Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

YOU'RE HERE BECAUSE OF A STORY . . .

It starts with a class in an old movie theatre. 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.

Her search for the truth leads her to a dazzling new world, a deadly ultimatum hidden at the heart of Los Angeles, and into the path of a magnetic stranger who claims he's been sent to save her life.

But everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can't figure out whom to trust, her magical reality could change from a Hollywood dream to a nightmare.

Alchemy of Secrets is the spectacular new novel from global phenomenon Stephanie Garber, the multimillion-copy bestselling author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. Fusing spellbinding Hollywood secrets with a cinematic mystery, it will transport you into another world.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published October 7, 2025

 by Gollancz

4/5 stars

Alchemy of Secrets is Stephanie Garber's first adult novel, and I went into it not quite sure what to expect. The first book I ever read by her was Once Upon a Broken Heart, which I absolutely loved. It felt like such a refreshing YA fantasy - magical, with adventure and fairy tale vibes and imaginative without relying on spice or excessive violence. Because of that, I was really curious to see how Garber would handle a move into adult fiction.

This book steps away from full on fantasy but still carries her signature sense of magic, leaning more toward magical realism or maybe fantasy - I'm not really sure.  The theme is unique, the characters unreliable and the mystery gripping. There was still some YA vibes, especially in tone and character interactions, which didn’t bother me. 

Alchemy of Secrets is a creative, magical-leaning story with a unique premise that came with this gorgeous cover.  While getting ready to post this review I learned that its the first in a new series, which honestly explains the ending a little better.  Can't wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#51)