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The Spirit Phone
Aleister Crowley and Nikola Tesla confront the enigma of Thomas Edison's new invention: a phone to communicate with the dead.
It is August 1899, and Thomas Edison proclaims his most amazing invention yet: the Spirit Phone Model SP-1. At nearly the same time, a cocksure young mage named Aleister Crowley inexplicably teleports into the home of Edison’s archrival, renowned inventor Nikola Tesla.
As insanity and suicide multiply among spirit phone users, Crowley and Tesla combine their respective skills in “magick” and technology to investigate the device’s actual origin and ultimate purpose.
Embarking upon an adventure of astral travel, demonic invocations, and high-speed airship journeys, they are soon embroiled in a desperate race to stop the spirit phone's use by an unknown adversary to inaugurate a hell on earth from which none shall escape.
It is August 1899, and Thomas Edison proclaims his most amazing invention yet: the Spirit Phone Model SP-1. At nearly the same time, a cocksure young mage named Aleister Crowley inexplicably teleports into the home of Edison’s archrival, renowned inventor Nikola Tesla.
As insanity and suicide multiply among spirit phone users, Crowley and Tesla combine their respective skills in “magick” and technology to investigate the device’s actual origin and ultimate purpose.
Embarking upon an adventure of astral travel, demonic invocations, and high-speed airship journeys, they are soon embroiled in a desperate race to stop the spirit phone's use by an unknown adversary to inaugurate a hell on earth from which none shall escape.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
4 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Shattuck O'Keefe
2 books7 followersIn Arthur Shattuck O’Keefe’s debut novel The Spirit Phone, Aleister Crowley and Nikola Tesla confront the enigma of Thomas Edison's new invention: a phone to speak with the dead. The Spirit Phone was published by BHC Press on November 15, 2022.
O'Keefe's short story, “A Spirited Conversation,” based upon The Spirit Phone, appears in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of The Stray Branch. His short fiction has also appeared in Flash Fiction Magazine, Manawaker Studio’s Flash Fiction Podcast, and Ragazine.
He was born in New York and lives in Kanagawa, Japan, where he is at work on his next novel.
O'Keefe's short story, “A Spirited Conversation,” based upon The Spirit Phone, appears in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of The Stray Branch. His short fiction has also appeared in Flash Fiction Magazine, Manawaker Studio’s Flash Fiction Podcast, and Ragazine.
He was born in New York and lives in Kanagawa, Japan, where he is at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 18, 2022
I read this book in three days. The writing is superb. Timing and pace excellent. Chapters are short and well-constructed. This is the ultimate page-turner of a novel as the reader is drawn on into a maze of mystery and metaphysical intrigue. It is all elegantly done, with wit and perspicacity. While the plot will involve murder and evil doers, it is not a narrative soaked in blood and gore. When action happens, however, it is gripping and thrilling.
I had no idea what to expect, except for what it said in the blurb. How might a character, and a famous character from history, ‘teleport’ into the residence of another famous historical personage? Would that work? Well, yes, it would, and it did. First of all, the author has done his research and is able to conjure up a convincing late nineteenth century setting, so the atmosphere is great. Next, he uses humour and a delicate interplay between the main characters. In a clever opening move of narratorial chess, he places the legendary occultist Aleister Crowley in the position of having to persuade the legendary scientist Nikolai Tesla that he has teleported to his room. The process by which he does so is also that by which the reader is persuaded to suspend disbelief, as this clearly has all the trappings of a wild and mysterious adventure. And wild and mysterious it will be! Astral projection, demons, magick (yes, that’s spelled right), fabulous contraptions, airships, time travel, you name it, this book has it. And some very nasty types, too.
This may be territory well known to some -I’m wondering if this is ‘steampunk’ or such, but it was not well-known to me, so it was refreshing and fun. It’s a fun romp, where you don’t need to inquire too much into the motivations of the characters or analyze their development. Crowley is larger than life and that’s all there is to it. But he’s a marvellous guide to the reader and to Nikolai Tesla through the ins and outs of the spirit world. The author is clearly enthralled by these two, and by the legendary inventor Thomas Edison, and knows, and uses, their intimate histories well. He brings them back from the sands of time, reanimates them, so to speak, and in doing so, not only creates a novel of great fun but opens a welcome portal back into the world they came from. The Spirit Phone is well worth a look. I have to say, though, by the end my head was spinning with the convolutions and twists of the plot and the powers attributed to Mr Crowley would make Dr Strange melt into the background. But that’s alright! This is a fun read!
I had no idea what to expect, except for what it said in the blurb. How might a character, and a famous character from history, ‘teleport’ into the residence of another famous historical personage? Would that work? Well, yes, it would, and it did. First of all, the author has done his research and is able to conjure up a convincing late nineteenth century setting, so the atmosphere is great. Next, he uses humour and a delicate interplay between the main characters. In a clever opening move of narratorial chess, he places the legendary occultist Aleister Crowley in the position of having to persuade the legendary scientist Nikolai Tesla that he has teleported to his room. The process by which he does so is also that by which the reader is persuaded to suspend disbelief, as this clearly has all the trappings of a wild and mysterious adventure. And wild and mysterious it will be! Astral projection, demons, magick (yes, that’s spelled right), fabulous contraptions, airships, time travel, you name it, this book has it. And some very nasty types, too.
This may be territory well known to some -I’m wondering if this is ‘steampunk’ or such, but it was not well-known to me, so it was refreshing and fun. It’s a fun romp, where you don’t need to inquire too much into the motivations of the characters or analyze their development. Crowley is larger than life and that’s all there is to it. But he’s a marvellous guide to the reader and to Nikolai Tesla through the ins and outs of the spirit world. The author is clearly enthralled by these two, and by the legendary inventor Thomas Edison, and knows, and uses, their intimate histories well. He brings them back from the sands of time, reanimates them, so to speak, and in doing so, not only creates a novel of great fun but opens a welcome portal back into the world they came from. The Spirit Phone is well worth a look. I have to say, though, by the end my head was spinning with the convolutions and twists of the plot and the powers attributed to Mr Crowley would make Dr Strange melt into the background. But that’s alright! This is a fun read!
October 30, 2022
Spiritualist, Aleister Crowley finds himself mysteriously transported to the hotel room and home of the inventor, Nikola Tesla. Together they work to unravel the reason for Crowley's unexpected visit, resulting in a mad adventure. The unlikely pair, with the assistance of two detectives, must solve a murder, investigate Thomas Edison's claims of having developed a 'spirit phone' and prevent the world from being overrun by non-human entities. This is a real, old-school boys-own-adventure tale. Great fun!
The story is well-written and easy to read. The plot moves at a steady, even pace, offering a fabulous blend of historical fiction, intertwined with real-life personalities and locations. It is a great mix of supernatural, mystery and suspense. "The Spirit Phone" is Arthur Shaltuck O'Keefe's debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, finding it both entertaining and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The story is well-written and easy to read. The plot moves at a steady, even pace, offering a fabulous blend of historical fiction, intertwined with real-life personalities and locations. It is a great mix of supernatural, mystery and suspense. "The Spirit Phone" is Arthur Shaltuck O'Keefe's debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, finding it both entertaining and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 10, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Spirit Phone by Arthur Shattuck O'Keefe is a solid dark fantasy steampunk novel. It has just a bit of everything for everyone. There's a lot going on and some cool historical figures and details to take in. I really liked the tone of the story and the world-building especially. I like that it feels very much like a classic Sherlock Holmes story plus a dash of the supernatural. I really wish though that I had gotten a better sense of the characters though. Another issue is that sometimes could be easy to get a bit bogged down in all of those details.
The Spirit Phone by Arthur Shattuck O'Keefe is a solid dark fantasy steampunk novel. It has just a bit of everything for everyone. There's a lot going on and some cool historical figures and details to take in. I really liked the tone of the story and the world-building especially. I like that it feels very much like a classic Sherlock Holmes story plus a dash of the supernatural. I really wish though that I had gotten a better sense of the characters though. Another issue is that sometimes could be easy to get a bit bogged down in all of those details.
July 31, 2022
I wasn't excepting to like this book as much as I did. The premise drew me in; I have a large affection for the spiritualist movement and ghosts and the paranormal etc.
When I was approved to read this ARC I thought it would be a solid three star read as the whole "let's take real historical people and have them do fictional things" trope is not my favorite.
Boy was I wrong. This is a solid read. It's a little confusing to begin with and I was planning to have that be a con in this review but I see that it was entirely purposeful as the book progresses. At a certain point, however, I did get a little exhausted with the constant addition of more mystical/paranormal things being shoehorned into the narrative. Precisely when this limit was reached, however, there was no more unnecessary additions. It felt like the author knew that the limit had been reached.
Crowley and Tesla are quite the duo and I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship throughout the book.
I highly recommend that this book be checked out when it is released on 11/15/22.
Thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When I was approved to read this ARC I thought it would be a solid three star read as the whole "let's take real historical people and have them do fictional things" trope is not my favorite.
Boy was I wrong. This is a solid read. It's a little confusing to begin with and I was planning to have that be a con in this review but I see that it was entirely purposeful as the book progresses. At a certain point, however, I did get a little exhausted with the constant addition of more mystical/paranormal things being shoehorned into the narrative. Precisely when this limit was reached, however, there was no more unnecessary additions. It felt like the author knew that the limit had been reached.
Crowley and Tesla are quite the duo and I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship throughout the book.
I highly recommend that this book be checked out when it is released on 11/15/22.
Thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
August 19, 2022This hits my buzzwords—let’s do it!
Thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2022
The Spirit phone by by Arthur Shattuck O'Keefe book review
When Aleister Crowley and Nikola Telsa discover that Thomas Edison has a new invention, a phone to communicate with the dead, they find themselves on a joint mission to stop the phone falling into the wrong hands.
Crowley, a mage and a powerful one at that, arrives at Tesla's home by teleportation just as Edison announces his big invention, that has both men combining their knowledge of magic and technology to discover the origins of the phone and why a dark group hell bent on anarchy, wants to get their hands on it.
With the help of demons and a high speed airship, the two men must work together to stop all hell breaking loose on earth.
This book was so cool! To bring Crowley and Tesla together? Genius! I like the new depths that the author gave Crowley instead of the usual devil worship label Crowley earned himself.
Loved the settings for the book too! Such an innovative concept for historical fiction to be merged with sci-fi!, I don’t think I have ever read anything like it. Truly original. Completely enjoyed the mix of magic and technology that happened here and how the two were on equal footing. I don’t usually dabble in the sci-fi genre but I am starting to think I am making a mistake by not reading more in it, especially if they are half as good as this one.
I couldn’t put it down so if you are into sci-fi and horror and enjoy the historical setting for books then this is a true winner.
Sometimes the language was a little monotone but honestly I found it kind of charming! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
5 stars! Thank you #netgalley and #BHCpress for my review copy!
When Aleister Crowley and Nikola Telsa discover that Thomas Edison has a new invention, a phone to communicate with the dead, they find themselves on a joint mission to stop the phone falling into the wrong hands.
Crowley, a mage and a powerful one at that, arrives at Tesla's home by teleportation just as Edison announces his big invention, that has both men combining their knowledge of magic and technology to discover the origins of the phone and why a dark group hell bent on anarchy, wants to get their hands on it.
With the help of demons and a high speed airship, the two men must work together to stop all hell breaking loose on earth.
This book was so cool! To bring Crowley and Tesla together? Genius! I like the new depths that the author gave Crowley instead of the usual devil worship label Crowley earned himself.
Loved the settings for the book too! Such an innovative concept for historical fiction to be merged with sci-fi!, I don’t think I have ever read anything like it. Truly original. Completely enjoyed the mix of magic and technology that happened here and how the two were on equal footing. I don’t usually dabble in the sci-fi genre but I am starting to think I am making a mistake by not reading more in it, especially if they are half as good as this one.
I couldn’t put it down so if you are into sci-fi and horror and enjoy the historical setting for books then this is a true winner.
Sometimes the language was a little monotone but honestly I found it kind of charming! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
5 stars! Thank you #netgalley and #BHCpress for my review copy!
November 25, 2022
While mountain climbing in the Himalayas, Aleister Crowley experienced a psychic attack. In an attempt to escape, Crowley teleported himself to the home of the inventor, Nikola Tesla. Realizing this ambush is the result of new technology, Crowley convinces Tesla to help him investigate. The new technology in question is Thomas Edison’s latest invention, The Spirit Phone. This new device that allows people to speak with the dead is the center of much mystery and mayhem. Crowley and Tesla are in a race against time to stop the evil on the other side of those phones.
The Spirit Phone is the debut novel of Arthur Shattuck O’Keefe. The end of the nineteenth century was an exciting time, and this historical fiction utilizes many personalities and discoveries of the time. Much as is known about Crowley and Tesla, and O’Keefe gets their mannerisms and attitudes right. The unlikely but exciting investigative duo are the perfect pair to involve in this who-done-it horror. O’Keefe’s novel is a historical look at the invention of the time. Filled with twists and turns, this thriller finds itself at the intersection of the scientific and the arcane. For those who dare, answer the call from The Spirit Phone.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
The Spirit Phone is the debut novel of Arthur Shattuck O’Keefe. The end of the nineteenth century was an exciting time, and this historical fiction utilizes many personalities and discoveries of the time. Much as is known about Crowley and Tesla, and O’Keefe gets their mannerisms and attitudes right. The unlikely but exciting investigative duo are the perfect pair to involve in this who-done-it horror. O’Keefe’s novel is a historical look at the invention of the time. Filled with twists and turns, this thriller finds itself at the intersection of the scientific and the arcane. For those who dare, answer the call from The Spirit Phone.
This review was originally published at https://manhattanbookreview.com/produ...
November 20, 2023
It's a different take on historical figures x detective story.
A story about Tesla and Edison and mixed with fantasy. The relationship between the two are interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. There are lot of things going on and I had to read it slowly but overall, I love the pacing and the story. A truly interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
A story about Tesla and Edison and mixed with fantasy. The relationship between the two are interesting and I enjoyed it a lot. There are lot of things going on and I had to read it slowly but overall, I love the pacing and the story. A truly interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2022
Tesla and Crowley are an unlikely duo that works and this is an excellent book that mixes historical fiction with fantasy isn a sort of steampunk way.
Loved the storytelling, the world building and the highly entertaining plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Loved the storytelling, the world building and the highly entertaining plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
March 13, 2023
To start out, the cover is not as eye-catching as you would expect for something for something as cool as a historical occult novel featuring such prolific characters as Tesla, Crowley, and Edison. That being said, I (thanks to NetGalley) read the e-book version, so if they made a special version of this with gold or silver plated pages, and a super nice leather hard cover, that would change my opinion! This book ran a little long for me, but I like that most chapters were on the short side. The plot made sense, and was action-packed. I liked that there were other historical figures sprinkled throughout, such as Edgar Cayce and John Dee. There was some humorous banter between Tesla and Crowley, which made the book pretty enjoyable as you could really picture those two conversing. I wish Edison had been featured a little more, as his story about the reasons why he invented the Spirit Phone were important to the book, and it would have been cool to have him join Tesla and Crowley. If you didn't know who any of these men were, you will certainly be researching to find out if they ever did cross paths! I think anyone that enjoys Steampunk, the Victorian Age, the Occult, and mysteries would enjoy this book. Thanks to the Publisher for the ARC!
March 31, 2023
The Spirit Phone is such an interesting and original mystery, science fiction, and occult story concept. However, this one was a dnf for me at 30%. O'Keefe relies heavily on the reader's knowledge of famous historical figures (i.e.; Nikolai Tesla, Alistair Crowley, and Thomas Edison) and there is not much background on any of the characters, if the reader is not familiar with them, it can get confusing. O'Keefe used a lot of detail in explaining the theories and concepts of the occult practices mentioned in the book; a good amount of it was spent on time travel, which took away from the main storyline. I really liked the concept, I just could not focus enough to follow the story. It can be a great read to the right audience, as it is a very informative and detailed alternative history novel.
A digital copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for this review. This does not impact the integrity of my review and rating.
A digital copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for this review. This does not impact the integrity of my review and rating.
May 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! The setting in 1899 was in my opinion spot on with all of it's detail. Then having two of the most enigmatic men of the times team up to save the world.... Brilliant! The action is perfectly paced and the writing made this world seem magical. I feel this setting is ideal for such a tale. I would recommend this book to any one who like me adores a good historical read that transports you to that time and place entirely.
dnf-or-not-interested
August 1, 2022I tried soooooo hard to read this book and I just could not get into it. It just wasn’t for me.
October 13, 2022
The Spirit Phone
is the debut novel by Arthur Shattuck O’Keefe. In this alternate history / fantasy tale O’Keefe starts from the true story that Thomas Edison publicly stated his intent to build a device that would allow us to speak with the dead.
Though Edison never actually produced such a device, O’Keefe’s tale imagines that he not only did create a “spirit phone”, but that he also commercialized it. In doing so, he inadvertently opened the way for the imminent annihilation of mankind by dark spirits seeking a way into physical form.
Stepping into this alternate reality are two real world figures determined to stop this doomsday from happening. The English occultist, mountaineer and magician Aleister Crowley falls (literally) into the parlor of everyone’s favorite 20th century spurned inventor Nikola Tesla. Crowley convinces Tesla of the threat to mankind being unwittingly unleashed by Edison and, together with a pair of Federal super agents, set off to prevent humanity’s destruction.
This is a well written book with a lively tone. It put me in mind of those old madcap black and white movies you used to see late at night on television. The kind that feel like great adventures and hold your interest all the way to the end, even if some of the jokes are corny and the storyline doesn’t actually make much sense.
The plot takes several twists and turns. This is a fantasy story and O’Keefe takes full advantage of that, throwing in not only the magick of the spirit phone, but an ahead-of-it's- time speedy lighter-than-air ship, cloning and time travel to move his plot along.
Some of the plot twists seem a bit forced, though I admit that, for the most part, I did enjoy the ride. But when the time travel twist comes toward the end I felt like it might be one turn too many. Regardless, I loved the characters, the dialog, and the author’s sense of humor.
If you are looking for an entertaining supernatural thriller with turn-of-the-last-century vibes I think you’ll enjoy this book.
RATING: Three and a half stars ⭐⭐⭐🌠
NOTE: I received an advanced copy courtesy of LibraryThing and BHC Press and am voluntarily providing this review. The book is due out on November 15, 2022.
Though Edison never actually produced such a device, O’Keefe’s tale imagines that he not only did create a “spirit phone”, but that he also commercialized it. In doing so, he inadvertently opened the way for the imminent annihilation of mankind by dark spirits seeking a way into physical form.
Stepping into this alternate reality are two real world figures determined to stop this doomsday from happening. The English occultist, mountaineer and magician Aleister Crowley falls (literally) into the parlor of everyone’s favorite 20th century spurned inventor Nikola Tesla. Crowley convinces Tesla of the threat to mankind being unwittingly unleashed by Edison and, together with a pair of Federal super agents, set off to prevent humanity’s destruction.
This is a well written book with a lively tone. It put me in mind of those old madcap black and white movies you used to see late at night on television. The kind that feel like great adventures and hold your interest all the way to the end, even if some of the jokes are corny and the storyline doesn’t actually make much sense.
The plot takes several twists and turns. This is a fantasy story and O’Keefe takes full advantage of that, throwing in not only the magick of the spirit phone, but an ahead-of-it's- time speedy lighter-than-air ship, cloning and time travel to move his plot along.
Some of the plot twists seem a bit forced, though I admit that, for the most part, I did enjoy the ride. But when the time travel twist comes toward the end I felt like it might be one turn too many. Regardless, I loved the characters, the dialog, and the author’s sense of humor.
If you are looking for an entertaining supernatural thriller with turn-of-the-last-century vibes I think you’ll enjoy this book.
RATING: Three and a half stars ⭐⭐⭐🌠
NOTE: I received an advanced copy courtesy of LibraryThing and BHC Press and am voluntarily providing this review. The book is due out on November 15, 2022.
April 9, 2023
If you’re in the mood for an action-packed, historical, mystical fiction book, this one is it! After Thomas Edison unveils his newest invention the Spirit Phone, purported to be able to communicate with the deceased, Aleister Crowley on an astral journey is warned of the doom the human race will face once these spirit phones are widely available. People believe they are speaking to loved ones who have passed on, but the phones are actually conduits for ancient beings determined to control all of humanity. Crowley teams up with Nikola Tesla, embarking on a quest to destroy the spirit phones. Along the way, they encounter various demons, astral treks, and implore the help of Edgar Cayce to access the Akashic Records. Edison only wanted to contact his deceased wife… This was a fun read! If you like steampunk, Victorian settings, Dr. Strange, or you’re well-versed in occult history, you will probably enjoy all the nods to famous figures in history!
August 3, 2022
Dnf at ~33%
It was not a bad book, it just wasn't a book for me. I had to dnf it because I was just so confused, and not enjoying it at all anymore. It would be an amazing book for people interested in Tesla and Edison but want a fantasy aspect to it, but it apparently is just not for me. Too confusing, too many terms I don't understand, too many different things going on.
It was not a bad book, it just wasn't a book for me. I had to dnf it because I was just so confused, and not enjoying it at all anymore. It would be an amazing book for people interested in Tesla and Edison but want a fantasy aspect to it, but it apparently is just not for me. Too confusing, too many terms I don't understand, too many different things going on.
September 21, 2022
Some of the best books out there originate from the wildest yet not entirely implausible or at least somewhat fact-based What If premises. What IF Edison really did invent a phone to communicate with the dead? Well, then, perhaps it would be up to one of the greatest inventors of the time and one of the greatest mages of the time to investigate the possibility. Between the two of them, they got magick and science on their side. They’ll astral project, evoke demon familiars, and have all sorts of adventures along the way making for a charmingly entertaining read. Through teleportation and conventional forms of travel, they’ll go wherever it takes to make sure the dead don’t talk back to much. Because you know how it is, once you give someone your phone number…
This is one of those debut novels that went firmly with maximalism and it’s easy to appreciate it, although it does get quite busy. The author throws in so many elements into this literary soup (real life historical figures and events, occult notions, wild speculations, etc.) that it, at times, turns into a stew, but overall, it’s got plenty of flavor and seasonings to delight. Ok, end of the culinary metaphor.
But basically, if you follow the plot, confusing and convoluted as it gets at times, it’s pretty fun. A pretty fun tale of historical speculative fiction. I'm uprating it, albeit based more on premise than the execution. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
This is one of those debut novels that went firmly with maximalism and it’s easy to appreciate it, although it does get quite busy. The author throws in so many elements into this literary soup (real life historical figures and events, occult notions, wild speculations, etc.) that it, at times, turns into a stew, but overall, it’s got plenty of flavor and seasonings to delight. Ok, end of the culinary metaphor.
But basically, if you follow the plot, confusing and convoluted as it gets at times, it’s pretty fun. A pretty fun tale of historical speculative fiction. I'm uprating it, albeit based more on premise than the execution. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
November 12, 2022
Buona storia alternativa
[Disclaimer: Ho ricevuto il libro grazie al programma Early Reviewer di LibraryThing]
Sono una persona semplice, e amo leggere libri di fantastorie, dove i protagonisti sono persone (reali o fittizie) che nella realtà o nei libri canonici non si sono mai incontrati. Questo libro indubbiamente entra in questo novero: Nikola Tesla e Alesteir Crowley sono probabilmente due persone di caratteristiche opposte, e quindi diventa interessante costruire una trama a partire da un loro incontro (con Edison come comprimario). Lo "spirit phone", ideato da Edison che cercò davvero di costruire qualcosa del genere, avrebbe dovuto permettere alla gente di mettersi in contatto con i propri cari defunti: era invece lo strumento che alcune entità avrebbero sfruttato per accedere alla Terra in modo fisico e poter infliggere terrore e dolore all'umanità. Telsa e Crowley dovranno cooperare per bloccare la minaccia. La trama scorre abbastanza bene, con il suo mischiare magick (con la k, non so come renderlo in italiano) e quello che invece definisco electropunk: nel 1899 il vapore è il passato, l'elettricità il futuro! L'unica cosa che non mi è piaciuta è che O'Keefe racconta sin troppo nei dettagli accadimenti ben noti a tutti o quasi. Io preferisco che queste cose siano solo lasciate implicite, in modo che chi ha presente il riferimento sorrida e gli altri possano continuare ad apprezzare il racconto.
[Disclaimer: Ho ricevuto il libro grazie al programma Early Reviewer di LibraryThing]
Sono una persona semplice, e amo leggere libri di fantastorie, dove i protagonisti sono persone (reali o fittizie) che nella realtà o nei libri canonici non si sono mai incontrati. Questo libro indubbiamente entra in questo novero: Nikola Tesla e Alesteir Crowley sono probabilmente due persone di caratteristiche opposte, e quindi diventa interessante costruire una trama a partire da un loro incontro (con Edison come comprimario). Lo "spirit phone", ideato da Edison che cercò davvero di costruire qualcosa del genere, avrebbe dovuto permettere alla gente di mettersi in contatto con i propri cari defunti: era invece lo strumento che alcune entità avrebbero sfruttato per accedere alla Terra in modo fisico e poter infliggere terrore e dolore all'umanità. Telsa e Crowley dovranno cooperare per bloccare la minaccia. La trama scorre abbastanza bene, con il suo mischiare magick (con la k, non so come renderlo in italiano) e quello che invece definisco electropunk: nel 1899 il vapore è il passato, l'elettricità il futuro! L'unica cosa che non mi è piaciuta è che O'Keefe racconta sin troppo nei dettagli accadimenti ben noti a tutti o quasi. Io preferisco che queste cose siano solo lasciate implicite, in modo che chi ha presente il riferimento sorrida e gli altri possano continuare ad apprezzare il racconto.
November 14, 2022
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Arthur Shattuck O'Keefe for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Spirit Phone coming out November 15, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What if there was a way for the living to communicate with the dead? It’s August 1899. The telephone has been around for a few years. Aleister Crowley and Nikola Tesla confront Thomas Edison and his new invention. It’s the Spirit Phone Model SP-1 that allows people to communicate with the dead. Soon after Aleister teleports into the home of Edison’s archrival, renowned inventor Nikola Tesla.
There’s a steep cost to using the telephone. People start to go insane or commit suicide when they use the phone. Crowley and Tesla embark on an adventure in a high speed airship, combining their knowledge in “magick” and technology to find out the device’s origin and purpose. Will they be able to stop the the demonic powers by an unknown adversary before it’s too late?
I loved this book! It was such an interesting concept and plot. I really enjoy stories about 1800s inventors and I loved the supernatural aspect of it. The time travel was also fun. There were a few scientific terms I wasn’t familiar with, but overall, I enjoyed this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys supernatural inventions stories!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What if there was a way for the living to communicate with the dead? It’s August 1899. The telephone has been around for a few years. Aleister Crowley and Nikola Tesla confront Thomas Edison and his new invention. It’s the Spirit Phone Model SP-1 that allows people to communicate with the dead. Soon after Aleister teleports into the home of Edison’s archrival, renowned inventor Nikola Tesla.
There’s a steep cost to using the telephone. People start to go insane or commit suicide when they use the phone. Crowley and Tesla embark on an adventure in a high speed airship, combining their knowledge in “magick” and technology to find out the device’s origin and purpose. Will they be able to stop the the demonic powers by an unknown adversary before it’s too late?
I loved this book! It was such an interesting concept and plot. I really enjoy stories about 1800s inventors and I loved the supernatural aspect of it. The time travel was also fun. There were a few scientific terms I wasn’t familiar with, but overall, I enjoyed this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys supernatural inventions stories!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2023
This was a fun read, though I feel the author didn't fully take advantage of the many complex and wild layers of characterization possible with Crowley and Tesla.
September 1, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the publisher for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
The spirit phone is a dark fantasy book where Thomas Edison has invented a phone which allows people to talk with dead ones.
On the other hand there is the nemesis of Edison, Nicola Tesla who is trying to unmask this new project of Edison.
In fact, a certain Crowley told him that Edison new invention will bring demons in their world and he knows of that because he is a sort of mage who practices the MAGICK.
I really liked this book, it was interesting reading about Tesla and Edison. The author has created the two characters as I imagined them in reality.
The narration is fluid and simple to read.
I suggest this book to people who are fascinated by the story of Tesla and Edison and do not dislike a magical plot.
The spirit phone is a dark fantasy book where Thomas Edison has invented a phone which allows people to talk with dead ones.
On the other hand there is the nemesis of Edison, Nicola Tesla who is trying to unmask this new project of Edison.
In fact, a certain Crowley told him that Edison new invention will bring demons in their world and he knows of that because he is a sort of mage who practices the MAGICK.
I really liked this book, it was interesting reading about Tesla and Edison. The author has created the two characters as I imagined them in reality.
The narration is fluid and simple to read.
I suggest this book to people who are fascinated by the story of Tesla and Edison and do not dislike a magical plot.
October 24, 2022
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“The Spirit Phone” by Arther Shattuck O’Keefe is a great Autumn read. I am so happy that I could sit down and enjoy it around Halloween.
I love a good historical fantasy, and it hit all the marks. The story involves some more obscure aspects of history that make you have to go online to see if it actually happened. I found that O’Keefe’s use of real historical characters was how well handled and true to the spirit of the actual person even if they were in fictional situations.
Definitely worth a read, especially if you like history and want to dive into the occult.
“The Spirit Phone” by Arther Shattuck O’Keefe is a great Autumn read. I am so happy that I could sit down and enjoy it around Halloween.
I love a good historical fantasy, and it hit all the marks. The story involves some more obscure aspects of history that make you have to go online to see if it actually happened. I found that O’Keefe’s use of real historical characters was how well handled and true to the spirit of the actual person even if they were in fictional situations.
Definitely worth a read, especially if you like history and want to dive into the occult.
March 10, 2025
I could not stop reading this! Amazing writing, amazing story and amazing characters. It was an amazing historical adventure and I'm not usually a fan of historical stories but I could not put this down!
January 7, 2023
An engrossing read featuring factual and fictional characters and science. I love it when an author does a good job in using real people in make-believe situations.
August 14, 2023
“The Spirit Phone” is a unique journey with unusual participants in the hopes of chasing an amazing invention where the living appear to be able to speak with the dead; or are they? However, what starts off as one simply trying to get their hands on this invention, there has always been competition between Tesla and Edison, the spirit phone blossoms into a rather in depth and tangled expedition involving time travel and quite a few out of body experiences. For Mr. O'Keefe’s debut novel, clocking in at just under 12 hours of audio, there is plenty of fun, adventure, and delving into the world of spirits. The audiobook is incredibly narrated by Daniel Penz. His amazing voicing and knowledge of the material really made this book all that more enjoyable. If you are a person drawn to the idea of a spirit world or if you like having famous, or infamous, people placed in different situations then expected, I think you will find this premiere novel to be just that. What I liked about this audiobook was that it not only felt like a 1900s procedural (think Sherlock Holms), but it also wet the appetite of my science fiction side by blending in many elements that fall into that genre as well.
The audiobook opens with what looks to be a simple robbery of this wonderful invention and it quickly grows into a full-fledged tale ultimately questioning what the spirit world is made up of. Are these spirits which the living are speaking with really their dead relatives or are they something more sinister? This is where things begin to take a turn and our main characters find that they have opened a Pandora’s box which may not be able to be closed. Not only is Tesla and Edison front and center, but a character which many would not expect at first also appears, Mr. Aleister Crowley, a man well-known for his work in the occult. It was rather intriguing to have these characters as a part of the story, and one can tell that the author did research into the characters actual lives based on their actions. I found the audiobook provided a rollercoaster ride of emotions as well. You had humor, bantering, and times of sorrow. I find books that not only take the listener on an audio journey worth listening to, but also include an emotional one as well. There were even splashes of a Twilight Zone feel sprinkled throughout with plenty of darker tones underlying it.
One of the things that often annoys me when listening to an audiobook like this one is the use of modern-day vernacular when the piece is historic in nature and takes place a century earlier than today. It is something that I can often shrug off, but for others like me, just note that it is found here in this story a few times. I did like that the author included a few hooks that were dropped and continued throughout the story and resolved near its end. It always makes one wonder what the reasoning for such an event makes to the overall tale. Take all of this and include aspects of the quantum realm along with time travel and this all makes for a rather unique feel, in a good way. There were a few times the author also leveraged flashbacks to fill in some of the missing pieces, and I felt that they were a welcomed addition. I have to say that for a premier novel, this one hit many of the high notes of a great work. I will say that a few times it felt longer than it needed to be, but at no time did it drag out or did I want to skip ahead.
About the audiobook’s narration, Mr. Penz’s work is always exceptional, and his voice is pleasant to listen to no matter the genre. This audiobook seemed to have some additional special effects that helped to bring the story to life. I understand there are some that dislike audio effects, but I can say that the ones in this audiobook were not overly utilized. They felt more like an addon and not something that took over the voicing of characters. The narration included the use of many varied accents, and these were maintained throughout the story. I do not recall any audio plugs, artifacts, of other issues with the narration while listening. Solid narration from a solid narrator.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does deal with some mature themes of the occult and includes some profanity throughout, but it is not heavily used. Because of the more mature themes, I would recommend this to older listeners only.
In summary, the Spirit Phone has a unique premise with some unique individuals who need to come together to solve the one thing that may destroy the world. There is mystery, fun, and emotional times that keep the listener engaged. The narration was solid, and the consistent character voicing was professionally done. There were areas where the story could have been trimmed down some, but overall, it was well worth the listen.
The audiobook opens with what looks to be a simple robbery of this wonderful invention and it quickly grows into a full-fledged tale ultimately questioning what the spirit world is made up of. Are these spirits which the living are speaking with really their dead relatives or are they something more sinister? This is where things begin to take a turn and our main characters find that they have opened a Pandora’s box which may not be able to be closed. Not only is Tesla and Edison front and center, but a character which many would not expect at first also appears, Mr. Aleister Crowley, a man well-known for his work in the occult. It was rather intriguing to have these characters as a part of the story, and one can tell that the author did research into the characters actual lives based on their actions. I found the audiobook provided a rollercoaster ride of emotions as well. You had humor, bantering, and times of sorrow. I find books that not only take the listener on an audio journey worth listening to, but also include an emotional one as well. There were even splashes of a Twilight Zone feel sprinkled throughout with plenty of darker tones underlying it.
One of the things that often annoys me when listening to an audiobook like this one is the use of modern-day vernacular when the piece is historic in nature and takes place a century earlier than today. It is something that I can often shrug off, but for others like me, just note that it is found here in this story a few times. I did like that the author included a few hooks that were dropped and continued throughout the story and resolved near its end. It always makes one wonder what the reasoning for such an event makes to the overall tale. Take all of this and include aspects of the quantum realm along with time travel and this all makes for a rather unique feel, in a good way. There were a few times the author also leveraged flashbacks to fill in some of the missing pieces, and I felt that they were a welcomed addition. I have to say that for a premier novel, this one hit many of the high notes of a great work. I will say that a few times it felt longer than it needed to be, but at no time did it drag out or did I want to skip ahead.
About the audiobook’s narration, Mr. Penz’s work is always exceptional, and his voice is pleasant to listen to no matter the genre. This audiobook seemed to have some additional special effects that helped to bring the story to life. I understand there are some that dislike audio effects, but I can say that the ones in this audiobook were not overly utilized. They felt more like an addon and not something that took over the voicing of characters. The narration included the use of many varied accents, and these were maintained throughout the story. I do not recall any audio plugs, artifacts, of other issues with the narration while listening. Solid narration from a solid narrator.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook does deal with some mature themes of the occult and includes some profanity throughout, but it is not heavily used. Because of the more mature themes, I would recommend this to older listeners only.
In summary, the Spirit Phone has a unique premise with some unique individuals who need to come together to solve the one thing that may destroy the world. There is mystery, fun, and emotional times that keep the listener engaged. The narration was solid, and the consistent character voicing was professionally done. There were areas where the story could have been trimmed down some, but overall, it was well worth the listen.
October 19, 2022
First of all, thanks to LibraryThing for offering me this book to read in exchange for a fair review. I received an advanced work copy, so the proofreading was not perfect (fi/fl characters), but I suppose it's all right now in the commercial version.
The premise is certainly very interesting: Inventor Nikola Tessla and young Magician/Mountaineer Aleister Crowley must join forces after Edison "invents" the Spirit Phone, a device that supposedly will allow people to communicate with the otherworld/their dear departed ones, but can bring about the doom and end of humanity if used by certain evil spirits to enter our world adquiring a physical body/form, if Edison ever commercializes it.
Curiously enough, Edison DID work in such an invention, but apparently never succeded.
I don't want to make spoilers, but this book has about everything: technology and "magick", as Crowley names it. I cannot think of two more different people as Tesla and Crowley, which apparently never met in real life. But what if they did? Also, there are several space/time twists to be enjoyed... and even clones :), if you like this kind of thing. I understand it may not be for everyone, but it is for me (a Dr. Who fan... :) In fact, Tesla and Edison were in one Doctor Who chapter).
With Edison and a bunch of others that existed in real life as secondary characters, the action is very fast-paced. It begins strong and continues so all along the story.
I detract a star because of certain plot holes I find at the end, but still i enjoyed it very much and it works very well.
The premise is certainly very interesting: Inventor Nikola Tessla and young Magician/Mountaineer Aleister Crowley must join forces after Edison "invents" the Spirit Phone, a device that supposedly will allow people to communicate with the otherworld/their dear departed ones, but can bring about the doom and end of humanity if used by certain evil spirits to enter our world adquiring a physical body/form, if Edison ever commercializes it.
Curiously enough, Edison DID work in such an invention, but apparently never succeded.
I don't want to make spoilers, but this book has about everything: technology and "magick", as Crowley names it. I cannot think of two more different people as Tesla and Crowley, which apparently never met in real life. But what if they did? Also, there are several space/time twists to be enjoyed... and even clones :), if you like this kind of thing. I understand it may not be for everyone, but it is for me (a Dr. Who fan... :) In fact, Tesla and Edison were in one Doctor Who chapter).
With Edison and a bunch of others that existed in real life as secondary characters, the action is very fast-paced. It begins strong and continues so all along the story.
I detract a star because of certain plot holes I find at the end, but still i enjoyed it very much and it works very well.
November 27, 2022
While in the Himalayas mountain climbing, Aleister Crowley is psychically attacked. Trying to escape, he teleports himself to his home. However, he ends up in the home of the inventor, Nikola Tesla. Crowley realizes that the ambush was due to new technology, he convinces Tesla to help him investigate. Why? It is Thomas Edison’s newest invention , The Spitit Phone. The device allows people to speak to the dead. It has become the center of much mystery and mayhem. People have bought this phone who often become crazy. What is causing that? Crowley and Tesla are in a race against time to stop the evil on the other side of those phones. The exciting investigative duo are the perfect pair to involve in this who-done-it horror. Will they succeed?
The author has written a novel about the historical time that includes inventions thou this is Edison ‘s invention. Filled with twists and turns, this story finds itself at the intersection of the scientific and the arcane. The author has included other characters and records to resolve the problem of the spirit phone. I enjoyed the novel but at times felt some of the time that the author was a bit too “wordy” when explaining certain things. It is a fascinating horror novel, with magic and mystery included.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written a novel about the historical time that includes inventions thou this is Edison ‘s invention. Filled with twists and turns, this story finds itself at the intersection of the scientific and the arcane. The author has included other characters and records to resolve the problem of the spirit phone. I enjoyed the novel but at times felt some of the time that the author was a bit too “wordy” when explaining certain things. It is a fascinating horror novel, with magic and mystery included.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 11, 2022
The Spirit Phone has just about everything. Science fiction, horror, steam punk, alternative history, necromancy. Yet, I felt like something was missing. The fate of humanity was at stake, but I didn't feel close to any one character. There is a saying, "A million deaths is a statistic. One death is a story." That is, it's hard to feel close to the story of a million people, but singling out one person, and making us feel that person's tribulations, makes it a fascinating story for us.
We have two interesting main characters, Tesla and Crowley, two interesting secondary characters in the police officers, but none of those characters seem to have a private story at stake. Nobody has a wife or children to think about or a dear granny or Siamese cat. Of course, Tesla had his occupation, but that doesn't feel as close to me as a reader as would fighting evil to protect someone close to him.
The plot was exciting, the action almost nonstop, there's magic and science and more science and magic. The one thing that was missing for me was a more human element. I couldn't get particularly fond of any character.
The author ends with a short history as it actually happened, rather than the fictional tale. For a history buff like me, that was illuminating.
Much thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for allowing me to read and review an eARC of The Spirit Phone.
We have two interesting main characters, Tesla and Crowley, two interesting secondary characters in the police officers, but none of those characters seem to have a private story at stake. Nobody has a wife or children to think about or a dear granny or Siamese cat. Of course, Tesla had his occupation, but that doesn't feel as close to me as a reader as would fighting evil to protect someone close to him.
The plot was exciting, the action almost nonstop, there's magic and science and more science and magic. The one thing that was missing for me was a more human element. I couldn't get particularly fond of any character.
The author ends with a short history as it actually happened, rather than the fictional tale. For a history buff like me, that was illuminating.
Much thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for allowing me to read and review an eARC of The Spirit Phone.
January 12, 2023
Science meets the occult meets Sherlock Holmes in this dark fantasy.
Thomas Edison has invented a way to commune with the dead via The Spirit Phone. With demons, the ‘ferox phasma’ and ghosts, you’d think this was going to be a creepy read, which it is to a certain extent but the lighthearted and humorous tone flips the dark undertone on its side.
The world building is woven into the plot, revealing new entities and characters without disrupting the flow. I did find it challenging to keep up at times but that was more down to the heavy technical descriptions than the world building. I did try to set aside my hang ups on the technology and focussed on the plot and characters which were strong points, but, there were a lot of technical descriptions...
If you don’t want to get bogged down on the technology, the plot and characters are developed and complex enough to pay closer attention to. Overall, I’d recommend this if you’re in the mood for something a bit different and quirky.
I'd rate this 3.5 stars.
Thank you Netgalley and BHC press for this ARC. This review will appear on www.instagram.com/gothicshelf on 15th Nov.
Thomas Edison has invented a way to commune with the dead via The Spirit Phone. With demons, the ‘ferox phasma’ and ghosts, you’d think this was going to be a creepy read, which it is to a certain extent but the lighthearted and humorous tone flips the dark undertone on its side.
The world building is woven into the plot, revealing new entities and characters without disrupting the flow. I did find it challenging to keep up at times but that was more down to the heavy technical descriptions than the world building. I did try to set aside my hang ups on the technology and focussed on the plot and characters which were strong points, but, there were a lot of technical descriptions...
If you don’t want to get bogged down on the technology, the plot and characters are developed and complex enough to pay closer attention to. Overall, I’d recommend this if you’re in the mood for something a bit different and quirky.
I'd rate this 3.5 stars.
Thank you Netgalley and BHC press for this ARC. This review will appear on www.instagram.com/gothicshelf on 15th Nov.
June 4, 2023
Nikola Tesla is one of the most underrated people of all time. I love the ideas and inventions of Nikola Tesla. I picked up this book because of Nikola and Edison as the characters and the concept of horror. The spirit phone is a device created by Edison for contacting spirits or dead people. Tesla met Crowley in a special way. Crowley is the keeper of superpowers and is on a quest to stop Forex. He joined hands with Tesla to stop those unexplainable creatures. The journey of Tesla to stop forex is amazing and contains many twists. I hoped for a better rivalry between Edison and Tesla, but nothing like that happened. The focus on the spirit throne is just found in the initial stage of the book; after that, everything is based upon the idea of the people who are trying to invade the earth and establish a utopia with the help of Mr. Temple. The idea and concept were good, but most of the time it felt like a mixture of horror, sci-fi, and historical fiction, which is not very enjoyable; it either has to be sci-fi or horror. The character development was good, and the writing style is also good.
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