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Whispers of the Elixir
In Whispers of the Elixir, you will find the political intrigue of
Andrea Stewart
, the mythic depth of
Katherine Arden
, and the emotional resonance of
M.L. Wang
.
A matriarchal empire. A princess with forbidden magic. A mother who would kill to protect her own legacy.
As heir to the Min empire, Tori has spent her life under the iron will of her mother, Empress Zinchen—a sovereign determined to shape the world in her own image. But Tori has been hiding a dangerous a forbidden elemental power tied to the world’s mythic past. If Zinchen discovers the truth, it will cost Tori her life.
Haunted by this threat, Tori flees into the hidden lands—an ancient realm of ghost-flowers, sentient forests, and immortals from a half-remembered age. But magic here is neither blessing nor curse—it is a reflection, a test, a force that shapes as much as it destroys. And as her trials progress, Tori is stripped of certainty and pride. To survive her mother’s ambition, she must use what she learns to suppress the power that could doom her—but in doing so, she risks losing the very future she was born to inherit.
Whispers of the Elixir begins the Order of the Ember series—a character-driven epic of legacy, sacrifice, and the strength of a princess destined to rise from the shadows and claim her place in legend.
A matriarchal empire. A princess with forbidden magic. A mother who would kill to protect her own legacy.
As heir to the Min empire, Tori has spent her life under the iron will of her mother, Empress Zinchen—a sovereign determined to shape the world in her own image. But Tori has been hiding a dangerous a forbidden elemental power tied to the world’s mythic past. If Zinchen discovers the truth, it will cost Tori her life.
Haunted by this threat, Tori flees into the hidden lands—an ancient realm of ghost-flowers, sentient forests, and immortals from a half-remembered age. But magic here is neither blessing nor curse—it is a reflection, a test, a force that shapes as much as it destroys. And as her trials progress, Tori is stripped of certainty and pride. To survive her mother’s ambition, she must use what she learns to suppress the power that could doom her—but in doing so, she risks losing the very future she was born to inherit.
Whispers of the Elixir begins the Order of the Ember series—a character-driven epic of legacy, sacrifice, and the strength of a princess destined to rise from the shadows and claim her place in legend.
591 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
19 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Silver
1 book4 followersC.P. Silver writes epic fantasy set in a world where matriarchy is absolute, with immersive worldbuilding, evocative prose, and emotionally complex characters.
Born of Caribbean heritage and raised in the Cayman Islands, she later became a French national and settled in Europe. A former lawyer with a master’s in law, she also studied Chinese medicine—experiences that shape the nuance and depth of her debut novel, Whispers of the Elixir.
Set in a matriarchal empire filled with secrets and sentient forests, it’s a tale of identity, survival, and quiet rebellion. When not writing, she’s usually reading fantasy or somewhere quiet, listening for the next story.
Born of Caribbean heritage and raised in the Cayman Islands, she later became a French national and settled in Europe. A former lawyer with a master’s in law, she also studied Chinese medicine—experiences that shape the nuance and depth of her debut novel, Whispers of the Elixir.
Set in a matriarchal empire filled with secrets and sentient forests, it’s a tale of identity, survival, and quiet rebellion. When not writing, she’s usually reading fantasy or somewhere quiet, listening for the next story.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 5, 2025
This was a fabulous read. The world building was great, the politics, the elemental magic - I enjoyed it all. I really enjoyed the characters. Tori and the empress played off against one another well. The multiple POV made me feel more immersed in the world. The undercurrent of romance waiting to happen was just right.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I got my copy from Netgalley.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I got my copy from Netgalley.
October 14, 2025
[ARC Review]
4 stars -- overall I liked this book!
It's obvious the author is super passionate about world-building, mythology, and East Asian medicine because the lore is DEEP. The lines between legend and history, magic and reality, are very blurry and make this matriarchal culture rich and intriguing. Most of the lore is told through storytelling and spans from recent history to ancestors to gods, trying to set up the whole projected series. There's a big chunk of storytelling in the second quarter of the book (30-40%) which is cool but also slowed the pace a lot, so I honestly ended up skimming most of it to get the gist.
Once past that and on to the magic of wielding, dawn-essence, and elixir, I really liked it and it flew by. The political intrigue between Zinchen and Tori (plus Elnora, my fave) was definitely the highlight and they play off each other well. Tori is idealistic, stubborn, and very gifted, which makes her both easy to root for and also sooo frustrating. She goes through a lot of character growth in the second half though so I'd be excited to see her in a sequel. I hope the main love interest (at least I assume??) also gets a little more screentime next book :') his friend seemed to have a lot more personality (I did like Ruvien).
The vibes of this book are rich, atmospheric, and there's a lot of potential to this world, so I would recommend if you like Asian-inspired fantasy!
4 stars -- overall I liked this book!
It's obvious the author is super passionate about world-building, mythology, and East Asian medicine because the lore is DEEP. The lines between legend and history, magic and reality, are very blurry and make this matriarchal culture rich and intriguing. Most of the lore is told through storytelling and spans from recent history to ancestors to gods, trying to set up the whole projected series. There's a big chunk of storytelling in the second quarter of the book (30-40%) which is cool but also slowed the pace a lot, so I honestly ended up skimming most of it to get the gist.
Once past that and on to the magic of wielding, dawn-essence, and elixir, I really liked it and it flew by. The political intrigue between Zinchen and Tori (plus Elnora, my fave) was definitely the highlight and they play off each other well. Tori is idealistic, stubborn, and very gifted, which makes her both easy to root for and also sooo frustrating. She goes through a lot of character growth in the second half though so I'd be excited to see her in a sequel. I hope the main love interest (at least I assume??) also gets a little more screentime next book :') his friend seemed to have a lot more personality (I did like Ruvien).
The vibes of this book are rich, atmospheric, and there's a lot of potential to this world, so I would recommend if you like Asian-inspired fantasy!
October 22, 2025
Firstly, let's start by saying what a beautiful cover this has. The scenery looks stunning. It would definitely attract me to it sitting on a bookshelf!
The first 30-40% was quite hard-going for me. There is a huge amount of world building, its totally common in this kind if book, but its something I struggle with. Once I got past that and started to actually get to know the main players I was totally hooked.
Set in a world of matriarchal power, it was great to see Tori as such a strong female lead. She also had no problem showing her vulnerable side, especially with her best friend and confidante Elnora.
I loved the time in Peach Blossom Grove, I thought the people and the idea of their hidden village was brilliant.
I don't feel like I ever truly understood the idea of the Elixir, kernels and wielding. There was so much else to learn about this world that this went a bit on the back burner despite seemingly being key to everything. Maybe I overlooked it as there was always so much going on.
I desperately want to know more about Senrik and see what develops there.
I think book 2 will be full of adventure and hopefully more development of the relationships and I would definitely like to continue the story.
The first 30-40% was quite hard-going for me. There is a huge amount of world building, its totally common in this kind if book, but its something I struggle with. Once I got past that and started to actually get to know the main players I was totally hooked.
Set in a world of matriarchal power, it was great to see Tori as such a strong female lead. She also had no problem showing her vulnerable side, especially with her best friend and confidante Elnora.
I loved the time in Peach Blossom Grove, I thought the people and the idea of their hidden village was brilliant.
I don't feel like I ever truly understood the idea of the Elixir, kernels and wielding. There was so much else to learn about this world that this went a bit on the back burner despite seemingly being key to everything. Maybe I overlooked it as there was always so much going on.
I desperately want to know more about Senrik and see what develops there.
I think book 2 will be full of adventure and hopefully more development of the relationships and I would definitely like to continue the story.
October 15, 2025
Tori has a gift that she must hide at all costs. To escape her grim world of political intrigue and merciless punishment, she enters a secret place called Peach Blossom Grove, which only admits those who are on a quest to find themselves.
The plot of Whispers of the Elixir is riveting. What I loved most about the book is the secret, magical world that is at once so pure and clear, it transports the reader back to their childhood. Peach Blossom Grove is a place where no judgement is passed, everyone who enters is accepted, and marvelous things happen when least expected. It is also filled with the kind of innocent friendships we once experienced in youth, and as I turned the pages, I found myself wanting to remain in that world.
C.P. Silver posses a magical power of her own, one that is able to immerse the reader in a world of sheer wonder. I am looking forward to the sequel(s) to this book.
The plot of Whispers of the Elixir is riveting. What I loved most about the book is the secret, magical world that is at once so pure and clear, it transports the reader back to their childhood. Peach Blossom Grove is a place where no judgement is passed, everyone who enters is accepted, and marvelous things happen when least expected. It is also filled with the kind of innocent friendships we once experienced in youth, and as I turned the pages, I found myself wanting to remain in that world.
C.P. Silver posses a magical power of her own, one that is able to immerse the reader in a world of sheer wonder. I am looking forward to the sequel(s) to this book.
October 29, 2025
Whispers of the Elixir is a beautifully written and atmospheric story that blends mystery, emotion, and a touch of magic. The author creates a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly, with vivid imagery and deeply human characters. While the pacing slows down in the middle, the poetic writing and emotional depth make it a captivating read from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews