Dabbling in the ancient art of alchemy, Sir Isaac Newton unleashes Philosopher's Mercury, a primal source of matter key to the manipulation of the four elements -- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. It's a discovery that sparks a war between Louis XIV of France and George I of England for ultimate control of reality itself. Meanwhile, half a world away in the new town of Boston, young apprentice Benjamin Franklin stumbles on a dangerous secret and, pursued by a powerful scientist/sorcerer, flees to England to seek Sir Isaac's aid. But both men will need help against the original discoverers of Philospher's Mercury: a race of creatures scornful of science and mankind, and eager to destroy both....

Fabulous fantasy meets alternate history in this dazzling novel of science, magic, and adventure.