The Lost Alchemist

The Lady Alchemist #2

by Samantha Vitale

Stranded in a magical realm, Destry is forced to rely on the help of strangers to survive. But as she fights to go home, she is hunted by powerful creatures who are asking dangerous questions. Can she rely on her newfound friends to help her, knowing they’d hate her if they learned about her past?

With her identity as an alchemancer no longer a secret, Sepha is surrounded by people who want her power. Caught between those who wish to claim her, Sepha discovers a dark, ancient threat. Can she prevent a cataclysmic disaster when it means losing one of the people she loves the most?

Genres: Steampunk

Paperback

First published July 12, 2024

Reviews

[the-forest-library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This was a thrilling and adventurous follow up to The Lady Alchemist. Non-stop action featuring multiple worlds, (literally) shifting lands, and a forest that won’t let you exit it unless you *almost* die. A fun ride with a shocking ending!

[Cheti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Vitale’s The Lost Alchemist is a captivating follow up to The Lady Alchemist. A magical must read.
“The hundreds of metal bangles and bits that decorated Ulani’s clothing were melting, forming a moveable shield between her and the monsters.”
How cool is that!

[J.A.L. Solski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does not slow down! It barrels into thick plot lines and multiple POVs toward a thrilling and shocking final chapter! This story reads like a show or movie, is equally plot and character driven, has hints of affection with no venereal acts, and is a great choice for a broad audience.

The characters are rich with sass and witt, boasting diverse personalities and cultures. The world is vast, imposing, and colourful. This universe, creative and expansive, is so well described and narrated in the story. Every detail has been very clearly and carefully crafted.

Sure to have readers laughing, sobbing, gasping, raging, and gripped with a desperate need to continue. The Lost Alchemist is the whirlwind adventure fans of magic, alchemy, and otherworldly/portal fantasies will adore!

Be sure to check out book 1, The Lady Alchemist, and the additional story The Great Alchemists.

I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. Once again, I'm anxiously awaiting more from Vitale!

[Sugashna Govender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Vitale has gone above and beyond in her third book with The Lost Alchemist and I cannot express just how great of an author she keeps growing into.

The Lost Alchemist delivers fast paced, action packed , bite sized chapters that pull you into wanting more and more.
The romance and magical aspects are wonderfully balanced and delivers just the right amount enchanting interest into the mix. I appreciate how unique and different it is from the usual magical lore systems most fantasy genre books have.

I can't stress how much I appreciate the world building. Samantha's brilliant mind transports you to places that will wrap you up and have you running though the streets of steampunk towns, seaside villages, forest clearings and so much more . I can't deny I found myself daydreaming myself into Tirenia and beyond because Samantha's writing is so well paced and captivating.
All I can say is, well done The Lost Alchemist! Destry is the badas* character we need and I want more!

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again we find ourselves in the turbulent world of Tirenia (and beyond? 😝) caught between one and the other. Magic and alchemy don’t mix. Or do they?
This is the key aspect of this story and reason for all the conflicts. Sepha and her friends find themselves as usual in the middle of it.

The Lost Alchemist was so fast paced it wouldn’t let me catch my breath😄
It was so nice being back in that world and finally knowing what went down after THAT cliffhanger😩
So much was happening! I loved the characters from book 1 already but seeing their arcs blossom in the second book had me squealing with joy. It‘s so so good!!!
And we have so many new additions to the cast as well. The characters‘ diversity already made the first book unique in the YA genre and the second one didn’t disappoint either with the new character introductions😍

If you want a different YA book that’s not like everything else currently on the market, then please read The Lady Alchemist!!!

[Kalliopi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. 😍

I am so glad that I returned to the Lady Alchemist world as I adored Sepha and the rest of the characters.

Let's start by saying that Samantha's writing style suits me very well. I love the pacing, the flow, the world and character building, the descriptions, everything. I like that in this book, we also get different POVs. ✨️

From the very beginning, the book hooked me so much that I couldn't really stop reading it! It has a lot of action, and the chapters are very well proportioned, which also is another fact that helps me as a reader a lot. 🤗

In addition, I found that the magic system and the whole alchemy system/lore of the book were unique to me, and I really like that this world differentiates from the generic fantasy-book worlds we are so used to lately.

I adored it and recommend it to my fellow readers. 💞

[Jeri Taira · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling continuation of it’s mesmerizing predecessor. The Lost Alchemist dives in right where we hung on for Sepha and her friends. These pages are complete with sensational heart-stopping moments. Equally, Samantha Vitale’s beautifully detailed descriptions of the indoor and outdoor world of Tirenia and beyond, has you experiencing every moment alongside each character. Remember to breathe as you read.

[Urvashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far more interesting than the first book, although the protagonists are still incredibly dumb. I kept going becuase of Destry's arc. The plot twists were obvious, but I liked the ending. What happens when the wrong choice is made?

[Cindy Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destry’s plunge into the unknown is a heart-pounding introduction to Samantha Vitale’s The Lost Alchemist. Unlike her associates, Sepha and Ruhan, Destry is a solitary figure battling both the elements and her own inner demons. Vitale’s ability to craft a compelling narrative is nothing short of masterful.

Vitale’s world-building is a standout feature of this series. The intricate tapestry of cultures, magic systems, and technological advancements creates a rich and immersive setting. The author skillfully balances familiar elements with imaginative twists, resulting in a vivid world that feels both grounded and extraordinary.

While the multiple storylines offer a wide scope for exploration, the book's pacing can be uneven due to the constant shifts in perspective. However, Vitale weaves these threads together in the climax, creating a satisfying payoff for patient readers.

Vitale's reimagining of the Rumpelstiltskin myth is a cornerstone of the series. By introducing characters like Sepha and the homunculi, the author infuses the classic tale with fresh perspectives and complexities.

Overall, The Lost Alchemist is a captivating installment in this series. While the multiple plotlines may initially challenge readers, the rich world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding read. Fans of fantasy and adventure will undoubtedly be eager to see where Vitale takes the story next.

[Jeri Taira]

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