Duncan, Hal. Vellum; the book of all hours.

DUNCAN, Hal. Vellum; the book of all hours. Ballantine. 463p. c2005. 0-345-48731-1. $14.95. SA

In this literary fantasy, angels and demons are called unkin and battle for recruitment of renegade unkin, those who have not sworn allegiance to either side. The unkin are fighting for control over all worlds including the Vellum, a reality, unknown to humans, that intertwines with our own. The reader experiences this alternate reality through the lives of several characters involved in the fight between good and evil. Phreedom, an unkin with allegiance to no one, searches for her brother Thomas within the Vellum, while constantly on the run from other unkin who want her to join their side. Other characters confront deep, philosophical issues about life, while a former friend of the siblings faces a war as well as his own inner demons. Within the framework of this epic battle, Reynard Carter discovers The Book of All Hours, which includes "the blueprint of reality itself" written by the Almighty's own scribe.

The novel includes many flashbacks and flash forwards. This fluctuating timeframe provides readers with their own sense of living in the Vellum. Readers who enjoy novels filled with philosophical theories and postulations on alternate realities will revel in the complexity. Literary and mythological allusions abound as events in the present parallel events in the past or future. Fans of Neil Gaiman's American Gods may find a kindred spirit in this novel. Duncan includes acknowledgments that provide background reading for those interested in the myths portrayed. The story continues with Duncan's forthcoming novel, Ink. Ginger Armstrong, Prin. Lib. Assoc., County PL, Chesterfield, VA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools were there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT'S usefulness in public libraries.