Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
This book made me DNF for the first time in years. The story had so much potential at being interesting but the poor writing ruined it. If we took out all of the repetition on how the main character pushes people away, is vegan, and hasn’t done alchemy in years because of their tragic past I truly think this would be 100 pages tops.
This is a vegan cookbook disguised as a mystery novel. I got 2/3rds through it.
Love this!! So only just found this book now and I loved it. Love the characters, my favourite is the gargoyle and the kids. Definitely will be getting the second book.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
This book fell under the category of "I was kinda disappointed." I didn't HATE the book but it certainly did not keep me so engrossed that I feel the need to ever finish the series. The description for the story caught my attention.
Zoe Faust is a 300 year old alchemist who has recently moved to Portland, Oregon to start over again. While unpacking her things, she finds a living gargoyle who needs her help as he is slowly dying and needs her alchemical stills to save his life. But then her handyman is murdered at her new home and the book that has the information to save the gargoyle is stolen and she must work to find the book and keep herself from being blamed for the murder.
But in reality, the story just kinda dragged. And there was more focus and reference to the fact that she is vegan (almost every scene has to mention that she's vegan and what super-smoothie she is drinking at the moment). By 3/4 of the way through the book I found myself not really caring about any of the characters, if she was exonerated, if she finds the book or if she saves the gargoyle.
All in all the book just felt rather... flat.
Zoe Faust is a 300 year old alchemist who has recently moved to Portland, Oregon to start over again. While unpacking her things, she finds a living gargoyle who needs her help as he is slowly dying and needs her alchemical stills to save his life. But then her handyman is murdered at her new home and the book that has the information to save the gargoyle is stolen and she must work to find the book and keep herself from being blamed for the murder.
But in reality, the story just kinda dragged. And there was more focus and reference to the fact that she is vegan (almost every scene has to mention that she's vegan and what super-smoothie she is drinking at the moment). By 3/4 of the way through the book I found myself not really caring about any of the characters, if she was exonerated, if she finds the book or if she saves the gargoyle.
All in all the book just felt rather... flat.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
And thus starts the story of the Accidental Alchemist. I did not know what to expect but as the story holds a gargoyle I decided to give it a try and found an amazingly wholesome story with an alchemist turned healer-herbalist who tries to finally settle down and maybe even return to her passion of alchemy, she left behind ages ago.
Unpacking, she finds a gargoyle has smuggled himself into her life who needs her help and then a teenage boy shows up on her doorstep with a policeman not far behind.
The story that ensues is fast paced & entertaining, includes a murder mystery, and tea, lots of tea and baked & cooked goods.
Unpacking, she finds a gargoyle has smuggled himself into her life who needs her help and then a teenage boy shows up on her doorstep with a policeman not far behind.
The story that ensues is fast paced & entertaining, includes a murder mystery, and tea, lots of tea and baked & cooked goods.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Slavery
Decent and cute but you would think a 300 year old person would make smarter decisions then she kept making. Especially since she has been on the run most her life. The story itself though is cute and keeps you guessing.
If you are looking for a paranormal, sweet cozy mystery, this might be a good fit. Personally, it was not my cup of tea, but I am not a cozy fan.
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes