The Code Keeper: Fragments of Alchemy Book 1

by A.C. Sutliff

The First Alchemist fragmented the world, or so the legend says. He created the Trinitas to hold the world together. For centuries, the Code Breaker, Code Giver, and the Keeper of the Code have led the three great factions of Alchemists. Always in secret, they have waged many wars over this broken world. These battles have grown to a global scale, and now it seems the very Earth has joined the fight. Only the Keeper of the Code knows how to save the world. But he has placed his faith in the hands of a girl.

Underneath the city of Bergen Norway lies the hidden halls of Blackthorn and Burtree. Amid declarations of war between the Keeper's Animarum and the Breaker's Shadow Alchemists, the time has come for destiny to be fulfilled.

Thea Presten has never drawn a Conversion Circle before. She's never made an Alchemical beast or conjured fire. She's never even left the ranch where she's been living with her parents for fourteen years. With the arrival of Thea's birthday the day has come for her to venture forth and become a Chemist of Alchemy at Blackthorn and Burtree. Thea leaves behind her safe childhood home for the Alchemy halls, but she soon finds that she won't simply be attending Alchemy lessons. Thea learns that she's been performing Alchemy all along, she just simply breaks the rules. Her parents warn her that she must resist the temptation to break the laws of Alchemy, or she could attract the wrong kind of attention. Will Thea keep her true abilities a secret, or will she risk it all to finally make some friends and unlock the ultimate path at Blackthorn and Burtree?

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

Reviews

[J.P. Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story set in a world of alchemy. Thea, the main protagonist, is a great character whose journey through this hidden world is heightened by superb characterization and a strong sense of self. The Code Keeper draws inspiration from the greatest YA novels before it and builds on top of it something unique, refreshing, and fascinating. The world building is especially exquisite with detailed descriptions and vivid portrayals. It feels lived in with enough description to make you believe you could sit down to play an alchemy game or maybe shrink a chimaera down into your pocket. I highly recommend The Code Keeper to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!

[Payton Balog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea is a young girl surrounded by secrets and mysteries. She learns to navigate a busy, magical, new home while making friends and learning who to trust. But honestly, it kind of seems like she can't trust anyone.

I loved Thea immediately, as well as her chimera, a flying horse. I love chimeras. I want one. So many cool combinations of animals!

The entire world has so many details. And the magic system was absolutely fascinating. Lots of information to know but in a good way, and it's all explained very well.
And the way the story twists history and myths, almost as if letting you in on certain truths of the world is so creative!

Definitely a top-notch read.