Overview
1722: A second Dark Age looms. An asteroid has devastated the Earth, called down by dire creatures who plot against the world of men. The brilliant-- some say mad--Isaac Newton has taken refuge in ancient Prague. There, with his young apprentice Ben Franklin, he plumbs the secrets of the aetheric beings who have so nearly destroyed humanity.But their safety is tenuous. Peter the Great marches his unstoppable forces across Europe. And half a world away, Cotton Mather and Blackbeard the pirate assemble a party of colonial luminaries to cross the Atlantic and discover what has befallen the Old World. With them sails Red Shoes, a Choctaw shaman whose mysterious connections to the invisible world warn him that they are all moving toward a confrontation as violent as it is decisive . . .
Synopsis
1722: A second Dark Age looms. An asteroid has devastated the Earth, called down by dire creatures who plot against the world of men. The brilliant— some say mad—Isaac Newton has taken refuge in ancient Prague. There, with his young apprentice Ben Franklin, he plumbs the secrets of the aetheric beings who have so nearly destroyed humanity.
But their safety is tenuous. Peter the Great marches his unstoppable forces across Europe. And half a world away, Cotton Mather and Blackbeard the pirate assemble a party of colonial luminaries to cross the Atlantic and discover what has befallen the Old World. With them sails Red Shoes, a Choctaw shaman whose mysterious connections to the invisible world warn him that they are all moving toward a confrontation as violent as it is decisive . . .
Locus - Carolyn Cushman
...[Incorporates] strikingly unusual philosophy, thelogy, and science that provide a serious underpinning to [the] adventurous, romantic — and thoroughly entertaining — exploits.
Editorials
Carolyn Cushman
...[Incorporates] strikingly unusual philosophy, thelogy, and science that provide a serious underpinning to [the] adventurous, romantic — and thoroughly entertaining — exploits.—Locus
KLIATT
This is the second book in the alternate history saga, The Age of Unreason. The general premise is that alchemy, not science, became the preeminent discipline during the early 18th century. Masters of the art like Ben Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton have begun experimenting with forces that rapidly outstrip their knowledge and control. Two years after the end of the first book, an asteroid has decimated the world. Most of Europe has been depopulated, a dark cloud of dirt and smoke hangs over the globe, invading armies are on the march, and persons like Cotton Mather and Blackbeard the Pirate have become voices of reason in an age that has lost its own. Several plot lines are skillfully interwoven to produce a rich tapestry of magic, science, and fantasy. Overall, while this is an interesting read, it moves rather slowly and is quite long. It is also necessary to have read the first book in this series for things to make any sense at all. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1999, Ballantine/Del Rey, 429p, 18cm, 98-30776, $6.99. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Susan Cromby; Acquisitions Dept., Mesa P.L., Mesa, AZ January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)School Library Journal
YA-This sequel to Newton's Canon (Del Rey, 1999) stands well on its own. Set in 1722, the story again features known personalities of the times along with fictionalized characters, including a Choctaw Shaman and a woman with connections to the French throne. Each one is determined to save Europe from destruction. The story begins with a continent greatly altered by one man's greed for power and the influence of invisible creatures (angels?) that plot against humankind. The invisible world seems to have possessed the body and mind of France's king, who uses his academy of scientists to alter the path of an asteroid in hopes of smashing his country's enemies. This "possession" of the king and the miscalculations of his scientists throw Europe into a second Dark Age. Benjamin Franklin, apprenticed to Sir Isaac Newton, escapes the inferno of London with Newton. They take refuge in ancient Prague and begin studying the tragedy to avoid another one as European powers that are still in existence fight for control. Meanwhile, in the Colonies, Cotton Mather, Blackbeard, and French and Indian leaders meet and plan a voyage to Europe to find out why all communication and trade have ceased. The voyage sets in motion a battle for domination between the visible and invisible worlds. Keyes has combined history, fantasy, and science fiction into a strange and intriguing look at the 18th century. His tale combines strands of connections that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the third volume of the series. A fine choice for fantasy fans and readers interested in 18th-century history.-Linda A. Vretos, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.Carolyn Cushman
...[Incorporates] strikingly unusual philosophy, thelogy, and science that provide a serious underpinning to [the] adventurous, romantic -- and thoroughly entertaining -- exploits.— Locus