Critical Acclaim
"Ibn al-Haytham, one of the greatest scholars in history, whose real life was one of the most colourful and fascinating ever told by historians, has been brought to life in a work of fiction utterly brilliantly by Steffens. The reader is transported one thousand years into medieval Arabia. This is a gripping story based on real-life events that is fizzing with adventure and rich in accurate historical and scientific nuggets."
—Jim Al-Khalili, physicist, author, and BBC broadcaster
"From the very first page Steffens brilliantly brings Alhasan's internal character to life, sketching a conflicted, fascinating portrait of a reluctant hero. It's not easy to dramatize the acts of thinking and creating—and harder still to do so in a subtle, elegant style—yet Steffens manages the trick. Watching Alhasan's mind work is a beautiful process, the prose moving along smoothly, like the gears of a reliable old clock."
—The Fountain (Read full review here.)
"The story of Ibn al-Haytham has now been fictionalized masterfully by Bradley Steffens in the new book The Prisoner of al-Hakim. The novel is engaging and an easy read. It is recommended that one have some knowledge of the eventful life of Ibn al-Haytham in order to fully appreciate the fictionalized plot, but that is not required. It stands on its own in terms of exciting storyline, interesting dialogue, and well-written prose."
—Blue Minaret (Read full review here.)
“One of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in ages.”
—Dr. Kevin Barrett, Truth Jihad Radio (Read full review here.)
"Steffens' vivid storytelling transports us to a distant era and place, introducing us to one of history's greatest minds, providing ample adventure along the way. The Prisoner of Al-Hakim is a beautiful, engaging read."
—Dr. Richard Freed, author of Wired Child: Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age
"This period novel dating back to the Abbasid and Fatimid Caliphate brings to the fore an oft-forgotten side of polymaths such as Alhasan Ibn al-Haytham, as a person that, like all of us, experiences doubt, fear and love. Bradley Steffens humanises Ibn Al-Haytham in a dignified way, illustrating the inspirations and thought processes behind many of his defining philosophical and scientific discoveries. A thread that runs through the novel is a deftly woven story of Ibn Al-Haytham and his student, who ends up teaching him bigger lessons in return."
—Wardah Books