Hal Duncan’s Vellum is a roller coaster ride through an infinite skein of ever changing dimensions that are bound together by converging lines of reality. (So, are you confused yet?) Within the Vellum, the map of the greater reality (and realities) that exist beyond all we know, our infinite universe is nothing more than a dot on the page, no larger than the period at the end of this sentence. But at the very same time the Vellum, the Book of All Hours, is also the cant, the song that gave shape to our very existence, and whose words can actually change the very fabric of reality. (Are you still with me?) And this, the sum of everything that is, becomes the setting for a series of ever repeating pageants, shadow plays taking place in a multitude of separate realities that are simultaneously converging upon some hidden point of resolution. (Okay, so it really was easier than I made it sound, right?)

    This is not, of course, the first such venture into the greater reality which lies beyond our own. Twentieth century writers such as Lovecraft, Zelazny, Farmer, King, and even Carlos Casteneda (to name but a few) have been taking readers there for most of the last century. And now Scottish writer Hal Duncan tosses his hat into the metaphysical ring. Duncan’s prose has a decidedly continental flair, and his writing style is both fresh and frenetic. He has a very compelling ‘stream of consciousness’ form of expression that is uniquely his own. And while the influences of many of the aforementioned writers are reflected, in one way or another, in much of Duncan’s work, at the same time The Book of All Hours also succeeds in forging new (and, up until now, previously unexplored) ground in the realms of metaphysical science fiction. (In fact, this novel may even raise the bar a couple of notches.)

    Ultimately, Vellum is a book about freedom, and all its various meanings. And yet it is also a tale of oppression, and the age-old struggle between order and chaos; a multi-layered story which takes place on many levels, and in many forms. (Vellum is reality shaken and then stirred.) Vellum, part one of two part Book of All Hours series, should gain its widest following amongst fans of metaphysical science fiction, although it is recommended to anybody who just happens to be in the market for a truly unique and different read.

    However, it should be noted (especially when dealing with American audiences), that Vellum is a very hardcore novel, and not for the faint of heart. The storyline is presented in a very mature fashion, and definitely does not qualify as potential bedtime fodder for the little ones. As for everybody else, might as well go ahead and buckle up, because you are in for one helluva ride. You may want to pack yourself a lunch, though and toss in a change of clothes while you’re at it, because a journey into the Vellum only lasts forever! (Well, almost forever!) Don’t worry; it’s worth the trip. Pick up a copy of this novel and see if you agree!