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The Alchemist #5
The Alchemist: Book 5
In this odd world full of wonders and dangers, one thing is for sure — an alchemist’s life is never boring.
Next to demons that are able to regrow limbs and space-bending Walkers, a new threat has emerged — the shapeshifters, whose appearance can mimic anyone.
This unprecedented threat on a national scale provides the alchemist with a new mission. First, survive when they try to kill you, and then arm the empire with the means to fight against this menace.
Difficult choices lie ahead. Demons, Walkers, and now the shapeshifters change the balance. But the appearance of the Emperor’s new ally, an alchemist who can work miracles, shifts the rules of the game as well. This information has leaked to foreign intelligence, meaning the stakes have risen, and the time has come for Ed to make a choice. Will he stay by the Emperor’s side, or go his own way?
On top of everything, a new school year is starting, and the heart longs for romance. Perhaps it’s finally time for Ed to sort out his personal life, too.
Next to demons that are able to regrow limbs and space-bending Walkers, a new threat has emerged — the shapeshifters, whose appearance can mimic anyone.
This unprecedented threat on a national scale provides the alchemist with a new mission. First, survive when they try to kill you, and then arm the empire with the means to fight against this menace.
Difficult choices lie ahead. Demons, Walkers, and now the shapeshifters change the balance. But the appearance of the Emperor’s new ally, an alchemist who can work miracles, shifts the rules of the game as well. This information has leaked to foreign intelligence, meaning the stakes have risen, and the time has come for Ed to make a choice. Will he stay by the Emperor’s side, or go his own way?
On top of everything, a new school year is starting, and the heart longs for romance. Perhaps it’s finally time for Ed to sort out his personal life, too.
- GenresFantasy
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
208 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 2, 2025
"The Alchemist 5" by Roman Romanovich, the 5th installment in his portal progression fantasy series, narrated by Nick Flesher, is a mesmerizing blend of intricate world-building, psychological depth, and high-stakes adventure. This book continues the saga of Ed, the resilient alchemist navigating a treacherous new world after escaping his dying homeland. Romanovich, with his background in psychology, crafts a narrative that balances action with introspection, while Flesher’s narration elevates the experience to cinematic heights.
The story picks up with Ed facing a new threat: shapeshifters, whose ability to mimic anyone poses an unprecedented danger to the empire. Tasked with arming the empire against this menace, Ed grapples with political intrigue, foreign espionage, and the emergence of a rival alchemist allied with the Emperor. This new figure, capable of miraculous feats, forces Ed to confront a moral dilemma - loyalty to the empire or forging his own path. Romanovich excels in weaving these external conflicts with Ed’s internal struggles, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and the ethical weight of wielding immense power. Ed’s growth is a highlight, as he balances his desire for autonomy with the responsibilities his alchemical talents demand. His resilience and adaptability shine, making him a compelling protagonist whose choices resonate deeply.
The world-building is another standout, with Romanovich introducing shapeshifters as a fresh layer to an already rich universe. The alchemy system, depicted as a scientific craft rather than mere magic, remains a fascinating cornerstone. Ed’s innovations, while groundbreaking, are tempered by his caution about their potential misuse, adding a philosophical edge that elevates the narrative beyond typical fantasy. The capital, bustling with opportunity and deceit, feels alive, its vibrancy amplified by Flesher’s dynamic narration. His performance is exceptional, deftly shifting tones to capture Ed’s quiet resolve, the menace of new threats, and the grandeur of political machinations. Flesher’s pacing enhances both the tension of action sequences and the weight of introspective moments, making the audiobook immersive and engaging.
However, the book isn’t without flaws. The pacing, particularly in the early chapters, can feel sluggish, as Romanovich prioritizes atmosphere over immediate action. I found the dense subplots and political intricacies overwhelming, though these contribute to the story’s depth. Occasional translation quirks, likely from the original text, briefly disrupt the flow, suggesting room for a more polished English rendition.
Overall, "The Alchemist 5" will be a rewarding listen for fans of slow-burn narratives with intellectual and emotional resonance. Romanovich’s storytelling, paired with Flesher’s stellar narration, delivers a tale that challenges its hero and its audience to ponder the cost of power and the pursuit of purpose. It’s a must-listen for anyone invested in Ed’s journey, promising more twists in the series’ future.
The story picks up with Ed facing a new threat: shapeshifters, whose ability to mimic anyone poses an unprecedented danger to the empire. Tasked with arming the empire against this menace, Ed grapples with political intrigue, foreign espionage, and the emergence of a rival alchemist allied with the Emperor. This new figure, capable of miraculous feats, forces Ed to confront a moral dilemma - loyalty to the empire or forging his own path. Romanovich excels in weaving these external conflicts with Ed’s internal struggles, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and the ethical weight of wielding immense power. Ed’s growth is a highlight, as he balances his desire for autonomy with the responsibilities his alchemical talents demand. His resilience and adaptability shine, making him a compelling protagonist whose choices resonate deeply.
The world-building is another standout, with Romanovich introducing shapeshifters as a fresh layer to an already rich universe. The alchemy system, depicted as a scientific craft rather than mere magic, remains a fascinating cornerstone. Ed’s innovations, while groundbreaking, are tempered by his caution about their potential misuse, adding a philosophical edge that elevates the narrative beyond typical fantasy. The capital, bustling with opportunity and deceit, feels alive, its vibrancy amplified by Flesher’s dynamic narration. His performance is exceptional, deftly shifting tones to capture Ed’s quiet resolve, the menace of new threats, and the grandeur of political machinations. Flesher’s pacing enhances both the tension of action sequences and the weight of introspective moments, making the audiobook immersive and engaging.
However, the book isn’t without flaws. The pacing, particularly in the early chapters, can feel sluggish, as Romanovich prioritizes atmosphere over immediate action. I found the dense subplots and political intricacies overwhelming, though these contribute to the story’s depth. Occasional translation quirks, likely from the original text, briefly disrupt the flow, suggesting room for a more polished English rendition.
Overall, "The Alchemist 5" will be a rewarding listen for fans of slow-burn narratives with intellectual and emotional resonance. Romanovich’s storytelling, paired with Flesher’s stellar narration, delivers a tale that challenges its hero and its audience to ponder the cost of power and the pursuit of purpose. It’s a must-listen for anyone invested in Ed’s journey, promising more twists in the series’ future.
January 21, 2025
ended just as it got good
The book was entertaining overall, but too short. The parts where he was at school felt unnecessary and unrealistic. Why would they keep him in school with the entire nation is at risk? Also he spends no time dedicated to making himself stronger even after he is soundly defeated by an enemy
The book was entertaining overall, but too short. The parts where he was at school felt unnecessary and unrealistic. Why would they keep him in school with the entire nation is at risk? Also he spends no time dedicated to making himself stronger even after he is soundly defeated by an enemy
May 2, 2025
The Alchemist (The Alchemist, #5) by Roman Romanovich is a thrilling continuation of Ed's journey, blending intricate world-building with escalating stakes and moral dilemmas.
“In this odd world full of wonders and dangers, one thing is for sure — an alchemist’s life is never boring.”
Plot Overview
Ed, the young alchemist, faces unprecedented threats as shapeshifters emerge, capable of mimicking anyone. Tasked with arming the empire against this menace, Ed must navigate political intrigue, foreign intelligence leaks, and his own evolving powers. The appearance of the Emperor’s new ally, an alchemist who can work miracles, further complicates Ed's choices: remain loyal to the Emperor or forge his own path.
Strengths
Character Development: Ed's growth is evident as he balances his responsibilities with personal desires, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
World-Building: Romanovich crafts a richly detailed universe, introducing new elements like shapeshifters and deepening the lore of alchemy and politics.
Narrative Style: The prose maintains a balance between action and introspection, allowing readers to engage with both the plot and Ed's internal struggles.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing: Some readers have noted that the story's progression can be slow, particularly in the early chapters, which may test the patience of those seeking immediate action.
Translation Quality: Certain translation choices may lead to confusion, suggesting the need for a more polished English rendition.
Conclusion
The Alchemist (The Alchemist, #5) is a compelling addition to the series, offering a blend of fantasy, character growth, and moral dilemmas. While it demands patience, the rewards are a richly woven tale that delves into the complexities of identity, purpose, and resilience. Fans of the previous installments will find this sequel a worthy continuation of Ed's journey.
June 26, 2025
Pretty good series
This is the first book in the series that I'm actually going to leave a review. So far the story has been pretty awesome. It's definitely a little bit more brutal than what I normally like to enjoy when it comes to my entertainment. I don't know what the author's background is but the story has a Russian Flair to it. That is to say that it's definitely on the Bleaker side at certain points. The fact that throughout the story the characters find going after family members as not only an acceptable thing to do but holy expected.... This makes a portion of this specific book a little confusing as they act as if killing the children were particularly an egregious act on the part of the villains. This seems nonsensical to me when both the quote unquote good guys and bad guys in the story routinely Target family members. Just for the record that's men, women and children. Perhaps I've missed something in the blitz but I don't think so. There is a family that has been a major part of the story throughout the series thus far. We have a the mother is in alcoholic who is sent away and the surviving siblings somehow appear to suffer from the sins of the father. The male character appears to be the more dominant of the two and will most likely show up in future books. That said I'm not particularly a fan with why the author decided to reduce the family to just telling this one character's story. The sisters final scene is particularly strange to me. Maybe there's something in Russian culture about the tragic nature of Sheltering children too much. The sister appears to be spoiled if you're being unkind and sheltered if you are. Nothing written appears to justify the conclusion of that storyline. The ending appears to be rather ham-fisted. That said if none of what I've written in this review bothers you that I'd say you're good to go. This is my only criticism of the work.
This is the first book in the series that I'm actually going to leave a review. So far the story has been pretty awesome. It's definitely a little bit more brutal than what I normally like to enjoy when it comes to my entertainment. I don't know what the author's background is but the story has a Russian Flair to it. That is to say that it's definitely on the Bleaker side at certain points. The fact that throughout the story the characters find going after family members as not only an acceptable thing to do but holy expected.... This makes a portion of this specific book a little confusing as they act as if killing the children were particularly an egregious act on the part of the villains. This seems nonsensical to me when both the quote unquote good guys and bad guys in the story routinely Target family members. Just for the record that's men, women and children. Perhaps I've missed something in the blitz but I don't think so. There is a family that has been a major part of the story throughout the series thus far. We have a the mother is in alcoholic who is sent away and the surviving siblings somehow appear to suffer from the sins of the father. The male character appears to be the more dominant of the two and will most likely show up in future books. That said I'm not particularly a fan with why the author decided to reduce the family to just telling this one character's story. The sisters final scene is particularly strange to me. Maybe there's something in Russian culture about the tragic nature of Sheltering children too much. The sister appears to be spoiled if you're being unkind and sheltered if you are. Nothing written appears to justify the conclusion of that storyline. The ending appears to be rather ham-fisted. That said if none of what I've written in this review bothers you that I'd say you're good to go. This is my only criticism of the work.
June 3, 2025
Another excellent story.
The training the students receive for much of this book was interesting. We also learn more about the aristocrats, lineages, their responsibilities, and more about the politics of the world.
Then, the external enemy decides to push the empire towards another civil war. It might even have worked, if they hadn't pushed Edgar too far. Now, he and the Emperor are going hunting.
I don't want to spoil anything and will just say that many of the characters make good decisions, even under adversity; while others do not. 😞
The training the students receive for much of this book was interesting. We also learn more about the aristocrats, lineages, their responsibilities, and more about the politics of the world.
Then, the external enemy decides to push the empire towards another civil war. It might even have worked, if they hadn't pushed Edgar too far. Now, he and the Emperor are going hunting.
I don't want to spoil anything and will just say that many of the characters make good decisions, even under adversity; while others do not. 😞
January 26, 2025
I don't know
I don't know why I gave 3 stars instead of 4 or 5. It just feels like that's how many stars it should have I think I was just hoping for more to happen or more cool items that you can use or something I don't know he keeps talking about the Beast I was maybe there's supposed to be a transformation or something at some point. That'd be cool. And what my book 9 or 10 he'll finally be able to teleport
I don't know why I gave 3 stars instead of 4 or 5. It just feels like that's how many stars it should have I think I was just hoping for more to happen or more cool items that you can use or something I don't know he keeps talking about the Beast I was maybe there's supposed to be a transformation or something at some point. That'd be cool. And what my book 9 or 10 he'll finally be able to teleport
March 29, 2025
Ten stars
I read straight through books 1 - 5 pretty quickly because the story was very intriguing as well as different. They were compelling characters and I appreciated the lengths of each book because it'll make an easy re-read when book 6 comes out. But a quick summary at the beginning would be nice especially since a lot did happen in this past book and with newer characters getting more page time. Looking forward to next one!
I read straight through books 1 - 5 pretty quickly because the story was very intriguing as well as different. They were compelling characters and I appreciated the lengths of each book because it'll make an easy re-read when book 6 comes out. But a quick summary at the beginning would be nice especially since a lot did happen in this past book and with newer characters getting more page time. Looking forward to next one!
January 30, 2025
Fantastic. Really fun entertaining great story!
Really really enjoyed this series and to find the book five is just as fun and rewarding a read as book one was is just such a treasure. I commend the author on his technique, world building, plot lines, dialogue, and main characters. All just so fun and exceptionally entertaining!
Really really enjoyed this series and to find the book five is just as fun and rewarding a read as book one was is just such a treasure. I commend the author on his technique, world building, plot lines, dialogue, and main characters. All just so fun and exceptionally entertaining!
February 7, 2025
Good storyline and development
This series intrigued me because of its unique main character and his alchemical abilities. I haven’t read any other stories where the main character has the same abilities. At the same time the main character being younger has to deal with educating himself and the dangers of revealing too much of his powers. Can’t wait for the next book.
This series intrigued me because of its unique main character and his alchemical abilities. I haven’t read any other stories where the main character has the same abilities. At the same time the main character being younger has to deal with educating himself and the dangers of revealing too much of his powers. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 6, 2025
Good as the rest of the books
It's as good as the rest of the books in the series. Characters and the cool things Ed does with the alchemy was always interesting to watch. Conflict deepens between Ed and Roman and the ending was a banger.
I am looking forward to more in the series.
It's as good as the rest of the books in the series. Characters and the cool things Ed does with the alchemy was always interesting to watch. Conflict deepens between Ed and Roman and the ending was a banger.
I am looking forward to more in the series.
January 31, 2025
Nice to have a thoughtful protagonist
Edgar thinks things through and plans systems and items to beat the enemy. It is good to have a hero who is not a mindless overpowered lummox bumping into and breaking shit lucking into victory
Edgar thinks things through and plans systems and items to beat the enemy. It is good to have a hero who is not a mindless overpowered lummox bumping into and breaking shit lucking into victory
February 6, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
February 22, 2025
Absolutely fantastic!
This series is one of the best I’ve ever read. This book takes things up a notch and is brilliantly put together. Possibly even better than one of my other favorite series of all time: the Last Life series.
Thank you, Roman, for another amazing story!
This series is one of the best I’ve ever read. This book takes things up a notch and is brilliantly put together. Possibly even better than one of my other favorite series of all time: the Last Life series.
Thank you, Roman, for another amazing story!
February 24, 2025
What a Ending
You wander the dance the Hero plays with blood, if he's not a hidden Vampire? Yet the progresses in his fight saving the people he cares about. Either way this story has a Great Ending..
You wander the dance the Hero plays with blood, if he's not a hidden Vampire? Yet the progresses in his fight saving the people he cares about. Either way this story has a Great Ending..
March 25, 2025
War: Prepare & Killing
Edgar's life has changed so much, but the end result is the same. If you hurt his friends or family then your life is over, you just don't know it yet.
Ooooooh! The fight at the end....
Read in 1 day! I need more...
Edgar's life has changed so much, but the end result is the same. If you hurt his friends or family then your life is over, you just don't know it yet.
Ooooooh! The fight at the end....
Read in 1 day! I need more...
January 26, 2025
Edgar had issues...
Great continuation of this action filled story.. Edgar is on the cusp of his power. Can't wait until the next installment.
Great continuation of this action filled story.. Edgar is on the cusp of his power. Can't wait until the next installment.
January 26, 2025
Excellent read
The story continues at pace. Book 5 is as good if not better than 1-4,and they are good!.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
The story continues at pace. Book 5 is as good if not better than 1-4,and they are good!.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
January 26, 2025
there is a 30% training arc in an already very small book
January 29, 2025
Great Book
Great Book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great Book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
January 30, 2025
Excellent read
A very good read . Would recommend.. the story line is good with both hero and villain being relatable. Looking forward to the next installment.
A very good read . Would recommend.. the story line is good with both hero and villain being relatable. Looking forward to the next installment.
February 23, 2025
Such a fabulous story
Really enjoying the series and looking forward to the next one. Great read, very entertaining with fun characters
Give it a try
Really enjoying the series and looking forward to the next one. Great read, very entertaining with fun characters
Give it a try
March 19, 2025
Bloody
It gets seriously war like in this book. I gobbled it up and am ready for more. Next book now please
It gets seriously war like in this book. I gobbled it up and am ready for more. Next book now please
May 3, 2025
This book is getting boring chapter after chapter.
May 6, 2025
Very Enjoyable
Great addition to the series. Brings you up to date on all the characters and what they are doing. Fantastic ending! Can’t wait for the next book.
Great addition to the series. Brings you up to date on all the characters and what they are doing. Fantastic ending! Can’t wait for the next book.
September 5, 2025
I enjoyed this. I see the next book is going to be serious.
They messed with the wrong person.
Blood will flow.
3/5 Stars
They messed with the wrong person.
Blood will flow.
3/5 Stars
January 23, 2025
Fast paced and good story
I have really enjoyed the series so far. Lots of action and good story. Overall the characters are interesting and I enjoyed the pace of the story.
I have really enjoyed the series so far. Lots of action and good story. Overall the characters are interesting and I enjoyed the pace of the story.
January 22, 2025
gripping
Fantastic instalment. Action filled and full of suspense. The plot thickens. Can’t wait for the next book. Edger was just the right amount of talent and intelligence.
Fantastic instalment. Action filled and full of suspense. The plot thickens. Can’t wait for the next book. Edger was just the right amount of talent and intelligence.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews