3.5/5⭐️

This one was just an “OK” for me.

Set in 18th century Europe, it’s the story of 17 yo Thea, an alchemist whose mother is jealous of her abilities and whose father never knew she existed. Thea is obsessed with creating the Philosopher’s Stone and harnessing its limitless power without invoking its Alchemist Curse which rendered her mother and friend Dominic insane, but can she trust those she meets along the way to help her in her quest?

A story of loneliness, of searching for a way to be accepted and admired. But also a journey to discover if what one really desires is worth the price of losing one’s self in the process.

My issue was mostly not connecting well with the characters, and I can’t really say why. Maybe I just didn’t feel invested? The writing was fine (the pace maybe a little slow in places), but there were some unfinished/unexplained parts left hanging for me. Fans of YA fantasy will probably enjoy.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #WednesdayBooks for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.