Wardenclyffe by F. Paul Wilson

Journalstone. 2018

ISBN-13: 978-1947654594

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, Audiobook

It’s time for F. Paul Wilson to return to the Secret History of the World. That should be enough reason to pick up this short novel about the plant where eccentric genius Nikola Tesla conducted some of his most dangerous experiments. This should serve as an appetizer to the return of Repairman Jack sometime in the very near future (yes, it’s actually happening). For the many fans of both Jack and the Adversary Cycle, Easter eggs abound everywhere, adding to what is a thrilling story on its own.

On Wardenclyffe, Long Island, Charles Atkinson begins an internship working for the enigmatic inventor, choosing to forgo a lucrative job at General Electric for a shot at making history. Charles carries a secret from England that is kept hidden from society, one that changes the dynamic of a character who could have been a mere bystander in this story to one with great depth.

Tesla has plans for a worldwide wireless energy source, but unfortunately has run out of funding. He has trudged onward, hoping for a savior to help him after the criminal acts of Thomas Edison against him. Tesla’s attempts have some strange and dangerous results, such as fish jumping out of the river to their deaths, and the disappearance of other animals, while succeeding in lighting up bulbs several miles away.

For those familiar with the otherworldly forces in the Adversary series can sense that the experiments just might open up something much more dangerous than corrupt businessmen.  Beneath a tower, something has come forth, something that threatens to alter fate of humanity.

Enter the mysterious Rudolf Drexler, representative of the Septimus Order, an ancient organization that has its tendrils in the mechanisms of major events in the scope of human history. He offers Tesla everything he needs to succeed… for a price. When the inventor accepts, the experiments lurch forward in dark steps, and Charles finds how devastating the efforts are. Something has crept forth from beyond: something that is changing everyone who ventures beneath the tower.

What results is a thriller that is a welcome addition to the canon of F. Paul Wilson, a tale that will enthrall  fans of The Keep and Nightworld, whetting the appetites of those jonesing for the return of readers’ favorite Jack.

Reviewed by David Simms