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The Zero Enigma #5
The Alchemist's Apprentice
A stand-alone novel set in the Zero Enigma universe.
Five months after the House War, the city of Shallot is on edge. The Great Houses plot and plan against one another, while the magicians rebuild and the common folk fear another outburst of fighting. And one young nobleman has a plan.
Rebecca is a half-caste shopgirl in an apothecary, dreaming of an apprenticeship that will allow her to rise out of poverty and finally make a name for herself in a city that has no use for her kind. But when her master undertakes a commission for an enigmatic young nobleman, she finds herself drawn into a maelstrom of criminals, ambitious nobles, and a plan that may shake the foundations of the Great Houses themselves....
Five months after the House War, the city of Shallot is on edge. The Great Houses plot and plan against one another, while the magicians rebuild and the common folk fear another outburst of fighting. And one young nobleman has a plan.
Rebecca is a half-caste shopgirl in an apothecary, dreaming of an apprenticeship that will allow her to rise out of poverty and finally make a name for herself in a city that has no use for her kind. But when her master undertakes a commission for an enigmatic young nobleman, she finds herself drawn into a maelstrom of criminals, ambitious nobles, and a plan that may shake the foundations of the Great Houses themselves....
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Published July 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 4, 2019
Another stand-alone spinoff from the Zero Enigma series.
You don't absolutely need to have read the series (unlike the previous spinoff), but it will help a lot to understand the universe's background, the city of Shallot, the Great Houses dynamics, about every element that comes around. Knowing the history of Caitlin Aguirre helps making the stories more interesting, because you're then kept wondering exactly what the plot is going toward. Is the appearance of Caitlin meaningful or a cameo? What does the Bad Guy really intend to do?
As usual with M. Nuttall, the final confrontation is swift and cuts to the bone, but it is always the path leading there that makes the story. I don't expect to see our heroine again, but, who knows? The position she is in, at the end, leaves lots of interesting... possibilities.
Extremely enjoyable reading if you've started in the Zero Enigma universe.
You don't absolutely need to have read the series (unlike the previous spinoff), but it will help a lot to understand the universe's background, the city of Shallot, the Great Houses dynamics, about every element that comes around. Knowing the history of Caitlin Aguirre helps making the stories more interesting, because you're then kept wondering exactly what the plot is going toward. Is the appearance of Caitlin meaningful or a cameo? What does the Bad Guy really intend to do?
As usual with M. Nuttall, the final confrontation is swift and cuts to the bone, but it is always the path leading there that makes the story. I don't expect to see our heroine again, but, who knows? The position she is in, at the end, leaves lots of interesting... possibilities.
Extremely enjoyable reading if you've started in the Zero Enigma universe.
January 11, 2019
Zero Enigma Series
I really enjoyed the series. There was conflict in each book, different each time, but it wasn't the horror of war. I liked it much, much better. I can thoroughly recommend Christopher Nuttall's work. And I pray his health will improve so he can keep on writing for us all.
I really enjoyed the series. There was conflict in each book, different each time, but it wasn't the horror of war. I liked it much, much better. I can thoroughly recommend Christopher Nuttall's work. And I pray his health will improve so he can keep on writing for us all.
January 24, 2019
Great story great heroine
The plot is solid and the characters are very well developed. I love the back story for making the main events so satisfying. Then the big crisis hits and it gets a little tense but more than worth it all.
The plot is solid and the characters are very well developed. I love the back story for making the main events so satisfying. Then the big crisis hits and it gets a little tense but more than worth it all.
September 23, 2022
The Alchemist’s Apprentice is a completely standalone book in the series, whilst it is far better to have read all the previous books to understand the events that take place in this book – you can actually get away with reading this one without having read the previous 4, and it will give you a bit of a taste of this Universe. Likewise, you could (if you wanted), skip this book to move onto book 6. But I wouldn’t recommend it, this is a fascinating and intriguing story, and whilst the events that take place don’t directly (as yet) impact on the following books I have read, they may!!
And it is a seriously intriguing story, one of the most intriguing in the series so far, with a complex storyline, an exceptional array of characters, and a really brilliant insight into the other side of the world, those that live without money, power and prestige all the time.
Young Rebecca is a half-case girl (with a Hangchowese Father that abandoned them and returned overseas), leaving her Mother to fend for herself. The Mother remarried, and her Step-Father, a horrible drunkard, sells Rebecca into an apprenticeship at the age of 12 to an Alchemist. Rebecca is quite strong with Magic, and with more money, would have easily gone to Jude’s, so is resentful of those Aristocratic children. But she quickly learns to be thankful of her new Master, Master Travis, a kindly older man, who is a brilliant Potions Master, amongst many other things. Master Travis teaches Rebecca the art of Potion making whilst she performs the role of ‘Shop-Girl’, tending to his shop each day.
Things are going well, until the day that Reginald Bolingbroke of the House Bolingbroke darkens their door, wanting Master Travis’s services. Whilst initially this does not seem to be an issue (apart from the sleazy Reginald coming to the store regularly), and Rebecca having to go into the seedier side of Water Shallot, to a Crime Lord’s den to purchase some supplies that only he can acquire for them for a special brew that Master Travis is making.
Things go horribly wrong though, (and without giving too much away), Rebecca suddenly finds that her entire world is turned upside down. With everything that she holds dear threatened, she finds that she must work for people that she wants nothing to do with. Worse, she finds herself in a great house, being forced to go undercover in order to save not only her own life, but all of those she loves.
This is an utterly fascinating and intriguing story, as we get to see the inner workings of not only the lives of those that are at the lower levels of society, those without money or priviledge, but we get to see the inner workings of a great house. Not the inner workings though that we have been seeing, from all the rich and splendor, but from the other side, those that actually have to work for a living, struggling day in, day out, to make a living and survive. It is captivating to read about the inner workings of one of the great houses from the perspective of a main character. It is also terrifying.
As with all of these books, Nuttall’s characters are exceptionally realistic, bringing these stories to life with stunning authenticity, and creating these epic stories. Rebecca’s tale is gripping and gritty and once you start reading, you won’t be putting this book down.
As with every book in this series, the world building continues to be outstanding, one of the key aspects of the book, and something that utterly enthralls and captivates the reader. This book is even more magical as we get to see inside Water Shallot, and the lives of the ‘common’ born, seeing those that work in the shops and the every day lives, using their magic to conduct every day tasks we take for granted now. It is really interesting reading how Nuttall has crafted this world, combing magic and every day activities (such as cooking, but then using preservation or heating spells to reheat or keep food). It just adds this wonderful element of realism and story-telling and Nuttall does such a brilliant job with it, making his stories so natural to read.
The Alchemist’s Apprentice was a really different story in this series, a look behind the overarching story, giving us an insight into the inner workings of the city. It also provided some insight into how the politics that have affected the city (the House War), have affected others, and caused impacts on not only the great houses, but all of the city residents.
It is an absolute must read for any fan of this series, it was such a brilliant addition to the series, which is just getting better by the book!!
And it is a seriously intriguing story, one of the most intriguing in the series so far, with a complex storyline, an exceptional array of characters, and a really brilliant insight into the other side of the world, those that live without money, power and prestige all the time.
Young Rebecca is a half-case girl (with a Hangchowese Father that abandoned them and returned overseas), leaving her Mother to fend for herself. The Mother remarried, and her Step-Father, a horrible drunkard, sells Rebecca into an apprenticeship at the age of 12 to an Alchemist. Rebecca is quite strong with Magic, and with more money, would have easily gone to Jude’s, so is resentful of those Aristocratic children. But she quickly learns to be thankful of her new Master, Master Travis, a kindly older man, who is a brilliant Potions Master, amongst many other things. Master Travis teaches Rebecca the art of Potion making whilst she performs the role of ‘Shop-Girl’, tending to his shop each day.
Things are going well, until the day that Reginald Bolingbroke of the House Bolingbroke darkens their door, wanting Master Travis’s services. Whilst initially this does not seem to be an issue (apart from the sleazy Reginald coming to the store regularly), and Rebecca having to go into the seedier side of Water Shallot, to a Crime Lord’s den to purchase some supplies that only he can acquire for them for a special brew that Master Travis is making.
Things go horribly wrong though, (and without giving too much away), Rebecca suddenly finds that her entire world is turned upside down. With everything that she holds dear threatened, she finds that she must work for people that she wants nothing to do with. Worse, she finds herself in a great house, being forced to go undercover in order to save not only her own life, but all of those she loves.
This is an utterly fascinating and intriguing story, as we get to see the inner workings of not only the lives of those that are at the lower levels of society, those without money or priviledge, but we get to see the inner workings of a great house. Not the inner workings though that we have been seeing, from all the rich and splendor, but from the other side, those that actually have to work for a living, struggling day in, day out, to make a living and survive. It is captivating to read about the inner workings of one of the great houses from the perspective of a main character. It is also terrifying.
As with all of these books, Nuttall’s characters are exceptionally realistic, bringing these stories to life with stunning authenticity, and creating these epic stories. Rebecca’s tale is gripping and gritty and once you start reading, you won’t be putting this book down.
As with every book in this series, the world building continues to be outstanding, one of the key aspects of the book, and something that utterly enthralls and captivates the reader. This book is even more magical as we get to see inside Water Shallot, and the lives of the ‘common’ born, seeing those that work in the shops and the every day lives, using their magic to conduct every day tasks we take for granted now. It is really interesting reading how Nuttall has crafted this world, combing magic and every day activities (such as cooking, but then using preservation or heating spells to reheat or keep food). It just adds this wonderful element of realism and story-telling and Nuttall does such a brilliant job with it, making his stories so natural to read.
The Alchemist’s Apprentice was a really different story in this series, a look behind the overarching story, giving us an insight into the inner workings of the city. It also provided some insight into how the politics that have affected the city (the House War), have affected others, and caused impacts on not only the great houses, but all of the city residents.
It is an absolute must read for any fan of this series, it was such a brilliant addition to the series, which is just getting better by the book!!
January 13, 2019
I love Christopher Nuttall's writing, and I have been loving the Zero Enigma series. For that reason, I was somewhat disappointed by this particular installment. It's not bad, and in fact I did enjoy it, but it left me wanting a bit. The setting is well crafted, the plot compelling, and the characters as complex and interesting as ever with Christopher's stories. But it just didn't seem to be moving forward with any clear and consistent progression. The pacing felt off. And not all of the scenarios seemed realistic or believable. All of this quite unlike Christopher's usual work. There were too many loose ends, and a number of those that were resolved were resolved too quickly and easily. So, I'm not sure what to make of it. Perhaps there will be some continuation of the groundwork laid in this book, but it's hard to say where it might be going. Anyway, again, it's not bad, but my expectations were pretty high going into it, and I consequently felt let down. Still better reading than much of what's out there.
January 22, 2025
This book is set in the same world as the previous books in the series and there are mentions of characters in other books. But this is otherwise unrelated to those books.
The protagonist is a poor girl working as a shop girl for an alchemist and having hopes of becoming an alchemist herself. Against her are a dissipated noble, a crime lord, and a stratified society.
The plot is good, with appropriate obstacles and rewards, though there are some places where the continuity and logic break down. Not, fortunately, to the point of story collapse.
There is good character development for the protagonist and a few of the supporting characters. Even the moustache-twirling noble shows some signs of humanity before the end of the book.
Finally, while the previous books have all been told from the viewpoint of a high noble, here we get an interesting view of the world from someone who is near the bottom of the power structure.
There is no advancement of the main storyline of the series, but nonetheless, this book is entertaining enough as a standalone to recommend.
The protagonist is a poor girl working as a shop girl for an alchemist and having hopes of becoming an alchemist herself. Against her are a dissipated noble, a crime lord, and a stratified society.
The plot is good, with appropriate obstacles and rewards, though there are some places where the continuity and logic break down. Not, fortunately, to the point of story collapse.
There is good character development for the protagonist and a few of the supporting characters. Even the moustache-twirling noble shows some signs of humanity before the end of the book.
Finally, while the previous books have all been told from the viewpoint of a high noble, here we get an interesting view of the world from someone who is near the bottom of the power structure.
There is no advancement of the main storyline of the series, but nonetheless, this book is entertaining enough as a standalone to recommend.
July 11, 2019
I like Nuttall's work, but as an indie and slef-published author, his works often lack the polish of other authors. That's not surprising when he's producing a book every other month (more, when not battling cancer), instead of every other year like most authors.
This book was a standalone in the Enigma series, and being self-contained meant it felt a lot more complete than others. The others are part iof a series - and whilst this relies ion the universe they created, it stands on its own very well.
I enjoy his Schooled in Magic series better overall, but this series feels more streamlined (long series can sometimes feel made up as he goes along - which I guess they are, even if he a long-term plan for where it will go) and this book in particular feels well-crafted.
This book was a standalone in the Enigma series, and being self-contained meant it felt a lot more complete than others. The others are part iof a series - and whilst this relies ion the universe they created, it stands on its own very well.
I enjoy his Schooled in Magic series better overall, but this series feels more streamlined (long series can sometimes feel made up as he goes along - which I guess they are, even if he a long-term plan for where it will go) and this book in particular feels well-crafted.
September 13, 2019
Just read about the author's recent illness and join with all other wellwishers in sending my thoughts and prayers for a full recovery. At the same time I am glad he is continuing writing as I am absolutely loving this series.
The original trilogy was great and this further excursions into the world are keeping up the high standard.
As the books come I will definitely continue reading, I think I will have a look at the 'Schooled in magic' books too.
The original trilogy was great and this further excursions into the world are keeping up the high standard.
As the books come I will definitely continue reading, I think I will have a look at the 'Schooled in magic' books too.
June 22, 2019
Apprentice at risk
I didn't feel this book was really part of the series so didn't łike it as much. But the characters were very believe able and fun to think about. And the books resolution makes sense. A reader with a sense of adventure and curiosity would do well to read it.
I didn't feel this book was really part of the series so didn't łike it as much. But the characters were very believe able and fun to think about. And the books resolution makes sense. A reader with a sense of adventure and curiosity would do well to read it.
October 7, 2019
Awesome!
Another engrossing and awesome tale from Christopher Nuttall that completely draws you in and doesn't let you out again until dawn breaks and you've run out of pages, finished the book, and are starving both for brekky and the next installment!
Another engrossing and awesome tale from Christopher Nuttall that completely draws you in and doesn't let you out again until dawn breaks and you've run out of pages, finished the book, and are starving both for brekky and the next installment!
August 1, 2025
The best in the series thus far
I enjoyed this tale immensely. Immensely
Intrigue, jealousy, murder, politics and the love of an adopted father all rolled up into an engaging story
I enjoyed this tale immensely. Immensely
Intrigue, jealousy, murder, politics and the love of an adopted father all rolled up into an engaging story
February 4, 2019
Good book
You can read this book without reading the first three but it helps if you did. I really enjoyed it. I will be rereading the first three again.
You can read this book without reading the first three but it helps if you did. I really enjoyed it. I will be rereading the first three again.
February 21, 2019
Very good read
Enjoyed the plots and counter-plots immensely. Nothing like House Wars to keep a book enjoyable. I had already read all the Zero Enigma books, which I enjoyed.
Enjoyed the plots and counter-plots immensely. Nothing like House Wars to keep a book enjoyable. I had already read all the Zero Enigma books, which I enjoyed.
March 21, 2019
Great Read!
This is a great book and keeps you wanting to read to the end. I have read the Zero books and loved them all.
This is a great book and keeps you wanting to read to the end. I have read the Zero books and loved them all.
July 10, 2019
Fun to read
I don't like to write but I love to read so my review is going to be short. I have enjoyed reading this while series. I would recommend them all.
I don't like to write but I love to read so my review is going to be short. I have enjoyed reading this while series. I would recommend them all.
February 17, 2020
I like how Christopher G. Nuttall illustrates the thought and discovery process. I like how his characters grow and change throughout the story.
March 20, 2021
Oh dear. A rather silly, improbable little tale of making good.
January 1, 2022
Rebecca has been working since she was 12. When Master Travis is murdered her whole world gets torn apart. Can she clear her name and get her life back?
October 21, 2022
New characters in the series brings depth
A totally new character brings a wider appreciation of the entire series. I am looking forward to the next book.
A totally new character brings a wider appreciation of the entire series. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 17, 2021
Overall, I love The Zero Enigma series the most of Christopher G. Nuttall's books. This was a wonderful entry, extremely engrossing. I would very much like to read more about Rebecca. The world the author has built is fascinating. I love the magic system (and zero magic aberrant), heartily dislike the castes, but they add to the plots and world, and really love alchemy. I place my order for another story of Rebecca, as well as more in the Zero Enigma series. BEAUTIFULLY read by Saskia Maarleveld (from Audible).
My best wishes to the author for his health.
I just re-read this, two years later, and raised the star rating to five. I enjoyed it thoroughly and love the character Rebecca. I hope she comes back in other books.
My best wishes to the author for his health.
I just re-read this, two years later, and raised the star rating to five. I enjoyed it thoroughly and love the character Rebecca. I hope she comes back in other books.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews