Book Reviews and More: The Emerald Tablet - Manuel Alfonseca - Chronicles of the Aeolian Family Book 02

The Emerald Tablet

Chronicles of the Aeolian Family Book 02

Manuel Alfonseca
ISBN 9798653753664

ASIN B08B596FDC

A few years ago I read several books in translation by Manuel Alfonseca. Most I believe translated by the author himself. This is the 10th volume from his pen that I have read. I believe this book was originally published in Spanish in 2004. There have been a few Spanish editions over the years, and it was published in English in 2020. The whole trilogy was published in English at that time. When I finished the first book, The Seal of Aeolus, I immediately picked up this volume and volume three. And only my commitment to alternate fiction and non-fiction prevented me from starting on this book immediately.

I picked up book one to read because it was the Catholic Book Club on Good Reads book for the month. Once I started reading it I could hardly put it down. The same can be said for this second instalment. In fact the action was more intense and the story more compelling in this second volume. I have been impressed by everything I have read from Alfonseca’s pen. Several times while reading this series I thought of Sword and Serpent by Taylor R. Marshall and also the historical fiction from Jack Whyte. I believe this book is just as good as the writings from those two authors.

This book is well written and well researched. And I implore you when you read the book stick it through and read the Authors Note at the end of the text. It is so worth the read, on the research and background. I picked up the next two volumes in this series as soon as I finished the first. The description of the volume is:

“Loyalty to her homeland and her ideals make Meriem a young heroine. In the times of the emperor Valerian Augustus, the borders of the Roman Empire begin to weaken and strange people walk inside. In Hispania, Gaius Aeolius receives the visit of a mysterious Egyptian who brings ruin to the house, along with a mysterious emerald tablet. Young Meriem and her brother Lucius are then involved in a series of adventures, which will take them from an encounter with barbarians to the presence of Caesar."

A story sent in ancient Roman times. But set well after the first story. In this onw we follow siblings as they flee persecution for being Christians. They are Christian and not ashamed of it. The persecution of Christina, war, battles, love, and more. This story has a bit of it all.

Alfonseca is the author of over 50 books, 24 of which I believe are available in English. He writes across genres and styles with great ease. His books are always entertaining. And yet they cause a reader to think. In this story and many of his others a great strength is the characters. His characters are masterfully written. He draw readers in and keep them hooked.

This is a great historical fiction novel. It does an awesome job continuing the story of a family and their faith. A great read that I highly recommend! Currently a second book in a trilogy, but we can always hope it will be expanded.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Manuel Alfonseca in English:
Jacob's Ladder
The Ruby of the Ganges
The Last Dinosaur
Ennia in Faerie
The Heirloom of King Scorpion
Beyond the Black Hole
The Water of Life

Albatros

A face in Time: 1789-2089

Hidden Hand

...

Earth-9 Colony Series:

The History of the Earth-9 Colony

The Earth-9 Colony Revisited

…

Solar System Series:

Under an Orange Sky

Descent into the Hell of Venus

Operation Quatuor