3.25 This is actually a rather shortish novel and a longish novella in the same omnibus. The eponymous novel paints an interesting Cthulhu meets civil service meets computer nerds, but I am getting really bored with every every secret magic setting having Nazi occultists as a major antagonist. It's made worse by the fact that the other antagonists are evil Middle Easterners (no Islamists though). Especially uncomfortable is that the Holocaust (hinted at in the title) was an in-world attempt to summon eldritch forces. Yes, it was still done by evil humans, but that sort of thing does leave a bad taste in my mouth. Also it would have been nice for the damsel-in-distress to be a little less helpless (although she's at least damn smart). The end is rather abrupt too and could have used one more twist. 2.75 for that one.

The novella called 'The Concrete Jungle' is arguably more interesting, even though the basic assumption - people just develop a Gorgon's stare naturally - doesn't mesh too well with the already established setting and the resolution is a bit lackluster. The story is much more of a team effort though and the female lead is strong without being an overpowering action girl. 3.75 for that one.