If you love immersive world-building and a blend of magic with mystery, this one’s for you! Stephanie Garber brings Hollywood to life with her unique take on urban legends and a magic system that feels utterly fresh. The mix of fast pacing, clever puzzles, and format twists (think film scripts and journal entries!) keeps you guessing. Fans of whimsical writing and layered mysteries who enjoyed Garber's YA works - or just want a page-turner urban fantasy - will be absolutely hooked.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re hoping for a self-contained story with clear resolutions, this might leave you wanting, since it’s the first in a series and leaves lots of questions unanswered. Some readers found the secondary characters less fleshed out compared to the protagonist, and the promised romance might not deliver the emotional punch you’re hoping for. If you prefer more straightforward storytelling or deep character connections, this one may not be your favorite.

Spellbinding, twisty, and dripping with Old Hollywood magic - this is a must-read for lovers of urban fantasy and anyone who craves a story full of secrets. Just be prepared to want the next book immediately!

About:

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber is a contemporary fantasy novel set in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles. The story follows Holland St. James, who is racing against time to find the Alchemical Heart before her impending death at midnight. As she delves deeper into the city's enchanting urban legends and magical mysteries, Holland encounters a blend of thrilling twists and captivating characters that lead her on a suspenseful journey.

Garber's writing style is whimsical and engaging, seamlessly blending formats such as film scripts and journal entries. Each chapter leaves readers at the edge of their seats with mini cliffhangers, making it hard to put the book down. The setting sparkles with life, and the blend of mystery and enchantment invites readers to both unravel secrets and explore hidden truths. The novel maintains a fast pace, skillfully balancing fantastical elements with the urgency of a thriller, leaving readers eager for the next installment.

Characters:

Holland is the central character, with secondary characters providing support but lacking significant depth.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is whimsical and engaging, utilizing various formats and perspectives to keep readers invested.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Holland St. James as she races against time to find the Alchemical Heart, woven through urban myths and magical elements.

Setting:

The setting is a richly depicted Los Angeles, blending historic landmarks with a vibrant magical atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and captivating, featuring cliffhanger chapter endings that keep the reader engaged.

Holland St. James had been counting down the minutes until tonight. She had tried on seven different dresses and five different pairs of shoes, she had curled her hair, she had even put on new eye mak...

Notes:

Alchemy of Secrets is Stephanie Garber's first book aimed at an adult audience.

The story is set in Los Angeles, featuring historic Old Hollywood landmarks.

Holland St James, the main character, is on a quest to find the Alchemical Heart to avoid dying at midnight.

The book includes film script excerpts and journal entries for a unique storytelling format.

It alternates between third and second person point of view, enhancing the mystery.

The magic in the story is tied to urban myths created by Garber herself.

The book blends fantasy with elements of a mystery thriller.

There are themes of familial loss and the pressures of fame following the death of Holland's parents.

The narrative leaves several questions unanswered, setting the stage for a sequel.

Elements of folklore are woven throughout the story, including a fictional class called Folklore 517.

The writing style carries a whimsical tone similar to Garber’s young adult works.

From The Publisher:

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: a contemporary fantasy kicking off a brand new series!

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.

October 2025

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370 pages

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Alchemy of Secrets

Stephanie Garber

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