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ozias's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected - the character development is on point and really works with the plot twists. Also, talking gargoyle - I am here for it!
heather_reads_uk's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ccrowley18's review against another edition
4.0
This was an unsuspecting treat. I chose it randomly from the Audible Catalogue. Absolutely loved this book completely with all of my heart! I’m so glad there is more. Zoe is an alchemist who has moved to Portland, Oregon to live a normal life. Then she finds this sassy French gargoyle, Dorian Robert-Houdin (you have to say this in a very thick French accent). This is like a classic mystery with hilarious twists and a spruce of fantasy. So much love for the characters and interactions.
Listened to this on Audible, and I’m so glad I did.
The performances made me laugh out loud.
Listened to this on Audible, and I’m so glad I did.
The performances made me laugh out loud.
snippip's review
It's not a book with vegan references, it's a book where the scenes are set up specifically to be able to make very elaborate vegan references, with the intention of converting you. The first warning sign was when she was asked whether she likes ham, and her answer was: 'No I am vegan. I eat a wide range of plant based foods but I don't eat animal products.' It's a fantasy book with a recipe for a smoothie attached, that should have warned me.
terri's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
Awful
ramblingravioli's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
talesuponmyshelf_'s review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. It was an okay read but I wished it went deeper with some of the plots to make them more believable: the fact that she is over 300 years old, the mystery, and the romance. I felt no connection. The gargoyle was funny at times. I felt like the whole story was pushing vegan food on me. It needed to focus more on the mystery.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this a lot. Someone had mentioned it was included in Audible Plus so I checked it out. I wish the sequels were included as well, alas, they are not. I would really like to continue on ... but I'm super cheap (especially when I have so many books already).
Although our Alchemist (main character) is 100s of years old (having discovered the elixir of life) this is a very modern book, taking place in the present day. I'm listing this on my "paranormal" shelf, with the whole alchemy, automaton, homunculus, living gargoyle, but it's a bit more of a murder mystery at heart. With a big focus on food ... Zoe is vegan (finding out she's going to live 100s of years she wants to feel healthy) so there is so much talk about fruits/vegetables and vegan meals. So much so that some of it got to be a bit too much (knowing exactly what she put in her smoothie each morning). Dorian (the french gargoyle come to life) is a gourmet chef, so lots of food talk featuring his cooking as well. I loved Dorian ;) The audiobook with the very french accent was fun.
Despite all the paranormal points, it was still a little far-fetched (I tend to be more forgiving toward the weird and focus on the more unrealistic "real" items), but it was a good listen and I was glad for the recommendation.
Although our Alchemist (main character) is 100s of years old (having discovered the elixir of life) this is a very modern book, taking place in the present day. I'm listing this on my "paranormal" shelf, with the whole alchemy, automaton, homunculus, living gargoyle, but it's a bit more of a murder mystery at heart. With a big focus on food ... Zoe is vegan (finding out she's going to live 100s of years she wants to feel healthy) so there is so much talk about fruits/vegetables and vegan meals. So much so that some of it got to be a bit too much (knowing exactly what she put in her smoothie each morning). Dorian (the french gargoyle come to life) is a gourmet chef, so lots of food talk featuring his cooking as well. I loved Dorian ;) The audiobook with the very french accent was fun.
Despite all the paranormal points, it was still a little far-fetched (I tend to be more forgiving toward the weird and focus on the more unrealistic "real" items), but it was a good listen and I was glad for the recommendation.