Book description
When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a
refuge for Europe's greatest alchemists and natural philosophers,
offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court
physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also
curator of Rudolph's bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast
rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from
Noah's Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which
fascinate Lukas.
As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of
rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with
his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph
to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of
diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the
Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the
Emperor's favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet,
and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it
works only in the presence of the Emperor.
Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes's mission. But sinister
forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot
against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina's loyalty in order
to save his own life. A former senior editor with Usborne Publishing,
Paul Dowswell is now a full-time author. He has written many non-fiction
titles, two of which were shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award.
Powder Monkey
, his first novel, was published to huge critical acclaim as the first
title in his exceptional Sam Witchall
trilogy. Paul lives in Wolverhampton with his family.
