be a bit excessive, and perhaps a more concise version could enhance its quality.

Additionally, it has the worst title in the series. The title is often the first thing that catches a reader's attention, and a poor title might not do justice to the content within.

Even so, it still manages to receive 4 stars. This indicates that despite its flaws, there are redeeming qualities that make it值得一读.

I say check it out. Maybe you'll discover something that others have overlooked or find enjoyment in aspects that you wouldn't have expected.

It's always worth giving a book a chance, especially when it has received a relatively high rating despite its shortcomings.

This installment in the series is not as enchanting as the previous four.

I believe the reason lies in the author's somewhat overdone portrayal of 1960s culture and religion.

While I did appreciate the characters' efforts in grappling with the complex issues of theology and psychology, faith and mysticism, as well as action and contemplation, the main character, Nicholas Darrow, was simply too detestable to be credible.

Nevertheless, this book offers an interesting retrospective and presents a captivating murder mystery.

I am eager to read the sixth book in the series to discover how Howatch ties up all the loose ends and brings the story to a conclusion.

It will be fascinating to see if she can redeem the series and provide a satisfying ending for readers.

I recently went on a Susan Howatch binge and devoured this entire series.

It was an absolute delight to immerse myself in her fictional world. The stories were filled with complex characters, intricate plotlines, and plenty of drama.

Each book in the series built upon the others, creating a rich and engaging narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The writing was excellent, with Howatch's ability to bring her characters to life and make them feel real truly shining through.

Overall, this series was a fun and indulgent read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining escape.

I can't wait to explore more of Susan Howatch's work in the future.

Oops, I made a mistake and confused the title of this book with another one from the series. However, this book, along with Glamorous Powers, is likely the best in the series. I have decided to do a re-read. The story in this book is captivating and engaging, filled with interesting characters and a thrilling plot. Each time I read it, I discover new details and aspects that I may have missed before. It's like uncovering hidden treasures within the pages. The writing style is also excellent, making it a pleasure to read. I'm looking forward to re-immersing myself in this wonderful world and experiencing the story all over again.

She is hard going at times.

It can be quite challenging to understand her or keep up with her pace.

However, I have discovered that a dictionary can be a very useful tool in such situations.

It helps me to look up words and phrases that I may not be familiar with, and gain a better understanding of what she is trying to convey.

Despite the difficulties, I find that she is worth persevering with.

There is something about her that keeps drawing me in and making me want to learn more.

Maybe it's her unique perspective or her wealth of knowledge.

Whatever it is, I am determined to continue my efforts and see where this journey takes me.

I believe that in the end, it will all be worth it.

Brilliant!

This story is set in the year 1968. The main character embarks on a journey to discover more about a friend. As he delves deeper, what he uncovers is truly astonishing and completely unexpected. However, I can't say anymore without spoiling the story.

Interestingly, during this process, he also stumbles upon a great deal about himself. It's as if this exploration into his friend's life has opened up a new world of self-discovery for him.

He realizes things about his own character, his values, and his past that he never knew before. It's a journey of both mystery and self-awareness, and it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

Overall, this is a captivating and thought-provoking story that will leave you wanting more.

The fifth novel in Howatch's series on the Church of England in the 20th century, this book is set in the late 1960s.

It delves into the life of the psychic son of Father Jon Darrow, who is on the verge of adulthood and beginning to discover and understand his own extraordinary powers.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of the turbulent late 1960s, a time of great social and cultural change.

Centered around a mysterious death and a series of bizarre supernatural happenings, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The author demonstrates an excellent ability to bring the characters to life, making them compelling and engaging.

The plot moves at a rapid pace, filled with twists and turns that add to the excitement and keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, this novel is a captivating read that combines elements of mystery, supernatural, and coming-of-age in a unique and engaging way.

This is a very good book.

I have already checked it out and started reading.

The author's writing style is engaging and the story is captivating.

It has kept me hooked from the very beginning.

After reading this book, I am eager to explore more works by this author.

I believe that each of their books will offer a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

I look forward to delving into their other novels and seeing what new adventures and ideas they have in store for me.

Overall, this book has been a great find and I highly recommend it to others.

Fifth in the Starbridge series, this novel delves into the lives of ministers in the Church of England during the 20th century.

It centers around Nick Darrow, an independent yet confused young man on the verge of being ordained as an Anglican priest. The story is set in the permissive 1960s, a time of great social change.

We witness Nick's journey as he grapples with his faith, his identity, and the complex relationships around him. The book is filled with realistic and struggling characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and flaws.

The powerful emotions that drive these characters make for a captivating read. The author's superb plotting keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with unexpected twists and turns along the way.

And finally, the conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the characters and their world.

In 1968, London was in the height of sexual freedom.

Nicholas Darrow, a young man on the verge of being ordained, found himself in a turmoil. He not only had to grapple with his own sexuality but also faced the imminent death of his sickly father as he was about to enter the church.

To find a distraction from these overwhelming issues, he became completely obsessed with the disappearance and death of an old friend. As he delved deeper and deeper into the investigation of his friend's dark life, a truly scary world gradually opened up before him.

The more he discovered, the more he realized that there were secrets and hidden horrors that he could never have imagined. Nicholas was now caught in a web of mystery and danger, and he had no idea where this journey would lead him.

Would he be able to come to terms with his own identity and the truth about his friend's death, or would he be consumed by the darkness that had emerged?