El Secreto Del Alquimista (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I don't know how to review this book... I got mixed feeling about it. I usually read James Rollins, Mathew Rielly novels etc which are full of non-stop action.For some reason this book was keep reminding me of the Bourne Identity book (even though it been so long since i read it and basically can't remember what happens.) We don't find much out about Ben Hope as a character.. We know he had a sister that was kidnapped, that his mother died, later by his father and found out his father blamed him. We know he had a grieving period, some sort of Military background (likely a cover assassin according to Luc) and now he spends his time finding people and reuniting families.The above may sound like a lot of background information, but it more like a summary then actual background for character.Then we have Roberta Ryder, an Alchemist. Ben interviews Roberta early on then they get caught with people trying to kill them (Sword of God) then it basically a race against time looking for the elixir of life created by another Alchemist (Fulcanelli).Overall, its a good story, even intriguing in some places. It does get slow in some places for me. I have more questions when it comes to Fulcanelli, but i think it set up that way. I also don't think we saw the last of him.. Overall, it's worth the read! I thought I would love this book as it had all the ingredients for a great read; ex-SAS main character, mystery, intrigue, drama, action, shoot outs etc. but unfortunately I just didn't like it.I think it might be because I have read a lot in the genre and although on the surface it followed the same rules it did not have the depth of others I've read. For example Andy McNab's character Nick Stone is very similar to Ben Hope (social problems, intimacy issues, impressive soldier skills) but he is more 3 dimensional somehow.The story was okay - it had good pace and plenty of substance but it just didn't feel real enough to me.If I had to describe this book in one word it would be 'bland' - sorry everyone I know I'm in the minority here!
What do You think about El Secreto Del Alquimista (2010)?
Never fail to surprise the reader, even to the last minute.
—Jinrae
Good fun read, will read others in series.
—loulou13
