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The Chronicles of Earth
Edinburgh, 1785. A kidnapped geologist unleashes an explosive new theory.
George Stephens is weeks from receiving his medical degree, but doubt he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend James Hutton can get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.
But before he has a chance to arrange this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.
Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill.
Return to the murky, action-packed world of The Edinburgh Doctrines series with this exciting continuation to George Stephens' story.
George Stephens is weeks from receiving his medical degree, but doubt he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend James Hutton can get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.
But before he has a chance to arrange this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.
Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill.
Return to the murky, action-packed world of The Edinburgh Doctrines series with this exciting continuation to George Stephens' story.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
18 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Jarvis
6 books31 followersCL Jarvis holds a PhD in chemistry and worked as a science journalist, healthcare copywriter, and medical writer before sitting down to write her first novel. Originally from Scotland but living in Philadelphia, USA, she's held together by cat hair and double espressos.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 16, 2024
Review originally on
Jamreads
The Chronicles of Earth is the third book in the historical fantasy series The Edinburgh Doctrines, written by CL Jarvis. We could call this the second instalment in the George Stephens' part of the series, returning as a main character, weeks before receiving his medical degree, but lacking the confidence to exert as a medical practicing, hoping to get a job in James Hutton's manufacturing.
However, things can't be easy for our George at this point: James Hutton is also a famous geologist who is about to unleash his theory about the Earth's age, a theory that contradicts directly the calculations made based on the Bible, and which puts him in the eye of the hurricane. Before his theory is presented, he's kidnapped by a fanatical opponent who wants to make it disappear; George will be again together with Black and company fighting against the time to recover Hutton before the deadline hits.
And while we still keep the core of characters related to the Edinburgh academic work, this book puts more the focus on George and in his growth as character; despite his lack of self-confidence, with many help from his wife, and a bit of a push from the professors, we finally see him shining, ready to become a physician, a really different character to the first impression we got from Stephens at the start of The Doctrines of Fire.
As in the previous books, we have a mix of a fast pacing with an agile prose, precise and that immerses us in the convulse Enlightement Edinburgh, a city with a fierce academic competition; Jarvis takes a black hole in the history and fills it with a thrilling story.
At this point, I should recommend reading the whole The Edinburgh Doctrines series, especially if you like the mix between dark academia and historical fantasy; each book is a delight to read, so what are you waiting for?
The Chronicles of Earth is the third book in the historical fantasy series The Edinburgh Doctrines, written by CL Jarvis. We could call this the second instalment in the George Stephens' part of the series, returning as a main character, weeks before receiving his medical degree, but lacking the confidence to exert as a medical practicing, hoping to get a job in James Hutton's manufacturing.
However, things can't be easy for our George at this point: James Hutton is also a famous geologist who is about to unleash his theory about the Earth's age, a theory that contradicts directly the calculations made based on the Bible, and which puts him in the eye of the hurricane. Before his theory is presented, he's kidnapped by a fanatical opponent who wants to make it disappear; George will be again together with Black and company fighting against the time to recover Hutton before the deadline hits.
And while we still keep the core of characters related to the Edinburgh academic work, this book puts more the focus on George and in his growth as character; despite his lack of self-confidence, with many help from his wife, and a bit of a push from the professors, we finally see him shining, ready to become a physician, a really different character to the first impression we got from Stephens at the start of The Doctrines of Fire.
As in the previous books, we have a mix of a fast pacing with an agile prose, precise and that immerses us in the convulse Enlightement Edinburgh, a city with a fierce academic competition; Jarvis takes a black hole in the history and fills it with a thrilling story.
At this point, I should recommend reading the whole The Edinburgh Doctrines series, especially if you like the mix between dark academia and historical fantasy; each book is a delight to read, so what are you waiting for?
February 17, 2024
This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.
This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.
This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
This book follows George Stephens, a modest medical student, as he nears the end of his studies and contemplates the future of his practice. In the beginning, he doubts himself and his ability to establish his place in a competitive career path.
Then Dr. Hutton, the man he was hoping would offer him a job, is kidnapped just before he plans to deliver an oration on a new theory for the age of the earth. George and his professor, Joseph Black, must try to save Dr. Hotton from the clutches of a zealous and dangerous minister who believes the new theory will harm society.
The story is full of hilarious anecdotes to real theories of the time--from supping on snails to soil bathing -- which had me laughing. Through the determined attempt to rescue Dr. Hutton, George learns to trust his instincts and becomes more sure of himself.
I enjoy the action in this series, especially among the refined upper class, who C.L. Jarvis brings to life so well. The historical base is, again, authentic and well-researched, with just enough touch of the fantastical to really keep things interesting. I truly admire the balance between those elements.
From phlogiston-wielding doctors to dark chymistry sigil portals, The Chronicles of the Earth kept me engaged and excited.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
- History
- Age of Enlightenment period
- Adventure
- Kidnappings
- Science
- Professional humor
- Experiments and orations
- Fantasy
Then Dr. Hutton, the man he was hoping would offer him a job, is kidnapped just before he plans to deliver an oration on a new theory for the age of the earth. George and his professor, Joseph Black, must try to save Dr. Hotton from the clutches of a zealous and dangerous minister who believes the new theory will harm society.
The story is full of hilarious anecdotes to real theories of the time--from supping on snails to soil bathing -- which had me laughing. Through the determined attempt to rescue Dr. Hutton, George learns to trust his instincts and becomes more sure of himself.
I enjoy the action in this series, especially among the refined upper class, who C.L. Jarvis brings to life so well. The historical base is, again, authentic and well-researched, with just enough touch of the fantastical to really keep things interesting. I truly admire the balance between those elements.
From phlogiston-wielding doctors to dark chymistry sigil portals, The Chronicles of the Earth kept me engaged and excited.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
- History
- Age of Enlightenment period
- Adventure
- Kidnappings
- Science
- Professional humor
- Experiments and orations
- Fantasy
March 2, 2024
Characters really do make a story
Don’t get me wrong, the story was all-around interesting, and I had an investment in it. But for me as a reader, the characters are what make me want to keep reading. Drs Black and Cullen are just such characters as will pull me into a story, though I have always had a particular fondness for George, the everyman in their group. Since the first book he has had a few years to grow, and it was satisfying to see him come into his own by the end.
Not being a student of that time in history was not much of a problem, I still enjoyed the story completely. Although sometimes I feel like that one person in the room who doesn’t get the inside joke, so I believe I may be missing some of the nuances of the story. But I loved that there was more delving into the dark chymists and the use of phlogiston (and the other principles of matter).
The only thing I can say I had a little trouble with was how the story jumped around a little. It was sometimes hard for me to figure out how much time had passed between scenes and in what order they happened. But that could have just been me.
Either way, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story, and I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don’t get me wrong, the story was all-around interesting, and I had an investment in it. But for me as a reader, the characters are what make me want to keep reading. Drs Black and Cullen are just such characters as will pull me into a story, though I have always had a particular fondness for George, the everyman in their group. Since the first book he has had a few years to grow, and it was satisfying to see him come into his own by the end.
Not being a student of that time in history was not much of a problem, I still enjoyed the story completely. Although sometimes I feel like that one person in the room who doesn’t get the inside joke, so I believe I may be missing some of the nuances of the story. But I loved that there was more delving into the dark chymists and the use of phlogiston (and the other principles of matter).
The only thing I can say I had a little trouble with was how the story jumped around a little. It was sometimes hard for me to figure out how much time had passed between scenes and in what order they happened. But that could have just been me.
Either way, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story, and I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2024
The Chronicles of Earth, is loosely based on the famed father of geology, James Hutton and his circle of friends and the clash of emerging scientific reasoning over religion, with a dash of magic thrown in. The author has done a fair job of creating a tale of intrigue and action set in the conservative streets of Edinburgh, Scotland during the 1700s and works in some wizardry for good measure.
A suitable read for young adults looking for a taste of fantasy with enough juice to pique their interest. The Chronicles of Earth is an upgrade from Hogwarts to a more grown-up world but light enough not to faze youngsters. The very few small wobbles in the narrative or readability glitches did not detract from the read. The literary licence in the telling was enjoyable. I would have enjoyed more character development and a more wily plot, but overall I enjoyed the book. The author has the makings of an ongoing series.
Disclaimer : I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A suitable read for young adults looking for a taste of fantasy with enough juice to pique their interest. The Chronicles of Earth is an upgrade from Hogwarts to a more grown-up world but light enough not to faze youngsters. The very few small wobbles in the narrative or readability glitches did not detract from the read. The literary licence in the telling was enjoyable. I would have enjoyed more character development and a more wily plot, but overall I enjoyed the book. The author has the makings of an ongoing series.
Disclaimer : I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2024
The Chronicles of Earth = (5⭐️'s)
☀️…and the spellbinding series continues: George Stephens ~ Professor Joseph Black ~ William Cullen are at it again ~ knee deep in all manner of academic adventures… …yes, the plot thickens ~ introducing and entering into the arena: James Hutton, a geologist, who is quite the opposing character, there’s a kidnapping ~ with danger lurking in every quadrant… …great minds come together with a grandiose presentation to a mind boggling theory that will rock the world… …come and enter into the murky depths of strange magical mirrors ~ sigils ~ dangerous mystical dark arts ~ fire magic ~ “new age” magicians ~ they’re sure to whet your imagination!… …with action at the turn of almost every page ~ CL Jarvis, indie author, delivers yet another racing enthralling instalment/story!!!…💭
☀️…and the spellbinding series continues: George Stephens ~ Professor Joseph Black ~ William Cullen are at it again ~ knee deep in all manner of academic adventures… …yes, the plot thickens ~ introducing and entering into the arena: James Hutton, a geologist, who is quite the opposing character, there’s a kidnapping ~ with danger lurking in every quadrant… …great minds come together with a grandiose presentation to a mind boggling theory that will rock the world… …come and enter into the murky depths of strange magical mirrors ~ sigils ~ dangerous mystical dark arts ~ fire magic ~ “new age” magicians ~ they’re sure to whet your imagination!… …with action at the turn of almost every page ~ CL Jarvis, indie author, delivers yet another racing enthralling instalment/story!!!…💭
February 23, 2024
I love this series by Claire Jarvis because they are so much more than just historical fantasy. The magic system is very unique, there are scientific and technological challenges and discoveries discussed, and the fine nuances of class and fortune are a critical component of the plot and character development. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Encountered more proofreading errors than expected from an author of this caliber: hence the 4 stars.
Encountered more proofreading errors than expected from an author of this caliber: hence the 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews