Summary
Quicksilver is a novel combining fantasy and romance, marking the debut of Callie Hart’s Fae & Alchemy series. The story follows 24-year-old Saeris Fane as she navigates magical and mythological worlds. Saeris's journey involves uncovering her alchemical abilities and interactions with a Fae warrior named Kingfisher.
Plot
Quicksilver by Callie Hart follows Saeris Fane, a 24-year-old thief living in a desert realm, who keeps her alchemical abilities hidden. Her life changes when she discovers an enchanted gauntlet and opens a portal to Yvelia, a mystical realm home to the Fae. This links her fate to Kingfisher, a Fae warrior.
In Yvelia, Saeris becomes involved in a long-standing conflict featuring mythical beings. Her relationship with Kingfisher evolves from friction to romance, exemplifying the "enemies to lovers" trope. She must use her alchemical powers to influence the balance of power in this new world.
The story reveals secrets about the Fae, including a concealed vampire presence, adding complexity. Saeris faces choices that test her loyalty and courage, potentially altering the futures of both her world and Yvelia. The narrative culminates with discoveries and shifting alliances, focusing on Saeris's role in the looming battle across these intertwined worlds.
Characters
Saeris Fane: Saeris is a central character who is a thief and alchemist. She travels to the Fae realm and discovers new powers, changing her life in the desert world.
Kingfisher: This Fae warrior starts as Saeris's enemy. Their relationship evolves into a romantic connection.
Carrion Swift: Initially adds humor to the story. His royal Fae heritage is later revealed, adding complexity to his character.
Everlayne: Everlayne reveals Kingfisher's softer side and highlights the concept of found family in the story.
Ren: An ally to Kingfisher, Ren supports the group with his diplomacy and combat skills, strengthening their relationships.
Setting
In Quicksilver, Callie Hart presents a fantasy realm with diverse settings. Saeris Fane's world features a desert marked by extreme heat and limited resources. The inhabitants face daily survival challenges under an undying queen's rule, where water is scarce. This environment highlights their resilience. Yvelia, a kingdom of icy mountains, contrasts with the desert. It is home to the mystical Fae, who were once considered legends. The kingdom's magic system involves Alchemists manipulating sentient Quicksilver metals. Characters like Saeris use Quicksilver to create relics, adding depth to the magical world.
The Fae culture includes complex societal structures and historical conflicts with vampire kingdoms. Political intrigue is present throughout the story, with figures like Kingfisher embodying the kingdom's politics and hidden agendas. Hart's world incorporates legend and mythology, offering a backdrop for epic tales and intricate stories.
Themes
Redemption
Redemption is a significant theme. Characters work to atone for past wrongs. Silver Hawke starts his journey seeking vengeance for his sister’s death, which becomes a quest for redemption. His interaction with Bianca Blacklust prompts him to confront the moral complexities of his actions. This leads him to question whether genuine change can lead to redemption or if the past irrevocably defines individuals.
Power dynamics
Power dynamics play a pivotal role, especially in the initial captor-captive relationship between Silver and Bianca. The narrative examines control and vulnerability, addressing issues of consent and autonomy. Bianca's growing agency gradually challenges the power imbalance. This reflects a portrayal of personal power in relationships.
Identity struggles
Identity is crucial, particularly in Bianca’s journey of self-discovery. She grapples with her father's legacy and uncovers truths about her past. This leads her to reassess her identity and familial connections. Her quest for identity parallels Silver’s struggle to reconcile his anti-hero persona with his vulnerabilities.
Romantic developments
Romance is integral to the narrative, depicting the relationship between Silver and Bianca. Initially tense, their relationship evolves into a complex exploration of trust and emotional intimacy. This romance, set against external and internal conflicts, highlights the importance of navigating challenging circumstances to form genuine connections.
Quick facts
Published in 2024, Quicksilver quickly gained popularity in the romantasy BookTok community.
The novel is a hybrid of fantasy and romance with magical elements.
Quicksilver is the first installment in Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series.
Saeris Fane, the protagonist, can control and communicate with a magical substance called quicksilver.
The story features an enemies-to-lovers romance, particularly between Saeris Fane and Kingfisher, a Fae warrior.
Kingfisher suffers from mental affliction due to quicksilver poisoning, adding depth to his character.
The narrative transitions from a desert world to a mythical land filled with ice, snow, and fae mythologies.
Quicksilver explores complex themes like survival, identity struggles, resilience, trust, and redemption.
The magic system in Quicksilver revolves around alchemy.
The novel features dark yet immersive world-building praised for its complexity and depth.
Netflix recently acquired the movie rights for Quicksilver.
The sequel to Quicksilver, titled Brimstone, is slated for release in November 2025.
Film adaptation
Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt Quicksilver into a film, with author Callie Hart serving as executive producer. As of July 2025, production and casting details have yet to be announced.
About the author
Callie Hart is a USA Today bestselling author of dark romance and fantasy novels. Her works include the series Blood & Roses, Dead Man’s Ink, and most recently Fae & Alchemy, making its debut in 2024 with Quicksilver.
