Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
To start off, I accidentally read this book not knowing this was the second one. Entirely my fault, the description caught my attention. But it surprisingly did not cause me any issues. This book on its own, as a science lover, was captivating from start to end. It jumps between scenes of different times in a way that it always aids to the overall plot. The concept of this book, I thought, was so interesting and well done. I’ll be adding the first book to my TBR for sure.
This book is a brilliant follow up to the first in the series, and I would highly recommend reading them in order for full enjoyment. This book picks up after the events of the first but really takes you on an exciting and fantastical journey. This time we get to follow Gaelen as he traverses through different times, taking the reader on an interesting journey. I loved watching how his character developed throughout this book. It was fitting to the overall story and really did his character justice.
I thought the overall story was a great addition to the series. It was interesting and had a lot going on. The author does a great job of handling a complex storyline. This was a brilliant book, even better than the first and I hope to see more from these characters.
I thought the overall story was a great addition to the series. It was interesting and had a lot going on. The author does a great job of handling a complex storyline. This was a brilliant book, even better than the first and I hope to see more from these characters.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
'Alchemy of Glass' is the 2nd book about Gaelan Erceldoune, an immortal apothecary. Whilst you could read it without reading the first book, you would get a much better understanding of the events in this book if you read 'The Apothecary's Curse' first.
Once again, the story moves between several time periods, including actual time travel into a possible future. We share Gaelan's confusion as to whether things are real, if he has gone insane, or if he is alive or dead.
It becomes a race against time to put things right and prevent an apocalyptic future from manifesting.
This book is a wonderful mix of Celtic mythology, fantasy, sci-fi, science and magic.
Once again, the story moves between several time periods, including actual time travel into a possible future. We share Gaelan's confusion as to whether things are real, if he has gone insane, or if he is alive or dead.
It becomes a race against time to put things right and prevent an apocalyptic future from manifesting.
This book is a wonderful mix of Celtic mythology, fantasy, sci-fi, science and magic.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the second novel in the Apothecary series. I enjoyed the the first book in the series and this one didn't disappoint. This is a complicated noir tale weaved in different timelines to give the reader glimpses in the unique fantasy world.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Mystery, history, and more. Once again, the world Barbara Barnett weaves in the pages of this series pulls you in and fully emerges you. Apothecary’s Curse introduces you to the world and the characters, but Alchemy of Glass takes you deeper into the catacombs of who they are and what they must overcome.
It all starts with a journal and a piece of glass. Gaelen was surprised to see a long thought missing piece from one of his own stain glass windows changes everything. Now he must face the consequences of his actions towards Dr. Anne Shaw. Without her help and understanding the world could be doomed for the catastrophic future he’s seen ahead.
Can Gaelen and Anne trust each other? Is the past too much to overcome? What does the future show? This world is just *chefs kiss* everything is so perfectly weaved together and has a purpose even the simplest of details make a difference. Immortality has become too much for Gaelen and finding a cure is truly his biggest desire.
It all starts with a journal and a piece of glass. Gaelen was surprised to see a long thought missing piece from one of his own stain glass windows changes everything. Now he must face the consequences of his actions towards Dr. Anne Shaw. Without her help and understanding the world could be doomed for the catastrophic future he’s seen ahead.
Can Gaelen and Anne trust each other? Is the past too much to overcome? What does the future show? This world is just *chefs kiss* everything is so perfectly weaved together and has a purpose even the simplest of details make a difference. Immortality has become too much for Gaelen and finding a cure is truly his biggest desire.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I had only read one book by this author before picking this one up, but the cover was ridiculously beautiful so I grabbed it immediately! This is the second book in The Apothecary’s Curse series, and I found it even more enjoyable than the first. There is a possibility that you could read this book as a standalone but reading the previous book first would result in the best experience by far. I always love when stories are told from dual points of view as it helps me get in the character’s heads a little more, so this won brownie points for performing that flawlessly! This author has an absolutely astounding way of expertly crafting a dark fantasy that demands your undivided attention from the very beginning. I never wanted to put this book down but did so only for the basic necessities during the day and then ran right back to it. Gaelan is a perfect and unforgettable character for this magnificent book! If you enjoy dark fantasy with some historical fiction blended in, please don’t pass this book (or this series) up. I cannot wait to see what else this author has planned for us!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Immortal alchemist Gaelan Ercledoune’s story continues. Gaelan discovers a piece of magical glass in his old friend, Aurthur Conan Doyle’s journal. With the help of Dr. Anne Shaw, the apothecary sets out to try to change the course of mankind’s disastrous future.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Barbara Barnett continues the story of immortal apothecary, Gaelan Erceldoune, first introduced in The Apothecary's Curse. I felt like this could be read as a standalone, but reading the first book was beneficial in understanding the characters. Alchemy of Glass explores the connections between magic and science, myths and reality, past and present. Written in the same dual time period style as before, Barnett's writing draws you in and doesn't let go! Alchemy of Glass has just as much world-building detail as The Apothecary’s Curse and the same oddly lovable, realistic characters. There were so many things happening in this book, from the apparent delirium of Gaelan following his attempt at ending his immortality to the time travel to the medical interventions requested of Anne, but all were somehow connected and none overpowered another. Overall, another great historical fantasy by Barbara Barnett.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*The Alchemy of Glass* by Barbara Barnett is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, science, and myth that captures the reader’s imagination from the first page. This novel, a sequel to *The Apothecary’s Curse*, returns us to the enchanting yet dangerous world of Gaelan Erceldoune, an immortal apothecary who finds himself at the intersection of ancient Celtic mythology and cutting-edge science. As the past, present, and future collide, Gaelan must navigate a labyrinth of challenges to prevent a cataclysmic future.
Barnett skillfully intertwines the delicate beauty of spun glass with the terror of shattered mirrors, using them as metaphors for the duality of existence. The novel explores the contrast between the ethereal and the mortal, the magical and the scientific. This interplay is evident in Gaelan’s character—an immortal who straddles two worlds, with one foot in the magical realm of fairy lore and the other in the cold, hard reality of scientific discovery. His journey is not just a physical one but also a philosophical exploration of the choices that define us.
The narrative is richly steeped in Celtic mythology, which adds depth and texture to the world Barnett has created. The ancient myths of fairies, alchemy, and immortality are seamlessly woven into the plot, creating a sense of timelessness that draws the reader into a world where the boundaries between reality and magic blur. This fusion of myth and science is one of the novel’s strongest aspects, as it raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality and the power of belief.
Barnett’s writing is evocative and lyrical, capturing the essence of the magical elements without losing sight of the story’s human core. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with Gaelan standing out as a complex and compelling protagonist. His struggle with immortality and the burden of his knowledge is portrayed with nuance, making him a character readers can empathize with. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding their own dimension to the story, whether they are allies or adversaries.
*The Alchemy of Glass* is not just a tale of magic and mythology; it is also a story about the choices we make and the consequences they bring. Gaelan’s journey is fraught with difficult decisions, each carrying the potential to shape the future in unimaginable ways. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the eternal conflict between good and evil. It challenges readers to consider the impact of their choices and the responsibility that comes with power.
Overall, *The Alchemy of Glass* is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, mythology, and speculative fiction. Barbara Barnett has crafted a world that is as magical as it is perilous, filled with characters who are as complex as they are compelling. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, blending ancient myths with contemporary themes to create a tale that is both timeless and relevant. Whether you are a returning fan of Gaelan Erceldoune or a newcomer to his world, *The Alchemy of Glass* is a journey worth taking.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was in love with this book from the beginning. Gaelan and Caitrin were intriguing. Enter Anne and a whole new amazing character is revealed! The final plot twist, I did not see coming! I cannot wait for another book by Barbara Barnett.