Scan barcode
A review by nedhayes
Alchemist's Door by Lisa Goldstein
4.0
Interesting novel that interweaves history, alchemy and demonology.
Reads like a bit of found history from the life of John Dee, court astrologer to Queen Elizabeth. In the descriptions of Dee's perspective and the work he does, and the scholarship he evinces, it is quite convincing, and very tied to historical fact. I really got a sense of what life was like for a scholar seeking patronage in that age.
However, the whole magic element in here... although very down-played... almost feels underwritten and trivialized, instead of being an essential plot point. In truth, the ending therefore feels slightly disappointing.
Reads like a bit of found history from the life of John Dee, court astrologer to Queen Elizabeth. In the descriptions of Dee's perspective and the work he does, and the scholarship he evinces, it is quite convincing, and very tied to historical fact. I really got a sense of what life was like for a scholar seeking patronage in that age.
However, the whole magic element in here... although very down-played... almost feels underwritten and trivialized, instead of being an essential plot point. In truth, the ending therefore feels slightly disappointing.