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adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Infertility, Medical trauma, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WOAH WOAH WOAH.
Ok that was a fun read. Took me 13 years to actually get through it because the chapters were so FRIGGIN LONG, but it was a super duper fun read nonetheless.
Saeris was a pretty cool FMC. Her power was quite unique and really added to the plot. (After reading the book “the Alchemist” I felt like a smarty pants “oh yes, alchemy, I’m aware of what that is!” 🧐) I really enjoyed Saeris’ overall scrappiness and she was pretty badass for most of the book. I liked her character growth a lot too. Even though, I felt she was a little too easily swayed by Fisher in the beginning (I honestly can’t blame her, though).
Speak of the devil, I went through waves of liking and disliking Kingfisher cause he was quite a bitch in the beginning, but in the end, that man made his way into my good books. He’s one spicy lil (7ft tall) fella and I understand why he did what he did.
Now for the actual star of the show, Carrion Swift. The man that you are. The comedic relief and the man-whore of the century coming in with the hot goss. Masterful. Loved him. He was the absolute best. King.
Now plot-wise, something that surprised me in this story, was that this wasn’t just a book about FAE, but it also has VAMPIRES?!?! My Twilight girlie heart LIT UP with excitement when I read that part, although these bitches are far less hot (BOOOOOOOO!!!!!).
Anyhoo, I have to admit, Quicksilver did live up to the book tok hype. I had so much fun reading it.
(Callie, just please make shorter chapters for the next one, I beg you.)
(I’ll still read it either way)
Ok that was a fun read. Took me 13 years to actually get through it because the chapters were so FRIGGIN LONG, but it was a super duper fun read nonetheless.
Saeris was a pretty cool FMC. Her power was quite unique and really added to the plot. (After reading the book “the Alchemist” I felt like a smarty pants “oh yes, alchemy, I’m aware of what that is!” 🧐) I really enjoyed Saeris’ overall scrappiness and she was pretty badass for most of the book. I liked her character growth a lot too. Even though, I felt she was a little too easily swayed by Fisher in the beginning (I honestly can’t blame her, though).
Speak of the devil, I went through waves of liking and disliking Kingfisher cause he was quite a bitch in the beginning, but in the end, that man made his way into my good books. He’s one spicy lil (7ft tall) fella and I understand why he did what he did.
Now for the actual star of the show, Carrion Swift. The man that you are. The comedic relief and the man-whore of the century coming in with the hot goss. Masterful. Loved him. He was the absolute best. King.
Now plot-wise, something that surprised me in this story, was that this wasn’t just a book about FAE, but it also has VAMPIRES?!?! My Twilight girlie heart LIT UP with excitement when I read that part, although these bitches are far less hot (BOOOOOOOO!!!!!).
Anyhoo, I have to admit, Quicksilver did live up to the book tok hype. I had so much fun reading it.
(Callie, just please make shorter chapters for the next one, I beg you.)
(I’ll still read it either way)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Infertility, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Hate crime, Infertility, Medical content
Minor: Infertility, Medical trauma
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was From Blood and Ash in a different font.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Medical trauma
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed the idea behind the quicksilver and the different realms. I do wish there was a little bit more world-building. I loved the basis of the side characters and would have loved more storyline with them. Some parts of the story felt a little scattered, and I loathed the banter. I felt like I was reading 14-year-old boys talking 💩 to each other. Banter and enemies-to-lovers is absolutely my favorite trope, but I desire more wit and less use of the word f*ck. You would think a Fae that has been alive for centuries would have developed better ways to express his moods.
I felt very similar about the banter when I read Fourth Wing and Violet’s over use of “f*ck you’s”. Iron Flame was a huge improvement, so I am excited to read the second book of Quicksilver.
I felt very similar about the banter when I read Fourth Wing and Violet’s over use of “f*ck you’s”. Iron Flame was a huge improvement, so I am excited to read the second book of Quicksilver.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Gore, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Medical trauma, Death of parent, War
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"He is the storm. You are the peace that must come after it. Tell me, do you believe in the fates, Alchemist?"
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This book started off a bit slower for me but after about 40% in it really picked up. Plot was steadily churning out, and at one point, I got a little overwhelmed because it felt like so much world building was thrown at you. I believe it to be by design however, upon completion of the book. The MMC is bound by magic to not speak about much of what is going on so as a reader you are also discovering the information as Saeris discovers them, which is quite frustrating at times.
I enjoyed the spice in this, and I really did end up getting sucked into the world rather quickly after the first few hurdles. I am a sucker for a good slow-burn romance and This. Hit. The. Mark. 100%
I have heard through numerous sites that the twist at the end is mind-blowing, to which I have to say it didn't provide that shock factor for me. I've read enough fantasy to know what to expect and to me it was all predictable. It's not truly considered High Fantasy (like LOTR or GOT books) but really think as an introductory book to to fantasy/romantasy, it could be overwhelming for a first timer. The magic system and lore and world building is well done, but can be very confusing at times. I am also NOT a fan that there are modern slang terms used frequently through the book. (10/2024)
4 out of 5 stars.
•
•
•
•
•
This book started off a bit slower for me but after about 40% in it really picked up. Plot was steadily churning out, and at one point, I got a little overwhelmed because it felt like so much world building was thrown at you. I believe it to be by design however, upon completion of the book. The MMC is bound by magic to not speak about much of what is going on so as a reader you are also discovering the information as Saeris discovers them, which is quite frustrating at times.
I enjoyed the spice in this, and I really did end up getting sucked into the world rather quickly after the first few hurdles. I am a sucker for a good slow-burn romance and This. Hit. The. Mark. 100%
I have heard through numerous sites that the twist at the end is mind-blowing, to which I have to say it didn't provide that shock factor for me. I've read enough fantasy to know what to expect and to me it was all predictable. It's not truly considered High Fantasy (like LOTR or GOT books) but really think as an introductory book to to fantasy/romantasy, it could be overwhelming for a first timer. The magic system and lore and world building is well done, but can be very confusing at times. I am also NOT a fan that there are modern slang terms used frequently through the book. (10/2024)
4 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical trauma, War
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, Murder
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Feels kinda like an ACOMAF ripoff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Medical trauma, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a disappointment this was…but let’s start with what I actually liked: I liked the Human City Zilvaren - where the story begins - and the setting and world ideas there. (Unfortunately, we do not spend a lot of time there.) I also really liked the FMC! She had a great sense of humor and was tough but kind. Additionally, I liked the whole Alchemy-thing. It was def something I have not read before.
Sadly, once we enter the realm of the Fae, pretty much everything from there on is the typical stuff you read in almost every book now; fancy and in great detail described dresses that the FMC has to wear, the typical nice girl that the FMC becomes friends with, and the broody male (MMC), who is a completely asshole. And then it just goes on with all the usual drama. Everything in this plot except for the ending was totally foreseeable and boring. The world-Building was also completely off. Throwing vampires and fae into one world is one thing, but then making up vampire-zombies?? Now that’s a completely new level of the-author-had-no-original-ideas.
And coming to the ending now…what an absolute disaster! Everything was completely thrown together and there were so many plot holes and things that didn’t make any sense. It was so disappointing. It felt like the author just desperately wanted to throw everything in there that she possibly could! Gods, fae, vampires, zombie-vampires and humans…Ugh! Why?
>spoiler<
Also the whole dialogue with the god‘s daughters and the god himself was soo weird! Like, why did they ask here what sex is like? Wtf? And then, they were the suns?? Where did that come from? So random and weird.
Sadly, once we enter the realm of the Fae, pretty much everything from there on is the typical stuff you read in almost every book now; fancy and in great detail described dresses that the FMC has to wear, the typical nice girl that the FMC becomes friends with, and the broody male (MMC), who is a completely asshole. And then it just goes on with all the usual drama. Everything in this plot except for the ending was totally foreseeable and boring. The world-Building was also completely off. Throwing vampires and fae into one world is one thing, but then making up vampire-zombies?? Now that’s a completely new level of the-author-had-no-original-ideas.
And coming to the ending now…what an absolute disaster! Everything was completely thrown together and there were so many plot holes and things that didn’t make any sense. It was so disappointing. It felt like the author just desperately wanted to throw everything in there that she possibly could! Gods, fae, vampires, zombie-vampires and humans…Ugh! Why?
>spoiler<
Also the whole dialogue with the god‘s daughters and the god himself was soo weird! Like, why did they ask here what sex is like? Wtf? And then, they were the suns?? Where did that come from? So random and weird.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
Do you believe in fate?
After seeing several social media posts and videos extolling the virtues of author Callie Hart’s first book in The Fae & Alchemy series I decided to take the day off from my normal ARC reading/reviewing schedule to give it a read. What can I say? I had bad FOMO. I’ve come to realize that while I’ve been spending most of my time doing trad pub ARC reading, I’ve been missing out on a lot of great releases from the indie publishing world. I decided not to miss out on this one.
I’m so happy I took the day off for Quicksilver. I haven’t felt like this about a romantasy in a long time. Have I loved other romantasies as much as this? Yes, but in a different way. Quicksilver is the type of romantasy I love best: quick-witted, fast-paced, action-packed, spicy, funny, rude, two grumpy and traumatized main characters/love interests, no love triangle, tortured hearts, sexual tension and chemistry for days, protective streaks for days, stubborn and self-sacrificing idiots, and a healthy amount of snark.
🩶 What to expect 🩶
🍒 Enemies to lovers
💣 Fish out of water
🍒 (Very) reluctant allies
💣 Working together for the greater good
🍒 Violent/slightly instant Fae MMC
💣 Strong/multifaceted FMC
🍒 Portal fantasy
💣 Pretty unique magic system (IMO)
🍒 Forced proximity
💣 Touch her & die
🍒 Touch him & die
💣 Slow burn but some serious UST
🍒 Filthy talk
💣 Addictive banter
🍒 Ends on a quasi-cliffhanger
💣 Parents suck
🍒 Protective older siblings
💣 Found family
🍒 Really cool alchemy stuff
You won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with our main characters and the main supporting cast. Kingfisher is holding onto a lifetime’s worth of pain and secrets. He’s carrying more guilt within him than any one person should ever be asked to. He’s had to see unspeakable things and been forced to do unspeakable things to save the realm. It’s all been done for a larger and greater purpose, but he’s had to wait for so long. He’s so angry with good reason. Saeris has been through more trauma in her short life than anyone should be expected to go through. Her father was killed early in her life and then she had to basically raise her brother while her mother worked as best she can while spiraling in her anger until she was killed, leaving Saeris and her brother orphaned and homeless in a now-quarantined ward of the city where water is rationed to a small amount a day and food is scarce. She’s desperate to get herself and her brother out of their ward. Like Icarus, her hubris leads her toward death, which leads her to someplace she thought was only a children’s story. These two are very similar once they realize they’ll need to work together. They go on as trapped people always have, rolling up their metaphorical sleeves and working the problem in front of them. One problem at a time.
Watching the relationship between these two develop is like capturing lightning in a bottle. A lot of books are marketed as enemies-to-lovers but aren’t really when you examine the dynamic. Kingfisher and Saeris are truly enemies-to-lovers: It’s mutual loathing at first sight that continues for a good chunk of the first act before it starts to evolve. Kingfisher hates the fragility of humans and doesn’t care about anything Saeris is invested in. Saeris was raised in a kingdom where the Fae were only bedtime stories and now she’s being held captive by their king. They also make her wear dresses. With corsets. But there’s an invisible string between these two from the start, and that tension is so nice. It’s even nicer once they start to thaw toward one another. When the spice starts to kick in? It’s so worth every bit of angst and conflict that came before. An unbelievable payoff.
If you love adult romantasy I recommend you take the time to read this before a smart trad pub house picks it up for publication. It’s amazing and you won’t regret it. I’m going to be waiting with baited breath for the sequel, which is supposed to come out in fall 2024.
File Under: 5 Star Review/Adult Fantasy/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/First Book in Fantasy Series/Found Family/Kindle Unlimited/Spice Level 2
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility
Minor: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Death of parent, War, Classism