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Alchemist Academy #1
Alchemist Academy Book 1
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Allie Norton never believed she was anyone special, why would she? She was an outsider on all accounts, even her stepfamily didn't want her. But when Allie meets her new next door neighbor, Mark Duval, he opens her eyes to the hidden world of alchemy.
When a recruiter for the Alchemist's Academy comes calling, Allie is more than thrilled to answer. With Mark in tow, she braves this strange new world, hidden by magic and secrets.
It doesn't take long to figure out nothing is as it is supposed to be. The art of Alchemy is not taught, but thrown at the students with force and cruelty. Students are pitted against one another in a battle of houses. They fight for dominance, while fear and hatred for each other are used to facilitate their alchemist creations. If you can't cut it, the President of the Academy, Verity, will announce your retirement.
Allie and Mark must find a way through the mysteries of alchemy and the academy before they too are retired.
Allie Norton never believed she was anyone special, why would she? She was an outsider on all accounts, even her stepfamily didn't want her. But when Allie meets her new next door neighbor, Mark Duval, he opens her eyes to the hidden world of alchemy.
When a recruiter for the Alchemist's Academy comes calling, Allie is more than thrilled to answer. With Mark in tow, she braves this strange new world, hidden by magic and secrets.
It doesn't take long to figure out nothing is as it is supposed to be. The art of Alchemy is not taught, but thrown at the students with force and cruelty. Students are pitted against one another in a battle of houses. They fight for dominance, while fear and hatred for each other are used to facilitate their alchemist creations. If you can't cut it, the President of the Academy, Verity, will announce your retirement.
Allie and Mark must find a way through the mysteries of alchemy and the academy before they too are retired.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2015
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488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 4, 2016
Alchemists Academy
Definitely two thumbs down. I have read a few alchemists books and this one does not come up to any standard. Just taking a bowl and mixing a few ingredients along with an emotion does not a stone make. I could rant on and on but at 66% I had to abandon ship, so I will leave it at these comments.
Definitely two thumbs down. I have read a few alchemists books and this one does not come up to any standard. Just taking a bowl and mixing a few ingredients along with an emotion does not a stone make. I could rant on and on but at 66% I had to abandon ship, so I will leave it at these comments.
Read
May 9, 2019Read this b/c was in discussion about whether or not Alchemist Academy Book 1 is age-appropriate for a 4th grader [NB:
it's not!
]... and it's 99¢ on Kindle. It
is
like a dystopic version of Harry Potter, complete with mean step-family, etc, and far more explicit sex & violence. Although I would certainly have put Alchemist Academy Book 1 down had I not promised to read it, in the end it was better than I thought it would be.
It concludes on a cliffhanger [meh!] and I don't think I'll read the next ones, but it was less terrible than it might have been. I must admit that though I personally find starkly good/bad characters to be patently dull, it does fit with how teens tend to see the world. Ditto, their tendency to make predictably foolish decisions. Characters that seemed at the outset to be of the off-putting starkly good/bad ilk developed some nuance over the course of the story. Notions of holding onto anger seemed interesting, though I would have liked to see that developed more. The world-building was fairly half-ass. Also, I skimmed a good part of the last quarter; high-intensity action sequences ≠ my thing at all.
Matt Ryan ultimately created a cast of characters lead by a number of strong female protagonists, and for this I commend him. If Allie came across as an ingenue to Mark's status as wise-sage-dreamboat, at least there were other women around to counter her. Several of the plot twists were entirely unexpected; others embarrassingly foreseeable. As an aside: I do find it sort of unconvincing that a 17-year old who reads history text books and A Tale of Two Cities for fun, would also be satisfied with the sub-standard prose that is 50 Shades of Grey - but full disclosure: I've never read 50 so maybe it's far better than the widely mocked excerpts online have lead me to believe. Perhaps it is a secret masterpiece. And Ryan is a little too cavalier about using rape as a plot device.
Moments of insight were scarce, but this one popped out:
It concludes on a cliffhanger [meh!] and I don't think I'll read the next ones, but it was less terrible than it might have been. I must admit that though I personally find starkly good/bad characters to be patently dull, it does fit with how teens tend to see the world. Ditto, their tendency to make predictably foolish decisions. Characters that seemed at the outset to be of the off-putting starkly good/bad ilk developed some nuance over the course of the story. Notions of holding onto anger seemed interesting, though I would have liked to see that developed more. The world-building was fairly half-ass. Also, I skimmed a good part of the last quarter; high-intensity action sequences ≠ my thing at all.
Matt Ryan ultimately created a cast of characters lead by a number of strong female protagonists, and for this I commend him. If Allie came across as an ingenue to Mark's status as wise-sage-dreamboat, at least there were other women around to counter her. Several of the plot twists were entirely unexpected; others embarrassingly foreseeable. As an aside: I do find it sort of unconvincing that a 17-year old who reads history text books and A Tale of Two Cities for fun, would also be satisfied with the sub-standard prose that is 50 Shades of Grey - but full disclosure: I've never read 50 so maybe it's far better than the widely mocked excerpts online have lead me to believe. Perhaps it is a secret masterpiece. And Ryan is a little too cavalier about using rape as a plot device.
Moments of insight were scarce, but this one popped out:
Mark didn't get it; he'd likely never been on the receiving end of a bully's anger.
December 1, 2019
A book with promise but I grew tired of the improbably fake conflict that was set up by the adults to control the students and the rather bland romantic situations. All in all, it was easier to set aside after reading half of it than finishing it.
Read
December 1, 2016Ah, where to start with this gem? This book was by all accounts my least favorite novel written in a fantasy setting, and the only reason I have to include the word novel, which it's to short to really be, is because I don't want is herded in with The Cursed Child, which has taken away my love for Harry's universe. At least this book doesn't taint something I loved and enjoyed. This book was a funny piece of work. It's, well, not enjoyable per say, but it's got some good jokes in there. Honestly, I think the main reason I didn't like this book was because it was so lewd. There many sexual references which sort of ruined the ominous atmosphere it was clearly trying to create. The book just doesn't fit into fantasy, or sci fi, or comedy, it just doesn't seem to have a place, and it wasn't a good blend either. The book would try to force certain elements down your thoat at one point, then a couple chapters later, they aren't even mentioned, when it's clearly a very important plot point. I just wish, if this guy figured out what kind of book he wanted to write, he could be a great author, but Matt Ryan is treating books like games, trying to cram all of the elements in that just don't fit. I think if he works on actually Identifying the problems in his story arc, and maybe smooth out the shaky character development, he could actually be a good author. Until then though, I'm not sure if I can recommend this book based on anything else, I just did not enjoy it.
May 17, 2020
Honestly, I’ve gone back and forth giving this 1 or 2 stars. I mean, the idea is pretty good. A young girl discovers a power she never knew she had, falls in love with a handsome, caring boy who needs her more than she’ll ever need him, gets carted off by good guys who are really bad guys to learn the trade of alchemy in a dangerous and exciting school for kids just like her.
Sounds great, right?
But OMYWORD reading it is like swimming through jello. The first chapter describes her home life as just about exactly the a same as young Harry Potter (it mixes in more painful stories about school pre-life change than his) and then JUMPS to meeting, hanging out with and falling in love with a new boy in chapter TWO! And there are other issues besides badly driven plot lines. The main character is INCREDIBLY repetitive with her thoughts, and so much of the intra and interpersonal dialogue is beyond shallow.
It was a SLOG. While I’m mildly curious to see what would have happened to the world as it built, I can’t imagine wading through another one of these.
Sounds great, right?
But OMYWORD reading it is like swimming through jello. The first chapter describes her home life as just about exactly the a same as young Harry Potter (it mixes in more painful stories about school pre-life change than his) and then JUMPS to meeting, hanging out with and falling in love with a new boy in chapter TWO! And there are other issues besides badly driven plot lines. The main character is INCREDIBLY repetitive with her thoughts, and so much of the intra and interpersonal dialogue is beyond shallow.
It was a SLOG. While I’m mildly curious to see what would have happened to the world as it built, I can’t imagine wading through another one of these.
October 9, 2016
Warped Revenge on a Bully/Tormentor Story
I couldn't even come close to finishing this book, it was so terrible. There is a warped theme of hate and torment and taking revenge on bullies and tormentors and the MC having been bullied in her previous high school accepts and even justifies to her potential boyfriend why it's all okay. It's sick, and never ever how I would want someone to learn to deal with a bully or not fitting in at school. Violence and hatred and revenge are never the answer.
I couldn't even come close to finishing this book, it was so terrible. There is a warped theme of hate and torment and taking revenge on bullies and tormentors and the MC having been bullied in her previous high school accepts and even justifies to her potential boyfriend why it's all okay. It's sick, and never ever how I would want someone to learn to deal with a bully or not fitting in at school. Violence and hatred and revenge are never the answer.
March 3, 2017
Too much unresolved in end. They got out but nothing satisfying at all really. Parts were okay but nonending and so excessively dark.
October 7, 2017
Alchemist Academy tells the story of Allie, the main character, who discovers she has the ability to focus her anger to create powerful stones when she mixes certain ingredients together. She’s excited about this ability and the fact that she can go to an academy to hone her skills. There are several characters that create difficulty for Allie, including her stepmother and stepbrother. While at the academy she is faced with having to deal with a world and people she was not prepared for. I was hooked on the first page, but my favorite part was when she learned she had the ability to make these stones. The book also introduced me to the concept of the World of Alchemy. This is a great book for a middle grade or young adult reader. There is one scene where she and her boyfriend are realizing they are physically attracted to each other. The description is innocent and clean, and makes the characters believable.
February 17, 2019
I have mixed feelings on this book to be honest, I really want to like it but it has a lot of problems. For a book dealing with alchemy we get very little insight as to how the process works other than a vague notion of anger plus random chemicals equals magic. And the main character never seems to be bothered by this for more than 2 minutes despite constantly saying she is eager to learn. I guess you could say it is presents a twist on the tradition. It does cross a line for me with the implied rape and violent assault process that the Academy seems to foster as positive.
At the end of just seems like lazy world building and storytelling for a book with potential.
I'll read the second one in any case to see if it gets any better at answering the plethora of questions left at the end of the first book.
At the end of just seems like lazy world building and storytelling for a book with potential.
I'll read the second one in any case to see if it gets any better at answering the plethora of questions left at the end of the first book.
November 18, 2017
Interesting story
I enjoyed this book enough to read it straight through! It was not what I expected at all. I was thinking something closer to Hogwarts and this academy was definitely not at all like Hogwarts. It is very much a Part One requiring further books. You can’t read just one. Way too many things have been left hanging! I can’t wait to get into Book 2 and see if there are answers to all those loose ends! The characters are all still developing and learning about themselves as we learn about them. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book enough to read it straight through! It was not what I expected at all. I was thinking something closer to Hogwarts and this academy was definitely not at all like Hogwarts. It is very much a Part One requiring further books. You can’t read just one. Way too many things have been left hanging! I can’t wait to get into Book 2 and see if there are answers to all those loose ends! The characters are all still developing and learning about themselves as we learn about them. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 2, 2017
I feel that the story of the book was really good, but the writing not that much. I didn't felt that much empathy as in other stories that I have read. I feel it is very original, and will suggest it for young adult in the genre of fiction.
it has a little bit of a love story, but we don't get to feel the love that occurs there. I feel the story is not taking that much into account Mark and we never get to see his feelings.
it has a little bit of a love story, but we don't get to feel the love that occurs there. I feel the story is not taking that much into account Mark and we never get to see his feelings.
November 6, 2017
Loved it!!!
I love this interesting take on a school for talents.........Not a fun school at all.
We follow poor Allie... forgotten abused mistreated stepchild....who learns that not all have had or who they seem. When a simple experiment turns to a change in living......but is it for the bette...or worse?
Love this first book from a New author to me
I love this interesting take on a school for talents.........Not a fun school at all.
We follow poor Allie... forgotten abused mistreated stepchild....who learns that not all have had or who they seem. When a simple experiment turns to a change in living......but is it for the bette...or worse?
Love this first book from a New author to me
April 17, 2018
Cliffhanger ending
Starts off slow but improved as you near the end. The action picks up, the characters become more real and after reading the first chapter of book 2, I look forward to the rest of the book. The Academy is definitely no place you want to be and the teachers will give you nightmares. Even your parents may be the bad guys in this YA romp.
Starts off slow but improved as you near the end. The action picks up, the characters become more real and after reading the first chapter of book 2, I look forward to the rest of the book. The Academy is definitely no place you want to be and the teachers will give you nightmares. Even your parents may be the bad guys in this YA romp.
February 25, 2018
Shaking my fist
That was very captivating. I really loved book 1 and book 2 seems to be great as well. I just finished watching the full metal alchemist and when I read in the book about the philosophers stone, I knew I had to keep reading. I look forward to finishing this series.
That was very captivating. I really loved book 1 and book 2 seems to be great as well. I just finished watching the full metal alchemist and when I read in the book about the philosophers stone, I knew I had to keep reading. I look forward to finishing this series.
Read
August 24, 2019Did not finish. I was really getting into this book then:one person's trigger was his down syndrome sister being called the r-word the book said these people can't even be passed or counted as human beings because of this I am not going any further with this book.
December 18, 2019
It reminds me a bit too much Spellshadow Manor.
Some of the characters’ actions are too dumb and foolish, to put it simply.
The alchemy seems too fake and too simple.
The teens act more like little kids rather then almost adults.
Some of the characters’ actions are too dumb and foolish, to put it simply.
The alchemy seems too fake and too simple.
The teens act more like little kids rather then almost adults.
January 23, 2022
Book 1
Really interesting first book. The Alchemist school is not what they thought, The book is fast paced but yet slow enough to get to know the characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Really interesting first book. The Alchemist school is not what they thought, The book is fast paced but yet slow enough to get to know the characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 20, 2017
What a fun read...
I just read the Preston Six books by this author and really enjoyed them. So I thought I would give this new series a chance. I'm glad I did! Heading to the next book.
I just read the Preston Six books by this author and really enjoyed them. So I thought I would give this new series a chance. I'm glad I did! Heading to the next book.
August 5, 2017
Really nice, simple book, it did not blow my mind but I liked it. And i will buy the next one for sure.
November 4, 2017
Fun read
I liked the teenage characters. It was a little turkey on the alcamey but was quick passed and fun.
I liked the teenage characters. It was a little turkey on the alcamey but was quick passed and fun.
January 15, 2021
Ryan's pacing carries over from the Preston Six. He tells the story of Alchemist Academy in the first person POV and you will get the same false sense of security, constant tension, and stellar characters that you found in the Preston Six.
If you're a fan of his Preston Six Series, you will love Alchemist Academy. I've also read and plan on reviewing Book II and I cannot wait to read Books III and IV. Overall, another good work from Ryan and I hope he has more to come down the road.
If you're a fan of his Preston Six Series, you will love Alchemist Academy. I've also read and plan on reviewing Book II and I cannot wait to read Books III and IV. Overall, another good work from Ryan and I hope he has more to come down the road.
September 29, 2016
The entire series was fun and engaging to read and left me anxiously waiting for additional books to be released to discover what was going to happen next to the main characters. This was an easy read so if you are into fantasy and mystical, magical books, this series is a great one to get your mind off of everyday stressors and allows you to loose yourself in a world of make believe that even adults can enjoy,
February 13, 2017
Original topic for me....
I'm a huge fantasy fiction fan, and thought I'd read about almost everything, but....NOT!!! Alchemy is something I've heard little about. Weave it with interesting characters, social issues and mystery?! You've got this mix!
I'm a huge fantasy fiction fan, and thought I'd read about almost everything, but....NOT!!! Alchemy is something I've heard little about. Weave it with interesting characters, social issues and mystery?! You've got this mix!
February 9, 2017
The book was ok to read but at the end I was left with the feeling of "why bother?" The magic system is not thought out, which isn't a big deal but it doesn't add anything either. I would have been ok with all of the ick if the book came to a conclusion rather than being the first leg of a series. Ick = hate, vilifying other people, classes that don't teach anything, a budding romance that has absolutely no limitations and still goes nowhere, and more.
It was an ok story to pass time but the characters hardly grew, very little was learned, and most of the people were flat cardboard cutouts.
It was an ok story to pass time but the characters hardly grew, very little was learned, and most of the people were flat cardboard cutouts.
July 28, 2016
Exciting from word one! This book is a non-stop thrill ride!
Although this is a YA book, it would be an enjoyable read for anyone. If you loved the Harry Potter series, you'll be sure to enjoy this. The author resurrects alchemy into something interesting. I would have liked some more of the history of alchemy just as a source of reference, but you can get by. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read.
Although this is a YA book, it would be an enjoyable read for anyone. If you loved the Harry Potter series, you'll be sure to enjoy this. The author resurrects alchemy into something interesting. I would have liked some more of the history of alchemy just as a source of reference, but you can get by. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read.
February 7, 2017
A slow read but interesting enough to keep me reading. Believe-able characters. Will I continue in the series...no
August 2, 2016
Pretty good book, pretty decent 'magic' system. I'd like to have seen more of the gritty details of how it works. The characters were pretty interesting. Interesting concept, luring young teens into what is essentially a magic item sweatshop. Interesting to see what they end up doing with all of the stones that get made.
January 16, 2016
Good book
This is a good book. I have already read the second book. It is a good book as well. I actually can't wait till the third book. I like how there are no clear good or bad guys. Well I better not type anything else.
This is a good book. I have already read the second book. It is a good book as well. I actually can't wait till the third book. I like how there are no clear good or bad guys. Well I better not type anything else.
August 7, 2016
I got to have the next one
I got angry and slammed my kindle down but I had to pick it back up to find out what happened next. It drew me in and before I knew it I read the hole book.
I got angry and slammed my kindle down but I had to pick it back up to find out what happened next. It drew me in and before I knew it I read the hole book.
October 3, 2016
Great Read
Matt Ryan is a great example of a new breed of Sci-fi adventure writer. This is the start of a second of his series that I am reading and I am sure it will be as good as the other.
Matt Ryan is a great example of a new breed of Sci-fi adventure writer. This is the start of a second of his series that I am reading and I am sure it will be as good as the other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews