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Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers #8
The Alchemist's Codex
WHAT IF THE SECRET OF ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL, AND SOMEONE HAS ALREADY USED IT?
When EDEN BLACK finds a dead man inside Notre-Dame de Paris, one detail makes no sense — the body is hundreds of years old.
All the evidence points to something impossible — the dead man is Fulcanelli, the legendary alchemist who claimed he had found the secret of eternal life, then disappeared.
But with the discovery comes danger. A pharmaceutical billionaire has already spent millions searching for Fulcanelli and his lost codex. The book is a threat to his empire, and a secret he’ll kill to control.
From the cathedrals and catacombs of Paris to a secluded château and the last stronghold of the Cathars, Eden must find the codex before the one man who would destroy it forever.
The Alchemist's Codex is a race-against-time archaeological thriller for fans of Dan Brown, Scott Mariani, Steve Berry and James Rollins.
When EDEN BLACK finds a dead man inside Notre-Dame de Paris, one detail makes no sense — the body is hundreds of years old.
All the evidence points to something impossible — the dead man is Fulcanelli, the legendary alchemist who claimed he had found the secret of eternal life, then disappeared.
But with the discovery comes danger. A pharmaceutical billionaire has already spent millions searching for Fulcanelli and his lost codex. The book is a threat to his empire, and a secret he’ll kill to control.
From the cathedrals and catacombs of Paris to a secluded château and the last stronghold of the Cathars, Eden must find the codex before the one man who would destroy it forever.
The Alchemist's Codex is a race-against-time archaeological thriller for fans of Dan Brown, Scott Mariani, Steve Berry and James Rollins.
Unknown Binding
Published October 24, 2026
About the author
Luke Richardson
64 books255 followersWANTED: adventure lovers for hazardous journey. Must be prepared for nail-biting action, constant danger and fear around every corner, with safe return doubtful.
If that sounds like your kind of book, come with me…
I’m Luke Richardson, an Amazon bestselling author of archaeological and international thrillers that blend real history, exotic locations and edge-of-your-seat action.
My series:
• Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers: Eden hunts lost treasures and ancient secrets, from antediluvian manuscripts and the Pyramids of Giza to Angkor Wat and the Sahara. The newest, The Alchemist’s Codex, sends her through the streets and catacombs of Paris in search of Fulcanelli’s legendary secret.
• International Detectives: Leo Keane and Allissa race against time in cities from Kathmandu and Hong Kong to Istanbul and Berlin.
• Sierra Byrd’s Airborne Archaeological Adventures: high-flying tropical adventures co-written with John Hopton.
It was my first trip to India that made me want to write. As the sun rose over Mumbai, the taxi ride from the airport became one of the most incredible journeys of my life. People were washing, children playing, and chickens, cows and goats wandered beside an eight-lane motorway. I watched the city unfold like a story, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
Every book I write starts with a trip. Now I take readers along too, on Adventure Society Expeditions that follow my characters’ footsteps, from the Templar sites of Portugal to the Paris of The Alchemist’s Codex. I also host the Adventure Story Podcast.
Join the Adventure Society newsletter for exclusive stories, expedition news and first looks at new books.
If that sounds like your kind of book, come with me…
I’m Luke Richardson, an Amazon bestselling author of archaeological and international thrillers that blend real history, exotic locations and edge-of-your-seat action.
My series:
• Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers: Eden hunts lost treasures and ancient secrets, from antediluvian manuscripts and the Pyramids of Giza to Angkor Wat and the Sahara. The newest, The Alchemist’s Codex, sends her through the streets and catacombs of Paris in search of Fulcanelli’s legendary secret.
• International Detectives: Leo Keane and Allissa race against time in cities from Kathmandu and Hong Kong to Istanbul and Berlin.
• Sierra Byrd’s Airborne Archaeological Adventures: high-flying tropical adventures co-written with John Hopton.
It was my first trip to India that made me want to write. As the sun rose over Mumbai, the taxi ride from the airport became one of the most incredible journeys of my life. People were washing, children playing, and chickens, cows and goats wandered beside an eight-lane motorway. I watched the city unfold like a story, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
Every book I write starts with a trip. Now I take readers along too, on Adventure Society Expeditions that follow my characters’ footsteps, from the Templar sites of Portugal to the Paris of The Alchemist’s Codex. I also host the Adventure Story Podcast.
Join the Adventure Society newsletter for exclusive stories, expedition news and first looks at new books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Good to have Eden Black back and the other characters that make these books so good
Now this time its quite a complex case which I will explain as a dead man turns up in Notre Dame Cathedral, this however cant be as he would be about 150…..well unless he has ( as was rumoured ) discovered the secret of eternal life, one man thinks he has and as he is dying and a billionaire he wants ( obvs for him ) to find this formula, Eden also wants to find it to dave the world from the chais this would unleash and the battle begins
There is a lot more to it than that but the book explains (in the authors usual relaxed interesting way)
Its high adventure and danger and humour ( good old Lavigne, he is brilliant at being pompously outraged ) and the mix really works well
I have read every book by this author and each one combines his historical research and great storytelling, everyone different and everyone leaves you feeling you have learnt as well as being entertained
Fascinating acknowledgements to boot
Now this time its quite a complex case which I will explain as a dead man turns up in Notre Dame Cathedral, this however cant be as he would be about 150…..well unless he has ( as was rumoured ) discovered the secret of eternal life, one man thinks he has and as he is dying and a billionaire he wants ( obvs for him ) to find this formula, Eden also wants to find it to dave the world from the chais this would unleash and the battle begins
There is a lot more to it than that but the book explains (in the authors usual relaxed interesting way)
Its high adventure and danger and humour ( good old Lavigne, he is brilliant at being pompously outraged ) and the mix really works well
I have read every book by this author and each one combines his historical research and great storytelling, everyone different and everyone leaves you feeling you have learnt as well as being entertained
Fascinating acknowledgements to boot
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Alchemist's Codex - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The prologue of Luke Richardson's novel is a scenario that could be straight out of a Dan Brown novel. Centred around feisty female duo Eden Black and Athena, who find a posed body inside the world-famous Notre-Dame cathedral. Soon afterwards they're chased across the roof space, that ends in their pursuer's fatal fall, distracting police and allows their escape. There's also a corrupt police chief who answers to a shady mastermind and other similarities throughout. Despite that, (the rest of the story, that progresses via the Paris catacombs and other historic or mystical locations) is well-written, has strong female lead characters, plus enough mystery and suspense to keep the reader's interest in the twisty storyline and the other characters within it.
The author's notes at the end are most illuminating and helpful at putting the facts behind the fiction in place for you.
Give The Alchemist's Codex a try - you're sure to enjoy the fictional adventure woven cleverly around the wonders within!
The prologue of Luke Richardson's novel is a scenario that could be straight out of a Dan Brown novel. Centred around feisty female duo Eden Black and Athena, who find a posed body inside the world-famous Notre-Dame cathedral. Soon afterwards they're chased across the roof space, that ends in their pursuer's fatal fall, distracting police and allows their escape. There's also a corrupt police chief who answers to a shady mastermind and other similarities throughout. Despite that, (the rest of the story, that progresses via the Paris catacombs and other historic or mystical locations) is well-written, has strong female lead characters, plus enough mystery and suspense to keep the reader's interest in the twisty storyline and the other characters within it.
The author's notes at the end are most illuminating and helpful at putting the facts behind the fiction in place for you.
Give The Alchemist's Codex a try - you're sure to enjoy the fictional adventure woven cleverly around the wonders within!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore this author, I've read every single one of his books and having Eden Black and the team back in action has made my day.
I love how he introduced Sierra Byrd into the start of the book.
( If you haven't checked out thr fantastic series, then you should start with Shadow of the Sunstone ).
The Alchemist's Codex is heavily based around France and the Notre Dame Cathedral and the discovery of the legendary alchemist Fulcanelli, who was found dead in the cathedral. But not everything is as it seems.
Can it truly be Fulcanelli? If so that means he was over 150 years old when he died.
Did he discover the secret to eternal life? And if so who is willing to kill for the answers?
Another pulse pondering and thriller ride, with a fantastic bit of banter along the way.
I love how he introduced Sierra Byrd into the start of the book.
( If you haven't checked out thr fantastic series, then you should start with Shadow of the Sunstone ).
The Alchemist's Codex is heavily based around France and the Notre Dame Cathedral and the discovery of the legendary alchemist Fulcanelli, who was found dead in the cathedral. But not everything is as it seems.
Can it truly be Fulcanelli? If so that means he was over 150 years old when he died.
Did he discover the secret to eternal life? And if so who is willing to kill for the answers?
Another pulse pondering and thriller ride, with a fantastic bit of banter along the way.
October 24, 2026
Another fantastic Eden Black thriller! There are so many good things about these books it's hard to decide what I like most. Of course, the action packed plots, blending history, the amazing world we live in with the occasional touch of paranormal. Then there's the banter, as clever as the characters. But I think what I like most just might be the possibilities. What if the alchemists had it figured out all along?
October 30, 2026
The search for eternal life with leads being left throughout Europe that's the main theme in the Alchemist's Codex and it turns out to be quite an adventure for Eden and her team as well as for the readers. The story has beautiful and interesting descriptions of Notre Dame and other churches as well as a mix of real facts and fantasy. Another great addition to the Eden Black series.
I thank Mr. Richardson for this ARC.
I thank Mr. Richardson for this ARC.
Read
November 8, 2026The Alchemist's Codex.
Luke writes novels that will keep you turning the pages. In this one, a thrilling chase across the rooftops of Paris and secrets hidden in the tunnels below Notre dame Cathedral. An excellent story with a surprising amount of historical fact written into the fiction. Well worth reading the author's notes at the end of the book, which reveals even more about the lives of the real people mentioned. Highly recommended.
Luke writes novels that will keep you turning the pages. In this one, a thrilling chase across the rooftops of Paris and secrets hidden in the tunnels below Notre dame Cathedral. An excellent story with a surprising amount of historical fact written into the fiction. Well worth reading the author's notes at the end of the book, which reveals even more about the lives of the real people mentioned. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2026
Alchemist's Codex with Eden Blacks latest adventure
The action in this book was fast once started, but for me it lacked some of the excitement and detailed descriptions the other books in the series have.
To find a cure for Requin, the book a codex to read. Lots of shooting but they got there, but maybe another story brewing too.
The action in this book was fast once started, but for me it lacked some of the excitement and detailed descriptions the other books in the series have.
To find a cure for Requin, the book a codex to read. Lots of shooting but they got there, but maybe another story brewing too.
November 7, 2026
Fantastic adventure!
From the thrilling retrieval of a famous missing painting to the last page, Eden Black and company kept me entertained and riveted. The historical aspects of the story are always intriguing and blend well with the fictional parts. This was a perfect book to leave reality behind and join Eden on her adventures!
From the thrilling retrieval of a famous missing painting to the last page, Eden Black and company kept me entertained and riveted. The historical aspects of the story are always intriguing and blend well with the fictional parts. This was a perfect book to leave reality behind and join Eden on her adventures!
October 24, 2026
Another action packed Eden Black novel. A dead body is found that is hundreds years old. The hunt for the holy grail, a Codex that may deem eternal life. Eden Black must find it before it is destroyed. A page turning thriller.
November 1, 2026
Good Fun.
A few hours to read cover to cover and well worth the time. It’s been a while since I read the previous books, this one seems a bit more tame with few of the dazzling points in previous volumes.
A few hours to read cover to cover and well worth the time. It’s been a while since I read the previous books, this one seems a bit more tame with few of the dazzling points in previous volumes.
November 2, 2026
I usually really like this series, but this book was all bang-bang fighting and 0% character dev.
Also, Athena has become the most annoying person. Her quips are much less cute and funny and much more annoying and whiney.
Also, Athena has become the most annoying person. Her quips are much less cute and funny and much more annoying and whiney.
November 4, 2026
another Eden black gem
I really enjoyed this read. Luke keeps me captivated the entire way. Please do another! I will definitely pass this on to others
I really enjoyed this read. Luke keeps me captivated the entire way. Please do another! I will definitely pass this on to others
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved THE ALCHEMIST’S CODEX! The fast pace of Eden’s adventures in multiple exotic locations is exciting and the mystery plot is complex. What a twist at the end! I would have enjoyed even more character interaction and more of the humor that previous books in this series display, but this is still a wonderfully fun read!
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews