Alchemy of Secrets

By Stephanie Garber

Book Overview

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

DELUXE LIMITED EDITION first printing featuring unique case stamp and black sprayed edges

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

What if the urban legends you've always heard about were real?

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 125078915X
• ISBN13: 9781250789150
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Flatiron Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Great Magical Thriller

3.5 stars This book is like a fever dream but in a good way. There are so many twists and turns and questions that keep popping up. I think like 90% of my notes on this book we're just me being confused and asking questions. 😂 I don't usually read thrillers so this contemporary fantasy, mystery, thriller did have elements that were a bit newer to me. I did enjoy it and it definitely kept me interested all the way through. It also helps that I absolutely love Garber's writing style. ♥️ However, the ending was just ok there since were somethings left unexplained, and that bothered me. It's my bad though for not realizing this is book 1 of a series. 🫣 I was also expecting a bit of romance but I didn't really get that here. 🤷‍♀️ Hopefully in the next book 🤞