November 2025 First in a Series BOTM - Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

[Jamie]

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.

**This BOTM thread will be open until December 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Kala]

So far I'm really enjoying this book. I liked that it's based in LA so it's not such a huge world builder. I'm excited to uncover more about her family.

Through Folklore 517: The Chained Library

[Jenn]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[ ok very interesting start. I would totally want to take this class if it existed. So im thinking either something already happened to her date or he just got super freaked out and ghosted her, I'm not sure which one i want haha. Also who are her parents?? And what did they leave her in the box? Because i know this vistor was legit even if she doesnt want to believe (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ ok so what is going on with her sister? She just sends this random guy to protect Holland but doesn't warn her? I bet her sisters bf is somehow connected to this guy who was pretending to date Holland because it's all just too fishy. And all signs point to some important information being inside that lockbox (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ ok the mystery of her sister is just growing. Its almost like holland doesnt know her at all. And now Adam is saying January sent him as well. Who do we trust? Gabe or Adam? (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Chapter 33: (view spoiler)[Ok so the watchman knows her father? And what is with this script? This mystery is insane and I honestly don't know who to trust anymore (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ this was good. So Adam was evil. Still not sure what's up with Gabe and there were a lot of unanswered questions, but this is a series. I didn't love love it, but I found it entertaining (hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

I should not have paused this book. The story lines are too complex to step away from for too long xD

Through Chapter 24 - So much is happening and I have no idea who to trust.

[Kala]

Through Chapter 40 - It started off really good and then it started to get overwhelming with all the reasons why she can't trust people or why she should trust people. At this point it's getting kind of annoying. (view spoiler)[ Maybe her sister should come to see her, or have given any idea of what she would be getting into. (hide spoiler)]

[Jenn]

Kala wrote: "Through Chapter 40 - It started off really good and then it started to get overwhelming with all the reasons why she can't trust people or why she should trust people. At this point it's getting ki..."

(view spoiler)[ The lack of communication with her sister really bugged me honestly (hide spoiler)]

[Kala]

Finished (view spoiler)[
She still hasn't talked to her sister >.> The wrap up was nice. But I still think I would have liked the book more if it had a little less uncertainty. (hide spoiler)]