Earthquake Weather

Earthquake Weather combines characters from Tim Powers' previous novels Last Call and Expiration Date in a supernatural tale set in California. Two escapees from a mental hospital become entangled in ancient magic connected to the state's wine-making heritage and the legendary Fisher King. The story moves between modern-day locations including the Winchester Mystery House and vineyards of California, where multiple personality disorder manifests as a form of magical possession. Powers builds on his established mythology of ghosts, possession, and mystical powers while introducing new supernatural elements tied to wine and earth magic. The novel connects themes of identity, psychological fragmentation, and California's hidden history into a complex supernatural thriller. Powers presents a world where mental illness, ancient ritual, and geological forces intersect in unexpected ways.

Readers describe this as the most complex and challenging of Powers' novels. Many found it hard to follow the multiple plotlines and large cast of characters. Readers appreciated: - The creative blend of Greek mythology with California culture - Detailed research into wine-making and local history - The connections to Powers' previous books Last Call and Expiration Date - The supernatural elements and magical systems Common criticisms: - Too convoluted and confusing compared to Powers' other works - Takes too long to get the story moving - Character relationships are difficult to track - The ending felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (50+ reviews) Several readers noted it works better on a second reading once the complex plot elements are understood. Multiple reviews suggested reading Last Call and Expiration Date first to better grasp the story's context.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman Ancient gods and supernatural forces operate in the shadows of modern America, creating a similar blend of mythology with contemporary settings.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins A hidden world of dark magic exists beneath normal reality, featuring possession, ancient powers, and characters with fractured identities.

Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock Deep connections between land and magic manifest through ancient myths coming alive in modern times, echoing Powers' treatment of California's mystical landscape.

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell Multiple storylines intersect through supernatural possession and immortal beings operating in the present day, weaving reality with mysticism.

The Oversight by Charlie Fletcher Secret societies protect boundaries between natural and supernatural worlds in a story that connects historical magic to present-day events.

🏠 The Winchester Mystery House featured in the book is a real 160-room mansion in San Jose, California, built by Sarah Winchester, who continuously added to it for 38 years based on supposed spirit guidance. 🍷 California's wine production, a key element in the story, began in 1779 when Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards for producing sacramental wine. ⚡ The Fault Lines series draws its name from California's San Andreas Fault, which spans 750 miles and moves about 2 inches per year. 🎭 Multiple Personality Disorder (now called Dissociative Identity Disorder) affects about 1.5% of the population globally, making it rarer than schizophrenia. 📚 Tim Powers is known for his "secret history" approach to writing, where he researches historical events thoroughly and then creates supernatural explanations for unexplained aspects of those events.