A NOTE FOR HISTORIANS
Much of this novel was inspired by actual events. Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II really did keep alchemists prisoner in Prague Castle to work on the secret of the philosopher’s stone. Edward Kelley and John Dee were real people. Read up on this stuff. It’s interesting.
But please be aware that the author has recklessly deviated from actual history for his own purposes. Liberties were taken. Dates screwed with. Serious historians should avail themselves of a grain of salt.