Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
A Most Anticipated Book (New York Times Book Review, Goodreads, Parade, ScreenRant, Paste, Reactor, Gizmodo, IGN)
A Book of the Month Club Pick
An IndieNext Pick
"Stephanie Garber spins pure magic in her books and her adult debut is absolutely no exception...This time Garber is turning the Hollywood glamour up and taking us on a unique new ride that you won't want to stop talking about."
―Cosmopolitan
"Stephanie Garber’s magical world cannot be matched. She makes the reader feel all the senses while reading her work, and makes you feel like you’re watching a movie in your head...Once you start this book, you will not want to put it down. It’s like solving a mystery where you, as the reader, have to find the clues and decide who to trust in finding the Alchemical Heart. And once you are in it, you will not want to come out."
―BookTrib
"A novel readers will want on their radar...Alchemy of Secrets vows to take readers on a magical romp through Los Angeles alongside her, making it a 2025 must-read."
―ScreenRant
"Truly fantastical."
―Paste
“I’ve never read anything quite like Alchemy of Secrets―it’s full of adventure and magic and quirky twists that will keep you guessing until the very last line. What a fantastic adult fantasy debut for Stephanie Garber!”
―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“As dazzling as a jewel box, Alchemy of Secrets immediately charmed me with its layers of mysteries. magic, and twists. No one does world-building like Stephanie Garber. I want to live in this book!”
―Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure magic from start to finish!
Alchemy of Secrets is fast-paced, clever, and bursting with that perfect blend of mystery and enchantment. From the very first page, I was hooked — every twist kept me guessing, and every reveal made me gasp. The setting is so vivid and whimsical it practically sparkles off the page! Stephanie has truly outdone herself — she’s created a world I never wanted to leave. I’m already counting down the days until book two. Absolute perfection!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great story -no spoilers
I pre-ordered this without knowledge of the content or storyline. I just knew I enjoyed the writing style of Stephanie Garber from the Caraval and Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogies. I feel I can see the backdrop/locations/characters through her descriptions.I was hooked on Alchemy of Secrets from the beginning. I felt it slowed a little about halfway through the book but it was an intense buildup of characters and who do you trust. You question yourself til the very end.I only gave this a 4/5 stars because I still wanted to know where one of the characters was at the end of the novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Grown-up version of Caraval
Holland loves urban legends and myths. She even took a class on urban legends that was itself an urban legend, and she later served as a TA for the instructor. Her graduate school thesis focuses on a very specific legend, which she has a deep personal interest in. Suddenly, one night, all these stories feel too real, and Holland finds herself caught in a mystery she must solve or face consequences.Alchemy of Secrets is a more grown-up version of Caraval. Luckily, I loved Caraval, so this book worked for me. Holland has a mysteriously absent sister who seems to know more about the mystery than she does, and parents with suspicious pasts. She spends the entire book searching for clues in a kind of treasure hunt, meeting shady characters along the way who may or may not be truly helping her. She discovers that magic is real and that her life could be in danger. Does any of this sound familiar? Stephanie Garber definitely tends to write similar types of stories. I enjoyed it and would give it 5 stars; however, I think her next series should explore more original story ideas.
3.0 out of 5 stars Unsatisfied
There was so much going on in such a short amount of time. I was pretty confused through the whole book and really hoped that the ending would pull everything together. It honestly left me unsatisfied with they way the whole book played out.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful in every way
She does it again!! Stephanie Garber does not disappoint. This book exceeded my expectations. She somehow brings magic to life.
4.0 out of 5 stars A magical quest
An enchanting quick read . It is a fast paced book. She is a twin , one desperately trying to prove magic is real. She takes classes inA movie theater where the professor has a very unorthodox way of teaching . In it she seeks an individual who tells her her exact time and date of her death.But if she finds the alchemized heart she can change this. No one knows what it is but now she has a little over 24 hours to figure it out and find it . Propel appear and disappear and no one is who they appear to be. This book has a fantastical vintage feel about it as you navigate the clues to its conclusion .
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
I don’t read many books but this book kept me reading. I loved the way she created an old Hollywood feel in a modern book and also several great plot twists.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great new series from Stephanie Garber
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. Stephanie Garber writes fantasy worlds that only exist in dreams. While this is a magical realism book, it’s definitely written like it takes place in a dream world… and I don’t mean the daydream type fantasy you’re losing yourself in, but an actual dream where bizarre events happen repeatedly and you’re speaking with random folks you probably shouldn’t trust and making choices that probably aren’t the greatest.I honestly thought Holland was going to find out she was trapped in a nightmare when someone would bleed and wouldn’t acknowledge her drawing attention to it. Things finally started clicking to place in the last couple chapters, but it felt a bit rushed at the end.This has to be the start of a series. I felt like many characters kind of popped in, said something that didn’t have anything to do with the story and then popped out. I think it was just to establish them in this/their storyline so we’re not surprised when we hear from them in the future.This was an easy read and I didn’t want to put it down, maybe because I was intrigued… maybe because I was confused or annoyed with Holland. Whatever the reason I enjoyed the book overall.
Simply magical
Stephanie Garber has been one of my favourite authors since I read the Caraval and Once upon a broken heart trilogies so I was very excited when this was announced and have been waiting in eager anticipation for release day.Folklore 517: local myths and legends is taught by the mysterious professor, most of the students believe that her stories aren’t real. But not Holland St James, she has her own reasons for wanting to believe in the professors stories. Holland’s search for the truth behind the myths and legends, takes in her into dangerous territory when she discovers the hidden world of magic. Her journey takes her into the path of a tall, dark and handsome stranger who claims to have been sent to save her life. But can anyone in this new world be trusted?I have updated my review as I don’t think I was quite fair to this book in my first review, I realised I had overlooked something and that changed my whole opinion. This book was one of my most eagerly anticipated releases of 2025 but did it live up to the hype? Yes it did. I really enjoyed the plot, I really liked the character of the professor and her folklore classes. I liked Holland and found her really relatable, she was really searching for meaning in her parent’s deaths but sometimes it has no meaning. I loved the relationship that Holland and her sister January had with their dad and the treasure hunts he used to do for that. Mason was intriguing and I’m hoping if there is a second book, he makes more of an appearance. Adam never really warmed to him, there was something about him that you can tell he was up to no good but Holland doesn’t realise this. I really loved the character of Gabe, he was just as morally grey as Jacks, I do wish he had made more of an appearance in the last third of the book as I absolutely loved him and Holland together. I’m hoping if there is a book 2, he will be in it. I initially gave this book 4 stars but there was something I’d missed and when I realised it, this changed my whole opinion of the book. But I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book, I loved it.
A true pageturner
This book is so well written and contains such a fantastical story. Since once upon a broken heart i am a fan of Stephanie Garber and this book didn’t disappoint. Hoping for a second book from this world.
Visit the Flatiron Books Store
Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel
AED15574
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
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Visit the Flatiron Books Store
Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel
AED15574
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
A Most Anticipated Book (New York Times Book Review, Goodreads, Parade, ScreenRant, Paste, Reactor, Gizmodo, IGN)
A Book of the Month Club Pick
An IndieNext Pick
"Stephanie Garber spins pure magic in her books and her adult debut is absolutely no exception...This time Garber is turning the Hollywood glamour up and taking us on a unique new ride that you won't want to stop talking about."
―Cosmopolitan
"Stephanie Garber’s magical world cannot be matched. She makes the reader feel all the senses while reading her work, and makes you feel like you’re watching a movie in your head...Once you start this book, you will not want to put it down. It’s like solving a mystery where you, as the reader, have to find the clues and decide who to trust in finding the Alchemical Heart. And once you are in it, you will not want to come out."
―BookTrib
"A novel readers will want on their radar...Alchemy of Secrets vows to take readers on a magical romp through Los Angeles alongside her, making it a 2025 must-read."
―ScreenRant
"Truly fantastical."
―Paste
“I’ve never read anything quite like Alchemy of Secrets―it’s full of adventure and magic and quirky twists that will keep you guessing until the very last line. What a fantastic adult fantasy debut for Stephanie Garber!”
―Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“As dazzling as a jewel box, Alchemy of Secrets immediately charmed me with its layers of mysteries. magic, and twists. No one does world-building like Stephanie Garber. I want to live in this book!”
―Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure magic from start to finish!
Alchemy of Secrets is fast-paced, clever, and bursting with that perfect blend of mystery and enchantment. From the very first page, I was hooked — every twist kept me guessing, and every reveal made me gasp. The setting is so vivid and whimsical it practically sparkles off the page! Stephanie has truly outdone herself — she’s created a world I never wanted to leave. I’m already counting down the days until book two. Absolute perfection!
4.0 out of 5 stars Great story -no spoilers
I pre-ordered this without knowledge of the content or storyline. I just knew I enjoyed the writing style of Stephanie Garber from the Caraval and Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogies. I feel I can see the backdrop/locations/characters through her descriptions.I was hooked on Alchemy of Secrets from the beginning. I felt it slowed a little about halfway through the book but it was an intense buildup of characters and who do you trust. You question yourself til the very end.I only gave this a 4/5 stars because I still wanted to know where one of the characters was at the end of the novel.
5.0 out of 5 stars Grown-up version of Caraval
Holland loves urban legends and myths. She even took a class on urban legends that was itself an urban legend, and she later served as a TA for the instructor. Her graduate school thesis focuses on a very specific legend, which she has a deep personal interest in. Suddenly, one night, all these stories feel too real, and Holland finds herself caught in a mystery she must solve or face consequences.Alchemy of Secrets is a more grown-up version of Caraval. Luckily, I loved Caraval, so this book worked for me. Holland has a mysteriously absent sister who seems to know more about the mystery than she does, and parents with suspicious pasts. She spends the entire book searching for clues in a kind of treasure hunt, meeting shady characters along the way who may or may not be truly helping her. She discovers that magic is real and that her life could be in danger. Does any of this sound familiar? Stephanie Garber definitely tends to write similar types of stories. I enjoyed it and would give it 5 stars; however, I think her next series should explore more original story ideas.
3.0 out of 5 stars Unsatisfied
There was so much going on in such a short amount of time. I was pretty confused through the whole book and really hoped that the ending would pull everything together. It honestly left me unsatisfied with they way the whole book played out.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful in every way
She does it again!! Stephanie Garber does not disappoint. This book exceeded my expectations. She somehow brings magic to life.
4.0 out of 5 stars A magical quest
An enchanting quick read . It is a fast paced book. She is a twin , one desperately trying to prove magic is real. She takes classes inA movie theater where the professor has a very unorthodox way of teaching . In it she seeks an individual who tells her her exact time and date of her death.But if she finds the alchemized heart she can change this. No one knows what it is but now she has a little over 24 hours to figure it out and find it . Propel appear and disappear and no one is who they appear to be. This book has a fantastical vintage feel about it as you navigate the clues to its conclusion .
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
I don’t read many books but this book kept me reading. I loved the way she created an old Hollywood feel in a modern book and also several great plot twists.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great new series from Stephanie Garber
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this one. Stephanie Garber writes fantasy worlds that only exist in dreams. While this is a magical realism book, it’s definitely written like it takes place in a dream world… and I don’t mean the daydream type fantasy you’re losing yourself in, but an actual dream where bizarre events happen repeatedly and you’re speaking with random folks you probably shouldn’t trust and making choices that probably aren’t the greatest.I honestly thought Holland was going to find out she was trapped in a nightmare when someone would bleed and wouldn’t acknowledge her drawing attention to it. Things finally started clicking to place in the last couple chapters, but it felt a bit rushed at the end.This has to be the start of a series. I felt like many characters kind of popped in, said something that didn’t have anything to do with the story and then popped out. I think it was just to establish them in this/their storyline so we’re not surprised when we hear from them in the future.This was an easy read and I didn’t want to put it down, maybe because I was intrigued… maybe because I was confused or annoyed with Holland. Whatever the reason I enjoyed the book overall.
Simply magical
Stephanie Garber has been one of my favourite authors since I read the Caraval and Once upon a broken heart trilogies so I was very excited when this was announced and have been waiting in eager anticipation for release day.Folklore 517: local myths and legends is taught by the mysterious professor, most of the students believe that her stories aren’t real. But not Holland St James, she has her own reasons for wanting to believe in the professors stories. Holland’s search for the truth behind the myths and legends, takes in her into dangerous territory when she discovers the hidden world of magic. Her journey takes her into the path of a tall, dark and handsome stranger who claims to have been sent to save her life. But can anyone in this new world be trusted?I have updated my review as I don’t think I was quite fair to this book in my first review, I realised I had overlooked something and that changed my whole opinion. This book was one of my most eagerly anticipated releases of 2025 but did it live up to the hype? Yes it did. I really enjoyed the plot, I really liked the character of the professor and her folklore classes. I liked Holland and found her really relatable, she was really searching for meaning in her parent’s deaths but sometimes it has no meaning. I loved the relationship that Holland and her sister January had with their dad and the treasure hunts he used to do for that. Mason was intriguing and I’m hoping if there is a second book, he makes more of an appearance. Adam never really warmed to him, there was something about him that you can tell he was up to no good but Holland doesn’t realise this. I really loved the character of Gabe, he was just as morally grey as Jacks, I do wish he had made more of an appearance in the last third of the book as I absolutely loved him and Holland together. I’m hoping if there is a book 2, he will be in it. I initially gave this book 4 stars but there was something I’d missed and when I realised it, this changed my whole opinion of the book. But I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book, I loved it.
A true pageturner
This book is so well written and contains such a fantastical story. Since once upon a broken heart i am a fan of Stephanie Garber and this book didn’t disappoint. Hoping for a second book from this world.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Occult & Supernatural”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U125078915K