**A free e-short from ‘Queen of the Dark Ages’ Karen Maitland, author of *Company of Liars* , which explores medieval Dark Arts practices and the mysterious history of alchemy. ** ****Includes real recipes devised by medieval alchemists and a free sample of Karen’s gothic historical thriller,* The Raven’s Head* **** ***** *’An atmospheric and dark story’** ***The Times*** **on *The Raven’s Head* ** *The black object inside the flask was the head of a raven. Its beak was opened wide as if it cried out a warning, and from its mouth a long forked scarlet tongue quivered in the flickering candle flame, like a viper poised to strike.* *Alchemy*. The word conjures up images of magic, mystery and dark dungeons full of bubbling potions, with shadowy figures poring over ancient manuscripts in pursuit of the secret formula that will allow them to turn base metal into pure gold. And, for centuries, this image of alchemy was not far from the truth… Take science and politics. Mix with desire and desperation. Leave to intensify. And you shall have the legendary world of the medieval alchemists, expertly drawn by the Queen of the Dark Ages. **What readers are saying about *Dangerous Art of Alchemy* :** ‘A **book to delve into over and over again** ‘ ‘A **fascinating read** full of information on this **strange system of beliefs** ‘ ‘A **fun book* *that will * *whet your appetite for* The Raven’s Head*** ‘