reviewed by robfromkoeln
This is an amazing three-part story -- the type you never want to end.
He mixes explanations on the rise of science, economic models and our political foundations in a hilarious, gripping and epic adventure tale. He even weaves in a slice of fantasy with his shadowy alchemist Enoch Root.
This book has cheeky Cockney no-good, Jack Shaftoe, rubbing shoulders with the brilliant Isaac Newton, the fabulous French Sun King, evil slavers, rebellious reavers, the Ottomans, you name it!
They romp from Ireland to India, and it is a laugh a minute, punctuated by the odd stretch on modern scientific foundations. Whatever you do, push through the first scientific speedbump if you find it hard to understand, there is always a reward on the other side.
Book Two 'The Confusion' is the shortest in the trilogy (still 800-pages), but it is my favourite -- the plot fast-paced, fantastical and gives you an amusing (often insightful) idea of swashbuckling pistol and cutless life in 16th Century Europe, Egypt and the farer east.