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The Downs-Lord Triptych #3
Downs-Lord Doomsday
Meek and mild curate Thomas Blades discovered an alternative earth where humanity languished at the base of the food-chain. Over eventful years, Blades defeated the bestial Null master-race and carved out the empire of 'New-Wessex'. Shedding all former inhibitions, he ascended its throne as unchallenged 'god-king'. Exiled in turn by overpowering new enemies - the 'angels' - Blades was rescued by his own descendant, Guy Ambassador, after centuries of absence. Under Blades' strangely charmed leadership, the enigmatic and merciless angels were repulsed and humanity enjoyed a respite of liberty. But now, decades later, the venerable god-king broods in seclusion, refusing to die; the fountainhead of bitter thoughts and deeds. Meanwhile, Wessex sinks-into anarchy and neglect. Guy Ambassador travels amongst the bickering princedoms and warring states, wavering in the faith that has cost him family, friends and home. All around him the world of New-Wessex is moving towards resolution of its ultimate destiny and reason for being. Forces beyond human comprehension invade the already baroque realm.
Paperback
First published February 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 9, 2020
The final part of John Whitbourn’s Downs-Lord Triptych, Downs-Lord Doomsday, starts some twenty years after Downs-Lord Day. Guy Ambassador is getting increasingly peeved at Thomas Blades and with life in general. The book chronicles his journey, both metaphorically and actual, to try and find some meaning to it all. The Null and Blades resultantly take somewhat of a back seat, until the final third at least.
If I was asked to write a paper on the meaning of The Downs-Lord Triptych, I’d be struggling, especially regarding the motivations of the Angels and magicians. However, that things aren’t prescriptively spelt out is one of the reasons I enjoy the author’s work so much, although conversely why his books I suspect aren't bestsellers (judging by the amount of Amazon reviews at least).
The real beauty of John Whitbourn’s work (for myself at least) is that you need not worry overly about the deeper meanings or the endings, as the humour alone makes the read worthwhile. You can therefore just sit back and enjoy the ride. Despite the dark subject matter, that includes The Downs-Lord Triptych. Virtually every page has its moment or moments. If you understand all of the allegory as well, then fine. If you’re scratching your head most of the time, law of averages you’ll occasionally hit the spot and sort a few itches.
On the Whitbourn scale, the Downs-Lord Triptych ranks very closely to his Pevensey Trilogy. However, where Pevensey didn’t really have a pecking order, on the Downs-Lord scale, I rank Doomsday half a notch behind Dawn but half a notch ahead of Day. At the top of the Whitbourn scale is The Age of the Triffids (the greatest British work coming from Canada since The Lumberjack Song), Binscombe Tales, Alternate Englands and BABYLONdon. All require a six-star button.
If I was asked to write a paper on the meaning of The Downs-Lord Triptych, I’d be struggling, especially regarding the motivations of the Angels and magicians. However, that things aren’t prescriptively spelt out is one of the reasons I enjoy the author’s work so much, although conversely why his books I suspect aren't bestsellers (judging by the amount of Amazon reviews at least).
The real beauty of John Whitbourn’s work (for myself at least) is that you need not worry overly about the deeper meanings or the endings, as the humour alone makes the read worthwhile. You can therefore just sit back and enjoy the ride. Despite the dark subject matter, that includes The Downs-Lord Triptych. Virtually every page has its moment or moments. If you understand all of the allegory as well, then fine. If you’re scratching your head most of the time, law of averages you’ll occasionally hit the spot and sort a few itches.
On the Whitbourn scale, the Downs-Lord Triptych ranks very closely to his Pevensey Trilogy. However, where Pevensey didn’t really have a pecking order, on the Downs-Lord scale, I rank Doomsday half a notch behind Dawn but half a notch ahead of Day. At the top of the Whitbourn scale is The Age of the Triffids (the greatest British work coming from Canada since The Lumberjack Song), Binscombe Tales, Alternate Englands and BABYLONdon. All require a six-star button.
May 23, 2018
A marvellous climax to a great trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews