Love's Alchemy

Sir Isaac Newton was not only a great scientist but also an alchemist. There were risks in the latter since it could lead to charges of sorcery and the penalty of death. In this story, his goal was to create the Philosopher’s Stone. This item would have the power to heal all physical ills, and even to re-animate the dead.

Not only does Sidra Patmos suffer the effects of street light interference or SLIding, she has also been having increasing numbers of visitations by horrifying though seemingly harmless spirits. Her desperation to understand and to rid herself of these hauntings drives her to agree to meet her online friend SLIman in a Soho bar.

What Sidra does not know is that SLIman has an ulterior motive in their appointment. His real name is Donovan (Van) Barlowe, and he is one of the Children of the Last Sorcerer. Newton had been successful in his pursuits but in the end cursed Van and his siblings with his dying breath to mortality in 300 years. This was accompanied with the claim that he would live another life just to see their demise.

With the drawing of the deadline near, Van and his brothers, Alex and Wentworth have been searching for their reincarnated Maker in hopes that they will be saved from death. But not all of the siblings wish for immortality and they would prefer that the prophecy come true just as it was stated.

Ms. Cullen’s talents as an author are clearly displayed here with an interesting plot, sympathetic characters, and fascinating background history to the situation at hand.

Sidra’s bewilderment with both her strange experiences and the explanations that a handsome stranger insists is truth is well portrayed. The manifestations of her past life are also done in a persuasive manner.

Well wrought flash back scenes of her life as Newton beautifully display the complications in the relationship between Sir Isaac and the favorite of his Children. The inappropriate longing of this brilliant man and the honest love of Van which fell short of what was wanted are handled with a delicate touch.

Our hero Van is a wonderful creation. He has his foibles but he is good to the core. One could not help chuckling over this man’s innate fashion sense coupled with his decided lack of pining for same sex relationships. Protecting his heart from the pain of long life while watching his loved one’s die has meant keeping his romances short and shallow. Knowing this, it was touching to watch him be able to indulge in a relationship that had a decided depth of feeling.

The concept of Van falling in love with the reincarnation of his “father” may bring some readers pause. One must admit that it took a bit to get past and yet in this life the love he had can take a turn into the physical and allow him to stay true to himself with his attraction to a beautiful woman.

Secondary and minor characters are also multi-faceted and add opportunities for bringing color and further humor to this incredible story. All of Van’s siblings that we are introduced to here seem worthy of a tale of their own. It certainly appears that the storyline supports further installments with these beings.

LOVE’S ALCHEMY is sure to satisfy anyone who is looking for a great story with plenty of imagination and heart.

December 2006