First things first...I was interested in this book at first sight. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover but when it's so appealing I can't help but assume it's good. Secondly, the synopsis had me mighty intrigued off of alchemy and the mention of philosophers stone because hi, Harry Potter!? I know, I know a huge reach there but it got me anyways.

The book starts off with a good leap, pulls you in and keeps you interested and wondering "what's going to happen next?". The characters could use some more development to keep you cheering for them but the story moves along well enough to make up for that.

I'm not much for historical type reads, unless highlanders are involved, but this holds its own. I enjoyed it for what it was and would be willing to reread it.