What do you think?
Rate this book
Servant/Sovereign #1
Through the Doors of Oblivion
REAL ESTATE IS HELL – SOMETIMES LITERALLY
Wedged between real estate speculators, startup bros, and gentrified neighborhoods, it’s gotten hard to get by in San Francisco and it’s getting even harder all the time. Now two witches have decided the time has come to do something about it.
Using all their arcane skills, Iria – tall, dark, and genderqueer – and their partner and mentor, Madge – the granddaughter of Chinese immigrants and a powerful magician – have summoned back to the world of the living one of San Francisco’s greatest eccentric heroes: Joshua Norton, self-declared Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. In the 19th century he issued imperial proclamations intended to combat prejudice and advance the interests of the destitute and downtrodden. Binding him to themselves and to the city, Iria and Madge need Norton’s charisma and tireless dedication to the city to help them save the city from a demon of greed.
With an exciting combination of spell-slinging and derring-do, Norton and his modern-day patrons embark on a series of adventures across San Francisco’s past and present in search of the keys to the city: objects from its past they can use in the present to save the city’s future from a demon of greed and his tireless efforts to rob San Francisco of its soul forever!
Wedged between real estate speculators, startup bros, and gentrified neighborhoods, it’s gotten hard to get by in San Francisco and it’s getting even harder all the time. Now two witches have decided the time has come to do something about it.
Using all their arcane skills, Iria – tall, dark, and genderqueer – and their partner and mentor, Madge – the granddaughter of Chinese immigrants and a powerful magician – have summoned back to the world of the living one of San Francisco’s greatest eccentric heroes: Joshua Norton, self-declared Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. In the 19th century he issued imperial proclamations intended to combat prejudice and advance the interests of the destitute and downtrodden. Binding him to themselves and to the city, Iria and Madge need Norton’s charisma and tireless dedication to the city to help them save the city from a demon of greed.
With an exciting combination of spell-slinging and derring-do, Norton and his modern-day patrons embark on a series of adventures across San Francisco’s past and present in search of the keys to the city: objects from its past they can use in the present to save the city’s future from a demon of greed and his tireless efforts to rob San Francisco of its soul forever!
- GenresFantasy
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2019
4 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Michael G. Williams
30 books86 followersMichael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; a new urban fantasy series featuring real estate, time travel, and San Francisco’s most beloved historical figures, SERVANT/SOVEREIGN; and the science fiction noir A Fall in Autumn, winner of the 2020 Manly Wade Wellman Award.
Michael is an avid podcaster, activist, and gaymer, and is a brother in St. Anthony Hall and Mu Beta Psi. He lives in Durham, NC, with his husband, a variety of animals, and more and better friends than he probably deserves.
Michael is an avid podcaster, activist, and gaymer, and is a brother in St. Anthony Hall and Mu Beta Psi. He lives in Durham, NC, with his husband, a variety of animals, and more and better friends than he probably deserves.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 17, 2019
The first book in a new series by Michael G. Williams. I loved the Perishables series and this one proves to be differently fun and similarly creative.
October 28, 2019
Short Take: That’s it, I’m moving to San Francisco.
(*Note: I received a copy of this book for review.*)
Hello my beloved nerdlings! I’ve been in a bit of a funk on the reading/reviewing front lately. Do you ever get that feeling, where you’re craving a certain kind of food, and nothing else sounds good, but you just can’t put your finger on what the one tasty thing will be, so you try a bite of this or that, open and close the fridge fifteen times, maybe brush your teeth or get something to drink, but nothing is what you’re looking for? I’ve been like that with books for the last little bit, but after a weekend spent with friends and family, cooking, cleaning, carving pumpkins and laughing ourselves silly, I’m BACK, darlings!
I settled in with a big bowl of salty pumpkin seeds (I wait ALL YEAR for those things) and Mr. Williams’ new novella, and a few hours later, I am still not entirely sure what just happened, but I loved it. This book is WEIRD, y’all.
So, say you’re a witch, living in modern-day San Francisco with your non-binary partner who’s also a witch, and it comes to your attention that the city is in danger of being destroyed by a demon whose vice of choice is greed. Sure, being a witch, you should obviously just cast a spell or two and shut the whole thing down, but let’s take it a step further: The components you need for a spell powerful enough to save an entire large city are pretty much impossible to get, namely, at least one item which was destroyed in the massive earthquake & fire that nearly killed the city in 1906.
Well then you OBVIOUSLY summon the ghost (or maybe just the idea?) of a great historical figure who can travel through time to get what you need, duh.
Enter His Imperial Majesty Joshua Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, and not to pile on the accolades, but also one of the most entertaining characters I’ve come across in a hot minute. Although Oblivion is a work of fiction, from everything I’ve read of Norton, Mr. Williams captured him perfectly. His imperiousness, occasional befuddlement (as when confronted by a nonbinary person or a flashlight for the first time) quickly followed by acceptance, and genuine compassion for the downtrodden combine to create a charisma that jumps off the page. He’s the hero we didn’t know we need.
From there, the story is a fast-paced romp back and forth in time, with a couple of great cameos by other historical figures, but this is no Bill & Ted adventure. For a slender urban fantasy to be so rich in philosophy, social commentary, humor, and evil tech bros is not something I’ve encountered in my decades of reading out-there stuff. Not to mention what a brilliant love letter to the city of San Francisco this book is.
Because Oblivion is only the first in a planned series, it remains to be seen if Mr. Williams will be able to keep the fun (especially with Emperor Norton, good gravy he’s marvelous) without the slightly manic energy of this introduction becoming tiresome.
But I definitely want to see where it goes.
The Nerd’s Rating: FIVE HAPPY NEURONS (and some more pumpkin seeds, because seriously ALL YEAR.)
(*Note: I received a copy of this book for review.*)
Hello my beloved nerdlings! I’ve been in a bit of a funk on the reading/reviewing front lately. Do you ever get that feeling, where you’re craving a certain kind of food, and nothing else sounds good, but you just can’t put your finger on what the one tasty thing will be, so you try a bite of this or that, open and close the fridge fifteen times, maybe brush your teeth or get something to drink, but nothing is what you’re looking for? I’ve been like that with books for the last little bit, but after a weekend spent with friends and family, cooking, cleaning, carving pumpkins and laughing ourselves silly, I’m BACK, darlings!
I settled in with a big bowl of salty pumpkin seeds (I wait ALL YEAR for those things) and Mr. Williams’ new novella, and a few hours later, I am still not entirely sure what just happened, but I loved it. This book is WEIRD, y’all.
So, say you’re a witch, living in modern-day San Francisco with your non-binary partner who’s also a witch, and it comes to your attention that the city is in danger of being destroyed by a demon whose vice of choice is greed. Sure, being a witch, you should obviously just cast a spell or two and shut the whole thing down, but let’s take it a step further: The components you need for a spell powerful enough to save an entire large city are pretty much impossible to get, namely, at least one item which was destroyed in the massive earthquake & fire that nearly killed the city in 1906.
Well then you OBVIOUSLY summon the ghost (or maybe just the idea?) of a great historical figure who can travel through time to get what you need, duh.
Enter His Imperial Majesty Joshua Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, and not to pile on the accolades, but also one of the most entertaining characters I’ve come across in a hot minute. Although Oblivion is a work of fiction, from everything I’ve read of Norton, Mr. Williams captured him perfectly. His imperiousness, occasional befuddlement (as when confronted by a nonbinary person or a flashlight for the first time) quickly followed by acceptance, and genuine compassion for the downtrodden combine to create a charisma that jumps off the page. He’s the hero we didn’t know we need.
From there, the story is a fast-paced romp back and forth in time, with a couple of great cameos by other historical figures, but this is no Bill & Ted adventure. For a slender urban fantasy to be so rich in philosophy, social commentary, humor, and evil tech bros is not something I’ve encountered in my decades of reading out-there stuff. Not to mention what a brilliant love letter to the city of San Francisco this book is.
Because Oblivion is only the first in a planned series, it remains to be seen if Mr. Williams will be able to keep the fun (especially with Emperor Norton, good gravy he’s marvelous) without the slightly manic energy of this introduction becoming tiresome.
But I definitely want to see where it goes.
The Nerd’s Rating: FIVE HAPPY NEURONS (and some more pumpkin seeds, because seriously ALL YEAR.)
October 11, 2019
With Through The Doors of Oblivion, set in San Francisco, Michael G. Williams has entered a new genre of historic urban fantasy. The protagonist, Emperor Norton, was an actual person who was quite a character in San Francisco during his time. I now know much more about the city as the historical information is integral to the plot.
In the story, Norton is called to the present and enslaved to travel through time and get artifacts to save San Francisco, which has been under attack by demons for some while. No more spoilers! You need to read this book. Fair warning - Do not start this book right before bed because you will not want to put it down. It is a quick read. I finished after 3 to 4 hours of reading.
Mr. Williams has a clear and easy to follow writing style. His word choice paints the scenery in your mind. His characters are relatable and draw you into the story. I have read two other books by him and enjoyed them both.
This book is the first in a new series. While it has a satisfying conclusion, the scene is set for further adventures with Norton. I look forward to reading them all.
In the story, Norton is called to the present and enslaved to travel through time and get artifacts to save San Francisco, which has been under attack by demons for some while. No more spoilers! You need to read this book. Fair warning - Do not start this book right before bed because you will not want to put it down. It is a quick read. I finished after 3 to 4 hours of reading.
Mr. Williams has a clear and easy to follow writing style. His word choice paints the scenery in your mind. His characters are relatable and draw you into the story. I have read two other books by him and enjoyed them both.
This book is the first in a new series. While it has a satisfying conclusion, the scene is set for further adventures with Norton. I look forward to reading them all.
October 11, 2019
Full disclosure - I was part of the editing team on this one.
Michael G. Williams is one of my favorite authors for originality with humor and relationships while packed with action, and he keeps getting better and better. I think this is his best book yet.
Quick Overview
Through the Doors of Oblivion two magicians pull Emperor Norton from the past into the present to help deal with a real estate demon stealing the heart of San Francisco. Before he is done, His Majesty will visit the past even further back than the days when he lived, mourn the loss of his present, and discover what this future world has to offer – and do it quickly or the day of the San Francisco fire will be one of the city’s good days.
Another book for the Shadow Council Archives, Through the Doors of Oblivion can be read as a stand-alone.
Michael G. Williams is one of my favorite authors for originality with humor and relationships while packed with action, and he keeps getting better and better. I think this is his best book yet.
Quick Overview
Through the Doors of Oblivion two magicians pull Emperor Norton from the past into the present to help deal with a real estate demon stealing the heart of San Francisco. Before he is done, His Majesty will visit the past even further back than the days when he lived, mourn the loss of his present, and discover what this future world has to offer – and do it quickly or the day of the San Francisco fire will be one of the city’s good days.
Another book for the Shadow Council Archives, Through the Doors of Oblivion can be read as a stand-alone.
January 27, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This story is very much a love letter to San Francisco, to the ever growing, ever changing city and the people who live there. Jumping from January 8th, 1880, to the 1906 earthquake (followed by the fire), to a modern day city, Norton is whisked through time on a quest to obtain a relic of California’s history in order to begin a spell that will banish Mammon. But the plot … well, this is the first book in the Servant Sovereign series, and it’s only a novella. While the plot begins here, I expect it to actually play more of a role in future books.
This book, though, is mostly the adventures of Norton, who must come to terms with being summoned — also with being dead — and seeing the modern city built on the ruins of his own.
This is a fun, well written introduction to the characters and the world, and ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. I am very curious to see what further historical figures will be introduced, and to learn more about the city. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with his Majesty, Norton I.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This story is very much a love letter to San Francisco, to the ever growing, ever changing city and the people who live there. Jumping from January 8th, 1880, to the 1906 earthquake (followed by the fire), to a modern day city, Norton is whisked through time on a quest to obtain a relic of California’s history in order to begin a spell that will banish Mammon. But the plot … well, this is the first book in the Servant Sovereign series, and it’s only a novella. While the plot begins here, I expect it to actually play more of a role in future books.
This book, though, is mostly the adventures of Norton, who must come to terms with being summoned — also with being dead — and seeing the modern city built on the ruins of his own.
This is a fun, well written introduction to the characters and the world, and ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. I am very curious to see what further historical figures will be introduced, and to learn more about the city. I’m also looking forward to spending more time with his Majesty, Norton I.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
July 24, 2020
The historical figure and self proclaimed Emperor of the United States - Emperor Norton is the main character. This deceased man, Norton is conjured by a witch in the current day; their (gender neutral pronouns for this Witch) intentions are not clear to Norton at first; but he finds himself obligated to assist the Witch and her apprentice in obtaining four keys to the city of San Francisco.
A demon named Mammon becomes aware of the witches plans and the use of Norton; therefore he takes his own steps to continue his plans for San Francisco.
The story in intriguing and thought provoking. Makes you think about famous people that made the history books and what their intentions truly were when they were tagged as an important figure historically. In addition what figures were not tagged and were part of a momental step in our history leading to our future as a nation and the entire world.
A demon named Mammon becomes aware of the witches plans and the use of Norton; therefore he takes his own steps to continue his plans for San Francisco.
The story in intriguing and thought provoking. Makes you think about famous people that made the history books and what their intentions truly were when they were tagged as an important figure historically. In addition what figures were not tagged and were part of a momental step in our history leading to our future as a nation and the entire world.
December 26, 2025
Mostly unspectacular, and too short to get invested in the characters, but still better than the Vickery & Castine novels from Tim Powers, sad to say. So, if occult struggle for the soul of San Francisco is your cup of tea, go right ahead.
November 11, 2019
Great start to a new series by always entertaining writer Michael G Williams. I'm surely late to the parade but who knew that Joshua Norton was a real person who proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States in the mid 1800's. Michael takes up from there and entwines the Emperor with a couple of modern day witches. Toss in San Francisco as the backdrop and what's not to love.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews