Enter the thrilling world of Maxwell Jacobs, a 21-year-old with a spirit as wild as his dreams. Unconventional and utterly obsessed with knights, Tetris, and the perfect cheese sandwich, Max harbors a burning desire-to establish himself as the unrivaled master of treasure hunting.
As whispers of the extraordinary Crystal Contest reach his eager ears, promising unimaginable wealth and secrets hidden within the world, Max's heart skips a beat. Winning this unparalleled competition becomes an all-consuming mission-a chance to unlock an extraordinary destiny.
Yet, fate seems intent on testing Max's resolve when he finds himself behind bars, arrested for a daring museum break-in. Confronted by his crippling fear of leaving the safety of his hometown and forever shackled by his perpetual clumsiness, Max is reminded of the insurmountable odds stacked against him. With only one true friend in his life-his math teacher, Rosie Shaw, who disapproves of his treasure-hunting aspirations-Max's journey becomes ever more treacherous.
However, destiny has a peculiar way of pairing unlikely allies. Enter Khalil Ahmed, Max's new coworker, a former drug dealer desperate to evade the clutches of his shadowy past. At first glance, they appear opposites-life circumstances and aspirations pulling them apart. Yet, driven by the shared hunger for financial security, Max and Khalil embark on an unexpected partnership, setting their sights on the coveted Crystal Contest. Together, they embark on a cross-country odyssey, their once separate lives intertwining in a thrilling saga of cryptic puzzles, hidden clues, and heart-racing adventures.
Prepare to be captivated as Max and Khalil race against time to decipher riddles, navigate treacherous events, and unlock the secrets of the Crystal Contest. The stakes have never been higher, and the allure of immeasurable riches beckons-mere steps away. Will they triumph over countless obstacles and secure their place in the annals of history? The answer lies within the pages of this unforgettable tale-an epic treasure hunt where only the bold prevail.
Adam Rowan is an upcoming writer from Dublin, Ireland. His novel, The Dynasty of the Divine, tells the story of the fantastical island country of Hyleberia, where the laws of reality are secretly governed by a divine world government. The book follows Julian Shields, an average young man who becomes their new citizen after he dies in a toaster fire and finds himself caught in a sinister plot for power, blending fantasy, philosophy and politics to form an unforgettable epic. The book started as a short story and evolved over several years into a multi-volume encyclopedic novel. It's published as the first book by Semper Anticus Press.
This one had a very hunger games, rags to riches sort of vibe which I loved. Max was quite a relatable, complex character. Rosie, Sofia and Khalil were pretty interesting too, likeable and fitting well into the tale. The world building was exceptional as well, normal yet different. I loved the incorporation of classic literature in this one. Wordsworth and D.H Lawrence and Rumi are among my favourites so I really liked that. Max has taste! I think this would particularly intrigue the video gamers and sports players but overall i really liked it. The end was pretty satisfying and well tied up so this was a great read and I loved the pun Agatha Quiztie!!
Thank you Adam! I really enjoyed this pacy journey of a book: it was a GREAT story with plenty of plot-twists and likeable main characters. It was great to see so much diversity too. Great read - more please! Highly recommended.
An interesting second novel from Adam Rowan. This would really appeal to young adults into gaming, puzzles, and mysteries. I think having a main character who is neurodiverse is so important in a world where, often, inclusivity as a word is found everywhere, but where real inclusivity is seldom practised. Quirky and laugh out loud could describe this book. The author has a unique way of depicting the world, which should resonate with all of us who don’t always feel we fit in. Well done Adam - the second of many I hope!
THE CRYSTALLINE CRUCIBLE is a treat. Reviewers spend a lot of time thinking of kind ways to say "Only a few people will like this book"; it gives us great pleasure to discover the books that deserve to be reprinted and probably made into movies. This work of comic fiction is one of them.
Max is not a typical case of Asperger's Syndrome but he's definitely an eccentric genius. He has friends, cares very much about people and causes, but has peculiar taste and uses it to push people away. He has a labor job at a grocery store. He needs extra money so, when we meet him, he's breaking the tusk off the stuffed mammoth in the museum as part of a treasure hunt game. If he finds the treasure he can keep the neighborhood library open.
His best friend and quiz show teammate, Rosie, has tried to discourage his treasure hunting, but finds herself joining the game when she's laid off from her job as a preschool math teacher because a greedy corporation wants to do something more lucrative with the building.
Also on their team are Rosie's boyfriend Brad (he and Max don't like to admit they're jealous, so they just dislike each other intensely) and Khalil, who is only in their small town because he's in trouble--being blackmailed into working for a criminal gang. Max never does like other young men. By the time the story's over, however, he'll claim one of these two as his best friend "after Rosie." As the treasure hunting competition, the quiz show competition, and the gang's activities heat up, they'll save each other's lives at their own risk, and, though opposite in temperament, they will bond.
I laughed out loud on average once to a chapter. In the final analysis the plot is serious, but the characters--especially Max--are comedy characters, each one exaggerating a trait to the point of absurdity. One-line witticisms abound. Characters move around enough, and enough cars are driven too fast and enough things blow up, to give the story comedy film potential. I'm not sure whether one of the stunts would work in real life, but it's the sort of thing that ought to work in comedy.
Anyone who enjoys comedy should read this one. It's heartwarming at the end with laughter all the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5/5 I received eARC for my honest opinion.
I went into this book not really reading the whole synopsis, but only the first two sentences and I was very interested in how this book would go. I have to say that I am so happy I was given a chance to review this book before it was published, because it was great. In this book you will meet Maxwell who is a 21 yr old that is a mix of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory and Rain Man. He is smart, he knows a lot of information due to his photographic memory. He has quirks about him, but at the same time it is endearing to him. He has a dream of becoming a treasure hunter and when the Crystalline Crucible comes out asking people if they can solve these puzzles/hunts they will become the winner. So of course he joins, it doesn’t go as planned. He has a few obstacles that he must get over, and when he realizes that he can’t do this alone he gets a coworker who is down on his own luck to join in, Khalil. Max’s best friend Rosie is not into treasure hunting like he is but wears her down until she agrees to join in with the two and set off to have an adventure and wow, what an adventure they have.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book, but it was the characters that really did it for me. I won’t lie at first, I was really a little annoyed at Max, but wormed his way into my heart and I found myself loving his quirks and his banter that he gave to Khalil and Rosie…well honestly to anyone lol. I loved the adventures and the situations that Max kept getting himself into and the way that he would magically be able to get himself out of those situations. I do have to say that I loved the laser pen with the fireworks the most.
I really liked getting to know Rosie more throughout the book, and I found her to be the perfect best friend/motherly figure for Max. She kept him grounded and made sure that he wasn’t getting himself in too much trouble. I really liked Khalil and the more and more I got to learn about his story I found it a little heartbreaking but understandable at the same time because it happens to so many teenagers.
I laughed so hard at the ending of the book, of course Max would say that (sorry not telling you what he said, you will just have to read the book). If you read this book, you find it to be beautifully written and heartwarming with comedy.
I want to thank Adam Rowan for the opportunity to review this book.
The book "The Crystalline Crucible" by Adam Rowan is super cool and people are loving it for its awesome story and characters. It's about this guy named Maxwell who loves playing Tetris and wants to be a famous treasure hunter in England. One day, he joins a treasure hunt competition called The Crystalline Crucible, where he can win a ton of money and solve cool mysteries.
Maxwell is in for a wild ride full of obstacles, like getting busted for sneaking into a museum. But things start looking up when he teams up with Khalil Ahmed, a reformed criminal. The two of them travel all over the country, solving riddles and beating challenges to find a hidden treasure.
I love this book because it has a really cool story full of excitement and suspense that grabs you right from the start. Maxwell is a relatable guy with his own flaws, which makes you really cheer for him as he goes on his journey. Adam Rowan's writing made me feel like I am right there in the action, going through all the ups and downs with Maxwell.
If you're into adventure stories that are totally different and have a cool vibe, then you gotta check out "The Crystalline Crucible." This book will take you on an awesome ride to places you've never even thought of before. Trust me, it's a wild and unforgettable trip!
Step into the whimsical world of "Crystalline Crucible". ,where the thrill of adventure knows no bounds. Meet Maxwell Jacobs, a brilliant and endearing young treasure hunter.Max embarks on a heart-pumping journey that will leave you wondering what's real' uncover the st are er the past the claim the treasure of a lifetime?
'Crystalline Crucible' is a must-read for fans of adventure and mystery and historical fiction. It's a true page-turner that will keep you up all night, eager to uncover the secrets of the past. treasure of a lifetime?
You'll love the characters as they are kinda relatable. The pacing is relentless, with each new revelation keeping you guessing and eager to finding out what's next.
Would love to tell you more about the characters but can't talk about them without giving spoilers (iykyk). Do give this book a try if you love thrilling hunts and hunters. This book for me is a 4.5 stars. Loved it.
I was surprised at how quickly I managed to get through this book. A real page-turner that made me forget time was ticking away in the background.
The character of Max was interesting and I loved following along with his treasure-hunting adventures. I also feel that the neurodivergent representarion offered to readers through his character was so well done. His character was very well fleshed out.
I can't say I've read a story like this one and I was certainly compelled to know more as I was reading.
Rowan's writing was simple, descriptive and made the story an easy read. It was enjoyable!
This was quite good! I enjoyed it a lot! Who doesn’t like a story about unlikely friends getting into crazy shenanigans?? At many points in the story I actually found myself chuckling. I loved all these characters and I hope the best for all three of them! I would love to read more and see where they end up.
This is not at all the kind of book that I would naturally be drawn to, not because of any tangible thing but because I don’t usually go for this genre. But, I was recommended to read it and am thoroughly glad I did. I enjoyed the characters immensely and thought they felt real and relatable. I loved the dialogue and how natural the story felt. Would recommend it to others.
This book was recommended to me by Voracious Readers Only.
This book reminds me of if Sheldon Cooper became a treasure hunter instead of a physicist.
The story is told in multi-POV and is in British English.
The story overall is a good concept, but this was incredibly difficult to read. Due to the main characters love for the dictionary, I felt like I needed a dictionary to understand half of what was being said in this book. Which made this a stressful read.
He wants to win a contest and he will break into a museum to get the clue he needs. Now he is in trouble with the police and even his friends do not believe he can do it. Can he prove everyone wrong? Can he get to the clues? What will he find out? See how he get on I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
Thank you Netgalley, Spinning Monkey Press and Adam Rowan for providing me with an ARC of this book.
So the premise of this book sounds promising and the beginning of the book was intriguing enough for me to keep reading but very soon my interest in this book started going up and down.
The actual mystery behind the treasure hunt let me down and was super anticlimactic.
I did like Max’s character and the transformation in his character and his relationships with Khalil and Rosie.
In our story, Max, our main character, finds himself consistently drawn into risky situations driven by his quest for treasure. Supported by understanding friends who recognize his neurodivergent tendencies, Max is determined to establish himself as England's premier treasure hunter. His fixation centers on locating The Crystalline Crucible, a legendary treasure hunt that promises more than just financial reward—it offers the thrill of the chase.
Amidst his adventures, Max unexpectedly crosses paths with Khalid, unaware that Khalid is fleeing from dangerous goons. Additionally, Max shares a strong bond with Rosie, a steadfast friend who frequently bails him out, both figuratively and literally. Rosie's concern for Max's well-being is unwavering and heartfelt. The three of them are an unsuspecting trio in the best way.
This book is an absolute delight, filled with humor and entertainment! If you enjoy unraveling clues, embarking on treasure hunts, and experiencing moments of suspense, then this is a must-read!
A gem of a story. Really enjoyable to read this book from start to finish. Fast-paced, intelligent and with some clever twists. Great characters and plenty of fun. It’s easy to enjoy Max and Rosie and Khalil’s company on the adventure. Hopefully we get to see more of them in the future!
The Crystalline Crucible by Adam Rowan is a new adult fiction.
This is a book for people who like to read unique stories. So it won't be everyone's cup of tea but I recommend it if you want to try something new.
The plot is very interesting with the treasure hunting and the criminal activities. It has a slow progress and focuses a lot on the main character's quirky behavior. There are a few twists that were truly unexpected and I think it added a lot to the story. The characters were so different from each other. Rosie was a goody-two-shoes girl who had dreams but was stuck with her everyday life. Khalil was a man who wanted to get away from his criminal past. He had a good heart and he proved it a lot during the story. Max was very peculiar. He was always dreaming about his own little world, being a knight or traveling with his time machine. Max was like a kid that never grew up. My favorite part of the story was the act of bravery between Max and Khalil.
If you like stories about treasure hunting then read this one.
Spoilers: The Crystalline Crucible could be considered one of those treasure hunt adventures in the tradition of Cameron Jace’s Anne Anderson and Avanti Centrae’s Van Ops Series. Though instead of going for thrills, it goes for laughs. Instead of the prize being an ancient and valuable object or buried wisdom, it's a few minutes of Internet fame.
Max Jacobs is definitely an odd one. He is an amateur treasure hunter who belongs to various social media groups where members look for hidden prizes. Max’s latest hunt is for the Crystalline Crucible, a prize offered by a mysterious organization that is rumored to be the Illuminati. To help him, Max recruits two acquaintances: Rosie Shaw, his would be girlfriend and Khalil Ahmed, a coworker and rival.
Everything about this book is both odd and strangely adorable in its oddness. The treasure hunt itself has some intriguing clues that require knowledge and accessibility to various English locations. (It’s a good thing England is a somewhat small country so the Crucible hunt can be completed in such record time. One can only imagine how long the hunt would be if it was set in the United States.) Max and Co. find themselves in some pretty uproarious situations to achieve the clues. The book begins as Max breaks into a local museum to receive a clue, only to be arrested, interrogated, and later learn that the actual clue was on the museum’s website all along.
The hunt is made even stranger by the hunters themselves. The emphasis on most hunts is wealth and knowledge. There is some potential wealth that could help them. Max wants to provide funding so the local library won’t be shut down. Khalil wants to support his family and get some dangerous gangsters off his back. Rosie wants to travel the world and fulfill a lifelong dream by having her children’s book published. But equally important than the money that they hope to gain is the fame. If they find the Crystalline Crucible the trio will achieve the pinnacle of niche success: the achievement of looking cool among their army of social media treasure nerds. You have to take the victories where you can find them.
Naturally a strange hobby would feature strange people pursuing it and we are given some weird ones. Max is probably the strangest of the trio. He is obsessed with Medieval history and carries a sword and speaks in faux Middle English. The treasure hunt gives him a chance to fill out his quixotic fantasies of being a hero on a noble quest. His obsession with certain things like trivia and the Miss Marple series add to his overall quirkiness.
His treasure seeking cohorts are quite colorful themselves. Rosis is a Math teacher and is called to lend her expertise when the clues become numerical and analytical. Rosie’s fascination with trivia is greater than Max’s own to the point that she is the founder and leader of a group called the Quizties who participate in trivia tournaments and she is just as obsessed with that as Max is with finding treasure. Her children’s book consumes her thoughts so much that she sometimes visualizes her friends as anthropomorphic animals.
Khalil is somewhat of the normal one of the group but he also has his eccentricities. He is a photographer and first encounters Max during a nightly photo session of the local area. Partly because of his history with criminal activity and partly because of his suspicious personality, he is on the lookout for any sort of rivalry, competition, or troubling activity. Even something as innocuous as working in a co-op market causes him to sense conspiracy when he is forced to work with Max and then when Max recruits him to join the hunt. The subplot concerning Khalil’s involvement with gangsters gives a dark perspective to a book that did alright without it but it also emphasizes Khalil’s different status from the rest of his friends. They live in their fantasy world of medieval quests and anthropomorphic animals. He lives in a grittier, more realistic world of a crime thriller. He can’t hide in his imagination like they can. He has to face the violence especially when his friend’s lives are in danger.
Much of the humor of the Crystalline Crucible lies in the meta commentary. This book knows what genre it is in and what tropes are at play and they acknowledge them even by adhering to and playing with them. When Max and Khalil agree to join forces, Max scoffs that this doesn’t mean that they will become friends bound together by their journey. Of course not even a few chapters later, they admit to becoming friends. When Max receives some disappointing news at the end, he lampshades the “it’s the journey not the destination” cliche right before he gains some enlightenment from his search to show him that yes it was the journey. The meta commentary is both parody in pointing out the tropes and respectful by paying them a touching tribute.
The Crystalline Crucible is a fun delightful read in which Readers might find that treasure can be found in a good laugh just as well as in a hidden bejeweled objet d’art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Crystalline Crucible is an oddly chaotic YA adventure mystery by Adam Rowan featuring a neurodivergent protagonist named Maxwell, who is a gamer and devoted to puzzle mysteries and treasure hunting games. Released 14th May 2024, it's 260 pages and is available in ebook format.
The bones of a good story are here but the author never really seems to land on whether it should be sarcastic or silly or semi-serious. It careens from scene to scene without much coherence. The writing itself is competent, and written in UK English vernacular. The characterizations are more outlined than solid and due to the disparate natures of the characters (most of his circle of acquaintances seem to tolerate or actively loathe Max), it's choppy and unsettling.
One of the first scenes in the book sees Max breaking into a museum to "borrow" (steal) a mammoth tusk to find a clue, getting arrested, and subsequently bailed out reluctantly by his friend. His boss dislikes him, his friends seem to only tolerate him, and he mostly remains blissfully ignorant of the fact or doesn't care. His backstory is just *bizarre*.
Three stars. The language is rough for a middle grade - YA novel, and it's not clear for whom this novel is really intended. It would have benefited from a thorough professional editing process. It's unpolished, but there are definitely glimmers of a solid story.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
ARC BOOK REVIEW – Crystalline Crucible by Adam Bowen
Quiz shows, treasure quests, blackmail from criminal organizations… oh my… Witty and brilliant 21 year-old with a photographic memory – Check Quirky sidekicks with undercurrents of jealousy and angst – Check Museum break-in Hijinks - Check
Welcome to the world of mystery puzzles, cryptic clues and adventure abounds. This was my first book of Adam Bowens and I was immediately immersed in this treasure hunt with our beloved MC Maxwell Jacobs. This book gave me vibes of Indiana Jones + Tomb Raider + Rain Man + “The Secret” (IYKYK) and if you don’t know then buckle up and go on your own quest for treasure.
This is a heartwarming book full of laugh of louds from deep within your belly and hilarious one liners that will have you in stitches. The book alone is fantastic due to the fun plot, but the characters are what leaves you wanting to go on a quest yourselves. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but if you’re looking for an incurably witty adventure, then this is the book for you.
*ARC courtesy of the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author and publisher for providing a copy.*
The Crystalline Crucible" by Adam Rowan is an absolute gem of an adventure novel. From the first page, I was hooked by Maxwell Jacobs, a wonderfully quirky and endearing protagonist with a passion for treasure hunting. The story masterfully blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, taking readers on an exhilarating journey across England.
Maxwell's partnership with Khalil Ahmed adds depth and dynamic interaction, highlighting themes of redemption and friendship. Rowan's writing is vivid and engaging, making the treasure hunt feel both grand and personal. The puzzles and clues are cleverly crafted, keeping me guessing and eagerly turning the pages.
Overall, "The Crystalline Crucible" is a must-read for fans of adventure and treasure hunts. Adam Rowan has created a world and characters that are memorable and utterly captivating. Highly recommended!
I was excited for the treasure hunt portion of it all. And that part was very exciting. I enjoyed watching them solving riddles and all the adventures that came with it.
Maxwell was an interesting character. He had to have travelled from a fantasy world with the way he carried himself and the way he spoke. You can never tell what he would infer from the situation and what he would say. It was very entertaining.
There were a lot of side characters that got lost in the middle. Khalil’s past coming back to haunt him was confusing with the way it ended. I mean, they started out being very competent but ended up…not? It was odd.
It was such an entertaining read! Thank you to the author and RR Book Tours for sending me a copy to review!
In "Crystalline Crucible" by Adam Rowan, readers are introduced to Maxwell Jacobs, a neurodivergent young man with a passion for knights, Tetris, and cheese sandwiches. His aspiration to become England's greatest treasure hunter leads him into the midst of a high-stakes adventure with the promise of untold wealth and the unraveling of age-old mysteries. However, Max's journey is far from smooth sailing, as he grapples with personal fears, an unlikely partnership with former criminal Khalil Ahmed, and the challenges of deciphering cryptic clues. While the novel's premise is intriguing and the character of Max is endearing in his quirks and vulnerabilities, the execution falls short in delivering a truly immersive experience. The pacing feels uneven at times, and some plot developments come across as contrived. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Max's cynical best friend Rosie Shaw, could benefit from further development to enhance their impact on the story. Despite these shortcomings, "Crystalline Crucible" offers moments of excitement and humor, making it a light and entertaining read for those interested in adventure tales with a twist.
I love how we learn more about each character. Max is so unique and I enjoyed getting to understand him through the story. The weaving of his path along with Khalil's was great. The treasure hunt "game" was very interesting and following along with this pair as each clue gets solved was fun. The other characters in the book are given so much description too as well as the various locations we are taken too. Really enjoyed the book and hope to catch more of these characters lives on down the road.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Max is an unusual character, who is determined to solve the Crystalline Crucible puzzle and be recognised for his treasure hunting prowess. Along the way he recruits current and new friends to assist him in each escapade.
An interesting story with multiple pov, but it can make it difficult to follow at times. Written in british english, but with a mix of colloquial and abstruse words does not make it the easiest read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maxwell, a quirky, treasure-hunter-wannabe, seeks to find clues that will help him find the Chrystaline Crucible but he ends up getting arrested for breaking into a museum. Later, he teams up with another interesting character, Khalil, and the two of them follow the clues in an attempt to solve the treasure hunt puzzle. This is an interesting, adventure mystery.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I rarely write book reviews, but after finishing "The Crystalline Crucible," I to share how much I enjoyed it. The characters are engaging. The story is fast-paced and intriguing (who doesn’t love a treasure hunt!) It got me hooked and pulled me right along through. This book was just what I needed: a great summer read to enjoy while hanging out at the park or at home. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for more from the author.
What I love about this book is that it has a neurodivergent protagonist but the autism of Max is not the main point of the book. Simply put, it is a superb and fast-paced treasure-hunt story, very exciting and full of twists and turns, but also humorous and just lovely to read in every way. A really enjoyable and heart-warming read. Strongly recommended.
This book started out seeming like a new take on Ready Player One. It quickly devolved into a confusing mess with unlikable characters, due to various life choices. The ending continued as it started: flat.
I found “The Crystalline Crucible” to be a captivating fantasy filled witch magic, mystery, and rich world-building. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists that keep you hooked until the end. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy looking for a fresh and engaging adventure!