Alchemy of Secrets

A Novel

By: Stephanie Garber

Narrated by: Sutton Foster

The HOTLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel by the beloved, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. This audiobook is read by Tony Award–winning actress Sutton Foster

“Foster’s evocative and consistent tone throws the reader a lifeline amid a multitude of uncanny characters and mindbending plots as Garber twists and turns the narrative at every corner.” — Booklist

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

So fun!

I love Stephanie Garber’s writing! The worlds she is able to craft feel so magical and whimsical. Her books, including this one, have the ability to transport you into them. The twists in this book were so good and unexpected, you knew there would be twists but then they would play out in a totally unexpected way. I feel like we are set up for another one and I will be anxiously waiting!

Excellent story, surprisingly subpar narration

First of all, the positives:

This story is incredible. Stephanie Garber weaves a beautifully detailed world full of magic and Old-Hollywood whimsy. The characters are wonderful and the story keeps you going because you have to know what happens next. Absolutely 1000% recommend Alchemy’s of Magic.

However, while I was so excited to hear the incredibly talented Sutton Foster narrate this story, as her voice truly is perfect for the FMC, I was surprisingly disappointed in her reading. The story started strong, with my only complaint really being that her MC voices sounded kind of feminine. However, as the story got deeper, all character voices seemed to blend and the narration itself fell flat. Scenes that could have truly benefited from some emoting were left feeling bland and dry. I love Sutton as an actress and had such high hopes for her, but either she gave up and was rushing to fill the deadline, or she just got so into the story that she forgot she was narrating it for the rest of us.

All

Hope there is a sequel. I couldn’t wait too pick it back up every time I put it down

Amazing

Absolutely loved this maddening adventure! Did not know what was really happening half of the time but it all made sense at the end! Truly amazing!

A little slow. Not super involved with the characters.

Some interesting ideas, but I didn't feel there was much world building or character building. I was kind of bored.

She did it again!

Hooked from beginning to end and Sutton did an amazing job! I hope there’s a second one but likely it won’t

I loved this book

Alchemy of Secrets was gripping and exciting with likeable characters, steady pacing, and original and unique world building. Sutton Foster was fantastic. I was fully immersed in the story and never felt distracted from the story by the narration.

Best in a while!

So glad for this book, was getting tired of listening to just ok books while waiting for preorders. Seems like a standalone at first but the ending left some room for a sequel…? I hope so! Very good. More, please!

Never misses!!!

Garber is just an absolutely amazing author. She’s an artist with her words!!!! Such a fantastical journey, living in Cali I knew all her landmarks!!!

Unique and Gripping

I really enjoyed this book, such a unique storyline and loved the puzzles and clues.