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Alchemy of Secrets #1
Alchemy of Secrets
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 18:06:49
25 copies available
U.S. only
It starts with a class in an old movie theater.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.
With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.
With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2025
3510 people are currently reading
137314 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Garber
19 books80.2k followersStephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Her books have been translated into more than thirty languages. Alchemy of Secrets is her debut novel for adults and will be published around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,980 reviews
October 4, 2025
Ok idk where to start with this one 🤨 it was good? But I wanted it to be great ☝🏼
Holland is our main character & she has 24 hours to find the Alchemical Heart or she dies (this is given by a character called the Watch Man). This was Stephanie Garber’s first adult fantasy, but if I’m being honest it read completely the same as her previous books
It had so many similarities to Caraval & OUABH - ESPECIALLY the way Holland acts!!! GIRL TRUSTED EVERYONE! SO EASILY!!
Things I liked: the old Hollywood setting, the high stakes mystery, how fast paced it was, & the whimsical feel
Things I didn’t like: the story felt surface level, I didn’t find myself caring about any character, the magic didn’t feel developed, the “romance” was so odd, & the ending was unsatisfying
Holland is our main character & she has 24 hours to find the Alchemical Heart or she dies (this is given by a character called the Watch Man). This was Stephanie Garber’s first adult fantasy, but if I’m being honest it read completely the same as her previous books
It had so many similarities to Caraval & OUABH - ESPECIALLY the way Holland acts!!! GIRL TRUSTED EVERYONE! SO EASILY!!
Things I liked: the old Hollywood setting, the high stakes mystery, how fast paced it was, & the whimsical feel
Things I didn’t like: the story felt surface level, I didn’t find myself caring about any character, the magic didn’t feel developed, the “romance” was so odd, & the ending was unsatisfying
September 7, 2025
4.25 stars! It's so great to be back in a magical world created by Stephanie Garber. Stephanie Garber is AMAZING at creating magic, wonder, and adventure in her books. This one felt like a high-stakes treasure hunt through the secret magical side of Los Angeles. A good chunk of chapters also take place in a university class all about magical myths and urban legends, so the book felt like a fantastic fall read!
I will say that I did expect this book to be a 5 star read for me just based on how much I loved the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. The things stopping this one from being 5 stars for me:
1. There are a few potential love interests at the start of the book and they're all very mysterious which was cool for the plot but it was hard to get invested in them when I didn't know much about them.
2. Soo many unanswered questions at the end! I understand this is a series so not everything will be wrapped up but I wish a little more loose ends and the magic system/history of the world were explained.
Overall, so so so magical and creative!
I will say that I did expect this book to be a 5 star read for me just based on how much I loved the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. The things stopping this one from being 5 stars for me:
1. There are a few potential love interests at the start of the book and they're all very mysterious which was cool for the plot but it was hard to get invested in them when I didn't know much about them.
2. Soo many unanswered questions at the end! I understand this is a series so not everything will be wrapped up but I wish a little more loose ends and the magic system/history of the world were explained.
Overall, so so so magical and creative!
Want to read
April 8, 2025This cover reveal was the biggest jumpscare of my life 🧍🏻
(not hating 😭 was just very unexpected considering how her other covers look)
__
Stephanie Garner writing an adult fantasy will be my undoing 😩
It's gonna be five stars for sure considering all her other books were five stars for me 🤭
(not hating 😭 was just very unexpected considering how her other covers look)
__
Stephanie Garner writing an adult fantasy will be my undoing 😩
It's gonna be five stars for sure considering all her other books were five stars for me 🤭
Currently reading
October 7, 2025Tell me why Bruna just sent me a screenshot of this book and I screamed! Omg Omg Omgggg 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
We have a cover!! 😍
A new Stephanie Garber book! Yeeeee Christmas comes early this year! 😍
I'm so excited! Counting down to September 2025! I can't wait! 😭😭
We have a cover!! 😍
A new Stephanie Garber book! Yeeeee Christmas comes early this year! 😍
I'm so excited! Counting down to September 2025! I can't wait! 😭😭
Want to read
January 16, 2025Stephanie could write a grocery list and I’d read it. So excited for her Adult debut!!
October 14, 2025
➸ 5/5 stars.
➸ alchemy of secrets is absolutely brilliant, magical, enchanting and mind consuming. Stephanie Garber is a genius for writing this book. it’s set in the glamour of old Hollywood, but the glitz and sparkle everywhere was hiding an entirely different world behind closed doors. a world brimming with magic, abilities, myths, and legends. at start of it all is a secret class called “Folklore 517”, The worldbuilding
blended the elegance of Hollywood's golden age with wonder and mystery that made the story feel so special.
i did not like caraval trilogy but i did enjoy OUABH trilogy. now sure, i wasn’t enchanted by it THAT MUCH but i had lots of fun. i’m actually planing to reread it one day in hopes of loving it more. moral of the story: those mixed opinions left me wary of this release but nope, Stephanie blew my mind away!!
— this book as i said in my updates, doesn’t read like fantasy or romantasy but as a supernatural thriller. the set-up and build up for what’s secretly happening in what seems to be a perfect normal world just like ours was simply captivating
➸ i always said that stephanie’s writing is highly addictive and naturally fast without effecting or harming the book’s pace. and it showed even more in here because the book was a thriller and thrillers naturally tend to be gripping. so when it got paired with her absorbing writing? it was damn near impossible to put the book down!! the amount of twists and plot reveals happen so many times in each chapter that you won’t be able to steady yourself at all. i promise you’ll have the time of your life reading it 😫
— every character is twisted and sneaky with questionable morals and hidden intentions that will leave you wanting to scream and pull your hair in the best way.
➷ I really liked our main character, holland, I’ll admit she did frustrate me at times with how trusting she was. and don’t get me wrong, her openness actually made the story more entertaining lmao, since it was fun watching her interact in so many different ways with different people. still, I do wish she’d been a little more cautious. I get that it’s part of the story. she’s been thrust into this unfamiliar world and has no choice but to go with the flow but it was still a bit annoying at times. putting that aside, I genuinely liked her overall. she’s clever, quick-witted, and has a sharp ability to piece things together quickly, which really helped her along the way. I also have a feeling the series might take a direction similar to Caraval, where we end up following two sisters. I wholeheartedly believe january will eventually become a main character in one of the books. my only hope is that the fandom doesn’t pit the two sisters against each other the way they did with scarlett and donatella. because that was insufferable 🙂
as for the romance, there really isn’t any in this book. But if it does come up in the next one, i think I have a pretty good idea of who is going to be the final love interest 👀
— when I started the book I really thought that it’s going to be a standalone but around 40% there was so much lore. so much questions left unanswered and so many more twists that happened in here that I quickly realised it can’t be all resolved in one book. it end on a small cliffhanger. my god i just can’t wait to see what she have in store for us next!!
i really wish i can read it for the first time again, i read some good books this year but i cant remember the last time I had this much fun reading specially sense I was into a slump. my only recommendation is to go into this one completely blind. don’t even read the blurb, because it gave away a tiny thing.
and seriously this book/ series needs to get adapted into films because it will be so perfect aaa and i need book two right now!! I’m hungry for more 😭
also a little fun fact:
when I was a kid, my cousin lived far away, and he used to tell me and my sisters that there was a magical playland hidden in the roof of their house. I remember being so envious and wishing I could see it. Reading this book felt just like going into that place. that place never even existed. holland was told something similar, but she believed in magic anyway. and in a way, I’d like to believe this book is a gift to little me. who dreamed of a magical world she could never reach. but time passed, and through this book, she finally got to go there 🥹
***ARC Provided by the Publisher—Flatiron Books—in exchange for an honest Review.***
"You're here because of a story, Now I'm going to tell you another one."
➸ alchemy of secrets is absolutely brilliant, magical, enchanting and mind consuming. Stephanie Garber is a genius for writing this book. it’s set in the glamour of old Hollywood, but the glitz and sparkle everywhere was hiding an entirely different world behind closed doors. a world brimming with magic, abilities, myths, and legends. at start of it all is a secret class called “Folklore 517”, The worldbuilding
blended the elegance of Hollywood's golden age with wonder and mystery that made the story feel so special.
i did not like caraval trilogy but i did enjoy OUABH trilogy. now sure, i wasn’t enchanted by it THAT MUCH but i had lots of fun. i’m actually planing to reread it one day in hopes of loving it more. moral of the story: those mixed opinions left me wary of this release but nope, Stephanie blew my mind away!!
— this book as i said in my updates, doesn’t read like fantasy or romantasy but as a supernatural thriller. the set-up and build up for what’s secretly happening in what seems to be a perfect normal world just like ours was simply captivating
➸ i always said that stephanie’s writing is highly addictive and naturally fast without effecting or harming the book’s pace. and it showed even more in here because the book was a thriller and thrillers naturally tend to be gripping. so when it got paired with her absorbing writing? it was damn near impossible to put the book down!! the amount of twists and plot reveals happen so many times in each chapter that you won’t be able to steady yourself at all. i promise you’ll have the time of your life reading it 😫
— every character is twisted and sneaky with questionable morals and hidden intentions that will leave you wanting to scream and pull your hair in the best way.
The truth was, Holland St. James simply wasn't capable of turning down a chance at having magic.
➷ I really liked our main character, holland, I’ll admit she did frustrate me at times with how trusting she was. and don’t get me wrong, her openness actually made the story more entertaining lmao, since it was fun watching her interact in so many different ways with different people. still, I do wish she’d been a little more cautious. I get that it’s part of the story. she’s been thrust into this unfamiliar world and has no choice but to go with the flow but it was still a bit annoying at times. putting that aside, I genuinely liked her overall. she’s clever, quick-witted, and has a sharp ability to piece things together quickly, which really helped her along the way. I also have a feeling the series might take a direction similar to Caraval, where we end up following two sisters. I wholeheartedly believe january will eventually become a main character in one of the books. my only hope is that the fandom doesn’t pit the two sisters against each other the way they did with scarlett and donatella. because that was insufferable 🙂
as for the romance, there really isn’t any in this book. But if it does come up in the next one, i think I have a pretty good idea of who is going to be the final love interest 👀
— when I started the book I really thought that it’s going to be a standalone but around 40% there was so much lore. so much questions left unanswered and so many more twists that happened in here that I quickly realised it can’t be all resolved in one book. it end on a small cliffhanger. my god i just can’t wait to see what she have in store for us next!!
i really wish i can read it for the first time again, i read some good books this year but i cant remember the last time I had this much fun reading specially sense I was into a slump. my only recommendation is to go into this one completely blind. don’t even read the blurb, because it gave away a tiny thing.
and seriously this book/ series needs to get adapted into films because it will be so perfect aaa and i need book two right now!! I’m hungry for more 😭
also a little fun fact:
when I was a kid, my cousin lived far away, and he used to tell me and my sisters that there was a magical playland hidden in the roof of their house. I remember being so envious and wishing I could see it. Reading this book felt just like going into that place. that place never even existed. holland was told something similar, but she believed in magic anyway. and in a way, I’d like to believe this book is a gift to little me. who dreamed of a magical world she could never reach. but time passed, and through this book, she finally got to go there 🥹
***ARC Provided by the Publisher—Flatiron Books—in exchange for an honest Review.***
September 19, 2025
4⭐️
Genuine question: when does Stephanie Garber NOT deliver a banger? This was so so good I thoroughly enjoyed every second reading this book.
If there is one that that Stephanie nails every time, it's the magic system. This was so mysterious and enchanting and I wish it was longer than just over 300 pages cause I ATEE it up. Just when you thought you figured something out, BAM plot twist. This book was full of them. The ending was so crazy and I couldn't predict what was going to happen whatsoever and I LOVE that in a book.
This was not your typical fantasy. This was more like a mystery with magical elements and I'm not complaining at all; I had a great time. I felt like I was watching a tennis match with how much back and forth there was between Adam and Gabe. 😭 I was like who do I trust? WHO DO I TRUST??? But in the end, it all just clicked.
Speaking of Adam and Gabe, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. This is not a book where the characters are fully fleshed out and you're left questioning your entire life but they're entertaining! Holland didn't feel like a gullible, naive character while reading this which I did enjoy. I just think there could've been a bit more to her.
Overall, this book is such an easy binge and you could probably knock this out in a day just from how engrossed you are in the story. Once I picked it up, there was no putting it down it was just THAT entertaining. However, don't go into this thinking it's purely fantasy because this is not that. Like I stated before, this is basically a mystery with magical elements. That being said, don't let that deter you from picking this up cause it hit all the marks for me and I think those who are fans of Stephanie would still really like this. 🤎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: ✨🤎
Got an early copy through BOTM and I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS! 🙂↕️
Genuine question: when does Stephanie Garber NOT deliver a banger? This was so so good I thoroughly enjoyed every second reading this book.
If there is one that that Stephanie nails every time, it's the magic system. This was so mysterious and enchanting and I wish it was longer than just over 300 pages cause I ATEE it up. Just when you thought you figured something out, BAM plot twist. This book was full of them. The ending was so crazy and I couldn't predict what was going to happen whatsoever and I LOVE that in a book.
This was not your typical fantasy. This was more like a mystery with magical elements and I'm not complaining at all; I had a great time. I felt like I was watching a tennis match with how much back and forth there was between Adam and Gabe. 😭 I was like who do I trust? WHO DO I TRUST??? But in the end, it all just clicked.
Speaking of Adam and Gabe, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. This is not a book where the characters are fully fleshed out and you're left questioning your entire life but they're entertaining! Holland didn't feel like a gullible, naive character while reading this which I did enjoy. I just think there could've been a bit more to her.
Overall, this book is such an easy binge and you could probably knock this out in a day just from how engrossed you are in the story. Once I picked it up, there was no putting it down it was just THAT entertaining. However, don't go into this thinking it's purely fantasy because this is not that. Like I stated before, this is basically a mystery with magical elements. That being said, don't let that deter you from picking this up cause it hit all the marks for me and I think those who are fans of Stephanie would still really like this. 🤎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: ✨🤎
Got an early copy through BOTM and I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS! 🙂↕️
September 12, 2025
This was so magical! I will ALWAYS love Stephanie Garber’s whimsical writing.
This felt like a twist on Caraval - solving clues, and trying to figure out what’s real and not real. But less carnival/game, and more Hollywood mystery.
I will say, I was excited to read Stephanie Garber’s first adult novel… but to me, this still felt YA? The story & voice of our protagonist felt quite young still, reminiscent to Scarlett in Caraval.
This felt like a twist on Caraval - solving clues, and trying to figure out what’s real and not real. But less carnival/game, and more Hollywood mystery.
I will say, I was excited to read Stephanie Garber’s first adult novel… but to me, this still felt YA? The story & voice of our protagonist felt quite young still, reminiscent to Scarlett in Caraval.
October 17, 2025
alchemy of secrets ❌
children’s bed time story ✅
children’s bed time story ✅
May 25, 2025
Already screaming for Book 2! This was flawless. Get it on your Fall TBRs tout de suite!
September 22, 2025
જ⁀➴ 4 stars
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
Stephanie Garber's adult fantasy debut did not disappoint! I haven't read any other books by her except for Caraval, and that was back in 2018, right before Legendary came out. I haven't picked up any books from her since, but I do have a goal of trying to read through the entire Caraval trilogy and the OUABH trilogy before the year ends. I've forgotten how magical her books are, and Alchemy of Secrets is no exception to that.
✎𓂃Full review to come soon once I get my thoughts sorted out a little more!
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (9/10/2025): I'm so excited to be able to read this early! I didn't get this as a formal ARC, but Book of the Month had this as an early release as one of their September 2025 picks for their box, so I managed to get my hands on an early copy! The only other book I've read from Stephanie Garber is Caraval, so I can't wait to see what her adult debut has in store!✨🗝️
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (1/16/2025):
Update: I preordered it lol. It comes out the same week as my birthday so I'm preordering this as a (very) early birthday present for myself. Sign me tf up; I’m ready for this. I love me a good dark academia story! This is Stephanie Garber's adult debut so I can't wait to see where she goes with this.
Here’s the blurb posted by Stephanie Garber on IG:
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
Stephanie Garber's adult fantasy debut did not disappoint! I haven't read any other books by her except for Caraval, and that was back in 2018, right before Legendary came out. I haven't picked up any books from her since, but I do have a goal of trying to read through the entire Caraval trilogy and the OUABH trilogy before the year ends. I've forgotten how magical her books are, and Alchemy of Secrets is no exception to that.
✎𓂃Full review to come soon once I get my thoughts sorted out a little more!
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾𖤓 ⋆⁺₊⋆
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (9/10/2025): I'm so excited to be able to read this early! I didn't get this as a formal ARC, but Book of the Month had this as an early release as one of their September 2025 picks for their box, so I managed to get my hands on an early copy! The only other book I've read from Stephanie Garber is Caraval, so I can't wait to see what her adult debut has in store!✨🗝️
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹 (1/16/2025):
Update: I preordered it lol. It comes out the same week as my birthday so I'm preordering this as a (very) early birthday present for myself. Sign me tf up; I’m ready for this. I love me a good dark academia story! This is Stephanie Garber's adult debut so I can't wait to see where she goes with this.
Here’s the blurb posted by Stephanie Garber on IG:
"It starts with a class in an old movie theater. Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor.
Most students believe the Professor's stories are just fiction. There isn't a man in Hollywood who you can call to find out the time you'll die. There's no haunted hotel bar in Los Angeles that the devil likes to frequent.
There's no such thing as magic.
But... Most students don't have the same tragic past as Holland St. James.
Now a graduate student, Holland is hoping to use her thesis to rewrite her past by proving that some of the most infamous deaths in old Hollywood were actually murders committed by the devil. She has no idea that this quest will lead her into a deadly world of century-old secrets and unimaginable lies, and onto the path of two very dangerous men, both of whom are willing to do whatever it takes to find a magic that will either forever alter Holland's life or completely destroy it."
Want to read
February 4, 20252025 just became better
September 9, 2025
EASILY one of my favorite books of the year! Stephanie Garber delivered above and beyond with Alchemy of Secrets. I read this in a day.
I absolutely LOVE the contrast of the gritty LA backdrop + Hollywood glam, art deco vibe with fantasy folklore and urban legends. Stephanie Garber's writing is so magical, and I loved how the whimsical writing style of Caraval and OUABH still translated to a different genre of fantasy. While Alchemy of Secrets was romantic, it wasn't a romance. I loved that it went in the urban fantasy, mystery/treasure hunt direction. It had a hint of Lady Midnight and Addie LaRue vibes as well.
The pacing was excellent, and I seriously could not put this book down. Everything felt so visual. It truly seemed like I was watching a movie in my head. Which, by the way, perfectly aligns with the screenwriter + Hollywood themes of this book. The magical underbelly of LA + all of the folklore was everything.
And the whole time while reading, I was thinking, "this feels like a Lana Del Rey song," and then she references Lana Del Rey? Iconic. The ticking time only added to the stakes. Plus the events taking place around and on Halloween makes for the perfect fall book. And the plot twist after plot twist...I couldn't get enough. If there's one book you read this fall, make it Alchemy of Secrets!
I absolutely LOVE the contrast of the gritty LA backdrop + Hollywood glam, art deco vibe with fantasy folklore and urban legends. Stephanie Garber's writing is so magical, and I loved how the whimsical writing style of Caraval and OUABH still translated to a different genre of fantasy. While Alchemy of Secrets was romantic, it wasn't a romance. I loved that it went in the urban fantasy, mystery/treasure hunt direction. It had a hint of Lady Midnight and Addie LaRue vibes as well.
The pacing was excellent, and I seriously could not put this book down. Everything felt so visual. It truly seemed like I was watching a movie in my head. Which, by the way, perfectly aligns with the screenwriter + Hollywood themes of this book. The magical underbelly of LA + all of the folklore was everything.
And the whole time while reading, I was thinking, "this feels like a Lana Del Rey song," and then she references Lana Del Rey? Iconic. The ticking time only added to the stakes. Plus the events taking place around and on Halloween makes for the perfect fall book. And the plot twist after plot twist...I couldn't get enough. If there's one book you read this fall, make it Alchemy of Secrets!
September 11, 2025
I got this book for free and I still want my money back.
Want to read
July 21, 2025Orion, if you’re seeing this, I’m prepared to crawl for an early copy 😩
——
Prepare for me to be INSUFFERABLE when this comes out. If her YA books were anything to go by can you imagine what this adult fantasy will be like 🪭😍
——
Prepare for me to be INSUFFERABLE when this comes out. If her YA books were anything to go by can you imagine what this adult fantasy will be like 🪭😍
Want to read
October 6, 2025➳ I am ready to dive in 🤸
October 16, 2025
caraval and ouabh from temu.
October 5, 2025
3.75💫
i really felt like this was a 5 star. i think it would have if she didn’t rush the ending.
the overall plot was very captivating and magical. i love this world that she created and the scavenger hunt she took us on. i wish we got more class chapters because i love how they really pulled you into the book because its second person POV, which i never read much. i felt like i was in class and i love how she did that. the rest of the book was in third person when it was hollands adventures.
i think holland was entirely too trusting and sometimes chose to ignore the very obvious red flags. i did enjoy her story tho and following along with her as she tried to find these clues.
the book as a whole was so fast paced and entertaining, but once we got close to the end of the book, it seems like it was wrapped up very quickly and there are so may things unanswered. like im soooo confused by a lot of things and thats what bumped it down to a 3.75 from a 4. these aren’t like small unanswered questions tho, like they are very valuable to the plot of the book and i just feel more confused than entertained.
i still recommend this book! i think the writing and the storytelling were beautiful and so captivating. i enjoyed being in this world!
i really felt like this was a 5 star. i think it would have if she didn’t rush the ending.
the overall plot was very captivating and magical. i love this world that she created and the scavenger hunt she took us on. i wish we got more class chapters because i love how they really pulled you into the book because its second person POV, which i never read much. i felt like i was in class and i love how she did that. the rest of the book was in third person when it was hollands adventures.
i think holland was entirely too trusting and sometimes chose to ignore the very obvious red flags. i did enjoy her story tho and following along with her as she tried to find these clues.
the book as a whole was so fast paced and entertaining, but once we got close to the end of the book, it seems like it was wrapped up very quickly and there are so may things unanswered. like im soooo confused by a lot of things and thats what bumped it down to a 3.75 from a 4. these aren’t like small unanswered questions tho, like they are very valuable to the plot of the book and i just feel more confused than entertained.
i still recommend this book! i think the writing and the storytelling were beautiful and so captivating. i enjoyed being in this world!
Want to read
January 16, 2025STEPHANIE YOU LITTLE TART i am so fucking excited to read this holy shit
Want to read
October 8, 2025the way this book came out only a day ago and has already been picked up for a show?? im def reading this asap. i also need the caraval and ouabh developed next ty!
all that edging from stephanie on ig was worth it to find out this is AN ADULT NOVEL!!! i’ve been waiting for this i’m so excited 😭
all that edging from stephanie on ig was worth it to find out this is AN ADULT NOVEL!!! i’ve been waiting for this i’m so excited 😭
Want to read
January 24, 2025DO YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING??? STEPHANIE YOU BEAUTIFUL, DESPICABLE WOMAN.
Want to read
January 18, 2025if this is anything like caraval im gonna need 5 business days to recover
July 20, 2025
Stephanie garber always delivers. However this book actually messed me up😭 I do not psychologically feel very well.
Now where’s book 2? Garber lock ur doors I’m taking that manuscript. I just need to know who this man who gives legend x jacks had a baby vibes is. I MUST KNOW.
Now where’s book 2? Garber lock ur doors I’m taking that manuscript. I just need to know who this man who gives legend x jacks had a baby vibes is. I MUST KNOW.
October 11, 2025
holy shit?? what did i just read. i NEED the second book rn this is not okay
rtc <33
──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────
— ₊˚.꒱ pre-read.
IT'S HERE !! my most anticipated release of the year, i've loved all of stephanie garber's books and i don't think this will be an exception 🤭 so excited to finally start this <3
rtc <33
──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────
— ₊˚.꒱ pre-read.
IT'S HERE !! my most anticipated release of the year, i've loved all of stephanie garber's books and i don't think this will be an exception 🤭 so excited to finally start this <3
Want to read
January 16, 2025never pre-ordered anything so fast. i already know it’s a 5 star read 🫠
but also love triangle? stephanie noooo🥲
but also love triangle? stephanie noooo🥲
October 13, 2025
picked this up on a whim and liked it so much!! i’m not a huge fantasy girlie but will read books more on the magical realism / time travel realm. this one had a mix of both and i deff recommend ✨
this book is PLOT heavy! my goodness each chapter has like 292829 things going on. prob no one else will explain it like this but to me it’s for fans of TWILIGHT (with everyone having an ability) and THE BOOK OF DOORS (magical objects) and THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE (devil/Luc vibes?) mixed with like a thriller that has tonssss of twists and action 😂 it’s unique but had elements of things i loved in other books!
i liked the main character too even though she made some dumbbbb decisions and was getting bullied by these guys!
i was confused at so many parts of the ending and felt like it was rushed and was hoping it set it up for a sequel and thankfully i see this is supposed to become a series! will deff continue reading it. hoping we get much more from the sister in it???
this is also going to be a 🎬 and would translate sooo well to the big screen. hoping it happens!
TLDR: a yay in my book, lots of fun magic and hidden treasure/adventure!
this book is PLOT heavy! my goodness each chapter has like 292829 things going on. prob no one else will explain it like this but to me it’s for fans of TWILIGHT (with everyone having an ability) and THE BOOK OF DOORS (magical objects) and THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE (devil/Luc vibes?) mixed with like a thriller that has tonssss of twists and action 😂 it’s unique but had elements of things i loved in other books!
i liked the main character too even though she made some dumbbbb decisions and was getting bullied by these guys!
i was confused at so many parts of the ending and felt like it was rushed and was hoping it set it up for a sequel and thankfully i see this is supposed to become a series! will deff continue reading it. hoping we get much more from the sister in it???
this is also going to be a 🎬 and would translate sooo well to the big screen. hoping it happens!
TLDR: a yay in my book, lots of fun magic and hidden treasure/adventure!
Want to read
January 16, 2025i'll read literally anything by stephanie garber, she can take all my money
Want to read
January 16, 2025OLD HOLLYWOOD?!?! HISTORICAL FICTION?? HELLO?? STEPHANIE GARBER?? yk, im happy with anything queen stephanie writes, but i will still be longing for the world of magnificent north and valenda 😭😭 BUT ITS OKAR CANT WAIT FOR THE COVER REVEAL <33
Want to read
July 22, 2025 ₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
WHO HID THIS MAGICAL NEW COVER FROM ME?!?! i am beyond excited for this but caraval and ouabh were so good so this has rocket high expectations!!
October 2025 has never been so far away 🥺🥺🥺💔💔
WHO HID THIS MAGICAL NEW COVER FROM ME?!?! i am beyond excited for this but caraval and ouabh were so good so this has rocket high expectations!!
October 2025 has never been so far away 🥺🥺🥺💔💔
October 7, 2025
I truly loved the concept of this! It felt so unique but I struggled so much with the writing style. The sentences felt very short and choppy and the story lacked emotion. I sadly had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story felt so all over the place.
I was really hoping the ending would blow me away- but sadly, I was left feeling pretty underwhelmed.
This book has potential so I do think some will enjoy it, but I just think the writing style was not for me.
I was really hoping the ending would blow me away- but sadly, I was left feeling pretty underwhelmed.
This book has potential so I do think some will enjoy it, but I just think the writing style was not for me.
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