Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel

By Stephanie Garber

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!

“Full of adventure and magic” —JODI PICOULT
“As dazzling as a jewel box” —ERIN A. CRAIG
“Pure magic” COSMOPOLITAN
“A must-read” SCREENRANT
“Truly fantastical” PASTE

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

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 secret hidden at the heart of Los Angeles, and into the path of Gabriel Cabral, who says he's been sent to save her life.

But when another magnetic stranger, Adam Bishop, makes the same claim, Holland realizes that at least one of these men is lying to her. And if she can't figure out whom to trust, her magical reality could change from a Hollywood dream to a nightmare.

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Published Oct 7, 2025

336 pages

Average rating: 7.14

126 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Kristin Rose
Dec 10, 2025
10/10 stars
It’s official. This is Stephanie’s best book yet. I was hooked from the first page, and I couldn’t put this book down. It was propulsive and immersive, with an incredibly unique concept. I can not wait for book two!
SlowShelfSociety
Jul 28, 2026
9/10 stars
Pure magic. This is Garber at her most glittery and mysterious and I was completely enchanted. It’s glamorous and a little dangerous, with that dreamy, starlit feeling she does so well. The setting is everything — smoky bars, secret keys, whispered rumors, and a main character you want to follow anywhere. It feels like stepping into a speakeasy where everyone is hiding something. The romance is swoony, the mystery is twisty, and the writing is just so lush and readable. No spoilers, but I loved how it balances the fairytale sparkle with real stakes. It’s cozy and cinematic at the same time, and I didn’t want it to end. If you love atmospheric fantasy with secrets, glamour, and a touch of fate, this is an easy five stars for me.
ABest
Jun 27, 2026
8/10 stars
It was a good read. Didn't expect the twist, and I couldn't put it down.
Janicks
Feb 02, 2026
6/10 stars
This wasn’t an adult fantasy as described, this is YA. Didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it, very middle of the road. Very easy reading, just didn’t have me completely gripped.
NoelleSimone
Nov 22, 2025
9/10 stars
I couldn’t put it down!

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