What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghost #3
Ghost of the White Nights
Set in a fascinating alternative world in which ghosts are real, the United States never came into existence and Russia is still ruled by the Romanovs, this sequel to Of Tangible Ghosts and The Ghost of the Revelator continues the adventures of semi-retired spy Dr. Johan Eschbach.
His lovely wife Llysette du Boise, a refugee from the burning remains of France and a world-famous novelist, has been invited to provide a command performance for the Russian Imperial household. Johan accompanies her, allowing him to work on the oil concession in Russian Alaska that Columbia so desperately needs and do some spying on the side. Johan's espionage is carried out against the backdrop of the famous white nights of St. Petersburg, the nearly Arctic midsummer when the sun barely dips below the horizon and the sky seems to dissolve in ivory light. But even the oil shortage will fade to insignificance when Johan discovers what new weapons technology the Russians are developing, a threat even more fearsome than the atomic bombs of Austro-Hungary.
Working in the tradition of Gordon R. Dickson and Poul Anderson for hard-edged adventure with sophisticated social and political dimensions, Modesitt provides a unique blend of speculation and intrigue that brings the trilogy to a rousing end.
His lovely wife Llysette du Boise, a refugee from the burning remains of France and a world-famous novelist, has been invited to provide a command performance for the Russian Imperial household. Johan accompanies her, allowing him to work on the oil concession in Russian Alaska that Columbia so desperately needs and do some spying on the side. Johan's espionage is carried out against the backdrop of the famous white nights of St. Petersburg, the nearly Arctic midsummer when the sun barely dips below the horizon and the sky seems to dissolve in ivory light. But even the oil shortage will fade to insignificance when Johan discovers what new weapons technology the Russians are developing, a threat even more fearsome than the atomic bombs of Austro-Hungary.
Working in the tradition of Gordon R. Dickson and Poul Anderson for hard-edged adventure with sophisticated social and political dimensions, Modesitt provides a unique blend of speculation and intrigue that brings the trilogy to a rousing end.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
14 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Modesitt Jr.
191 books2,594 followersL. E. (Leland Exton) Modesitt, Jr. is an author of science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce. He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts, lived in Washington, D.C. for 20 years, then moved to New Hampshire in 1989 where he met his wife. They relocated to Cedar City, Utah in 1993.
He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer and writer in residence.
In addition to his novels, Mr. Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories. His first short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.
-Wikipedia
He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer and writer in residence.
In addition to his novels, Mr. Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories. His first short story, "The Great American Economy", was published in 1973 in Analog Science Fiction and Science Fact.
-Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 2, 2013
I had to take a break before finishing this final book of the three since it really does get rather repetitive in it's basic story line. This time it's off to Russia for politics and double agent work under, again; the cover of the spy's wife and her singing engagement.
I really wished more was done with the ghost angle. There is the horror of this device that removes spirit so that people become zombies or destroys ghosts so that a violent murder can't be detected, but the zombies are not brain eating horrors only biddable bodies without motivation. The plot pivots on the possible use of the device as a bomb turning millions into zombies in one stroke or the ability of governments to kill citizens and have no ghostly evidence left behind.
I was touched by the mention of the lingering ghosts of Vietnamese monks who emulated themselves in front of the Chinese Embassy in Colombia (N. America in this alternative history) an example of ghost's impact on the living. A sight so horrendous that the sidewalk is walled off.
I really wished more was done with the ghost angle. There is the horror of this device that removes spirit so that people become zombies or destroys ghosts so that a violent murder can't be detected, but the zombies are not brain eating horrors only biddable bodies without motivation. The plot pivots on the possible use of the device as a bomb turning millions into zombies in one stroke or the ability of governments to kill citizens and have no ghostly evidence left behind.
I was touched by the mention of the lingering ghosts of Vietnamese monks who emulated themselves in front of the Chinese Embassy in Colombia (N. America in this alternative history) an example of ghost's impact on the living. A sight so horrendous that the sidewalk is walled off.
June 11, 2015
I've enjoyed this series quite a lot. It took several chapters of Of Tangible Ghosts to really get a feel for the world and characters, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Ghosts of the White Nights is a very satisfying political thriller and could probably stand alone, but it is an exciting conclusion for Johan Eshbach and his opera singer wife.
November 16, 2022
Pretty good series, but it’s really weird how often the main character drinks hot chocolate. Like, nearly every chapter he’s drinking hot chocolate or talking about when he will next drink hot chocolate. Idk 🤷♂️
June 27, 2020
Professor Johan Eschbach's lovely wife Llysette du Boise, a refugee from the burning remains of France and a world-famous vocalist, has been invited to provide a command performance for the Russian Imperial household. Johan accompanies her, allowing him to work on the oil concession in Russian Alaska that Columbia so desperately needs and do some spying on the side. Johan's espionage is carried out against the backdrop of the famous white nights of St. Petersburg, the nearly Arctic midsummer when the sun barely dips below the horizon and the sky seems to dissolve in ivory light. But even the oil shortage will fade to insignificance when Johan discovers what new weapons technology the Russians are developing, a threat even more fearsome than the atomic bombs of Austro-Hungary.
October 19, 2020
Continuing my rereading of this series. In this volume Johan Eschbach accompanies his wife, the renowned soprano Llysette du Boise to Russia. She has been invited as part of the Colombian delegation to perform for the Imperial court. Johan is asked to assist in setting up an agreement to exchange environmental cleanup in Russian rivers for access to oil in the Russian oil fields in Alaska. Of course there are complications and Putin makes an appearance off-stage. It would be nice if Modesitt could figure out another adventure for Johan. But I do enjoy the ones we have.
September 26, 2024
5 star for Russian part, 3 for Columbian (US)
December 10, 2025
Johan and Llysette are off to Russia for their final adventure, a worthy ending to the series. Llysette also shows what a bad ass she can be. This series has a steampunk James Bond vibe to it.
If you enjoyed this series, I recommend giving Isolate a try.
If you enjoyed this series, I recommend giving Isolate a try.
November 27, 2023
A fun conclusion to the trilogy. These books shine when showcasing the carefully thought out worldbuilding of Modesitt. The characters are good, but the setting is the most interesting piece to me.
October 30, 2012
This should be 3.5 stars.
I've enjoyed this series of books and this one in particular moved along quickly.
I've enjoyed this series of books and this one in particular moved along quickly.
Read
January 4, 2015Excellent conclusion to the three-volume series.
February 25, 2016
Not one Modesitt's best in my opinion, but I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews