The Alchemist's Code by Dave Duncan Summary
Overview of The Alchemist's Code
In "The Alchemist's Code," Dave Duncan masterfully blends 16th-century Venice with supernatural intrigue. This acclaimed second installment of the Venice Trilogy invites readers to unravel mysteries alongside characters so vivid they practically whisper their secrets. What ancient alchemical power awaits discovery?
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Key takeaways
A Fateful Encounter in Renaissance Venice
Venice, 1565. The air hangs heavy with intrigue as Alfeo Zeno, a sharp-witted young man with secrets of his own, escorts the stunning courtesan Violetta from the Teatro San Cassiano. Their footsteps echo off ancient stones as they navigate narrow calli where even in darkness, countless eyes watch from behind ornate masks and shuttered windows. Violetta, resplendent in crimson silk, has just finished a performance that captivated the city's nobility. Though Alfeo appears to be merely her escort, he carefully maintains his cover as a simple scribe and astrologer's assistant. Near the Rialto Bridge, they encounter Danese Dolfin, a childhood acquaintance from Alfeo's impoverished past. Once dressed in patched clothing, Danese now struts in Spanish leather with a gold-hilted sword. "Fortune has smiled upon me," he boasts, detailing sudden success in the spice trade. Alfeo, trained in observation by his master Nostradamus, notes the nervous twitch in Danese's eye and how his hand repeatedly strays to an inner pocket. In Venice, such rapid transformation from pauper to merchant prince typically carries the stench of betrayal. Across the Grand Canal, another curious scene unfolds. Girolamo Sanudo, barely thirty yet already navy minister, walks arm-in-arm with his mother Eva Morosini, who appears impossibly younger than her son. Violetta reveals that Eva's brother-in-law, Zuanbattista Sanudo, has recently become ducal counselor-one of Venice's six most powerful men. This chance encounter plants seeds of mystery that will soon blossom into danger.
The Vanishing Heiress and a Master's Challenge
Secrets and Visions in the City of Masks
Young Love and Dangerous Deceptions
Espionage and Murder in La Serenissima
Supernatural Threats and Ancient Curses
Codes Broken and Justice Served
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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