An early (1985 but based on earlier work) Powers novel with many of his usual themes such as alcoholism, vampirism, possession, erosion of the self, and the weight of one's past. Set in a post-apocalyptic LA area. Not as good as The Anubis Gates or Last Call, but still wildly inventive and full of beautiful imagery. It won the Philip K. Dick Award and was nominated for a Nebula. Note: pretty brutal in parts.