Product Description

A deadly conspiracy! An ancient prophecy! A race to prevent Armageddon! A thrilling, high-octane race to save civilisation that will engross fans of Dan Brown and Sam Bourne. When ex-SAS operative Ben Hope decided to give up rescuing kidnap victims in favour of the Theology studies he abandoned years before, he should have known that fate would decide differently. Searching for missing biblical archaeologist Zoe Bradbury, Ben finds himself embroiled in his riskiest mission yet. What is the ancient secret that Zoe uncovered? And just who is willing to do anything to protect it? The investigation leads Ben from Greece to the American Deep South and the holy city of Jerusalem, and he soon discovers that it's not just his and Zoe's lives on the line, but those of millions, threatened by a fundamentalist plot to gain ultimate power. The stakes are terrifyingly high as Ben races to prevent a disaster that could kick-start apocalyptic events as foretold by the Book of Revelation...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3569 in Books
• Published on: 2009-01-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback

Review
Praise for The Alchemist's Secret: 'Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure'. Closer 'The [Alchemist's Secret] establishes Scott Mariani as an author to watch.' M.J. Rose, author of The Reincarnationist 'Scott Mariani brings it all to the table in this fast-paced thriller that rockets off the first page and never slows down. The Alchemist's Secret is packed with dark intrigue, danger around every corner, bullets flying, sexual tension, and an endless assault of nasty villains bent on stopping ex-SAS Ben Hope from finding the secret to an ancient manuscript. It's everything a thriller should be and more.' Joe Moore, international bestselling co-author of The Grail Conspiracy.

About the Author
Scott Mariani grew up in St Andrews, Scotland. He studied Modern Languages at Oxford and went on to work as a translator, a professional musician, a pistol shooting instructor and a freelance journalist before becoming a full-time writer. After spending several years in Italy and France, Scott discovered his secluded writer's haven in the wilds of west Wales, an 1830s country house complete with rambling woodland and a secret passage. When he isn't writing, Scott enjoys jazz, movies, classic motorcycles and astronomy.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic- none stop action
I was introduced to Scott Mariani only a few weeks ago with the Alchemists Secret. The style of writing and the way this book gripped the reader reminded me of James Rollins. Scott Mariani writes in such detail bringing the whole story to life instantly, the believable and likeable character Ben Hope is indulged the balance of action, storyline, thrills and romance. It is pure addictive reading. I didnt think he could top the first book but after reading the Mozart Conspiracy he was confirmed as one of my favorite authors.

The Doomsday Prophecy is even better. Following on from the Mozart Conspiracy the action starts immediately and brings Ben Hope into a violent plot with a range of emotions, loyalties and decency to indulge the reader. I wont spoil the storyline but I simply could not put it down, never have I enjoyed a book as much and I did not want it to end.

If there is a film producer with any sense to spot a winner then Scott Mariani should be approached to create a film series that could surpass the Bourne films.

Top book!! My tip.....read them all. Cant wait for the next one.

Mariani excels himself in the best Ben Hope novel yet.
The Doomsday Prophecy

The psychologically troubled Ben Hope has decided on a life changing move from "Kidnap and Ransom" expert to completing his theological studies and becoming a priest.

If only it were that easy, before he even commences his course an old friend and Professor of Theology is asking him to help trace his missing daughter, the wild but brilliant biblical archaeologist Zoe Bradbury.

Mariani ups his already high standard of writing as Ben is inevitably dragged back into his old life whilst struggling to overcome his personal demons in the church.

In this novel Mariani's balancing of action, character and background is outstanding, but the plot based on an interpretation of the Book of Revelations seems a little implausible to me, maybe it is time the author moved into new territory with Ben Hope.

As usual I read the book in one sitting and I have already pre ordered his next novel "The Heretics Treasure" due out on July 9.

sadly underated auther
this is his third book and they get better each time. His research is excellent and though using the same 'hero' there is nothing the same about each book. If you like a book that keeps you turning the page this is definitely the auther to read. I have many books like this a subject i enjoy which tells of ancient times and modern and blends superbly, I would strongly recommend this book and his others to be a good read for any age, I get first read but my kids are waiting fot me to finish and they are 22 and 25years old a good book for all ages