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Esoteric Alchemy #3
The Black Hen
Leo has cut a deal with the duplicitous Merlot to learn the presumably impossible art of bringing someone back from the dead in exchange for his blood. Ollie and Avery discover where the answer to restoring spiritual balance lies, while Mitch abandons the coven and returns home, only to find that he can’t outrun his past. As the hour to complete the Union of Divine Dualities draws near, Merlot tries to synthesize a substance that will widen her powers beyond witchcraft, to ensure a global monopoly through one of humankind’s most dangerous tools—politics. And as part of her plan, she aims to destroy witches around the world. Against her counsel, Leo attempts to summon an unpredictable spirit to aid in his quest, but the spirit can drain a witch of their power, and he accidentally sets it free.
With the future of both humans and witches now at stake, the coven must use all they’ve learned to survive. Meanwhile the one who is pure of heart is charged with conjuring the mystifying black hen—the key to finding the rafkolite and reaching their prophesied goal. What was haunted becomes strength, what was old becomes new, and a world comes full circle.
With the future of both humans and witches now at stake, the coven must use all they’ve learned to survive. Meanwhile the one who is pure of heart is charged with conjuring the mystifying black hen—the key to finding the rafkolite and reaching their prophesied goal. What was haunted becomes strength, what was old becomes new, and a world comes full circle.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
About the author
Ryan Kurr
6 books121 followersRyan Kurr is an author, pastry chef, and mystic practitioner. His debut memoir, Sugar Burn: The Not So Hot Side of the Sweet Kitchen was released in 2015. The first two books in his Esoteric Alchemy series became Amazon bestsellers in the LGBT Fantasy genre. His freelance work on spiritual and metaphysical witchcraft and original recipes has been published by Witches Magazine. He currently lives in Portland, OR.
Be sure to follow Ryan Kurr on Bookbub for the latest on flash sales https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ryan-...
Be sure to follow Ryan Kurr on Bookbub for the latest on flash sales https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ryan-...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 2, 2022
This book was fascinating. It did the best job of the series of character building, and multiple characters had fun arcs.
Watching Avery become a storm like character was a blast. Watching Leo lose it all because of impulsive behavior was perfect. Bisa forcing the spirit on dead Merlot was great. I love that Ollie finally had time to shine. This book felt more focused on the whole,and it was such a joy to read.
My favorite part if the entire series was Mitch’s frog familiar pushing him into the water and giving him the business. I kept wondering when someone was going to finally level with him. Ofc if ended up being a smack-talking familiar! That earned the book a whole extra star because I enjoyed it that much.
Watching Avery become a storm like character was a blast. Watching Leo lose it all because of impulsive behavior was perfect. Bisa forcing the spirit on dead Merlot was great. I love that Ollie finally had time to shine. This book felt more focused on the whole,and it was such a joy to read.
My favorite part if the entire series was Mitch’s frog familiar pushing him into the water and giving him the business. I kept wondering when someone was going to finally level with him. Ofc if ended up being a smack-talking familiar! That earned the book a whole extra star because I enjoyed it that much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
Loved all three books!! Kept me turning page after page to see what Bisa,leo,Nina Avery Ollie and mitch were getting into. After finishing this book I wanted to read more!!
July 29, 2025
A fever-dream of alchemy, power plays, and beautifully haunted souls
Ryan Kurr has done it again. The Black Hen isn’t just the final act of the Esoteric Alchemy trilogy, it’s a visceral experience that lingers. The stakes are higher, the magic is darker, and the characters feel like they’ve bled their truths onto every page.
Leo’s descent into the morally murky depths of resurrection magic was both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. And Merlot? Equal parts terrifying and fascinating, I couldn’t look away. The spiritual threads woven through the plot aren’t just clever; they’re deeply felt. This isn’t just a fantasy, it’s a mirror reflecting the hunger for balance in a fractured world.
The way Kurr brings alchemy, mysticism, and real-world commentary together is nothing short of spellbinding. And the prose? Cinematic. At times it reads like a trance, pulling you deeper and deeper into a world where power can be both salvation and poison.
I highly recommend reading all three books in the series if you haven’t already. The Black Hen closes the circle in a way that feels earned, epic, and somehow still intimate.
Ryan Kurr has done it again. The Black Hen isn’t just the final act of the Esoteric Alchemy trilogy, it’s a visceral experience that lingers. The stakes are higher, the magic is darker, and the characters feel like they’ve bled their truths onto every page.
Leo’s descent into the morally murky depths of resurrection magic was both heartbreaking and mesmerizing. And Merlot? Equal parts terrifying and fascinating, I couldn’t look away. The spiritual threads woven through the plot aren’t just clever; they’re deeply felt. This isn’t just a fantasy, it’s a mirror reflecting the hunger for balance in a fractured world.
The way Kurr brings alchemy, mysticism, and real-world commentary together is nothing short of spellbinding. And the prose? Cinematic. At times it reads like a trance, pulling you deeper and deeper into a world where power can be both salvation and poison.
I highly recommend reading all three books in the series if you haven’t already. The Black Hen closes the circle in a way that feels earned, epic, and somehow still intimate.
December 2, 2025
Yeah wow. Loved this book the most! The Black Hen is easily the best book in the trilogy. The magic is dark, and things are pretty bleak overall, which made me want to turn the page as soon as I finished one to find out what was next. I had a hard time looking away, which I think is due to some characters being both terrifying and fascinating.
My only complaint? It was the shortest of the three, and I wish it were a little longer, just to stay in that world a bit more.
The finale delivers in every way possible, IMO. Somehow both intimate and epic at the same time.
My only complaint? It was the shortest of the three, and I wish it were a little longer, just to stay in that world a bit more.
The finale delivers in every way possible, IMO. Somehow both intimate and epic at the same time.
August 13, 2023
This book has truly blown me away. TBH shines as the absolute gem, despite being the shortest. I find myself craving more of the action, almost wishing it had extended just a bit further. The author's treatment of the characters is a highlight, with some unexpected yet cool twists in store. As the series concludes, the author seems to have figured out how to enhance his own writing and create an even richer experience. What really captivated me was the thorough exploration of character growth. Towards the finale, the narrative delves into some real mind-benders about the paths we choose in life. It's surprising how this modern fantasy not only entertains but also provokes introspection. The trilogy wraps up in a manner that feels just right. I hope to read more from this author!
October 11, 2022
A perfect finish to a really exciting witchy series, but I hope there are more!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews