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Elise Kova
4.4
Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel
by Stephanie Garber
Published Oct 7, 2025
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About this book
Holland St. James has always suspected that the urban legends of Los Angeles hold more than just metaphorical weight. When she enrolls in Folklore 517, a mysterious course taught by an enigmatic Professor in a crumbling movie theatre, her intuition is confirmed.
The stories whispered in the classroom are not merely fiction; they are glimpses into a hidden, lethal world of magic simmering just beneath the city’s glamorous surface. As Holland delves deeper into this reality, she finds herself caught between two magnetic men, Gabriel Cabral and Adam Bishop. Both arrive with the same urgent warning: they have been sent to save her life.
Yet, as the lines between protector and predator blur, Holland realizes that one of them is weaving a sophisticated web of deceit. With her life hanging in the balance, she must navigate a treacherous landscape of ancient secrets and supernatural threats. Forced to distinguish truth from manipulation, Holland discovers that in a city defined by artifice, the most dangerous illusions are the ones designed to keep her safe.
She must uncover the alchemy behind the lies before her newfound reality transforms from a Hollywood dream into a permanent nightmare.
Available Formats
Kindle: $0.00 Kindle: $14.99
What readers are saying
Karey GetzLOVE IT
"Love this book so much. I didn’t know what to expect and ended up falling in love with the story, the characters, everything. Will 100% be reading this again soon! ["
April 27, 2026 Verified Purchase
K. M. Sullivaninteresting but hard to follow at times
"I've really enjoyed Garber's other books, so I was excited for this one. The beginning felt instantly engaging, but I found the threads of the story hard to follow at times. I'd be interested in a sequel to see if more pieces of the story connect. ["
November 3, 2025 Verified Purchase
EllieHad expectations and it delivered
"I WAS VERY LOOKING FOWARD TO THIS ANDIT DIDN'T DISAPPOINT. IT'S A LOT CLOSER TO A MAGICAL REALISM ROMANCE, THE BOOK IS SET IN THE REAL- WORLD, BUT STEPHANIE GARBER'S WRITING IS SO ATMOSPHERIC AND VIVID IN ITSELF THAT THE BOOK FEELS MAGIC IN A TRANSPORTS YOU AWAY' TYPE OF WAY. REGARDING THE FMC, THE BEST COMPARISON, OR ILLUSTRATION, I CAN MAKE IS tHAT IT FEELS CLOSER TO A DONATELLA POV RATHER THAN SCARLETT. NOT SAYING THE TWO BOOKS ARE THE SAME, BUT IF A COMPARISON HAD TO BE MADE. FOR MMC, THERE ISN'T A DEFINITIVE MMC, BUT EACH OF THEM FELT CHARMING. NOT DISTINCT ENOUGH TO NOT BLUR TOGETHER, THOUGH I DO WONDER IF THAT WAS ON PURPOSE TO KEEP THE READER IN SUSPENSE. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE MCS IS DEFINITELY THERE (EVEN IF THERE ARE MORETHAN A SINGLE PAIR) AND INCREASES STRONGLY AS THE STORY PROGRESSES. STILL FEELS SO ATMOSPHERIC AND MAGICAL THAT I FORGET ITS SET IN THE REAL WORLD. THIS IS MORE OF A FIRST IMPRESSIONS REVIEW SINCE I FEEL THAT SERIES SHOULD BE LOOKED AT MORE WITH THE OTHER BOOKS. AS FAR AS FIRST BOOKS GO, THIS ONE WAS SOLID :) ["
February 27, 2026 Verified Purchase
ReadwithnaleLove
"Alchemy of Secrets was my very first book by Stephanie Garber, and honestly, it was such a magical introduction to her writing. From the very beginning, the story wrapped me in that dreamy, glitter soft atmosphere she’s known for, and I found myself drifting into a world full of secrets, enchantment, and beautifully crafted moments. The characters had this charming pull that made me want to stay with them, and the world felt rich and whimsical without ever being overwhelming. As a first experience with her style, it definitely impressed me her storytelling has a way of feeling both delicate and immersive at the same time. If anything, I finished the book wishing for a little more depth in certain places, just something extra to push it from magical to unforgettable. But as a first read from her, it left me excited and curious to explore more of her worlds. A lovely, enchanting 4 star start to my journey with her books. ["
December 2, 2025 Verified Purchase