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)

Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away. 

Paperback, 418 pages

Published May 1st 2018

 by Flatiron Books

3.5/5 stars

Stephanie Garber is not a new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed her book Once Upon a Broken Heart and while I eagerly await its sequel next month I am starting to go through her back list. Caraval was her debut and the first in a trilogy.

I did a combo book/audiobook and well the book was lovely to read, keeping my attention and all that, I found I myself enjoying the audio for the majority of the time. Rebecca Soler did a good job with the narration.

Two sisters, Scarlet and Tella are opposite in personality and family loyalty. Most of the book centres around Scarlet as she embarks on a journey with reluctance but determination to bring her sister home, then wed a Count though they have never met. What follows is an adventure through a game (but, is it really) that paved the way for two more books.

Caraval is a well written story with some wonderful world building, it was fast paced and a fun read. I didn’t care for all the characters (looking at you Tella) and had trust issues with some.  The ending works while also leaving the door open for the sequel.

While I didn’t love this book as much as Once Upon a Broken Heart, I look forward to Legendary and continuing this series.

This book was part of my 2022 reading off my shelf challenge.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

A new series about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox was raised in her beloved father’s curiosity shop, where she grew up on legends about immortals, like the tragic Prince of Hearts. She knows his powers are mythic, his kiss is worth dying for, and that bargains with him rarely end well.

But when Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry another, she becomes desperate enough to offer the Prince of Hearts whatever he wants in exchange for his help to stop the wedding. The prince only asks for three kisses. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’s pledged. And he has plans for Evangeline that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy…

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published September 28, 2021

 by Flatiron Books

5/5 stars

“She didn't make being alone seem lonely as Evangeline had always feared. She made it seem like an adventure, as if every moment were the start of a story with endless possibilities.”

Once Upon a Broken Heart had me with the title and cover, I'm so glad I followed my gut instinct and pre-ordered to get this exclusive cover.  It far exceeded my expectations and I can't wait for the sequel.

There are a number of things I really enjoyed about this book.  The fairy talish vibes were felt throughout this book and for me it didn't mimic other fairy tales - though others might see similarities, I didn't.  The intricate magic system wasn't hard to follow for this non fantasy reader but rather its detail gave off the ancient vibes of fairy tales of old. 

The characters were authentic, unique and so interesting.  I heard there were some familiar faces from the author's previous series (guess who just broke her book buying ban), but that didn't hamper the story, if anything it just made me want to read more Garber books. 

"...leaving her alone with a new shipment of oddities that included a fountain pen with a curious label:  For finding dreams that don't exist yet."  

The writing style and the plot, with its surprising twists and turns had me enjoying this read.  I didn't rush but savoured the journey. This is a story about lost love, family, secrets and trying to decipher who is trustworthy.  Definitely worth the 5 stars, I can't wait to reread before the sequel comes out in Sept.

This book was part of my 2022 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (book #9).