Review: The Elixir of Lies, by S.E. Kaiser
The Elixir of Lies
S.E. Kaiser
324 pages
Release: November 8, 2024
ISBN 9798340387776
Publisher: Independent
S.E. Kaiser is a Vancouver author, an outdoor enthusiast with an interest in history, any history. Writing, apparently, came about because of an unfortunate accident in which he broke his leg. The Elixir of Lies is a result of that injury.
First, the marketing blurb:
Anicus returns from war determined to change his fortunes.
He’s a wordsmith with a passion for plays, longing to bring his stories to life. But when he pitches wealthy patrons for funds to build a theatre, they offer nothing but scorn—and bruises. While those who fought in the war grow hungry, those who stayed behind grow rich.
Beaten and broke… Anicus turns to deception.
With a silver tongue and a flair for performance, he conjures an illusion—an Elixir of immortality. He peddles hope to the wealthy, selling nothing but water and false promises. The scheme starts as a means to build his stage, but as one dose becomes two, then five, then fifty, it spirals into something greater. He has a chance to become the star he always dreamed he could be…
But it’s only a matter of time until someone falls ill.
For a first novel, and an independently published one at that, Kaiser creates a relatively credible world influenced by ancient Greece and Rome, complete with downtrodden and abused veteran who dreams of a life greater than what his service, and his country have afforded him. This is very much a common man story, a story of an individual trying to overcome the crushing reality of a classist society, of disregard and abuse. It is a theme which has resonated throughout human history, and one which Kaiser examines with intensity.
The writing, character development, and plot in The Elixir of Lies are entertaining if not remarkable. There are a few material culture problems which arrested credibility, but that reaction is not surprising given this reviewer’s rather critical expectations. Kaiser spins his character through a situation which rapidly becomes something of its own, an implacable juggernaut. And in the end, there is a satisfying resolution following in the tradition of Greek tragedy, and the inescapable destiny of fate.
The Elixir of Lies is a good escapist read. I’m confident Kaiser will hone his craft and present a growing readership with stories which demonstrate that here is a writer who will find his place.