Reviews

The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian

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kait_lost_in_books's review against another edition

5.0

Dorian, a gargoyle brought to life by backwards alchemy, is slowly turning back to stone. His friend Zoe, the accidental alchemist is working feverishly to try to cure him. Travelling to Paris she hopes to find out more about the backwards alchemists and bring home the solution for Dorian.

I love these books so much. They are silly and wholesome and wonderful.

thoranareads's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

readerrebecca's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

rosalind_barden's review against another edition

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5.0

I took a chance on “The Elusive Elixir,” from the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series by Gigi Pandian, because it sounded so different. I’m glad I did. The main character, Zoe, is an alchemist who is hundreds of years old, but you’d never know it. She’s made a new life for herself in a charming Portland craftsman house she is restoring, and she tends to the healing plants in her garden. You’d also never know that her sidekick is Dorian, a Notre Dame gargoyle come to life, and a master French chef who delights in whipping up vegan treats for Zoe. The plot has many twists and turns, with other, not always friendly, alchemists popping up (including a dead one), trips to Paris, danger of Zoe’s true identify being discovered, plus the urgency of finding the cure for Dorian, who is reverting to stone. In between the danger and drama, there is Dorian’s delightfully mischievous personality, Zoe’s budding romance, and her friends at the charming local bakery that, you guessed it, Dorian bakes for too. The vegan recipes at the end of the book are a wonderful bonus.