By Niamh Byrne
After the success of his first book The Republic of Reality, Irish Author Adam Rowan’s second outing The Crystalline Crucible has just been published.
The Crystalline Crucible revolves around the main character, Maxwell Jacobs, a neurodivergent 21-year-old with a passion for knights, Tetris and cheese sandwiches, who harbours an audacious dream—to become the greatest treasure hunter in England. His chance comes along with ‘The Crystalline Crucible’, a treasure hunting experiment which promises wealth more than anyone can imagine and untold secrets of the world. Max being the dedicated treasure hunter he is, breaks into Nottingham’s natural history Museum in search of a clue for the treasure hunt but ends up getting caught and arrested for burglary. His best friend and love interest (though not to her knowing) Rosie, bails him out and makes him promise to give up his lifelong dream of being a treasure hunter. That is, until he’s certain he’s uncovered another clue and badly needs the prize money.
Enter Khalil Ahmed. Khalil is running away from something he refuses to talk about. Taking a job in the same store as Max, the pair get off to a nasty start. Polar opposites would be a good fit for these two as they couldn’t be more different. Max’s awkward nature and proclivity to say all the wrong things gets him into trouble with the nicest of people. Khalil is an erstwhile criminal seeking redemption (and quick cash), so let’s just say they didn’t get off to the best start. An interference with local good-for-nothing’s leave Max broken and bruised and makes him reconsider Khalil’s offer to partner up in search of the Crystalline Crucible.
While on the road looking for clues, the pair have to battle other problems and try to figure out how to evaluate them. Aaron, a gangster Khalil was forced to work for, is tracking Khalil down for Jewellery he stole from him, which entails tracking his phone and having others spy on him. Khalil realises he can’t run away from his problems and the money Aaron wants from him. Max, on the other hand, is dealing with the hard guilt of lying to his best friend Rosie. His arch nemesis Brad, who also happens to be Rosie’s boyfriend, is onto Max and is adamant to expose his lies.
Adam’s second book is a very easy read filled with twists and turns that will shock you and is guaranteed to make you want to read more.
The Crystalline Crucible is available to purchase on Amazon/Goodreads and other online stores.
