The Alchemist's Apprentice (2007) - Plot & Excerpts
Review circa 2008 Tempted though I was to start this review by anointing The Alchemist's Apprentice my favorite fantasy novel yet, I don't think I can actually do that. For one thing, there are about 35 other Duncan fantasy novels with claim to that title. Duncan keeps getting better and better, yet I still have a soft spot for many of his classic fantasies, so it is difficult to definitively argue that The Alchemist's Apprentice is his best fantasy novel ever. For another, I'm not convinced this is a fantasy novel, though it is clearly being marketed as such and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by Duncan's regular fantasy readership. But swashbuckling action aside, this is really an historical mystery, a who-done-it set in the Medici era Venice. True, there is one brief scene in which our hero consults a demon, but even here the description of the necromancy is entirely consistent with contemporary Renaissance accounts (such as that in Benvenuto Cellini's autobiography) so feels more like 'historical depiction' than 'fantasy'.And then there is the whole Nostradamus angle. Frankly, if this had been by anyone else, I don't think I could have gotten past the backcover blurb. A novel about Nostradamus working to solve a murder in which he himself is implicated? New Age nonsense meets National Inquiry headlines? But fortunately, Duncan's wry humour prevails and the book isn't really about that Nostradamus — not Michel Nostradamus — but his great nephew Felipe. Duncan is thus free to characterize Nostradamus as a cranky, manipulative old fraud without having to worry about offending against true believers or historical accuracy. And it is kind of fun to speculate how Nostradamus would have fared as a detective navigating through the convoluted political and commercial conspiracies of Medici Venice.The story unfolds, however, as a first person narrative by Nostradamus' dashing apprentice, Alfeo Zeno. Zeno is no mere chronicler of his Maestro's genius, but a fast-talking, quick-witted, lovable young rogue in his own right. Zeno deftly avoids the machinations of various spies, commercial agents, and the Medici's police, while advancing his own affair with the most desirable courtesan in the city. In the best who-done-it tradition, everyone is a suspect, and Zeno has to weave his way through contradictory evidence, red herrings, and sudden insights to collect the evidence his Maestro has asked for, never quite knowing what the Maestro is after. I confess that Duncan also kept me guessing until the last, and kept me frantically turning pages long after I should have been abed. (I strongly advise setting the book aside until one has sufficient time to read it in one go, because once begun, it is impossible to put down.)Filled with Machiavellian plotting, heart-stopping action, and convincing historical detail that makes Medici-era Venice come alive, Alchemist's Apprentice is Duncan at his rollicking best.
I had read Dave Duncan’s “The King’s Blades” years ago and quite enjoyed it. Not enough though to actually keep an eye on the author and buy his books religiously like I tend to do with some other authors.But when I was browsing new fantasy releases and came across his name it rang a bell in a positive way. And the backdrop of Venice sounded like an interesting and different setting. The book I was looking at was actually the third in the Alchemist series so I decided to start with the first of course – this one.Now that I was read it I don’t think I will get any more of the series. Which – I must stress – is not the fault of the author at all.This book is exceptionally well written and researched. It just isn’t the type of book I enjoy. If you like detective stories AND fantasy this series will be a dream come true for you.First up there is the beautiful writing style. Mr. Duncan writes in first person, telling the story from Alfeo’s view and he portrays a very likeable and believable main character. All the characters are actually well crafted with tiny quirks, well inserted descriptions of them and their own behaviours and style of speech befitting their station.The book is filled with details about Venice – names, places, even painters fitting into the era. It also has a fair amount of Italian words sprinkled in that greatly enhance the feeling for the setting (all Italian words are explained in a glossary at the end of the book).I also must commend Mr. Duncan for his extensive vocabulary. It has been a long time since I have needed to check a dictionary while reading. I had to do so repeatedly here.The plot is a multi layered “who done it” with twist and turns and the classic revealing of the murderer in a re-enacted gathering of everyone present at the murder with Maestro Nostradamus presenting the clues and the murderer in true detective style.So what did I not like about it?Well, I don’t enjoy detective stories. They are too slow with too much talk and too little action and heroics for my taste. I thought a fantasy version might be different or interest my but after reading this I can safely say – no.So the 2 out of 5 points are purely MY PERSONAL TASTE. If I was to rate this on expertise of the author it could well have 4 out of 5.
What do You think about The Alchemist's Apprentice (2007)?
With a richly detailed backdrop of Renaissance Venice, The Alchemist’s Apprentice is a mesmerizing historical mystery. Not familiar with the Duncan’s work before reading this book, I didn’t realize that this was a bit of a departure for him, but it is impossible to imagine the author writing anything but this fascinating, compelling type of material. As a historian myself, it was eminently satisfying to see a well-researched cultural account nicely leavened with a cynical, witty protagonist, hints of the occult, and a generous sprinkling of red herrings.
—Kimberlyn
I can't believe this was written by the King's Blades author. It's a well-researched novel with realistic settings and likable main character (rare thing in first person narrative!), but it's very dull and flat. I expected something more exciting and complex. Instead, it's basically a Poirot novel told from clueless Hastings's perspective. Main character, Alfeo Zeno, keeps touring the city on his Master's orders and that's it. There's even a long-winded speech at the end detailing the motives and means of murder. Nothing happens. Alfeo asks a few questions here and there and then someone else sweeps in with an explanation. The end. I can't even say whether I liked this book or not. I kept waiting for stuff that never happened; basically some of the thrill and charm Duncan's other works have. The plot was simple, characters (ones that are supposed to recur) very few, and the whole thing was written on one thread. If not for the atmosphere and language, the setup would almost fit YA literature with its simplicity. Definitely not something I expected.
—Dhuaine
Entertaining look at later day Venetian Republic through the eyes of a poor noble serving as an apprentice to the nephew of the doctor and astrologer Nostradamus. A bibliophile is killed at a showing attended by many high-born Venetians and our intrepid Apprentice is asked to quietly investigate by his Master and the doge, who had secretly been in attendance. Much of the crazy-quilt of laws and politics of late-period Venice is well described and both used and abused by all the characters to attack each other and maybe prove their innocence. Maestro Nostradamus leads a Columbo-like closed room reveille of who actually committed the murder and how the skullduggery and back-room politics contributed to it. Fun stuff, with a few twists and some humor and wry observations about youth, rivalry, and jealousy. Good for mystery fans and historical fans who don't mind a little magic thrown in.
—Cam
