Written by John Ward - Audio book performed by Colin Moody - Unabridged Nonfiction - 8 LIBRARY EDITION COMPACT DISCS - 7 hours, 30 minutes

Publisher, Bolinda Audio (June 2005)

NOTE: LIBRARY EDITIONS are packaged in a sturdy, durable outer vinyl case that stands up to years of repeated use designed for library and rental circulation. Albums are shelvable, space-efficient, with at-a-glance spine titles.

"A delightful mix of The Da Vinci Code, the Harry Potter series, and Nancy Drew adventures, this story has all the elements of a great mystery. Helen, a poor little rich girl, meets Jake, hapless tourist, and they set off on a dangerous quest to rescue a famous painting and, in doing so, save Helen’s scheming father. Colin Moody imparts the varied European accents with aplomb, successfully switching between Scottish, Italian, and French-speaking characters. His ability to characterize dead poets and saints is admirable. As a first part of the Fate of Stone series, the novel provides a satisfying ending and leaves the reader with enough questions to look for the next installment." D.L.M. —AudioFile Magazine [Sep 05]

"A job well done! This is a 'must' read." —La Presse (Montreal)

"...rich atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and engaging characters ... An entertaining read and a perfect recommendation for fans of Harry Potter." —Voice of the Advocates

What would you do if your father sent you a key that could unlock the most powerful secret of the ancient world? Would you get involved, at the risk of bringing its terrible magic back to life? In this novel that pits Good, Love, and Nature against Evil, Hate and Artifice, two teenagers, Jake and Helen, meet as contestants at a literary festival in Florence, Italy. When Helen's father, an art dealer, leaves her a mysterious note asking her to recover a key, she and Jake find themselves in this very dilemma. The Secret of the Alchemist weaves magic, literature and the exhilarating power of friendship into a story unlike any other.

About the Author: John Ward lives in Scotland. He is the author of the Fate of the Stone trilogy. Originally published in Canada, the series has become an international publishing success.