Customer Reviews:
Looks exciting/ can't wait to study all the details!.......2007-10-01
So many details in this book, the sky's the limit as to where all the clues may be hidden. I bought this book for my kids to challenge their imagination, but it would be a challenge for any adult. This book is beautifully written and illustrated as just a story book/ face value/ even if not used as a treasure map!
Writing this w/ my cousin........2007-04-23
To begin, I have to say, the story itself does not interest me that much, the characters being overly simplistic and largely cliched. The puzzles on the otherhand are wildly devious, with an intricacy, that would put Will Shortz (NY Times Puzzle editor) to shame.
Sadly, I cannot see myself (nor would I ever), reading, or using this book again once the hunt is "completed."
For this reason, parents, despite the 'easy reading' in the story, if your kids want anything out of the book, be prepared to invest long hours working with them.
Still, as a 17 year old 'Trover' (term for fans of Stradthers work.), I tend to work on the puzzles alone, and I may refer to the story with help for some solves that only work 'in context' (Some of the books secrets are found in story), I cannot find any lasting appeal in the story beyond the hunt. So while it is largely worthwhile to pick up for the hunt alone, once, the hunt is over, the only hope of sales, is for those dedicated 'trovers' who do it for the fun, rather than the reward. And while I experience/appreciate this feeling, if you're going to be a 'treasure hunter' why look for treasure long since taken?
Will you read it again after the hunt is over?.......2007-03-13
Michael Stadther, Secrets of the Alchemist Dar (Treasure Trove, Inc., 2006)
The A Treasure's Trove crowd is back with another big treasure hunt, and another chapter in the story of Zac, Anna, and Pook, as well, of course as Alchemist Dar, the new leader of the imprisoned (at the start of the book, anyway) dark fairies. Dar has a plan to kill the good fairies and steal the Rings of Eternal Life they wear around their necks (and why, may I ask, do they wear them around their necks and not on their fingers?). Zac, Ana, Pook, and the forest militia have to find a way to stop him-- but how?
Treasure-hunt books are not all that rare, actually; what is rare is a treasure-hunt book that stays around long after the treasure has been found. In order to pen one of those, you need to make sure the treasure aspect of the book isn't what carries it, because the treasure is nothing more than a gimmick to get people to read the book-- or that's all it should be. All too often, it becomes the only thing that makes the book worthwhile-- thus dooming the book to an abbreviated shelf life and an eternity of obscurity. And, like A Treasure's Trove before it, Secrets of the Alchemist Dar is exactly that kind of book-- there's a story here, but it's not nearly detailed enough to stand on its own, and the underlying characters lack any real depth to hold a person's interest for longer than they will spend looking for the treasure.
(For the record, as far as I know, only one treasure-hunt book published in my lifetime is still widely read: Ellen Raskin's 1978 Newbery-medal winner The Westing Game.) ** ½
Secrets of the Alchemist Dar - Review.......2007-03-11
Secrets of the Alchemist Dar - A Brief Review
The book can only be found in the children's section of the most well-known book store chains. Why would anyone hope to sell a book there? Well, Secrets is such a book. Secrets is not just a fantasy, it is also a treasure hunt, filled with imagery, and hints that invite even more images. If you have ever enjoyed tales, this book promises and delivers a unique tale, filled with reminders of flash lighted faces stories told at campfires, at home, and with wonder.
The author dedicates his book to anyone who reads it with a child. The illustrations range from the seemingly crude to the sublime, mystery and wonder. Is it a classic tale retold? Maybe, Maybe not. The story begins with a dance, and ends with something else. Oh no, I won't give that secret away (it might be a solve). If you go to the website dedicated to this hunt, you will hear that often enough, and you will meet people as interesting as the characters in this book. But be careful some of them might be alchemists or worse.
Alchemy, the very word invokes images of menace. Laboratories where vile things like pollution of the environment for greed takes place by villains of every sort. And a challenge, the author makes you part of the story, and you accept. Teachers are invited to investigate the educational possibilities presented.
Biology, physics, mathematics, probability, social responsibility, jurisprudence, archeology, geography, astronomy, history, and research - its all there, and more. Exploring the possibilities. Did the author succeed with this? In my view, yes.
Parents would welcome the opportunity to share this adventure with their children. Age appropriate? Thousands of adults have read and enjoyed this book, not just once, but many times. The book however is not for adults, it is fundamentally a child's story, a tale told to awaken the imagination, the first place reading begins. Then, it reaches in to stir curiosity, and awaken possibilities. Then seemingly out of the blue, critical thinking based upon observation, hypothesis and reasoning starts to take root.
A Real Brainbuster (with Beautiful Graphics).......2007-01-25
This book has been a lot of fun for my entire family. We haven't come close to figuring out one location, but it's fun to try. And the art work is just superb.
For those of you who stumbled upon this review by accident (and don't actually know what this book is), let me explain. This is a book of clues to actual locations that contain actual gems. The gems are very valuable. This is the second book in which the author has hidden gems and used the book as a sort of "treasure map."
The books is hours of entertaining fun. And for the very ambitious -- it could be quite profitable!
Average customer rating:
- Beautiful!
- I forgot I was driving a 5-hour trip!
- The Alchemist
- Mystical
- A spiritually compelling fable !
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Alchemist CD, The
Paulo Coelho
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ASIN: 0694524441 |
Book Description
Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an Alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is art eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful!.......2007-02-09
This is story is so beautiful! It's about destiny, courage, following your heart, and forging your own path. It makes an excellent gift.
I like the audio version in particular because the narration is excellent. I listen to audiobooks when doing exercise and mundane tasks and audiobooks like this are so engaging that I'm finished with the task before I realize any time has passed. This audiobook is good for people of all ages and educational backgrounds.
I forgot I was driving a 5-hour trip!.......2006-09-06
This purchase was an impulse buy from a bookstore before I drove 5-1/2 hours to Houston. The CD came highly recommended by the clerk selling me some books. I thought, why not, I love Jeremy Irons' voice. This CD was indeed the best audio book I've ever heard and I've listened to almost 30. I had just recently finished "His Excellency" about George Washington, which is very long (13 cd's) and extremely good. Although I'd never heard of Paulo Coelho, who is internationally famous, I know and love Jeremy Irons as an actor, and he should win an award for performing the characters in this book. I finished it the following day driving to Austin and thoroughly enjoyed the deeper meaning behind the story. Since Santiago's adventures reminded me of my son and how he met his wife, I gave this audio book to him for his birthday. He is very well-read and this book, he tells me, is his new favorite.
The Alchemist.......2006-08-16
I bought this as a present for my daughter, who loved the book.
Mystical.......2005-10-11
I hightly recommend anyone to listen to this CD. It tells a story about Divination, reading omens and following your personal legend.
I not that great with literature, but I love The Alchemist. The way the story was told was very mystical.
A spiritually compelling fable !.......2005-05-22
"The Alchemist" is a lighthearted, subtle, sensitive, and eloquent story that will take the reader into a journey of self-discovery and wisdom.
This is not a material for spiritual midgets!
"The Alchemist will provide the reader with inspiring and enlightening moments....
Book Description
Since its publication in 1993, Paulo Coelho's magical novel has enchanted millions of readers around the globe. Now, the following is sure to grow with the release of this stunning edition featuring 35 illustrations from renowned artist Moebius.The Alchemist follows Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy who leaves his home in search of treasure. What he discovers - about himself and life - as he travels over the continents to the alchemist is more rewarding than any object he ever dreamed of.
Customer Reviews:
fable foibles.......2007-08-18
I would have to say the only thing preventing this from a 1 star ranking from me is that the overall message is rather harmless. Unfortunately the writing style may cause headaches and eyestrain. It's very repetitive and inelegant, and very self-aware. the story is VERY religious, and very predictable. I think the biggest problem I had with this book is that it is a modern attempt at an ancient style. What makes fables and ancient text appealing to me is the connectedness I feel with people and places that are centuries old. This is nothing more than a hijacking of the fable mechanism transformed to modern new-age fluff. I'd suggest it for kids, but I think most adults will find themselves rolling their eyes at the heavy handed cliche's found in this highly overrated beach book
It Inspires and Entertains.......2006-06-02
If stories were paint and words a paintbrush, this is one peice of art I would visit in a galary everyday -just to look at it. Nothing else, just look at it. The picture the author has painted with this story is inpiring and goes very well with another book that is, sadly, out of print: A Champion Lies Within.
Although I read a slighlty different version earlier in my life, when I saw the Illustrated version of the Alchemist at a random yard sale- I had to have it for my collection.
Its not even the story itself that is so grand - Although it is well written and illustrated, I'd say that its message is one that the world should hear.
Pick it up! It doesnt take long to read but the on-going lessons that it provides are a real treat. Besides being provokative- if you just want a good read it is very entertaining! I know you will love it - as well as many others by the same author.
And all you others... stop complaining so much about all this neo-pagan neo-christian Stuff! Its like refusing to look at a painting just because it was done by a german or a jew or something. Take it for what it is, take what you WANT out of it and stop griping about what you DONT want because that helps no-one.
That said- I gladly give it 5 stars. ~Enjoy
the Pictures enhance the Story.......2006-05-11
This is an amazing book. It is a story of a young man who has a dream of hidden treasure. It is a book that alludes to that fact that all of us have a purpose and a dream. Yet many settle and give up their dream, and lose their passion for life. In this book it is stated again and again that each of us has our own Personal Legend, a quest; "When you pursue your personal legend the universe will conspire with you to make it happen." You will follow Santiago on his adventure and during the process be challenged to think about your goals and dreams and what you would have to do to pursue them.
Dreams.......2006-03-30
Mr. Coelho did an excellent job. It's a wonderful book. I wish I could give it 10 stars. The metaphors are very unique, simple and applicable to our daily life. I would recommend it to everybody who can read. It doesn't matter you are a child or old. There is something in it for everybody. I don't know who did the translation but I hope it's as close to original meaning as possible.
One of the century's most important books.......2006-03-01
This well-written fable should speak to everyone, whether a dreamer, former dreamer, or person who wishes to have been a dreamer. No one really wants to be the baker.
Amazon.com
Peter Hamilton's space opera saga, which began with the Reality Dysfunction, Part 1: Emergence and Part 2: Expansion, continues in The Neutronium Alchemist, another two-volume novel. Now the battle lines are clearly drawn, and more than half a dozen plot lines are charging ahead as humanity's galaxy-spanning culture faces a terrifying revelation: souls of the dead are returning from the beyond to possess the living. The living, though competent and brave in the best science fiction tradition, must contend with history's greatest generals and leaders, as well as some unexpected champions. Al Capone, it seems, makes an excellent interstellar emperor. How do you fight an enemy whose every soldier is also a hostage and who, if killed, will simply return to possess someone else? The dilemmas are not just technical, but moral, as people face the first real proof of life after death.
This conflict is far broader, though, than a simple apocalyptic battle of good versus evil. Among the possessors are some good souls who fight the risen dead even though it's against their best interest. Conversely, plenty of the living see siding with the dead as an opportunity to further their own interests. Action, wonders, and mystery continue to characterize this high-quality series. --Brooks Peck
Book Description
Peter Hamilton's space opera saga, which began with the RealityDysfunction, Part 1: Emergence and Part 2: Expansion, continues in The Neutronium Alchemist, another two-volume novel.Now the battle lines are clearly drawn, and more than half a dozen plot lines are charging ahead as humanity's galaxy-spanning culture faces a terrifying revelation: souls of the dead are returning from the beyond to possess the living.The living, though competent and brave in the best science fiction tradition, must contend with history's greatest generals and leaders, as well as some unexpected champions.Al Capone, it seems, makes an excellent interstellar emperor.How do you fight an enemy whose every soldier is also a hostage and who, if killed, will simply return to possess someone else?The dilemmas are not just technical, but moral, as people face the first real proof of life after death.This conflict is far broader, though, than a simple apocalyptic battle of good versus evil.Among the possessors are some good souls who fight the risen dead even though it's against their best interest.Conversely, plenty of the living see siding with the dead as an opportunity to further their own interests.Action, wonders, and mystery continue to characterize this high-quality series. --Brooks Peck
Download Description
In The Reality Dysfunction, it became horrifyingly clear that all of humanity was at risk of being taken over by the minds of those long dead, arriving in our universe by means that seem impossible to stop. More and more of the dead are stealing the bodies of those still living, grouping together into powerful consortiums led by leaders from history. Opposing this development is an increasingly desperate Confederation Navy. Joshua Calvert is assigned to chase after Alkad Mzu, who is trying to recover the "doomsday weapon" that might possibly blast the dead back into oblivion. Mzu is hunted not only by Joshua, but also by various intelligence agencies and the possessed themselves, all of whom are desperate to lay hands on the weapon.
Customer Reviews:
Could not get through it.......2007-01-10
I am a huge fan of hard science fiction, but this book I put down a quarter of the way through and can't make myself pick it up again. If you like pain, gore, and unpleasant images, you may love it. I did not.
Great story, great characters, fun read.......2007-01-04
A weird combination of sci-fi, philosophy, and mysticism... but it works!
Peter F Hamilton and I Part Ways - Forever.......2006-08-18
I was willing to put up with this endless series and its hundreds of characters and the possession by the dead angle because I thought the future depicted in this epic was interesting and rather inspiring. That is until the author decided it was time to throw out the obligatory jab at the country of my birth... Early on in this incoherent continuation of The Reality Dysfunction he writes something to the effect of "He was actually born in the United States of America, a fact that no one wanted to admit then or ever for the matter"
What would possess Hamilton to write such garbage? Was it necessary to the telling of the story? Honestly, I put the book down and will not be finishing it or any other Hamilton work - ever. I don't need that. There are plenty of fine sci-fi authors out there. I'm sorry, it just absolutely turned me off. Call me over sensitive and reactionary, but I couldn't get past it, what's next, is Father Horst going to start buggering the little children in this book - I mean he is Catholic isn't he? We all know the only thing worst than being an American is being Catholic, oh wait, I forgot about Microsoft... And Coca-Cola.
Consolidate This!.......2006-08-10
Peter F. Hamilton's hard science fiction trilogy has taken a turn towards the fantastic. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of interstellar travel, amazing scientific advancement that has permitted technology that a 21st Century reader might very well consider magic, but so much is based on science and genetics and technology. Except for one little thing that has come to dominate the series: Possession. On the planet of Lalonde we were first introduced to the concept that some men and women were being "possessed" by some other intelligence, some other human intelligence. Now that we are beginning The Nuetronium Alchemist we have learned who exactly the Possessors are and some of what they want. The entities doing the possessing were human once upon a time. These are the souls of the dead. All of the souls of every human who has lived and died are in some sort of a void, as it has been explained so far, and something has happened that they can take over the bodies of living humans and there are far more dead than there are living people...even in a vastly expanded universe of trillions (or more). The Possessed have taken over two planets, have footholds on several more, and there is currently no known way to stop a group of them.
This is what we know when we begin The Neutronium Alchemist: Consolidation. Consolidation is the paperback first half of The Neutronium Alchemist with Conflict being the second half of the original hardcover publication. The primary focus of this novel (or half-novel as it truly is) is on the Possessed as they consolidate their hold on several planets and the danger they pose to the Universe. Of special note is a Possessed leader taking control on the planet of New California: Al Capone. That's right, the 1920's Crime Lord is one of the returned souls and he wastes no time in setting up a new Empire. His is a special charisma and leadership that is rare and powerful. We also are given perspectives on Louise Kavanagh, the young woman whom Joshua Calvert had a liason with on Norfolk and we see her planet being lost to the Possessed. We also see the responses of the Living and how they hope to combat the Possessed and how they can understand just what is truly happening. In a thick novel with an ever expanding scope of story we are given references back to events that happened a thousand pages ago and some things begin to make more sense. Reasons behind events and behind the scenes events come clear.
A negative to bring up is that the story is so large that some characters and viewpoints do not show up for hundreds of pages at a time. So, readers expecting Joshua Calvert or some of the voidhawks from the first book to jump off the page will have to wait several hundred pages before they show up here. Now, I fully expect they will have more to do in Conflict but it is worth noting. A major plus is that Hamilton has set up a story that is very broad and very interesting. I have no idea where Hamilton is taking this story, but I have fully signed up to go on the ride. He does heavily lace the novel with the "hard" science fiction technologies and terminology, but it does not overwhelm the story. Consolidation is still not as exciting and eye opening as The Reality Dysfunction: Emergence, but this is a story I want to read.
-Joe Sherry
Great Series.......2006-07-02
If you like hard edged space opera, you'll this! It's Star Wars for adults, with more original ideas and better writing.
Amazon.com
The Neutronium Alchemist: Conflict, is the second part of the second novel of Peter F. Hamilton's space opera epic that ranges not only across interstellar space but across the boundary between life and death. (The series begins with The Reality Dysfunction: Emergence and Expansion). This book mainly revolves around Dr. Alkad Mzu, creator of a doomsday weapon so powerful it scares even the citizens of this high-tech and heavily beweaponed future. Mzu is on a decades-long quest to take vengeance against the people who destroyed her home planet, and she wields alarming cunning and ruthlessness in the pursuit. But what gives even her pause is the war against the souls of the dead who have returned from a hellish Beyond to possess the living. Both sides want her: the dead want the weapon, the living want to keep the weapon out of the dead's hands. Unfortunately for them, that means they must find and take Mzu alive, while all the dead need to do is kill her, bringing her into their realm.
Rarely has science fiction produced a series as rich, satisfying, and big as this one. In addition to the action, Hamilton continues to beguile us with the greater mystery of the returned dead--new clues are discovered, only to create new enigmas. --Brooks Peck
Book Description
The Neutronium Alchemist: Conflict, is the second part of thesecond novel of Peter F. Hamilton's space opera epic that ranges not only across interstellar space but across the boundary between life and death.(The series begins with The Reality Dysfunction: Emergence and Expansion).This book mainly revolves around Dr. Alkad Mzu, creator of a doomsday weapon so powerful it scares even the citizens of this high-tech and heavily beweaponed future.Mzu is on a decades-long quest to take vengeance against the people who destroyed her home planet, and she wields alarming cunning and ruthlessness in the pursuit.But what gives even her pause is the war against the souls of the dead who have returned from a hellish Beyond to possess the living.Both sides want her: the dead want the weapon, the living want to keep the weapon out of the dead's hands.Unfortunately for them, that means they must find and take Mzu alive, while all the dead need to do is kill her, bringing her into their realm.Rarely has science fiction produced a series as rich, satisfying, and big as this one. In addition to the action, Hamilton continues to beguile us with the greater mystery of the returned dead--new clues are discovered, only to create new enigmas. --Brooks Peck
Customer Reviews:
Great Series.......2006-07-02
If you like hard edged space opera, you'll this! It's Star Wars for adults, with more original ideas and better writing.
A writer who took time to be a storyteller.......2006-05-10
I have read the whole series and the first thing that strikes you is the question why is the series so long?(3000+ pages)
Simple, the writer has created a rich universe filled with various characters, society's, technologies, religions and linked them around a central theme of the battle between good and evil. He has taken his time to write the detail that is required to allow readers to contextulaise the activities in the book in relation to one another and the main plot. This is where a writer becomes a master storyteller, the attention to detail and the subtle nuances which go to make up the whole series.
The writing is graphic in relation to the sex and violence, part of the purpose in this is undoubtably to convey the true horror, and alieness of the threat to humanity.
The books are not really intended for kids, who says you can't write science fiction for adults only?
In conclusion I would recommend the whole series for the serious adult science fiction reader who is sick of skimming through a pulp science fiction novel in a night and wants to get into a more meaty read.
This is a work that now sits on my shelf at home and will be read again.
Highly recommended.
Heart-stopping suspense.......2005-11-13
This is one of those books that keeps you up late at night, trying to figure out how little sleep you need to make it through the next day. This continues the story-arc begun in The Neutronium Alchemist Part 1, while opening new doors to the rest of the story. The series as a whole is well-worth reading, and The Neutronium Alchemist combines some of the most exciting intrigue and dazzling star-ship acrobatics I have ever read.
Excellent Series, But Not For Everyone.......2005-02-25
There are six books in Peter F. Hamilton's "Night's Dawn" series:
- "The Reality Dysfunction - Part 1: Emergence,"
- "The Reality Dysfunction - Part 2: Expansion,"
- "The Neutronium Alchemist - Part 1: Consolidation,"
- "The Neutronium Alchemist - Part 2: Conflict,"
- "The Naked God - Part 1: Flight," and
- "The Naked God - Part 2: Faith."
Be warned: you CANNOT read these books individually. They are, essentially, chapters in one whopping great book. If you like the first book, then you'll have to read the other five books in order. There's no tie-up of any sort between any of the books. The publisher just broke the story up because it totals over 3,000 pages. If you pick up a book before you've read all the previous books (in order), put it down. It won't mean anything to you. Since these books are entirely dependent on each other, I'm writing this review on the series as a whole, not on the individual books.
This is one of the greatest science fiction sagas written. It ranks up there with David Brin's "Uplift Saga." It is literally a story of good vs evil and shows some of the potential (and pitfalls) of the human race. Over the years, I've read the whole series five times, and I still love it. I really only have two gripes with the book. First, and this is unavoidable in what Hamilton is doing, the evil in the series is definitely, graphically evil. This is not a book where the villain twists his mustache and laughs "nyah hah hah" as he forecloses on the orphanage or ties the heroine to the railroad tracks. The writing is fairly graphic in a lot of places. After five readings, this gets a bit wearing. My second gripe is one which somewhat limits the audience of the series (even more so than the evilness presented, and it's why I've given the series four stars instead of five): there's too much sex and the writing about it is too graphic. This is a problem with all of Hamilton's books, but it seems more prevalent in this series. Because of this, I wouldn't recommend the book for your children to read. But, as long as you're aware of that, I highly recommend the series and give it 4 stars out of five.
Starship Theatre, Pt.IV.......2004-03-23
For hard core Sci-Fi, the "Night's Dawn" Trilogy has it ALL!!!He-Man heroes, classy heroines, nasty bad guys (not to Even forget THE DEAD RETURNING!!!) New Worlds and Old;Aliens, space battles, suspense, intergalactic conflict and politics; who could ask for MORE? Starships, living space habitats, Biotech, Neurotech, Cyborgs, Genetic Engineering; it's all here; just be prepared to read nothing else for the next couple of MONTHS, 'cause this one is IT!! I originally was hooked into this Epic in the Hardcover Sci-Fi Book Club Edition, buying "The Neutronium Alchemist" first (somehow, I missed "The Reality Disfunction" when first offered; then had to wait another two weeks for that delivery rather than read the story out of sequence. THEN was forced to go through several cowhides, chewing leather and making a complete nuisance of myself until "The Naked God" was finally published and released in Nov. '99. BOTTOM LINE: If you're going to dive into this Epic, Buy the complete Trilogy as a complete set and be prepared to be enthralled by a whole new universe of the caliber of Heinlein, Asimov, or Clarke (and to stay for awhile!!!)
Book Description
To the legendary clairvoyant Maestro Nostradamus, the future is forever in motion. But for young swordsman Alfeo Zeno, his apprentice and protector, the present is hard enough to contend with. His days are spent poring over astrology charts and making calculations, his nights learning arcane magic or transcribing Nostradamus's nebulous prophecies. Until one night, when the Council of Ten arrives to take the seer into custody.
It seems that a high-ranking friend of the prince died under mysterious circumstances after Nostradamus cast his horoscope, warning of danger-and rumors are swirling that the mystic poisoned the victim to enhance his own reputation. Alfeo is stunned when his master refuses to flee. Instead, Nostradamus charges Alfeo with the task of clearing his name. Now, Alfeo must unravel a web of magic and murder if he is to have any future of his own.
Customer Reviews:
The Case of the Poisoned Cup.......2007-07-08
The Alchemist's Apprentice (2007) is a historical fantasy. Maestro Filippo Nostradamus, nephew of Michel Nostradamus, is an astrologer, clairvoyant and alchemist as well as the best physician in Venice. His apprentice and protector is Alfeo Zeno, a young and impoverished nobleman. The Maestro is a long-standing friend of the Doge and is also his personal physician.
In this novel, a tarot reading suggests unexpected visitors that night, so Alfeo he arms himself just in case. He sends Luigi -- the night watchman -- to guard the back door and takes the watergate for himself. Then Raffaino Sciara appears with four fanti requesting entrance.
Although Alfeo states that the Maestro is not at home, the Circospetto -- chief secretary of the Council of Ten -- demands entrance in the name of the Republic. Alfeo reluctantly lets them inside, but still avers that his master is not home. Sciara offers Alfeo the choice of taking him to the Maestro or being taken into custody.
After spending the rest of the night in a cell, Alfeo is awakened and taken to see the Doge. There he is informed of the death of Bertucci Orseolo and the circumstances leading to the death. He is startled to learn that his master had been present at the affair and had attended the procurator after his collapse.
Alfeo immediately realizes that his master could be charged with causing the death of the procurator. After returning home, he advises his master to flee Venice, but Nostradamus refuses. Instead, the Maestro sends Alfeo on a series of errands, including interviews with the witnesses to Orseolo's collapse.
In this story, Alfeo is attacked by six bravos, but survives due to Bruno's iron skillet and help from the neighbors. He has prophetic dreams about a demon. He avoids a seduction attempt by an English woman. Indeed, he has an exciting time during Carnival.
Alfeo has the help of a few friends during this time. Bruno is a giant of a man who is a deaf-mute. Bruno carries the Maestro on his shoulders whenever his master leaves the Casa. Although very sweet tempered, Bruno can get quite excited whenever someone attacks his friends.
Giorgio is the Maestro's gondolier. He also is the father of many children. The twins Christoforo and Corrado are the eldest still at home and run many errands for the Maestro and Alfeo. They are old enough to start planning a sexual revel.
Violetta is the most expensive courtesan in Venice and she lives right next door to Alfeo. Occasionally she likes to invite him over for a visit. Since she is probably the most intelligent person that he knows (maybe even smarter that the Maestro), Alfeo welcomes the opportunity to talk over his problems with Violetta. She also has great sources of information.
This story is a murder mystery in the style of Nero Wolfe, with the Maestro as the brain and Alfeo as the brawn. Yet this story does not slavishly follow the Rex Stout formula, for Nostradamus does sometimes leave the Casa. Moreover, he doesn't even own the palace, but only has the use of his apartments. And the penultimate denouement takes place at the scene of the crime.
This work is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but the characters are so interesting that one really wants a sequel. Let us hope that the author has more to write in this mileau!
Highly recommended for Duncan fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of late Renaissance Venice, murder mysteries, and convoluted plots.
-Arthur W. Jordin
Duncan Does it Again.......2007-04-10
Yes he does. Dave Duncan is one author who never fails me. An excellent story with completely believable characters this is a murder mystery set in Italy in the time of Nostrodomus. One of his clients has died and the old master is blamed. Now, it's up to his apprentice to prove who done it.
Duncan keeps the plot moving and keeps you guessing right up to the end with a few neat twists thrown in for good measure.
The master fantasy writer strikes again.......2007-04-04
I'm a huge Dave Duncan fan, most particularly of his King's Blades series, and the associated books. I also really enjoyed Children of Chaos and am looking forward to Mother of Lies, the conclusion of that saga. I didn't know what to expect when I picked up Alchemist's Apprentice, and initially I was a bit taken aback because generally speaking I really don't enjoy first person narratives (with the exception of crime/mystery).
But I really enjoyed this one. AA isn't a 'typical' fantasy novel. It's grounded strongly in historical fact, and in some ways is more an historical mystery with a touch of the supernatural than what you might consider a 'traditional' fantasy. There's a death that proves to be a murder, and the apprentice of the doctor and expert in the occult , Nostradamus, nephew of the famous Nostradamus, is put on the job of uncovering the murderer ... with the help of a fiend, and some psychic stuff, and a great deal of running around. In Venice. Complete with gondolas, sword-play, courtesans and politics.
The historical detail is perfectly incorporated. The characters are uniformly excellent. It wouldn't be Duncan without some touches of humour, and the humour this time is delightfully dry and sly.
It's definitely a different kind of story from this masterful writer, but I like different. And I'm so encouraged that after many years and many books, Duncan can still come up with something new, entertaining and beautifully executed.
Ah, Venice!.......2007-03-31
While not the typical fantasy I have come to associate with Duncan, I really enjoyed this book.
Narrated from the point of view of Zeno, a young man of noble heritage who is the apprentice to the forecasting Nostradamus, the story follows his investigation of a murder that may, or may not, have happened the way his master sees it. (How's that for a run-on sentence?)
As usual with Duncan, the characters are real, seeming to be people we could meet ourselves. What little magic their is, while real, is so minor that it is the actions of the players that really drive this "historical fantasy". I admitt, I had the case totally wrong as I read, and the revelation of the killer and the motive were so well done that I didn't care about how wrong I had been.
A good murder mystery with great characters. I as sorry to finish it, and I hope we see some more of the poor Alfeo Zeno and his irrasible Maestro Nostradamus from Duncan.
Satisfactory.......2007-03-27
Dave Duncan does it again, but in a much different setting [City-State of Venice] and genre [detective]. from the times I read aloud his "Reluctant Swordsman" to my young son to the present, he has never failed to please. This book is different from the rest,but for those of us who have missed the sparring of Archie and Stebbins, it will be fun and bring back fond memories. Not an all-nighter, but I stayed up until midnight twice wolfing it down.
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In 2004 the author and illustrator Michael Stadther made publishing history when his first book, the self-published A Treasure's Trove, appeared on nearly every bestseller list in the United States. Rarely, if ever, had a self-published book received such popular acclaim so quickly. Inspired by this success, Mike has embarked on an even more ambitious and wide-ranging project. On September 26, 2006, his publishing company, in association with Simon & Schuster, released Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, the sequel to A Treasure's Trove. Alchemist Dar will launch the first worldwide treasure hunt for 100 Aaron Basha jeweled rings valued at over $2 million.
Aaron Basha is known for his collection of magical treasures and masterful designs originated of 18 karat gold, gemstones, and colored enamel. His name is internationally recognized for the signature jeweled Baby Shoes, Love Bugs, spectacular diamond designs, and a high profile celebrity clientele. Aaron Basha's flagship boutique is located on Madison Avenue in New York City. Renowned retailers worldwide featuring the Aaron Basha line are located throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean Islands. "We are thrilled to be a part of the adventure of Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, says Aaron. "Our designs are known to charm the child at heart; may the rings of eternal life bring fun, play and love!"
