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This novel of Ben Franklin, Isaac Newton, and a demonic Louis XIV is "eminently worthwhile reading for both fantasy and alternate-history lovers" (Booklist). In 1681, in an England somewhat like our England . . . the great alchemist Sir Isaac Newton makes the remarkable discovery of a substance he calls philosopher's mercury, with which one can manipulate the four essential elements of the universe: earth, water, air, and fire. In the opulent court of Britain's greatest enemy, the ancient King Louis XIV, his life alchemically and indefinitely prolonged, employs treacherous means to obtain the prize that will grant him dominion over the entire continent. Meanwhile, his brilliant and beautiful mistress, Adrienne de Mornay de Montchevreuil, secretly pursues a mathematical method to prevent his takeover. And in another corner of the world, the young printer's apprentice and aspiring alchemist Ben Franklin is plagued by a demon and flees to England seeking the aid of his hero: Newton. But Franklin will discover that Newton has demons of his own . . . A wondrously dark and richly imagined alternate history, Greg Keyes's Newton's Cannon is the first book in his extraordinary Age of Unreason series--a magnificent journey to a past that never was in a world where magic is a science and the greatest minds must conspire to prevent an end to all things.… (more)
I just read "Dark Matter," which puts the character of Isaac Newton in a Sherlock Holmes-type role, so when I realized I had another book featuring Mr. Newton, I decided to compare and contrast.
Well, this book isn't so much about Isaac Newton. It's actually more about Ben Franklin. (!) But then again... it's not really about Ben Franklin. I tend, in general, to dislike books that name-check famous historical characters to the extent that this one does, but it didn't bother me in this book. It took a little bit to figure out why, but I believe it's because they really came across as characters in a fantasy novel, not actual historical figures. It was so far-fetched that discrepancies didn't bother me.
As a fantasy novel, I really enjoyed the book. It's an alternate-history/steampunk setting. The premise is that in 1681, Isaac Newton made a scientific/alchemical discovery (of 'philosopher's mercury') which enabled various innovations - artificial lighting, aetherschreibers (which enable long-distance communications), etc. Now, in 1715, the discovery may also enable a weapon of indescribable power - and France may use that weapon to wipe England off the map.
A complex and fantastic story ensues, replete with plots, innovations and derring-do. A young Ben Franklin is the principal character, but a brilliant female mathematician at the French court is an excellent counterpoint. Good fun. Not as good as Keyes' 'Thorn and Bone' epic, though. ( )
A pleasure to return to Keyes' work - this time set in an alternate version of the 17th century, with a very clever extrapolation of the era's scientific knowledge/magic and some excellent characterisation. Looking forward to the next one! ( )
This novel of Ben Franklin, Isaac Newton, and a demonic Louis XIV is "eminently worthwhile reading for both fantasy and alternate-history lovers" (Booklist). In 1681, in an England somewhat like our England . . . the great alchemist Sir Isaac Newton makes the remarkable discovery of a substance he calls philosopher's mercury, with which one can manipulate the four essential elements of the universe: earth, water, air, and fire. In the opulent court of Britain's greatest enemy, the ancient King Louis XIV, his life alchemically and indefinitely prolonged, employs treacherous means to obtain the prize that will grant him dominion over the entire continent. Meanwhile, his brilliant and beautiful mistress, Adrienne de Mornay de Montchevreuil, secretly pursues a mathematical method to prevent his takeover. And in another corner of the world, the young printer's apprentice and aspiring alchemist Ben Franklin is plagued by a demon and flees to England seeking the aid of his hero: Newton. But Franklin will discover that Newton has demons of his own . . . A wondrously dark and richly imagined alternate history, Greg Keyes's Newton's Cannon is the first book in his extraordinary Age of Unreason series--a magnificent journey to a past that never was in a world where magic is a science and the greatest minds must conspire to prevent an end to all things.
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A dazzling quest whose outcome will raise humanity to unparalleled heights of glory--or ring down a curtain of endless night . . .
1681: When Sir Isaac Newton turns his restless mind to the ancient art of alchemy, he unleashes Philosopher's Mercury, a primal source of matter and a key to manipulating the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Now, as France and England battle for its control, Louis XIV calls for a new weapon--a mysterious device known only as Newton's Cannon.
Half a world away, a young apprentice named Benjamin Franklin stumbles across a dangerous secret. Pursued by a deadly enemy--half scientist, half sorcerer--Ben makes his fugitive way to England. Only Newton himself can help him now. But who will help Sir Isaac? For he was not the first to unleash the Philosopher's Mercury. Others were there before him. Creatures as scornful of science as they are of mankind. And burning to be rid of both . . .
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(3.6)
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6
Well, this book isn't so much about Isaac Newton. It's actually more about Ben Franklin. (!) But then again... it's not really about Ben Franklin. I tend, in general, to dislike books that name-check famous historical characters to the extent that this one does, but it didn't bother me in this book. It took a little bit to figure out why, but I believe it's because they really came across as characters in a fantasy novel, not actual historical figures. It was so far-fetched that discrepancies didn't bother me.
As a fantasy novel, I really enjoyed the book.
It's an alternate-history/steampunk setting. The premise is that in 1681, Isaac Newton made a scientific/alchemical discovery (of 'philosopher's mercury') which enabled various innovations - artificial lighting, aetherschreibers (which enable long-distance communications), etc.
Now, in 1715, the discovery may also enable a weapon of indescribable power - and France may use that weapon to wipe England off the map.
A complex and fantastic story ensues, replete with plots, innovations and derring-do. A young Ben Franklin is the principal character, but a brilliant female mathematician at the French court is an excellent counterpoint. Good fun. Not as good as Keyes' 'Thorn and Bone' epic, though. (