The Alchemist's Journey

The Alchemist Chronology #1

by Jef Curlin

Some people attract trouble; others seek it out. Finn isn’t sure which one he is.

Once a knight in the military arm of the Magistracy of the Supernatural, Finn lost his knighthood five years ago after suffering a terrible tragedy. Now, he is an Alchemist—the first in a century. After five years of grieving, he’s finally adjusted to his new life and role.

But the assassination of an important ambassador from another dimension exposes a plot that threatens the entire planet. . .and reopens old wounds for Finn.

Does the Alchemist have the skills and resources he needs to unveil the villains hiding in plain sight?

If you enjoy action-packed Urban Fantasy with mystery, magic, deep friendships, sentient cats, and a flawed main character seeking redemption, then you’ll love The Alchemist’s Journey, the first book of The Alchemist Chronology series.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Fiction, Magic, Witches

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2022

About the author

Jef writes urban fantasy with heart, humor, and a touch of mental alchemy. A late bloomer in the writing world, he never believed he could write a book—until he did. Twice. And counting.

Jef is the author of The Alchemist's Journey and The Alchemist's Dilemma, the first two entries in the Alchemist Chronology series, available on Amazon. When not conjuring magical mayhem on the page, he puts his Bachelor’s in Food Science to good use experimenting in the kitchen (results may vary).

Fun fact: back in junior high, Jef sang baritone in a Barbershop Quartet. These days, he sticks to harmonizing storylines and character arcs—but never rule out a comeback tour.

Reviews

[Steven McCorkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good story. It blended old characters and tropes in new ways. Definitely worth reading. I'd enjoy this turning into a series of books. I'd read them all.

[Amanda Haeberlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read that had a different twist than most fantasy.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbound
I had heard many people talk about this book but was hesitant about reading it. I'm so glad glad I did. The plot pulled me in and left me wanting more. I fell in love with the characters and the world building is fabulous. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is yet another free-with-Kindle Plus find, and I regret to say it's about the quality I expect from books available through this service.
Honestly, at first I only kept reading out of a twisted anticipation of rage-reviewing it. Because the writing is Bad. Really bad. It begins with a long world building inf0-dump, and then it gets worse. Never does our narrator show what he could tell instead, and never does he tell something once that he could tell three or four times. The dialog is jarringly, wincingly poor and is itself more than enough to take the reader out of the moment.* It takes a good hundred pages before anything significant occurs, and then another hundred pages are spent in flash-back exploring the one subject our narrator wouldn't just spill instantly. The world building itself isn't anything ground breaking or original - something on the order of Harry Potter but without the boarding schools, and there are lots of questions in my mind that spoiled my suspension of disbelief. The lead character is effectively a Mary Sue.

And yet... life circumstances when I picked up "Alchemist" meant I really didn't have time or energy to shop for another book and it felt like the path of least resistance to just keep reading. And... well, it didn't get better so much as I decided to quit fussing about all the aforementioned weaknesses and enjoy the ride. The plot actually had a couple of decent twists. I started to actually want to know the ending. I know I am damning with faint praise, but unlike some other Kindle sci-fi I tried to get through this year, I actually Finished this book (and picked up the sequel since I still have no time or actual emotional energy to look for something better.)

Overall it felt very much like the author had a particular story he wanted to tell but didn't have the patience, discipline, or perhaps skill to build the world and characters to support it - so he just jumped in with both feet and did anyway it with no more than scaffolding beneath.
It didn't exactly hold together but he brought it in for a landing - awkward and bumpy, but still in one piece.
The author's bio at the end of the book freely confesses that he's a "late bloomer" who didn't think he could ever write a book. And yes, that's what this felt like. I am glad that it is a first try and not a 14th.
Give him 20 years and several thousand more pages I can see there's potential.

I frequently find myself comparing books to food, or more often desert. If anything by Ilona Andrews is gooey, warm-from-the-oven dark chocolate chip cookies with ice cream on the side, then "Alchemist" is Chips Ahoy. Sometimes you eat the Chips Ahoy because you crave dessert and you're at a mini-mart with $3 in your pocket.

* For instance, the characters Constantly use each-other's first names or titles in conversation. It's "Finn" this and "Godfather" that at the beginning of every sentence. No-one talks like that unless they've been taking one of those awful active listening courses. Seriously, I use my kids' first names maybe the first time I see them in the morning, and then only when I need their attention for something. I don't use them every other sentence in general conversation. They'd think that was weird - or that I was trying to get something out of them. Sheesh.

[Hassena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alchemist’s Journey is a fantasy novel about Finn Graye, a knight in the Magistracy, a society of magic users. Finn’s life is shattered when his parents and wife are murdered by a magical explosion. While investigating the explosion, Finn is falsely accused of murdering his grandfather, the Magistracy’s director, and is discharged from the knights. With his life in ruins, Finn accepts a position as the Magistracy's alchemist and begins to unravel a conspiracy involving dimensional portals, time manipulation, and creatures. Along the way, he learns about the power of friendship, love, and forgiveness.

This book is well-written and engaging. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The world-building is excellent. The author has created a rich and detailed world that is both believable and exciting. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The reader is constantly kept guessing as to what will happen next. The book is also full of action and suspense. There are several fight scenes that are both exciting and well-choreographed.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Finn and his godfather, Thaddeus Grimm. Thaddeus is a powerful sorcerer who is always there to help Finn, even when Finn doesn't deserve it. The relationship between the two is both heartwarming and humorous.

The book’s main weakness is its ending. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the ending felt a little rushed and unsatisfying, but it makes sense considering that this is a first novel in the series.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and well-written fantasy novel. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, action, or suspense.

ARC for unbiased review

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alchemist’s Dilemma by Jef Curlin is an exhilarating start to The Alchemist Chronology series, packed with magic, mystery, and a deeply compelling protagonist searching for redemption. If you love action-packed urban fantasy with rich world-building, political intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is an absolute must-read.

Finn Graye was once a knight in the Magistracy of the Supernatural, but a tragedy five years ago cost him everything. Now, as the only Alchemist in a century, he’s carved out a new role for himself—until the assassination of an ambassador from another dimension pulls him back into a world of danger. The stakes? Nothing less than the fate of the planet. But without his former title, Finn must rely on his wits, his alchemical skills, and unlikely allies—including a sentient cat—to unravel a conspiracy that runs deeper than he ever imagined.

What immediately drew me into this story was Finn himself—flawed, grieving, but determined to do the right thing. He’s a character you root for, and his journey from loss to reluctant hero is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The pacing is relentless, the magic system is intriguing, and the blend of mystery and action makes it impossible to put down. And did I mention the sentient cat? Because that alone makes this a winner.

If you love urban fantasy with complex heroes, epic stakes, and a world brimming with supernatural intrigue, The Alchemist’s Dilemma is the perfect book to dive into. Finn’s journey is just beginning, and trust me—you’ll want to follow him every step of the way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A riveting, magical adventure filled with danger, mystery, and unforgettable characters!.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Oscar Wilde would have said about this book: "To stumble upon one brilliant novel is a delightful accident; to find two entwined in a series is a destiny too exquisite to ignore."
Jef Curlin’s The Alchemist’s Journey and The Alchemist’s Dilemma are gripping urban fantasy novels packed with magic, mystery, and, yes, sentient cats. Finding a single great book is a delight, but discovering a series worth following? That’s pure alchemy.
The Alchemist’s Journey is more than a tale of magic—it’s about self-discovery. Finn Graye, once a knight, now an alchemist, is pulled into a dangerous conspiracy. His transformation is not just about mastering alchemy but learning that fate is rarely kind.
The Alchemist’s Dilemma goes beyond magical conflicts—it’s about confronting the past. Finn must navigate the consequences of his choices, proving that wisdom often comes at a cost.
Curlin’s world is mysterious and unpredictable, but Finn’s greatest strength isn’t his magic—it’s his resilience. If Oscar Wilde were to review these books, he might note that the greatest danger isn’t alchemy, but fate itself. After all, what is life without a little risk?
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Patrick Chadd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alchemist’s Journey is a great entry into the Urban Fantasy genre, and Jef Curlin delivers a standout debut that strikes the perfect balance between the familiar and the refreshingly new. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the characters are genuinely compelling—each one layered with emotion, empathy, and just the right amount of badassery.

Curlin’s take on magic, alchemy, and urban mysticism feels fresh while still respecting the traditions of the genre. There’s plenty of action to keep the pace lively, but it never tips into gratuitous violence; the conflict feels earned, and the stakes are personal as well as epic.

What really sold me were the characters—skilled, powerful, and strong, yet not lacking in compassion. They aren't just forces of nature; they feel human. That emotional resonance adds real depth to the story and keeps you invested from start to finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to Book 2. Curlin is definitely an author to watch.

[Shawne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a brilliant start to a new series. I was captured and invested the whole way the world building and setup of the magic was so clear despite having so much to it which is so much more then I was expecting from a first book.

We are introduced to our main character before being taken through the main events of what has brought them to this point in their life which would have been a great book alone. However the story continues on in the present day to show what his world looks like now and how he gets along in it.

My only real criticism is that there were a couple of elements at the end which felt like they were tied up a little too quickly and neatly for all the building that had gone into them. BUT with this being the first part of a series I am ready to be proven wrong.

I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters and this world.

I read an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book because I am always, always looking for my absolute favorite genre, and this one seemed to fit that. I am very happy to say that this was a perfect fit for me. To be honest, I was a little unsure if I would like this, but once I got into the book, it was such a wonderful ride. I really was so taken by Finn’s story with the love of his life Aria. Even if the time travel aspect threw me off a bit and wasn’t sure why certain things happened, I still really, really enjoyed this series-starter. I can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Richard Bardine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting the stage

As I read this book, I often felt that the author was providing too much information, reporting it rather than telling a story. After I finished the book, reflecting on it, I feel that what he was really doing was setting the stage for the universe which he had created, transforming it in its telling. So if the writing style of this first book feels stilted to you, I encourage you not to give up on the series. I believe that with each book this author brings to us, he will add wonderful dimensions to the characters to whom we have been introduced in this first work. I am looking forward to continuing on the journey.

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading in anticipation of an interesting story and immediately got hooked. Stayed up too late reading it and now want more.
There are a couple of grammar errors that in no way detract from the story, just finding something to complain about so this review is not too syrupy!
The world building was great and gave all the characters a solid back story but leave plenty of room to build on in the future.
Can't wait for the 'rest of the story'.
Just to be clear this is a complete story in itself, I just want more.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the almost-bland common everyday way this author gave us Finn's story of loss, redemption, vengeance, and new love; it made the tale feel so real to me even though the elements of it were fantastic. The magic system is unique, although the Council and the Academy have their counterparts in other authors' works. I have the feeling that Finn Graye and Alex Lockerby (of Dan Willis fame) would have a lot in common and a lot to talk about. Me, I want book 2 - soon!

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings. The beginning was really good, then when it turned into the romantic part, it felt stereotypical and too sweet, and the third part was just a description of events without any feelings. Finn seemed to know it all, learn everything quickly and even though we read that he was devastated by the death of his family and have regrets by killing his grandfather (unjustly), I just couldn't feel it. The whole book just felt cold. Quite a lot happened and the book has an open ending but I am not enticed enough to read a next one and learn how will they defeat the warlocks.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He made an error of judgment and he lost everything he had wanted to be. Now he will need to try to get along much better. He will take a similar job to what he has been doing and he is about to find himself in a similar situation. He may just try to do things very different
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved how him try to make amends for what happened

[Jennifer Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait for this author to write more! This book had everything. From laugh out loud parts to holding my breath in anticipation parts to swooning and crying and everything in between. I don’t want to give anything away, but the characters were very real. The plot was well thought out. Highly recommend.

[Caroline Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I chose it by the genre and book description, but hadn't expected the engrossing but easy world building and characters. It took a while to build up the plot, but it's a great series starter and left me interested in this world.

[James Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Overall, this is a very good book. There are parts that are a bit slow. Most of those deal with the character development of the MC. That is the on,y quibble I have about this book. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up.

Highly recommended.

[Mrs. Priscilla M. Dicus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Werewolves Zombies and vampires oh my! This journey includes them and more! Great fight scenes great characters great first to the series. Love and plenty of loss. The cat is the best character. Fast paced story.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

It's a twisty story and interesting once you get past the introduction, which I could have done without. Anyway, I like the story.

[Bobby Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Really enjoyed this book, it was hard to put down once I started. I hope there's more after this one even though if not id still be happy with it.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopes and dreams dashed by tragedy Finn is now the Alchemist of the Magristery of the Supernatural.

In a well written fantasy story imbued with magic and mystery. Finn finds treachery about after the death of an Ambassador from another Dimension.

Does he have the skills to able to stop the assassins their plot?

[Yuzuru I. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just started, right now, I was liking but it seems amateurish:
-huge exposition of the world building, everywhere the protagonist goes you see an exposition of how the minsitery of magical transport works.
-with the exception of the cat, of course, every exchange seems too bland
-I am afraid the protagonist will become a mary sue

Let´s see how it goes