The Alchemist, the Siren, and the Thief

by Mia Dorsch

Simple chemistry, modern alchemy.

Such knowledge is power. And forbidden.

Upon discovering the alchemist’s daughter, Alouette, a group of plunderers force her to walk the plank. Saved by the mysterious Captain Atlas DeLuca and his mischievous boatswain, she’s pulled along for a heist in order to steal a crown. Much more than what they bargained for, the three partake in a journey of unraveling the tapestry of lies between a captain’s crew and the secrecy of his kingdom.

Genres: Fantasy

386 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

Mia Dorsch is a wild author and artist. Dreaming of whimsical lands, she brings out-of-this-world ideas to life. You can find her spending her days with earbuds plugged in and lost to cheesy lip-syncing as she's immersed in fantastical realms.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alchemist, The Siren & The Thief by Mia Dorsch

Simple chemistry, modern alchemy.
Such knowledge is power. And forbidden.
Rating: ****
Feels: Delighted, Charmed, Joyful
Style: Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy
First published December 6, 2024 : 344 pages

This was just such an enjoyable fun read. Very energetic, witty and captivating as we followed around our crew and see what shenanigans they get up to. It was very easy to fall into the story and learn about the main characters and we got to see the events unfolding from each of their views. It made it kind of fun to see how each character was responding to what was happening and each definitely had their own voice. I had so much fun just seeing what Edwin was going to do/say next. he was definitely my favorite ! The romance aspect was sweet and charming. This was an rousing adventure I am glad I was able to join in on.

Favorite quote: "You're everything I want. Confident. Cunning. You know who you are and don't try to hide it. I do. I cant bring myself to show who I really am."

This book has:
Pirates
He falls first
Hidden Identity
Multiple POV
Found Family
Science vrs Magic

[emma ☆°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

thanks to the publisher for the arc!

i’m disappointed that i did not enjoy this story.

i appreciate the moments in this book that seem to reference mia dorsch’s previous book, threads of amends, with the whole mana magic system.

i liked the premise. it was very promising, but the outcome felt underbaked. the writing felt stiff and probably could have benefitted from another draft. combined, it created a confusing and often weirdly paced plot.

[Chelsey Taiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the arc.

I hate to be the odd man out and the first one to put a bad review, especially on an arc by an indie author. However hear me out. It’s one thing I always promised to do when I’m writing a review is to be honest.

I did not enjoy this book. I tried very hard not to nitpick and to be fair. I don’t think that I was.( nitpicking) It was very hard for me to get into the book and once I got into the book, I wanted to skim it or dnf but I didn’t I pushed through and I read the whole thing. There were many times where I wanted to DNF. MANY

Just for no confusion in regards to the review:

The Alchemist: Alouette
The Siren: Atlas aka Captain of the Aurora Borealis
The Thief: Edwin aka boatswain

Starts off with Alouette walking a plank off of a pirate ship the next time she wakes up she’s in a rowboat with Atlas and Edwin.

The amount of times they were on a row boat when they literally have a pirate ship, I don’t understand. And every time that we mention their pirate ship, we also have to mention the name of the pirate ship. even 300 pages in, a reminder that their pirate ship is named the aurora borealis.

There was a heist at the beginning of the book which felt like it would be a very important heist, and I felt like there was a good buildup to it, and it was probably the easiest heist of all time. What does automate because I felt like it would have more importance and significance to the plot, but it was quite an easy feat.

My biggest issues with the book where that we have three different POV’s and the voices of the characters kind of blended together , and yet also how the perspectives were a little weird. Edwin tends to act like a narrator for what Allouette and Atlas are doing, but he also talks to the reader and breaks the fourth wall. Now that can make a book enjoyable but the execution here… it was kind of unbearable.

In terms of plot, the world building was a little confusing . I can’t tell if we are in a make-believe world or a world similar to ours.

I can’t get a grasp on what the world setting is, which makes the dialogue weird. Words like “literally” are used all the time. Or “blah blah blah”

Speaks of Celestia a goddess, but then Edwin talks about Greek gods at one point compares himself to Apollo. In addition to the constant Mention of Peter Pan related things like the Jolly Roger, Neverland, Blackbeard or other Pirates like Davy Jones I didn’t understand the book took place in our world in the past for the present or in a completely different make-believe world with similar aspects to ours

As for the romance:

“Know that you’ve been on my mind, a lot. Every time I try to focus on something else, I relapse and fall back to you. I’m scared. I’m scared that I love you. It’s a terrifying thought.”

Huhhhhh???? There was barely any built-up to any kind of romantic feelings, one dance a couple of days ago…just so confused as to how he can already admit this. there was no built-up to this. We’re 110 pages in!

And also the whole, her feeling betrayed by atlas at the beginning of the book really had my gears grinding because these are two men that you just met and they are pirates and you just expect them to reveal all of their truth to you and if they don’t, then they are betraying you and being a traitor just for him to confess his love after locking her in a cell.
And the fact that she didn’t feel betrayed by Edwin only by Atlas, but Edwin is the one who told Atlas that Alouette was dangerous, and then when Atlas approached her and asked for another chance, she attacks him, and Edwin said he was deserving of that and Alouette was the right to do so because atlas provoked her yet he wouldn’t have gone after her if Edwin hadn’t told him what a danger she was.

I really struggled with this one and apologize for the bad review.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆

What an absolute ride! Mia Dorsch delivers an action-packed, laugh-out-loud, and edge-of-your-seat adventure with The Alchemist, the Siren, and the Thief. From the first moment Alouette is forced to walk the plank (and we learn she can’t swim!), I was hooked.

The characters completely stole the show for me. Alouette is sharp, mysterious, and hilariously witty—exactly the kind of protagonist you root for. Then there’s Edwin, the one-eyed thief with a ruby for an eye, who’s pure chaotic energy and so much fun. And Captain Atlas? Broody, intense, and absolutely intriguing. Their dynamic is fire, with humor and banter flying in every direction, yet there’s so much unspoken depth between them.

Dorsch’s world-building is vibrant and immersive, from bustling ports to glamorous masquerades, and every scene feels alive with danger and excitement. I loved how the story balanced high-stakes action (a heist for a crown? Yes, please!) with quieter, heartfelt moments that gave the characters so much depth.

This book has everything: adventure, humor, intrigue, and a touch of romance (the tension between Alouette and Atlas? Swoon). It’s a story about loyalty, identity, and learning to trust in a world full of secrets.

Thank you, Mia Dorsch, for sending me this ARC! I absolutely devoured it and can’t wait to see what’s next.
If you’re into fun, fast-paced, and heartfelt fantasy, grab this one the second it hits the shelves!

[The Crafty Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, adventurous read! The main characters were well-developed and likeable. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future as she refines her craft!

Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC of TATS&TT!

[Ain · Rating 4 out of 5]

▪──────── ⚓ ────────▪

⌜In the end, we all meet the same fate. The normal folk. The Gifted. The sirens. Us alchemists. From dust to dust. We’re all made of matter. Whether we make our existence matter is up to us. Whether we want to dig ourselves into debt, set sail, or blaze a path of our own lies within our hands. ⌟

▪──────── ⚓ ────────▪

THIS WAS CHAOATIC AND I LOVED IT!

I'll be honest. I had no idea what to expect when I dived into this book. I just knew that the cover is DROP DEAD GEORGEOUS so, I HAVE to read it. And I'm so glad I did! Because not that it was a fun read but also the ARC itself is a prize to behold! Much thanks to Black Sheep for gifting it to me. The art inside is to die for. 🫶🏽

[Regardless, the review is 100% my honest thoughts and opinions.]

The writing style is so unique and fun, I couldn't get enough of the wit and sarcasm and humour!! (All of which is the result of the characters' deep-rooted trauma, but we don't mention that now, do we?) But there's lots and lots of wisdom in there. I've highlighted pretty much quarter of the book! Truly, it's perfect! 🤌🏻

The story is the first hand account of 3 main characters, and told from their POVs. Yes, you guessed it: The Alchemist, The Siren and The Thief. And the best part is that they're directly addressing the readers! It was like reading the inner monologues of these characters! 😂♥️

The synopsis had me expecting a full-fledged heist, and the heist was the smoothest thing ever! But it took place in the 10th chapter!! And I was like, what!? There are 59 chapters in the book, mind you, so I was kinda flabbergasted as to where the plot would go from there.

BUT, the heist, as it turns out, was the least of the crew's (or reader's) concerns. There were much much bigger things at stake and the drama and chaos that unfolded after that was the most fun I've had reading in a while!

⌜Men fear death.
That’s what makes men, well, men. Besides the greed, lust, pride, and gluttony. Lethal sins. That is why they claw their way toward immortality. Their hands grapple for the Elixir of Life. No change. No age. No limits. Only consequences.
Consequences upon consequences upon consequences.⌟

As is the rule of universe, actions have consequence and this is the tale of consequences of The captain's teenage foolhardiness. The captain had made a bargain with the king when he was young and stupid and now he wants to back out of it because he realises his mistake. And just when he's about to call it off, Edwin steps in and convinces hint to see the bargain through because that is the only way to make Alouette's greatest wish come true and our captain here in love with her.

⌜"Tear my ship apart, carve my heart out. I don't care anymore. I'm just a man, after all. I'm scared of what I can't emulate. Know that you've been on my mind, a lot. Every time I try to focus on something else, I relapse and fall back to you. I'm scared. I'm scared that I love you. It's a terrifying thought.”⌟

See? In love. So, since Captain is head over boots for her while she refuses to form any lasting bonds with any other human being, he would go against even Alouette and fulfil the bargain. Because in golden words of Edwin: He does everything with someone else’s best interest in mind, even if it means burning valuable bridges of his own.

From then onwards, we see these character face a series of unfortunate events, which shouldn't not come as a surprise, but it does. Anywho, our crew faces these challenges head on, and learn to tolerate each other better along the way.

The world building is immersive. The characters are fun but have so much depth to them and you cannot help but feel connected with them like they're a part of your life. There's betrayal, change of hearts, treason, stabbing, inflicting and tending to wounds, hurt, and joy but most importantly there's camaraderie. A sense of trust and friendship that takes its course to build but would not waver for life.

Bonds are broken, repaired and sealed in sea-foam and blood in this exciting tale of The Alchemist, The Siren and The Thief. The best thing about the book is the writing style and now I'm onto reading more books by Mia Dorsche. And that means you should, too!

•·················•·················•
⌜From Atlas’ slightly slurred speech to Edwin’s mocking smile, I don’t really think we’re all that they chalk us up to be.
For now, you can call us the alchemist, the siren, and the thief.⌟
•·················•·················•

[yaiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book💕

This book has arrived late into the year but it will undoubtedly be one of the best books I’ve read in 2024, and it will forever be one of my favorite books ever! This story is the first one I’ve read from Mia but it won’t be the last, her worldbuilding is amazing and her writing style is so rich it has you hooked from the very first page, making for an incredible journey alongside three characters that are absolute gold.

📍This story takes us on a wild ride on a pirate ship, allowing us to also visit taverns and castles on dry land, and even go under the sea to the Kingdom of the merfolk.

✍️Told in three POVs, the author perfectly describes the whole picture while allowing us to see how each character reacts to the twists of the story, letting us in on the feelings and thoughts of every character. In this story about pirates, looks can (and are!) very deceiving and our characters’ goals are not at all clear, with friendship, love or honor bending the characters’ interests to the point of betrayal. The author’s writing style makes this book a masterpiece, as she’s able to fully get you into the story by making you feel like you’re really part of this crew of pirates, with whom you pull off a royal heist, but also share their moments of humanity and redemption, within a story that never loses its incredible pace.

👥Alouette, Atlas and Edwin are the three main characters of this story, and all three of them are absolute treasures! With thr story being written with three POVs, we can get to know Alouette’s dark and ambitious side in comparison to the fragile damsel in distress other characters think she is; as well as Atlas’ vulnerability, his low self-love and his lack of love, hidden under his cold and ruthless appearance; and also Edwin’s fear and how lost he actually feels, despite of his carefree and cheerful personality. The chemistry between the three characters is brutal and their dynamics make for an incredibly entertaining read, even when they distrust one another and their friendship suffers the consequences.

🖇️As an absolute fan of pirate stories, this book had everything to be a favorite of mine, but I have to say it was even better! I came in with super high hopes and the book surpassed every expectation I had, so all that’s left to say is that I cannot wait to read what the author puts out next.

[Maëlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Mia Dorsch and Black Sheep Literary for choosing me as an ARC reader for The Alchemist, The Siren & The Thief !

I knew I'd love this book as soon as a candle made of butter was mentioned. I love when authors tell us about food, clothes, architecture, texture, noise, smell, and everything else that helps me "see" the story. Mia Dorsch does it so well, I felt like I was in this delightful world, with the Alchemist, the Siren and the Thief !

I've grow oddly attached to these chaotic, kind of mean, but so loveable characters.

I've been so curious about Alouette's name, I found it so odd that named after a French song about plucking a lark's feather. Poor Alouette ! (side note : I'm French. I've learned that song before I even learned to read 😂)

Atlas made me do this face : 🤨 so much. Sir, you can't kidnap the girl you love because she says "no".

My favourite is definitely Edwin, the Thief. His fourth wall breaks are so charming, I can't help but love this mean little guy.

I think this book is perfect for people who were way too obsessed with Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, H2o and Six of Crows as children and teenagers, then became way too obsessed with Our Flag Means Death as adults. (It's me, I'm people)

[Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With bare hands, we take her creation by its horns and mold it to our liking."

This book was absolutely beautiful. Not just the gorgeous cover, or all the beautiful artwork inside the book. But entirely! The characters were so deep, I feel like I really got to know the 3 of them very well. As if they were real. Although, Alouette & Atlas had me going THROUGH it! I want to keep this review spoiler free, so I'll just use one word.. EXPLOSIVE. You can see what I mean when you read it!
No spice, but it really didn't need it. I don't feel like it was lacking anything at all. The only issue I had, was that sometimes I struggled to understand who it was that was speaking/thinking. Like it could've been made a little more clear from time to time, a little more specific! But I highly recommend if your looking for your next adventure! ;)

"In the end, we all meet the same fate. From dust to dust."

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story interesting. The characters were intriguing and I liked that each characters POV were each distinct. It added to their over all characters.

I did find the plot to be a little confusing. It felt like we were missing some information as we were reading.

Overall a good read.

[K.L. Hester · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
The concept was intriguing and the characters fun, but I really struggled getting into this book. Some of the scenes felt unfinished and the ends of some chapters were jarring—especially with how it switches POV each chapter so the story didn’t continue from the same spot. I found myself rereading multiple parts to figure out what exactly was happening or if I somehow missed details and it took me way longer to read than it should have.
That being said, the climatic ending was beautifully well done! ♥️

[Mirto · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I thought the idea was really cool (and I stand by that) but the book really needs more editing. The writing wasn't great, especially from one of the POVs, the story was very rushed so I didn't really care for the characters, I didn't feel like I was getting to know them at all, much less the other characters. I feel like this could have been good, but as it stands it's very hard to read and I had to dnf at 51%

[Khadijah Abdul Sattar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Recommended for ages: 12+
Spice rating: 🌶️/5

The book in one sentence: A group of pirates must steal a magical crown, facing sirens, betrayal, and the magic that binds them all.

My journey with this book was a mix of contentment and dissatisfaction, all of it filled with giggles. If you're short on time, here are the three Rs:
Will I Reread it? Not unless provoked.
Will I Rave about it? Yes, only for the character art.
Would I Recommend it to a friend? If they were extremely specific.

Story & Plot - 4/5
This was quite a fun read and despite all the pirates and sirens I actually found it lighthearted and not very complex. Personally, I wouldn't call this a YA book but much rather a MG considering the writing style and themes. I have to admit that I was kind of disappointed realizing that but I soon shook it off. I love the idea of how chemistry is used to create magic although, as a fan of high magic systems and chem, I do wish the author had given more details on how exactly the magic worked. Going into the book I'd initially thought it was going to be a heist like Six Of Crows (one of my all-time favs) however my excitement quickly waned as the story progressed. The trio faced little to none challenge in their heist which barely lasted more than a few chapters. After that, the story sort of spiraled out of control it went from being a fun, pirate heist to a royal political drama which really didn't make much sense. I felt the third part of the book just dragged on and it really didn't need to be that long.

Characters - 3/5
Atlas is my favorite (obviously) but I also wanted to hit him on the head about 70% of the time. Edwin's sense of humor had been interesting in the beginning but I didn't end up liking him so much after he repeatedly kept provoking Atlas and warning him about Alouette. In the end, I just saw him as a jealous brat and was very tempted to skip his chapters. Alouette was ok, I suppose. Her character didn't resonate that much with me and the way she kept blowing her fuse and being "sassy" was extremely annoying. I did like some part of her character though, such as her love for knowledge and passion for alchemy and that made her bearable during the course of my reading.

Worldbuilding - 2/5
We don't really get to see much of the world. From what I can tell, it's the real world but during the medieval times with a lot of magic. There's not much said about the lore of the world or how the magic came into existence and why only some people have magic and others don't; it's mostly a narrative story with humor and fluffy romance.

[Joani · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

💫 This was such an incredibly fun read!
I would have devoured it in less than a week had life not interrupted my reading time on multiple occasions  🤣 #momlife
This seaside adventure is told from 3 POV's, an Alchemist, a  Pirate Captain, and his best friend, a witty thief who will have you cracking up with his comical one-liners
During a series of events, you meet them all find how they come together to pull off a royal heist that leads them on an even larger adventure full of secrets and a bit of danger.

💫With a YA romance and a brilliantly written adventure full of salty seas, half truths, plenty of magic, and plot twists, you’ll find yourself feeling like another one of the Aurora Borealis crew members.

💫The characters are so incredibly written! I really appreciate the authors ability to write characters in such a way that you feel like you know them. You can clearly hear their voice and personality come through during  each characters POV, I love that part the most, next to a few appreciated and hilarious 4th wall breaks and witty banter. I found myself looking forward to the thief's POV and laughing more times than I could count when he was talking due to his comedic inner monologue.

💫I love our Sea Siren the most. He's got a tough exterior with a hard shell to crack but has no problem making himself vulnerable to our favorite Lark and Alchemist. He has incredible character growth during the story, too. He really cares about those around him and shows it time and time again. I'd love to read more about him and his parents. His parents' story would make a perfect Novella, one I'd preprder today if I could!

💫The alchemist is a force to reckon with, and she knows it. She's independent, but not by choice, and misses the life she once had. She's slow to trust and not so easily won over new crew mate and Captain, but slowly she finds her new family and a sense of belonging.

💫This YA fantasy has the perfect ending that wraps up the seafaring story and still leaves you wanting and wishing you had another book to continue reading about your new pirate family. I could see the bread crumbs the author left for a possible 2nd book?? What a fantastic series this would make!!
I did not want the story to end and would love to see what adventure Mia has planned for the Aurora Borealis crew next!

💫I also love that this is a book my daughter and I can enjoy together! It's written in such a way that different generations and fantasy fans will enjoy it.

✨️Thank you Black Sheep Literary, for the ARC opportunity⚓️

YA
Multiple POV
Pirates & Sirens
Banter
Witty Comedy
Romance
Best Friend Bromance
Magic
Royal Drama
Found Family
4th Wall Breaks

[Monolina Sengupta]

◻️"Love is distracting and dangerous. If you don't have your guard up, you'll lose. But what do I know? I steal valuables, not hearts"

◻️What to expect -
3 POVs with vastly different protagonists
Enemies to lovers
Backstabbing
Mending wounds
Science versus magic
Pirates
Unlikely friends
Swashbuckling banter
Uncovering secrets
Found family

◻️The Alchemist, the Siren & the Thief is a masterful blend of adventure, humor, and heart that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through pirate ships, underwater kingdoms, and royal intrigues. Mia’s storytelling delivers a "cosy" yet exhilarating experience that feels like a throwback to childhood tales, while maintaining a sharp, modern edge.

◻️At the heart of this tale are three characters—Alouette, Atlas, and Edwin—each brimming with complexity and charm. Alouette's ambitious darkness contrasts with her fragile exterior, Atlas hides a vulnerable soul behind his stoic captain persona, and Edwin’s mischievous humor masks a deeper fear and longing. Their chemistry leaps off the page, weaving friendships and betrayals that constantly keep readers guessing.

◻️Mia's decision to narrate through three POVs is brilliant, offering readers an intimate seat at the table (or plank!) as secrets unfold and loyalties are tested. The immersive prose transports you into a vibrant world of taverns, castles, and shimmering undersea realms, where every twist is sharper than the last. Just when you think the heist is the climax, the plot unfurls into a grander tapestry of stakes and surprises.

◻️This is not just a story of pirates and mermaids—it’s a tale of redemption, love, and the thin line between honor and ambition. Whether you're here for the heists, the wit, or the heartfelt moments, The Alchemist, the Siren & the Thief is a treasure waiting to be discovered. A warm and magical adventure for fans of intricate plots and dynamic characters, it will leave you yearning for more voyages with this unforgettable crew.

[Ashlee - ash•in•pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

~”They say you reap what you sow, and once you weave a thread into fate’s tapestry, there’s no unraveling it..”~

I’m seriously impressed by how well this was written! It’s such a fun ride through vivid world-building, witty banter, daring heists, and just the right hint of romance. The multiple POVs make it super easy to connect with the characters—you really get to know their personalities and quirks. Honestly at some points, it feels like they’re talking directly to you (through the book, of course). With unexpected twists and well-guarded secrets, it’ll keep you hooked the whole way through. And come on, who doesn’t love a good pirate story? 🏴‍☠️

Alouette Le Rios thought being forced to walk the plank was the end of her story—she couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead of meeting her doom, she wakes up aboard Captain Atlas De Luca’s ship, thanks to Celestia’s mysterious plans. Greeted by unfamiliar faces and her all-too-familiar seasickness, Alouette quickly realizes she’s more suited to solid ground than the open sea.

Meanwhile, Atlas and the boatswain, Edwin Winters, are in the middle of a high-stakes mission: stealing a crown tied to a past that’s shrouded in secrets. Alouette wasn’t part of their original scheme, but she quickly becomes an integral piece in their intricate puzzle.

As Alouette is pulled deeper into a web of lies spanning the ship, the kingdom, and beyond, she faces challenges she never expected. Can she forgive Atlas for keeping the truth from her, or will she choose to follow her own path and fulfill her previous missions? 🏴‍☠️ 👀

[Sweet Suriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alchemist, a siren, a thief, and a heist. Sign me up! This book was such a fun read, with adorable, lovable characters, and the heist was just the start! The story is told in 3 POVs, with the characters addressing the reader, effectively taking me on the journey with them. It was an immersive experience, although I had a hard time figuring out who was speaking at times. Alouette is a mysterious alchemist whose main goal is to find her father. Atlas is a broody siren, falling for Alouette. Edwin, the thief, is the perfect mix of comedic relief and chaotic energy. Within themes of treason, secrets, betrayal, and character growth, what stood out to me most is the friendship that the three share, and how it felt I was right there with them for their adventure. The book cover is also gorgeous, as is the artwork the author does for her books.

FAV QUOTE:
“Tear my ship apart, carve my heart out. I don’t care anymore. I’m just a man, after all. I’m scared of what I can’t emulate. Know that you’ve been on my mind, a lot. Every time I try to focus on something else, I relapse and fall back to you. I’m scared. I’m scared that I love you. It’s a terrifying thought.”
--Excuse me?? BRB gonna go set more unrealistic love expectations for myself.

Thank you to Mia Dorsch for the eARC <3 this review is my opinion and given freely

[Dana Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced copy of Mia Dorsch's The Alchemist, the Siren, and the Thief through an Instagram contest. I was thrilled, because this book is so beautiful. Dorsch did an incredible job on the cover, and I loved the character art in the part dividers. The whole book design was amazing, and the fact that Dorsch herself was the artist makes it that much more special.

Dorsch has such a comedic writing style. It was light and funny, yet there was depth to the characters. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more the three POVs seemed to blend together. Dorsch's voice rang clear, but the characters' voices all felt the same to me. While they were an interesting cast, I struggled to retain my interest in them as the story drew on.

I also found myself having trouble following the overall plot. Now, at least some of my problems came from the long break I took between the first and second parts. I am sure I forgot a few details during that time. Whatever the reason, many of the scenes in the later parts left me with more questions than answers. From not grasping the protagonists' plans to struggling to tell which character is speaking, my cloudy understanding made it difficult to truly appreciate the story.

The Alchemist, the Siren, and the Thief is an interesting story, but, unfortunately, it didn't land well with me. There were too many little things that I struggled with, which made it difficult for me to enjoy the story being told. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but sadly, it wasn't for me.

[Maddie Elam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Mia’s story-telling this year, and I can’t wait to continue reading her works in the future!

TATSATT has it all. And I really do mean ALL. We have heists, pirates, friendships, even a hint of romance? Yes please. If you’re like me, fantasy reads can be tricky to keep up with (I’m not great at imagining these huge, elaborate worlds!) However, Mia’s writing is easy to follow while still containing complex plot lines, which makes it such a joy to read!

What really stands out in this book are the multiple POVs. Each character’s tone truly shines, making it easy to feel connected to them all. We have the mysterious Allouette, broody Atlas who has a secret, and the fun-loving Edwin who never fails to make you laugh.

If you want a fun read that will have you feeling like you’ve just joined your 3 best friends on a high-stakes adventure, this one is IT.

I’d also be doing a disservice if I didn’t mention how absolutely stunning the cover of this book is. Whether you’re a paperback, hardback, or e-book reader, the art work will have you hooked before you even dive in!

Thank you to Mia for allowing me to read an early copy of this! I’m so thankful to own such a gorgeous copy so I can cherish it forever!

[Jordie Slesarenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Davy Jones Locker! The Alchemist, The Siren, & the Thief by Mia Dorsch was an absolute blast from start to finish! I could not put this book down, and it had me laughing out loud multiple times. The humor in this book is perfectly woven into the action, making the already exciting plot even more fun and engaging. What’s not to love? Pirates, magic, science, and a high-stakes heist—this book has it all!

Alouette, the alchemist's daughter, finds herself caught in a dangerous and thrilling adventure after being saved from a group of plunderers by the mysterious and charming Captain Atlas DeLuca. Alongside his mischievous boatswain, the trio embarks on a quest to steal a crown, but they soon realize there's much more at play than they ever bargained for. The secrets, the lies, and the twisting of fate kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what would happen next.

Dorsch does an incredible job blending adventure, magic, and chemistry in a way that feels both fresh and exciting. The characters are richly developed, and the dynamic between them is filled with wit and charm, making for an unforgettable journey. If you’re a fan of action-packed adventures with a dash of humor and heart, this is a must-read! A solid 4.25 stars—I only wish there was more!

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia Dorsch delivers an exhilarating adventure in *The Alchemist, the Siren, and the Thief*. From the moment Alouette walks the plank—revealing she can't swim—I was hooked.

The characters truly shine: Alouette is sharp and witty, while Edwin, the one-eyed thief, adds chaotic energy. Captain Atlas brings intensity and intrigue to their dynamic, filled with humour and depth.

Dorsch’s vibrant world-building, from bustling ports to elegant masquerades, creates both high-stakes moments and heartfelt scenes that deepen the story. With adventure, humour, and a hint of romance—especially the tension between Alouette and Atlas—this tale explores loyalty, identity, and trust.

A heartfelt thank you to Mia Dorsch for this ARC! I devoured it quickly and can’t wait for her next creation. If you enjoy fast-paced, heartfelt fantasy, grab this when it hits the shelves!


#FantasyAdventure #MustRead #BookLovers #MiaDorsch #ARCReview #NewRelease #PageTurner #FantasyWorld #CharacterDriven #EpicJourney

[Donna Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars

Thanks to Black Sheep Literacy for providing me with an E-ARC of the book.

I had no expectations going into this book. I wanted to keep an open mind. Therefore, I didn't even read the synopsis before going into it. I enjoyed the romance and flirtation between Atlas and Alouette and the bond Edwin has with Atlas and his pirate crew. The way Atlas is completely entraced by Alouette and is head over heels in love with her makes it a very satisfying romance relationship. Edwin is the kind of friend who is willing to die for you. He's such a fun and likable character.

There were various action scenes going on throughout the book. The heist at the beginning was the highlight for me as well as when Atlas and Alouette were chased by Jayin's people. But I felt like the writing style can bit a bit chopping at times and not work/wove seamlessly together.

Otherwise, I really like the plot, storyline, and characters! Two thumbs up for a well written book!

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! This whole story is a masterpiece!!

I absolutely adored Mia's writing and the way she wrote The Alchemist, The Siren, and The Thief in multiple povs! It was like this was one big epic movie or an epic mini series that I could easily see played out in my mind!! Mia's writing is just so vivid and fun!!

This was such a wild ride and thrilling adventure!! All the twists and turns had me HOOKED and GRIPPED! By the time I finished the book, I felt speechless but at the same time I had so much to say!

The character development and the story lines were so well developed and so intriguing!! I also felt like everything wrapped up nicely by the end! The Alchemist, The Siren, and The Thief definitely left a lasting impression!!

(also I took the quiz at the end and I tied with Alouette and Atlas!!)

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty fun and engaging read to follow this crew on their adventures. It was so easy to put myself in this world and get lost, I'm honestly so sad it's over.
I appreciated that each character had a distinct voice, they weren't just in the background. Which to me added depth and made the story more enjoyable. I also just loved the…. Love lol in this. It was very charming and had me giggling a few times.

As a mood reader, it took me a bit longer to start, which was frustrating because I found it to be such a rewarding adventure. Better late than never—I'm glad I finally picked it up!

If you love ~
.Hidden Identity
.Multiple Pov
.He falls First
. Found Family
. Science vs Magic

This is definitely for you and I definitely recommend it.

[babelbuecher (Aurora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book in one world, it would be “cosy”. This is because while I was reading, I had the same feeling that I had while watching the cartoon “Mostri e Pirati” (Monsters and Pirates) and therefore this book holds a special place in my heart because it reminded me of my childhood.

The main characters are lively and charming, especially Edwin, who has always managed to make me smile with his irony. I would have liked to find out more about the secondary characters and the fascinating marine world. The real magic, however, lies in the harmonious plot and the revisitation of the classic archetypes of pirates and mermaids tales: every detail finds its place gracefully. A “warm” reading.

[Andrea Uvanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you want fun and adventure and all around great ride, this is your book! Our three main characters are a hoot, their dynamic is spectacularly built and the humor is well placed.

The world is so well built you will feel fully immersed from the very beginning. Our characters are hard to not like, with such banter and humor, tackling adventures and finding their loyalty, love and learning who they are.

Beyond that - we see magic vs science, as in the name: the alchemist, the siren, and the thief, we assume there must be a heist! Grab a copy and find out, you’ll love it!

[Layne Ascher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a solid foundation, with memorable and varied characters, a clear setting, and an interesting plot. However it managed to both at times seem to ramble without having a point, while at others seem far too rushed in the character development, making it feel like the characters liked consistency from one scene to the next. There was one particular scene, however, that definitely put me off where it dripped with blatant and internalized victim blaming, and that was hard to get past. On the whole a good read, and I look forward to what the author does next.

[Riddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now where do I start about how much I loved the characters? I love them. The plot is so cool. I was really interested in the developments and wow, they were awesome. An awesome pirate and a really awesome alchemist with lovable thief. Perfect fantasy book adventure!
And even when there are three POVs, you will be perfectly fine with the pacing of the plot. The writer did a really awesome job. I never thought I would love this book so much!

[Robin Winckler]

I loved the premise of this book, but I think it ended up not being quite right for me. It felt like it meandered a bit once we got past the first part, and I started to get a little confused about what the characters’ motivations actually were. Because of that, I found it a little hard to truly connect with them. However, I did enjoy the adventure, the humor, and some moments of prose that were quite beautiful.

[Charlie Twist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it! The start was slow and that really is my only gripe, but some might find it fast and engaging. For me it took a bit to really get into but the scene Atlas and Alouette are dancing before running off because of the pirates was, muah, chef's kiss!!
Writing style is fine, I've grown to not be a fan of first person as I have grown but it was very pleasant to read and very enjoyable to see things from different characters perspectives!