When Tudor explorers returned from the New World, they brought back a
name out of half-forgotten Viking legend: skraylings. Red-sailed ships
followed in the explorers’ wake, bringing Native American goods – and a
skrayling ambassador – to London. But what do these seemingly magical
beings really want in Elizabeth I’s capital?
Mal Catlyn, a
down-at-heel swordsman, is seconded to the ambassador's bodyguard, but
assassination attempts are the least of his problems. What he learns
about the skraylings and their unholy powers could cost England her new
ally – and Mal his soul.
“Anne Lyle’s Alchemist of Souls teems with intrigue and
magic worthy of the Bard himself, all set against the backdrop of
Elizabethan London. The attention to historical detail brings the time
and place alive and peoples it with characters I could instantly
empathize with. An outstanding debut!” – Lynn Flewelling
“In her terrific debut novel, Anne Lyle conjures up a magical
Elizabethan England of seedy glamour, long shadows, pulsating romance
and heart-stopping adventure. The Alchemist of Souls is the calling card of a great new talent in the fantasy field.” - Mark Chadbourn
"Anne Lyle creates an alternate Elizabethan England done right. With a twisting plot, endearing characters, fast-paced action, and truly unique and alien “fey”, Lyle steps up and gives notice to the genre. A great first installment in a promising new series." - Douglas Hulick
