The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence. Nikola Tesla
Merlin Cadman, a professional poker player, is in the final of an international tournament in Las Vegas when a text message informs him that his father, Adam Cadman, aka "Professor Podium", "Maestro Minestrone" and "Mister Mayakarah," is dead.
In his various comic guises, Adam Cadman had become perhaps the most famous magician in the world. He had made countless millions - at an equally incalculable emotional cost to his only son.
But when Merlin returns to London he discovers that there is virtually no money left.
That's only the start of it. His father's death triggers a chain of bizarre, logically impossible and increasingly dangerous events in Australia, North Korea and Afghanistan, on the migrant trail from Kabul to Calais and finally in the English countryside.
Why?
Because his father had made scientific discoveries that would radically change the world. And while certain powers want to own and control the new technologies, others want to suppress and destroy them.
As Merlin's journey reaches its astounding conclusion amid his father's technological marvels, how does he survive the revelation that he has been the victim of the great magician's greatest ever trick?
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Arthur C Clarke
