Not Less Than Gods

By Kage Baker; Illustrated by J. K. Potter
Subterranean Press, $60.00, 328 pages

Kage has written a series of books that reference a mysterious group or company, “The Gentlemen’s Speculative Society (GSS).”  Above and apart from art, politics, money and power, the creation and protection of science and technology was this society’s singular purpose. Baker’s new book develops details of GSS, which is believed to have operated clandestinely in several countries during the Victorian era. Though its origins are hard to document, members reputedly included Archimedes, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Dr. John Dee.

The story begins with a GSS senior member using a couple of London’s vulnerable gentry to create himself a child, one Edward Bell-Fairfax, who he then raises and trains for the GSS.  The story follows as Edward grows to manhood, completes his training, recognizes his personal and extraordinary powers, and takes up his first mission.  Edward and his fellow agents are armed with a lethally useful array of “gadgets” and the advanced technology so essential to good spy thrillers. The agents brave the heat and dust of the Holy Land, outwit enemies in Constantinople, and fight to the death in the freezing streets of St. Petersburg.

The characters are complete, the spy action is taut, the dialogue is flawless, the jokes are funny, and the details of Victorian London are rich and convincing.  A delight for Baker fans, and a good place to start if you are new to her work.

Reviewed by Marcia Jo