Suffering a touch of “middle-itis,” this sequel to 2008's The Edge of Reason
continues the war of science versus magic as Albuquerque cop Richard Oort struggles to take charge of the forces of reason. Learning that an interdimensional gate has given the terrifying and grotesquely gluttonous Old Ones access to our universe, Richard tries to get the U.S. government to intervene before a rising tide of irrationality abetted by religious leaders and spiritual hucksters reduces humanity to madness. Though the plot advances, most of the focus is on Richard's familial relationships, particularly with his father. Even his cinematic raid on the gate is mostly a bonding moment with his sister. Snodgrass strongly and convincingly highlights the danger of unreason, but the necessary setup for the concluding volumes bogs this one down. (Apr.)
