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Alchemy of Souls
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Expected 4 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 01:58:49
50 copies available
U.S. only
From New York Times-bestselling author Adriana Mather, comes the next big YA dark academia Alchemy of Souls, following two magically bound teens as they race to solve the mystery of an ancient magical key before it’s too late.
Grayson Stone is no stranger to deception. Under the watchful eye of his uncle, the High Chancellor, he has been well-trained in all four types of magic, all while secretly working against his uncle’s corrupt rule. Years of plans depend on him being marked Gifted during his University entrance exam, proving that he is the perfect heir and gaining his uncle’s trust. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, and he has only one person to Eloise Belrose.
Raised by a family of Laborers, Eloise is the most unlikely student to become a Mage, but through her hard work and long hours spent practicing she is finally admitted to the prestigious Mage University, guaranteeing safety and security for her whole family. Until things go very wrong, and she somehow becomes magically linked to Grayson Stone, the school’s arrogant, annoyingly attractive, golden boy, putting not only her University acceptance, but also her and her family’s lives at risk.
Eloise and Grayson are given less than two weeks to solve an impossible mystery–one that will give the High Chancellor even more power and control—or face the consequences. Forced to room together, with all the same classes, while pretending to date to hide their secret quest, sparks definitely fly. As their feelings grow more real it becomes harder to live the lies they’ve had to tell to survive. With time running out, will they be able to trust the bond between them or will their lies tear them apart forever?
Grayson Stone is no stranger to deception. Under the watchful eye of his uncle, the High Chancellor, he has been well-trained in all four types of magic, all while secretly working against his uncle’s corrupt rule. Years of plans depend on him being marked Gifted during his University entrance exam, proving that he is the perfect heir and gaining his uncle’s trust. Unfortunately, things don’t go as planned, and he has only one person to Eloise Belrose.
Raised by a family of Laborers, Eloise is the most unlikely student to become a Mage, but through her hard work and long hours spent practicing she is finally admitted to the prestigious Mage University, guaranteeing safety and security for her whole family. Until things go very wrong, and she somehow becomes magically linked to Grayson Stone, the school’s arrogant, annoyingly attractive, golden boy, putting not only her University acceptance, but also her and her family’s lives at risk.
Eloise and Grayson are given less than two weeks to solve an impossible mystery–one that will give the High Chancellor even more power and control—or face the consequences. Forced to room together, with all the same classes, while pretending to date to hide their secret quest, sparks definitely fly. As their feelings grow more real it becomes harder to live the lies they’ve had to tell to survive. With time running out, will they be able to trust the bond between them or will their lies tear them apart forever?
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 4, 2026
3 people are currently reading
6248 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Mather
8 books2,525 followersAdriana Mather is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch, with family roots that go back to Sleepy Hollow, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Titanic. She's also an actor and producer best known for her role in the award-winning Honeyglue. She co-owns Zombot Pictures, a production company that makes feature films. Her first acting scene in a film ever was with Danny Glover, and she was terrified she would mess it up. In addition, her favorite food is pizza, she has too many cats, and a deep abiding love for all things autumnal.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
meh
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I procrastinated writing this review because I despise writing negative reviews. And I suppose technically this review isn't all negative, but...well... let's just get into it.
I also want to take a moment to appreciate the absolutely GORGEOUS cover!!! I want to frame it and hang it on my wall.
Okay, into the review. The one positive thing I have to say about this was that the plot and magic system were well executed. The whole tension between the upper and lower classes, as well as with the Lawless felt tangible and realistic. Even though it was a bit predictable, I did love the plot (which I won't say too much about, to avoid spoilers). It was unique and entertaining, especially compared to other romantasy plots that feel so similar to each other. I also enjoyed the idea of the setting---modern day but also magic and cobblers and boarding school---except I found that it wasn't fleshed out or described enough. I feel like modern-day setting with a fantasy plot is a genius idea, I just needed it to be explained more.
The major drawback for me in this novel was the characters. Grayson and Eloise, along with the group of side characters felt so... meh. They felt completely two-dimensional to me, and had zero chemistry with each other. The way they spoke and acted felt so artificial to me---almost like they were pretending to play a part that they didn't really fit in. Grayson himself was probably my least favorite, because he honestly kinda gave me the creeps. The number of times he described Eloise's "naturally large eyes" was making me think that he had some sort of eyeball kink.
Based on the plot and the characters, I would want to recommend this to early YA readers (grades 7-10), but the characters used a lot of vulgar language that frankly, seemed out of place, so I would likely give this to grades 9 or older.
I want to make it clear that this was in no way a terrible book! The plot is FANTASTIC, and if you can handle the characters, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I also want to take a moment to appreciate the absolutely GORGEOUS cover!!! I want to frame it and hang it on my wall.
Okay, into the review. The one positive thing I have to say about this was that the plot and magic system were well executed. The whole tension between the upper and lower classes, as well as with the Lawless felt tangible and realistic. Even though it was a bit predictable, I did love the plot (which I won't say too much about, to avoid spoilers). It was unique and entertaining, especially compared to other romantasy plots that feel so similar to each other. I also enjoyed the idea of the setting---modern day but also magic and cobblers and boarding school---except I found that it wasn't fleshed out or described enough. I feel like modern-day setting with a fantasy plot is a genius idea, I just needed it to be explained more.
The major drawback for me in this novel was the characters. Grayson and Eloise, along with the group of side characters felt so... meh. They felt completely two-dimensional to me, and had zero chemistry with each other. The way they spoke and acted felt so artificial to me---almost like they were pretending to play a part that they didn't really fit in. Grayson himself was probably my least favorite, because he honestly kinda gave me the creeps. The number of times he described Eloise's "naturally large eyes" was making me think that he had some sort of eyeball kink.
Based on the plot and the characters, I would want to recommend this to early YA readers (grades 7-10), but the characters used a lot of vulgar language that frankly, seemed out of place, so I would likely give this to grades 9 or older.
I want to make it clear that this was in no way a terrible book! The plot is FANTASTIC, and if you can handle the characters, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alchemy of Souls is an absolutely fabulous action-packed, dark academia romantasy. Grayson is an extremely talented aspiring Mage who has spent years perfecting his magic. Eloise is determined to be granted acceptance to the University of Magical Arts where she can further develop her magical skills in order to help her family. During the entrance exams, Eloise's performance doesn't go according to plan, and she inadvertently connects her magic to Grayson's. Unfortunately for Grayson, being linked to Eloise means not only not being granted admittance to the Gifted program but also not being allowed his reign of the school. Grayson and Eloise are given two weeks to solve an impossible mystery. If they are unable to achieve the desired results, they will both be expelled - an outcome neither can live with, especially because Grayson has a much larger goal - one that could impact all of society.
I absolutely loved Alchemy of Souls! The story is unique and intriguing, which is a breath of fresh air when so many romantasy plots are so similar. Both Adriana Mather's world building and character development are fantastic. I really appreciated the focus on friendships; I especially enjoyed the friendship between Eloise and Maggie. Maggie is such an entertaining character. With that said, Grayson is easily my favorite character. His POV chapters were the best! The dialogue between all of the characters is excellent. The banter is so well written. In summary, Alchemy of Souls is an easy five stars and a definite recommended read!
I absolutely loved Alchemy of Souls! The story is unique and intriguing, which is a breath of fresh air when so many romantasy plots are so similar. Both Adriana Mather's world building and character development are fantastic. I really appreciated the focus on friendships; I especially enjoyed the friendship between Eloise and Maggie. Maggie is such an entertaining character. With that said, Grayson is easily my favorite character. His POV chapters were the best! The dialogue between all of the characters is excellent. The banter is so well written. In summary, Alchemy of Souls is an easy five stars and a definite recommended read!
February 5, 2026
I am grateful to have received an arc of Alchemy of Souls from NetGalley.
Alchemy of Souls begins with our FMC, Eloise, wanting to be the first from her family of laborers to get into the “elusive” Mage university. She ultimately gets into the university, along with what seems to be every other student from her school. However, during her entrance exam events happen that lead to her having to work alongside Grayson, the MMC from an elite Mage family, to retrieve a special key for the Chancellor that only their connection can access.
Character wise, I was not a huge fan of Eloise. I felt like she had unnecessary animosity towards Grayson, in the beginning, and was more focused on trying to enjoy college with her best friend than focus on the task at hand. She was almost one dimensional to me. Whereas, Grayson was a more likable character. He was witty and charismatic and I found myself enjoying his POV more because he had more character depth and a stronger personal storyline.
I do have to say that there was a huge part of the book where I felt nothing really happened. It wasn’t until about 70% in when things started to come to light, truths were revealed, and the plot started to pick up. And by that point, the book was basically over. If this is meant to be a standalone, I don’t feel like the author did a strong job of giving us enough insight into the “Lawless” people and what the ultimate goal was for them.
Alchemy of Souls begins with our FMC, Eloise, wanting to be the first from her family of laborers to get into the “elusive” Mage university. She ultimately gets into the university, along with what seems to be every other student from her school. However, during her entrance exam events happen that lead to her having to work alongside Grayson, the MMC from an elite Mage family, to retrieve a special key for the Chancellor that only their connection can access.
Character wise, I was not a huge fan of Eloise. I felt like she had unnecessary animosity towards Grayson, in the beginning, and was more focused on trying to enjoy college with her best friend than focus on the task at hand. She was almost one dimensional to me. Whereas, Grayson was a more likable character. He was witty and charismatic and I found myself enjoying his POV more because he had more character depth and a stronger personal storyline.
I do have to say that there was a huge part of the book where I felt nothing really happened. It wasn’t until about 70% in when things started to come to light, truths were revealed, and the plot started to pick up. And by that point, the book was basically over. If this is meant to be a standalone, I don’t feel like the author did a strong job of giving us enough insight into the “Lawless” people and what the ultimate goal was for them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this read; it’s a high-stakes ride packed with sharp banter, explosive action, and several plot twists that genuinely caught me off guard. The dark academic setting provided the perfect backdrop for the story. Watching the leads transition from genuine animosity to a deep, heartwarming connection was easily the highlight, specifically Grayson, whose character growth and hidden depth made him a standout.
However, the female lead, Eloise, felt a bit underdeveloped by comparison. Despite a ticking clock and a dangerous mission, her priorities often leaned toward partying with friends, which made her feel slightly selfish and two dimensional. Even with that disconnect, the pacing and Grayson's arc make this a definite recommendation.
However, the female lead, Eloise, felt a bit underdeveloped by comparison. Despite a ticking clock and a dangerous mission, her priorities often leaned toward partying with friends, which made her feel slightly selfish and two dimensional. Even with that disconnect, the pacing and Grayson's arc make this a definite recommendation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this read. I was really drawn in by the magic and the magical school. It was novel to me and interesting to read about. As far as characters, Gray was my favorite. He’s witty, arrogant at times but also self deprecating. I thoroughly enjoyed his POV. I wish we would have learned a little more about the lawless group and the magical school in general.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book is so good! I predict it will be a NYTimes best seller! Magic. Romance. Thievery. It has all you want and more!!!
Want to read
February 2, 2026just so we're clear, I would read anything Adriana Mather writes. I would read her grocery list if she published it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews