The Anubis Gates

Brendan Doyle, a professor, is sent back to 1810 London through magical gates. He becomes trapped and kidnapped by the sorcerer Dr. Romany, forcing him to survive in a harsh world ruled by beggars, magic users, and criminals. Doyle takes on the identity of William Ashbless, a poet whose life he once studied, using this disguise to navigate dangerous magical conspiracies. The story features complex timelines and shifting loyalties but is weakened by unclear rules around the time gates—how they actually function and their limits are never fully explained, leaving critical gaps. For example, Doyle’s ability to move through time seems inconsistent, undermining key plot points. Additionally, some characters like the beggar leader Horrabin show promise but lack depth and coherent motivation, reducing their impact. While the book mixes historical figures and magic in an intriguing way, these logical inconsistencies and undeveloped elements make the story feel uneven. Despite feeling a little dated, it remains engaging in parts but falls short of its full potential because of these problems.