The Last Coin

The Last Coin follows Andrew Vanbergen, who runs a bed & breakfast in California with his wife Rose. Their lives change when a mysterious guest arrives, leading them into an ancient supernatural conflict centered around the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot. The story connects modern-day California with biblical history through a hunt for these mystical coins, which hold dark powers and attract both good and evil forces. Andrew finds himself caught between opposing factions while trying to protect his home, his marriage, and potentially the world itself. Strange neighbors, eccentric guests, and cryptic messages create mounting tension as Andrew realizes the scope of what he faces. The coins' influence spreads through the coastal community, affecting everyone who comes into contact with their power. The novel explores themes of temptation, greed, and the impact of ancient forces on ordinary lives. It questions how everyday people respond when confronted with supernatural power and moral choices that echo through centuries.

Readers describe The Last Coin as quirky and offbeat, blending supernatural elements with everyday life in Southern California. Many reviews note the unconventional pacing and meandering plot structure. Liked: - Humor and absurdist situations - Detailed descriptions of food and cooking - Complex character relationships - Integration of ancient mythology into modern setting Disliked: - Slow start and unfocused narrative - Too many subplots that don't connect - Some found the protagonist annoying - Abrupt ending Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (650+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (40+ ratings) Multiple readers compared the style to Tim Powers but noted Blaylock's lighter tone. One reviewer called it "like a cozy mystery that accidentally wandered into urban fantasy territory." Several mentioned struggling through the first third but ultimately finding it rewarding. Common criticism focused on pacing issues, with one reader noting "great ideas buried under too much everyday minutiae."

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🔹 The Last Coin revolves around the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus - a theme that blends historical religious mythology with contemporary fantasy. 🔹 James P. Blaylock is considered one of the pioneers of the steampunk literary movement, alongside Tim Powers and K.W. Jeter, though The Last Coin ventures into contemporary fantasy instead. 🔹 The novel takes place in a coastal California setting, specifically around Santa Barbara - a region Blaylock frequently uses in his works, drawing from his own experiences living in Southern California. 🔹 The book combines supernatural horror elements with quirky humor and domestic scenes, creating an unusual mix that became one of Blaylock's literary signatures. 🔹 The coins in the novel are said to have mystical properties that grant immortality, but also corrupt their owners - a concept that draws parallels to various mythological objects like the Ring of Gyges and the Holy Grail.