The Lovecraft Code (Lovecraft Trilogy) (Volume 1)

I am an avid reader of Mr. Levenda's non-fiction, so I had some reservations, this being his first foray into often treacherous world of the fiction novel. My fears were unfounded. The Lovecraft Code is outstanding. Peter is able to channel the dead god of the 'Cthulhu Mythos' better than anyone short of Lovecraft himself, and the same existential dread that invades the mind while delving into his Sinister Forces trilogy (which I have braved through twice, and certainly will again) comes through perfectly here, if not better. Throughout much of Levenda's work he seems to be trying to convey an idea or an image that is so broad, teetering on the edge of the infinite even, beyond the ability of the purely rational mind to grasp that I often times feel so close to what he is trying to show me, and yet it remains hidden, just out of reach; however, at the very end of this novel, the perfect scenario snapped things together and for the first time I could really 'see' and grasp this 'Sinister Force' as he is trying to communicate it, the dead and dreaming god Cthulhu, all around, as well as within. Peter drags us down into the depths and forces us to confront the dangerously neglected (individually and collectively) shadow, an absolutely essential aspect of the journey to true self-hood that is usually much glossed over by New Age fluff. I can find much in his worldview to disagree with, perhaps being that I and my ancestors hail from the dark and barbarous hills of Appalachia, but there is no mistaking his works as true examples of the magical art. There is much more than just pulp horror here. There is initiation. Bravo Peter, you are truly a Master.

Entertaining but needlessly long. Levenda wants to cram in every bit of esoteric "knowledge" he can although this includes much that is probably bogus: the author is extremely credulous, though of course he can always use the excuse that this is presented as fiction. One thing that particularly irritated me were repeated references to a supernova (quite real) from 1006 AD. What is ridiculous is that Levenda doesn't seem aware that this supernova, which was 7,200 light-years away, would have to have occurred in about 6000 BC to be observed on this planet in 1006 AD. Toward the end he has another supernova occurring, but apparently events on earth manage to dim it out. Is Levenda really this ignorant of physics?

This is a really well written occult adventure deeply saturated with Lovecraftian goodness. I have a really low tolerance for bad writing, for hack, for cliche', for schmaltz, and this is good stuff. Tight, believable, crisp dialogue, believable characters. FOR WHAT IT IS, which is a fun occult fantasy. Levenda is also the writer of some bizarre allegedly real-world research into a lot of what I consider crappy post New Age occult pareidolia, tying Nazis to Lovecraft to Aleister Crowley to...whatever. His skill as a writer almost makes me want to investigate that stuff, just for fun, but he apparently takes it seriously, which is kind of sad. That being said, the two volume Lovecraft code novel series is a great read, perfect for the beach or your next bumper to bumper traffic jam. I wish he would write more fiction, he is as good as any popular modern action writer I've read. Certainly as good as Tom Clancy or any of the billionaire series writers out there.

When Peter Levenda decided to try his hand at occult fiction I’ll admit I had reservations but he managed to pull it off with nary a snag. The story is captivating and manages to hold your attention. He has proven that he is master of both fiction and non-fiction.If you like the occult, I recommend this book highly.

I have been a long time fan and reader of both Levenda, and Lovecraft, so when I first saw this book primed for release it definitely grabbed my eye right away.Overall this is definitely a above average fiction tale, which takes Levenda's vast knowledge in the Occult, and Lovecraft and weaves a tale, that only a knowledge base such as this can write. It is exciting, intriguing, and definitely well fleshed out. I am very excited to read what I am assuming to be the sequel "Dunwhich" whenever this comes out.I really don't have much to say that is bad about the story as a whole without being nit picky, but I gave it four stars, because although it is a good, well written story, it didn't blow me out of the water either. It wasn't so gripping that every time I picked it up I just couldn't put it down.Do I recommend it, I do, if you are a fan of Lovecrafts writing, and those authors whom followed in his footsteps. I don't recommend it if you do not like the former. This is kind of a book, I think is more suited for those whom are already fans of Lovecraft mythos and so forth. Because if you don't have a basic understanding of this, you probably are going to have a difficult time understanding what is going on in this book or being impacted by certain information in the story.

A bit slow getting off the ground and like another reader said there's a lot of back story, but once this got going it was a dark, wild, thought-provoking ride. I actually bought it as a birthday gift to myself from my sweet black cat Raven I lost just before Easter. Since Lovecraft was a lover of black cats I thought it was perfect. A good read for fans of his work/Da Vinci Code/X-Files!

I just finished the book tonight and plan on beginning the second in the series before I cut myself off for the night. I will not risk any spoilers here. Simply, read this book.

Having been a fan of Peter Levenda for quite few years, and Lovecraft for several decades, I was waiting for Peter to come up with something like this....and it was worth the wait!

Very well written and enjoyable book. I enjoyed it immensely. Very much looking forward to the follow up "Dunwich". The story is a great adventure tale with excellent background research of the subjects.

Interesting take on the mythos.

I couldn't put it down, the best story I've read in a while. Hellraiser crossed with Illuminatus. I really, really hope there is a a sequel.