"...In 2004 a collection of alchemical research papers by Isaac Newton, the father of classical physics, was rediscovered after being lost for eighty years. Scientists at Imperial College, London, believe that Newton's alchemical work may have inspired some of his later pioneering discoveries in physics and cosmology. As modern science continues to push back the boundaries of human ignorance, it is becoming increasingly clearer that the ancient alchemists may really have been the original quantum physicists." - from the Author's Note.
I do not mind a escapist/quest story from time to time eg Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series, and since Scott Mariani is a new author to me, I thought I would give him a try. The Alchemist's Secret is the first book in the Ben Hope series featuring a former elite member of the SAS, who specialises in locating missing children. How should I sum it in a few words? Well-written. Entertaining treasure hunt thriller. Suspenseful. Good plot. Good characterization. Cinematic at times (most books are nowadays). Thought-provoking. Plenty of fascinating facts on alchemy especially if, like me, you do not have an inkling of before reading this book. I reckon Mariani knows what he's writing about therefore it is a solid recommendation from me.
The Alchemist's Secret was first published as The Fulcanelli Manuscript in 2007. There are five other books in the series and a seventh coming out in May 2012. Interested readers should check out Scott Mariani's official website for the latest news.
Rating: 4/5
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