It is from this novel that we can really trace the development of both his particularly original style and of the ideas that reappear time and time again in his work. This is a historical fantasy set in 16th century Europe. The story follows him on his travels and leads us towards the confrontation between East and West, a confrontation in which magic and the supernatural are the main weapons. So many of the ideas that we see in later works are evident here. Not least is the author's ability to take historical fact and weave his fiction around it.
Nothing happens by accident.
We see also Powers fascination with the corrolation between blood, earth and magic. The Drawing Of The Dark is centred around the legend of the Fisher King, something that turns up again in later Powers works. Here also is the kernel of the body switching concept so familar to Powers readers, however in this case, though an unwelcome guest, Duffy's intruder is at least on the right side. Particularly noteworthy in this book, is Powers expert ability to write about the act and the art of sword play. His action scenes flow swiftly and seamlessly and one can almost see the blades move as he describes.