This is one of those books that makes you go, 'They were thinking about *this* in the 1890s?!'

The Story

We follow two scientists: the brilliant but unhinged Professor Hartmann and his horrified colleague, Dr. Stephen Brodie. Hartmann has discovered 'ozonated oxygen,' a compound so unstable that a single spark could trigger a chain reaction, igniting the entire atmosphere. Convinced humanity is a failed experiment, Hartmann plans to demonstrate his power by destroying a remote island, hoping to force global surrender to his new world order. The story becomes a tense psychological duel as Brodie races to find and stop him before he lights the fuse.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me wasn't the outdated science, but the timeless fear. Cromie taps directly into our anxiety about scientific progress outpacing human wisdom. Hartmann isn't a cartoon villain; he's a man so disillusioned he sees annihilation as a moral duty. The suspense isn't in explosions, but in the quiet, creeping horror of his logic. It's a fascinating look at the 'mad scientist' archegon in its infancy, wrapped in a solid adventure story.

Final Verdict

Perfect for fans of early science fiction like H.G. Wells, or anyone who enjoys a smart, premise-driven thriller. It’s a short, brisk read that packs a big idea. You have to forgive some Victorian pacing and style, but the core concept is so sharp it still cuts. A true forgotten precursor to the apocalyptic stories we love today.