Aldaraia, Book 1 in the Matthew Bishop series is a thriller by Burt Clinchandhill. Poland 1604, John Dee entrusted his friend with The Book of Soyga for safekeeping. Its unique secrets could change the world for better or worse. London 2008, antiquarian Robert Porter purchases the book at an auction and attempts to decipher its ancient cryptic writing. He dies from a mysterious ailment, leaving the artifact to his daughter, Jennifer. She asks Professor Matthew Bishop to help decode the book, but some of the riddled content is missing. The deciphered clues take them to Poland, but they’re unaware of being followed. A priest who assists them is killed, and the two soon realize how risky their quest has become.

Aldaraia is a riveting “must-read ” for anyone who likes adventure, religious mysteries, and conspiracies similar to The Da Vinci Code. This fast-paced story is on the lighter side, but still contains all the usual mind-boggling theoretical, biblical, historical references, and riddles that make these books so exciting to read. Each chapter is about a specific time period where sufficient information on the superb characters and their intentions are provided, thus strengthening the development of the ensuing drama. Burt Clinchandhill was extremely thorough in his research as a few names, locations, and facts that I checked are accurate. He has also included two interesting book excerpts from Lemuria, Book 2 in the Matthew Bishop series, and Eloah: No Heaven by Lex Allen. I enjoyed reading this novel.

Aldaraia: Matthew Bishop Book 1 by Burt Clinchandhill engages you in a race to solve a mystery, steeped in the prized translations of John Dee, a 16th and 17th-century mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, occultist, and alchemist; a mystery of profound consequences to the human race. Dee had been working to translate a sacred text called Aldaraia sive Soyga vocor (The Book of Soyga) and when he felt death was approaching, he handed over his work to his good friend Olbracht Laski. These documents are purchased by Robert Porter, a collector of rarities, at an auction of Laski’s possessions in 2008, and this becomes the catalyst to ignite a global hunt for the ultimate of human desires. Jennifer Porter, Robert’s daughter, enlists Professor Matthew Bishop and Walker Monroe on a quest to find answers to her father’s research, and their efforts propel you to an ultimate climax that will have you astounded by secrets revealed and possibilities unimagined.

Burt Clinchandhill takes Aldaraia to a whole new level of gripping reads, being one of those rareties where you know you will love the book after only reading just a few pages. Besides the high standard of characterization, where individuals and relationships are crafted beautifully, Aldaraia extends even further by offering relevant and engaging graphics throughout. I loved the inclusion of these images and, for me, they brought me into the story most effectively and made me feel as if I was part of the investigative process. Another aspect that was first-rate was the inclusion of pertinent factual information, which I found most interesting, relating to things such as the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the Kabbalah, the language of Enochian, and many other historical and locational gems included in Aldaraia. If you love a great adventure, mixed with a learning experience and wonderful all-round entertainment, then this is the book for you.