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Alchemy
A world without war? Professor Sawhele Fielding stumbles across an invention that would change the world; something so monumental, it could spell the end of environmental disaster and conflict. With the help of her father, a shadowy figure in the world of international banking, she begins to set into motion the biggest upheaval the planet has seen. But in a changed world, dark forces are threatening the fragile peace.Where modern technology is proving useless, old magic from a bygone era might just save the day.Adrian Oliver, expert in ancient religions is skeptical until faced with incontrovertible proof that ancient evil is abroad once again. How could a Utopian dream of free fuel and peaceful co-existence turn into a nightmare? Iamo, a priestofthe Mother Goddess and Riga, a Black Shaman assassin captain, are thrown together - reluctantly at first -to face a threat that nobody could have imagined before "The Changes." ALCHEMY is the prequel to Shaman's Drum which features the adventures of Iamo and Riga through their world in the near future, where the established religions of our own days had been banned.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2014
21 people want to read
About the author
Ailsa Abraham
9 books38 followers Celt by birth, now living in Eastern France. Has had more jobs than she can remember but retired due to ill health so can now concentrate on writing full time.
Having followed a pagan path all her life, Ailsa writes novels that feature this with huge helpings of adventure and romance. What she does NOT write is the usual "dungeons and dragons" or "willowy teenage witches" stories.
In her village she is a shaman and healer but finds time to knit, cook and collect an unfeasibly large number of homeless teddy bears.
Her pets have included a bat, ferrets, and a raven as well as the more usual domestic ones.
Her only ambition is to continue writing and perhaps return to the UK to live one day.
Having followed a pagan path all her life, Ailsa writes novels that feature this with huge helpings of adventure and romance. What she does NOT write is the usual "dungeons and dragons" or "willowy teenage witches" stories.
In her village she is a shaman and healer but finds time to knit, cook and collect an unfeasibly large number of homeless teddy bears.
Her pets have included a bat, ferrets, and a raven as well as the more usual domestic ones.
Her only ambition is to continue writing and perhaps return to the UK to live one day.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 9, 2015
World politics, demons stalking the earth, the Fae and the Morrigan - what's not to love?! This is an action-packed book that kick-starts in today's world and then catapults into the future. A problem has been solved - a world problem - but is that the answer to mankind's problems or only the beginning? As the blurb states 'modern technology is proving useless, old magic from a bygone era' comes once again to the fore. Told in several parts, we get to know a variety of characters - my favourite amongst them being the illustrious Cookie, I defy any reader not to fall in love with him! We are also introduced to Iamo and Riga - the main characters of sequel, Shaman's Drum (which I've yet to devour) and boy, is Riga the kind of heroine I like - kick-ass in the extreme! The developing love between them is told sensitively and realistically - in fact, the whole story is handled in a very 'real' way, which really appealed to me, I don't like it when books get too 'fantastical'. A great book, and it's clear Ailsa Abraham knows her stuff, I learnt a lot about the old/new ways from reading this. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2014
This prequel provides the background leading up to Shamans Drum and describes the world in which the Trilogy is set.
Does this mean it is boring?
No!
It is a fascinating world which is recognisable and the reader can easily relate to.
It also details the lives of the characters who are involved, from their own and others perspectives.
Does this mean that it is boring?
No!
The author has skillfully introduced the characters, from their own and others point of view, in some cases from their childhood by dispersing the information throughout the book.
And what a cast of characters they are!
From academics, novellists and ordinary people (all once born), through magic wielding pagans from a plethora of cults and beliefs, to mythical creatures ranging from elves to demons.
This is a prequel on a grand scale and so interesting I didn't want it to stop.
Shamans Drum is definitely my very next read!
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Ailsa-A...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alche...
Does this mean it is boring?
No!
It is a fascinating world which is recognisable and the reader can easily relate to.
It also details the lives of the characters who are involved, from their own and others perspectives.
Does this mean that it is boring?
No!
The author has skillfully introduced the characters, from their own and others point of view, in some cases from their childhood by dispersing the information throughout the book.
And what a cast of characters they are!
From academics, novellists and ordinary people (all once born), through magic wielding pagans from a plethora of cults and beliefs, to mythical creatures ranging from elves to demons.
This is a prequel on a grand scale and so interesting I didn't want it to stop.
Shamans Drum is definitely my very next read!
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-revie...
http://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Ailsa-A...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alche...
March 23, 2018
A captivating read!
An intelligent and quirky novel exploring so many subjects. It's so very different to anything I've ever read before! Ailsa Abraham has such a distinct voice and the level of research and understanding of the various religions, forms of magic and renewable energy sources portrayed throughout the story is seriously impressive. There were great moments of comedy too and such colourful characters. I also loved that the first part of the novel was set in Bristol. Highly recommended if you are looking for a refreshing read!
An intelligent and quirky novel exploring so many subjects. It's so very different to anything I've ever read before! Ailsa Abraham has such a distinct voice and the level of research and understanding of the various religions, forms of magic and renewable energy sources portrayed throughout the story is seriously impressive. There were great moments of comedy too and such colourful characters. I also loved that the first part of the novel was set in Bristol. Highly recommended if you are looking for a refreshing read!
February 25, 2014
I read Shaman's Drum last year and thoroughly enjoyed it and would have loved to discover more about the main characters Riga and Iamo so I eagerly wanted to read this prequel!
I found Ailsa's writing style a joy to read. Alchemy is full of interesting characters and I enjoyed the way they intertwine. I particularly liked finding out about Riga's and Iamo's lives when they were young, it gave further insight "into" them. It really does provide an interesting background journey to Shaman's Drum.
Again, the author has created a world that it is easy to relate to. In all, an entertaining, enjoyable tale with romance, adventure, terror, and magic - an invaluable prequel!
I found Ailsa's writing style a joy to read. Alchemy is full of interesting characters and I enjoyed the way they intertwine. I particularly liked finding out about Riga's and Iamo's lives when they were young, it gave further insight "into" them. It really does provide an interesting background journey to Shaman's Drum.
Again, the author has created a world that it is easy to relate to. In all, an entertaining, enjoyable tale with romance, adventure, terror, and magic - an invaluable prequel!
February 18, 2014
Having read Shaman's Drum last year, I was keen to read this prequel. I was not disappointed as the novel was engrossing with characters that grew as the tale unfolded, especially Riga and Iamo, the main protagonists in Shaman's Drum. Set in a future Britain that feels like our world, except that organised religion has given way to more pagan beliefs and power. When ancient evil threatens the new order, it is magic that is called on to combat it. This is Riga and Iamo's well-crafted meeting and unfolding tale, but I now have to continue their journey by re-reading Shaman's Drum - another enthralling read by Ailsa Abraham.
August 21, 2015
Sometimes perfect solutions bring unexpected problems.
Ailsa Abraham’s novel Alchemy starts with a premise that would be the perfect ending for many novels, in appearance promising an idyllic utopian future for all. With a mysterious thriller-like beginning, a discovery that for once falls in the right hands, and a deal too good for all governments to ignore, one wonders where the story will go from there. Fascinating and enlightened characters appear and then quickly get to work, and new characters, whose relationship to the previous ones is not always evident at first, make an entry.
There is magic related to Pagan religious practice, and we follow two young children, a boy and a girl, as they discover their faith and are trained to reach the highest ranks. Do not worry if you’re not very versed in the different pagan practices and groups, as Adrian, a Professor in Ancient Religious Studies and once born (not magical) and his girlfriend, Helen, a thriller writer, serve as a point of contact and questioning guides into the ins and outs of the new world religious order. And if you thought everything seemed too nice to be true, there’s evil at work and dangerous alliances that put humanity at risk. A pair of unlikely hero and heroine will have to step forward and pay the price.
If you think fights over fuel and religious wars are responsible for all that’s wrong in our world, read this book and you might think again. Alchemy is a novel that combines a plot interesting from an ethical and philosophical point of view, with a good story and fascinating characters that I hope will be further developed in other books in the series. And if you like a good romantic story of impossible love, Riga and Iamo are far more interesting than Romeo and Juliette. (And two of the most intriguing characters I’ve met in recent times).
If you have an open mind and like to explore big questions whilst being transported to worlds both familiar and completely alien to ours, you should read this book. If you love adventures that go beyond the usual, don’t miss it. If you love beautifully written books with great characters, this one is for you too. In summary, if you have a bit of imagination and enjoy reading, give it a go. I am looking forward to reviewing Shaman’s Drum soon.
Ailsa Abraham’s novel Alchemy starts with a premise that would be the perfect ending for many novels, in appearance promising an idyllic utopian future for all. With a mysterious thriller-like beginning, a discovery that for once falls in the right hands, and a deal too good for all governments to ignore, one wonders where the story will go from there. Fascinating and enlightened characters appear and then quickly get to work, and new characters, whose relationship to the previous ones is not always evident at first, make an entry.
There is magic related to Pagan religious practice, and we follow two young children, a boy and a girl, as they discover their faith and are trained to reach the highest ranks. Do not worry if you’re not very versed in the different pagan practices and groups, as Adrian, a Professor in Ancient Religious Studies and once born (not magical) and his girlfriend, Helen, a thriller writer, serve as a point of contact and questioning guides into the ins and outs of the new world religious order. And if you thought everything seemed too nice to be true, there’s evil at work and dangerous alliances that put humanity at risk. A pair of unlikely hero and heroine will have to step forward and pay the price.
If you think fights over fuel and religious wars are responsible for all that’s wrong in our world, read this book and you might think again. Alchemy is a novel that combines a plot interesting from an ethical and philosophical point of view, with a good story and fascinating characters that I hope will be further developed in other books in the series. And if you like a good romantic story of impossible love, Riga and Iamo are far more interesting than Romeo and Juliette. (And two of the most intriguing characters I’ve met in recent times).
If you have an open mind and like to explore big questions whilst being transported to worlds both familiar and completely alien to ours, you should read this book. If you love adventures that go beyond the usual, don’t miss it. If you love beautifully written books with great characters, this one is for you too. In summary, if you have a bit of imagination and enjoy reading, give it a go. I am looking forward to reviewing Shaman’s Drum soon.
May 21, 2014
‘Alchemy’ is the book written in response to requests for a prequel to her novel ‘Shaman’s Drum’, and having read the latter I was keen to read the backstory.
I discovered more than backstory. Written from multiple viewpoints this well written novel covers a large span of history in the author’s modern world. I was caught immediately by Proffessor Sawhele Fielding and a huge moral dilemma. The world is corrupt and heading for crisis, and Sawhele is handed a solution, but one that will change the world and its resources forever. This novel sees the collapse of religion and fossil fuels, due to the actions of the Professor, setting the scene for a world without religion and conflict.
Wherever you stand on religion, this book offers a fascinating view as the old faiths resurface as modern day religions recede. Magic returns and pagan beliefs rise as mother earth recovers, and a whole new culture emerges, but not without problems of its own… These problems, years after the Changes, will have to be faced by two opposites, a Black Shaman Assassin and a Priest of the Mother Goddess. Who said there’d be no conflict!
I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s intelligent and passionate writing. Each chapter is written by a different character, but their viewpoints remain true, each with a strong and plausible voice.
If you enjoy paganism and magic, passion and tension, strong leads and no nonsense characters, this is for you!
I discovered more than backstory. Written from multiple viewpoints this well written novel covers a large span of history in the author’s modern world. I was caught immediately by Proffessor Sawhele Fielding and a huge moral dilemma. The world is corrupt and heading for crisis, and Sawhele is handed a solution, but one that will change the world and its resources forever. This novel sees the collapse of religion and fossil fuels, due to the actions of the Professor, setting the scene for a world without religion and conflict.
Wherever you stand on religion, this book offers a fascinating view as the old faiths resurface as modern day religions recede. Magic returns and pagan beliefs rise as mother earth recovers, and a whole new culture emerges, but not without problems of its own… These problems, years after the Changes, will have to be faced by two opposites, a Black Shaman Assassin and a Priest of the Mother Goddess. Who said there’d be no conflict!
I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s intelligent and passionate writing. Each chapter is written by a different character, but their viewpoints remain true, each with a strong and plausible voice.
If you enjoy paganism and magic, passion and tension, strong leads and no nonsense characters, this is for you!
August 12, 2014
Alchemy by Ailsa Abrahams
When I added this book to my ‘must read’ list, I expected something written with an ethereal or spiritual slant and at first I thought I would be disappointed.
What with the highly controversial and well written plot that begins with an amazing discovery that will change our world; not to mention all the politics that are inevitably involved, I found myself wondering where was the magic?
So when the word ‘magic’ finally appeared in part two I relaxed.
I loved all of the fascinating characters, each one so different and real. As a fledgling writer myself, I am constantly surprised by most of the books I read, and ‘Alchemy’ is one of the best stories I have read in quite a while.
Totally different from most genres, it mixes themes in a way you wouldn’t expect. I mean, would you ever think of combining politics and religion with magic?
But when you consider that alchemy is the ancient art of changing almost anything into something else, you can see the connection and it really works.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, ‘Shaman’s Drum’.
When I added this book to my ‘must read’ list, I expected something written with an ethereal or spiritual slant and at first I thought I would be disappointed.
What with the highly controversial and well written plot that begins with an amazing discovery that will change our world; not to mention all the politics that are inevitably involved, I found myself wondering where was the magic?
So when the word ‘magic’ finally appeared in part two I relaxed.
I loved all of the fascinating characters, each one so different and real. As a fledgling writer myself, I am constantly surprised by most of the books I read, and ‘Alchemy’ is one of the best stories I have read in quite a while.
Totally different from most genres, it mixes themes in a way you wouldn’t expect. I mean, would you ever think of combining politics and religion with magic?
But when you consider that alchemy is the ancient art of changing almost anything into something else, you can see the connection and it really works.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, ‘Shaman’s Drum’.
October 10, 2014
This book starts out telling about an incredible discovery that will affect all peoples and nations of the world. The world will be in upheaval from the ramifications of this discovery. Then it moves to political sides of this issue and then onto the academic. A professor skilled in the rituals of different religions works with the shamans and goddesses of the magical world as their archivist. When the magical world collides with the human world Prof. Adrian, along with his love, Helen, a novelist, is enlisted to help Riga, a black Shaman assassin captain, and Iamo, a priest of the Mother Goddess, to face the threat.
The author developed characters that are three dimensional and fascinating. We see these characters from different perspectives as they develop and grow. There is so much to glean from this story that the reader will be mesmerized and fall in love with some of the players in this magical book. This is the first book I have read by this talented author. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The author developed characters that are three dimensional and fascinating. We see these characters from different perspectives as they develop and grow. There is so much to glean from this story that the reader will be mesmerized and fall in love with some of the players in this magical book. This is the first book I have read by this talented author. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 8, 2016
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Shaman’s Drum, I wondered how I’d find reading the prequel as the second novel. I’m delighted to say those concerns weren’t justified at all since I loved reading Alchemy. A lot of things in Shaman’s Drum, admittedly read some years ago, made more sense when given the background to various characters - not just Iamo and Riga – and to the situation before the ‘Changes to the world’ came.
The characters in Alchemy all come with depth and likeable traits. The writing style is consistently entertaining and well devised and the pace is great throughout the story. Saying the ending was abrupt isn’t quite accurate, but there was an immediate sense of ‘loss’ at the end of the story. To say more about my feelings would mean some spoilers here and I always try to avoid that. I’d need to re-read the beginning of Shaman’s Drum to decide if a brand new reader starting with Alchemy would feel things differently from me.
The characters in Alchemy all come with depth and likeable traits. The writing style is consistently entertaining and well devised and the pace is great throughout the story. Saying the ending was abrupt isn’t quite accurate, but there was an immediate sense of ‘loss’ at the end of the story. To say more about my feelings would mean some spoilers here and I always try to avoid that. I’d need to re-read the beginning of Shaman’s Drum to decide if a brand new reader starting with Alchemy would feel things differently from me.
April 23, 2014
What an imagination this author must have to conjure up such a world for us in the near future. Too strange to be believable... or is it? I read the novel, eager to discover more about this world. At the end, I was left wondering. Could it happen? Why not?
July 30, 2014
A fantastic love story and prequel to The Shaman.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews