Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber - Review

Rating: ★★★★★

I loved this book. It’s magical, mysterious, and honestly feels like nothing else I’ve read before. From the first chapter, Alchemy of Secrets pulls you into a version of Los Angeles that feels layered with hidden stories, folklore, and danger, and I was completely hooked by the world Stephanie Garber created.

The main character, Holland, was such a standout for me. I loved how curious and adventurous she was, even when everything around her started to feel impossible. She’s the kind of character who asks questions instead of backing down, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. Her belief in magic, in stories, and in something more beneath the surface made her feel both vulnerable and brave, which is one of my favorite combinations in a protagonist.

The concept of the folklore class and the Professor was so fun and eerie. I loved how the lines between myth and reality blurred more and more as the story went on. The Watch Man, the Alchemical Heart, and the hidden magical underworld in the middle of a modern city all made the story feel rich and atmospheric. Every time Holland learned something new, it only raised more questions in the best way possible.

There’s also a really compelling tension in the story, not just romantically, but emotionally and mentally. You never fully know who to trust, and I was constantly second guessing everyone. That uneasiness kept me turning the pages because I wanted to know what was real and what wasn’t.

I was genuinely shocked by the ending in the best way. It left me with that combination of satisfaction and desperation that only a good book can give you. Everything comes together, but it also cracks open so many possibilities for what could come next. I am beyond excited to see where the rest of this series goes.

If you like magic hidden in the real world, mysterious characters, ticking clocks, and stories that feel cinematic and unique, this is absolutely a book you should pick up. Garber has such a specific, immersive writing style, and Alchemy of Secrets is a perfect example of that. It’s a standout read for me and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.