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Alchemy of Secrets: A Novel

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!


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

It starts with a class in an old movie theater. 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. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.

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Published Oct 7, 2025

336 pages

Average rating: 7.5

16 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

LDew
Sep 30, 2025
9/10 stars
WONDERFUL book! Went in with decently high hopes but no idea really what this was about, and it was great! I heard this was a series though? I wouldn’t entirely agree it was cliffhanger omg I need another material at the end but it was enough to make me just plain old want another book following this plot and story line. Very well done though not really what I’d call adult either, some of it sounded juvenile yet, but I’m not the best with age guessing so could be me. Definitely a newer age setting in a city, but with fantasy and thriller mystery vibes!
brueckta
Sep 07, 2025
10/10 stars
Top book of the year! Thriller with a touch of magic! Perfection ❤️

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