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The Alchemy Trials #1
The Alchemary
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Neither amnesia nor the brothers trying to steer her fate will stop Amber Fallbrook from uncovering the truth about herself, the Alchemary, and the legend of the Philosopher’s Stone.
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers, The Shifters) pens a dark paranormal romantasy centered on alchemy magic—and those who dare harness it.
Naked, knowing little more than her name, Amber Fallbrook does not recognize the stone tower she’s awoken in, or the vast, glittering ocean outside the window. Turning, she finds a very a different view: the beautiful, nearly naked man in the narrow bed is a stranger. So is the man who barges into the room unannounced, clearly expecting to find Amber alone.
Who are they? Who is she? Why can’t she remember?
Shocked to discover that she’s in her dormitory room at the Alchemary—the realm’s prestigious university dedicated to the study of alchemy—Amber has no recollection of having been one of the school’s top students for the past two years. The two men—brothers—are her childhood friends, even if “friends” is not the exact energy in the room.
One brother claims to want to protect her, and the other to help her recover her memory, but Amber soon realizes that nothing is at it seems at the Alchemary. Not the intentions of her classmates and faculty, not the stunning, labyrinthian campus, not the two brothers she’s increasingly attracted to—maybe not even herself.
Despite her memory loss, Amber rejoins her classes and prepares for the deadly Alchemary Trials alongside the other Mastery-level students. But as invigorating as the flowing language and symbology of alchemy is, she can’t help but notice that for an institution shining light on the quest for human perfection there are a lot of dark shadows in its winding corridors.
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers, The Shifters) pens a dark paranormal romantasy centered on alchemy magic—and those who dare harness it.
Naked, knowing little more than her name, Amber Fallbrook does not recognize the stone tower she’s awoken in, or the vast, glittering ocean outside the window. Turning, she finds a very a different view: the beautiful, nearly naked man in the narrow bed is a stranger. So is the man who barges into the room unannounced, clearly expecting to find Amber alone.
Who are they? Who is she? Why can’t she remember?
Shocked to discover that she’s in her dormitory room at the Alchemary—the realm’s prestigious university dedicated to the study of alchemy—Amber has no recollection of having been one of the school’s top students for the past two years. The two men—brothers—are her childhood friends, even if “friends” is not the exact energy in the room.
One brother claims to want to protect her, and the other to help her recover her memory, but Amber soon realizes that nothing is at it seems at the Alchemary. Not the intentions of her classmates and faculty, not the stunning, labyrinthian campus, not the two brothers she’s increasingly attracted to—maybe not even herself.
Despite her memory loss, Amber rejoins her classes and prepares for the deadly Alchemary Trials alongside the other Mastery-level students. But as invigorating as the flowing language and symbology of alchemy is, she can’t help but notice that for an institution shining light on the quest for human perfection there are a lot of dark shadows in its winding corridors.
512 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
6 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Vincent
65 books9,783 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 17, 2025
Reading the synopsis seeing the words “the philosophers stone” immediately caught my interest, but this book is far from Harry Potter and has its own unique world and magic system.
The FMC is the top rated student in her class who excels in her education, however on the first day of her third and final school year she wakes up with memory loss. She can’t remember exactly her last memory and she definitely doesn’t recall her entire first two years of school and why her close male friend is in her bed.
There’s an interesting vibe going on between her two friends / brothers.. one broody, grumpy and seemingly jealous, and one care free, class clown and golden retriever vibes.
She has 6 weeks to attempt to restore her memories and figure out what caused her memory loss or she will not be able to participate in her final school years trials.
Overall I found the plot of the book interesting and an entertaining read. I will be continuing the series!
I found the school / magic system interesting and figuring out what each of the four trials were. if you’re into magical schools and love triangles I’d say this book is worth a try!
Thank you for the gifted copy, all opinions are my own
The FMC is the top rated student in her class who excels in her education, however on the first day of her third and final school year she wakes up with memory loss. She can’t remember exactly her last memory and she definitely doesn’t recall her entire first two years of school and why her close male friend is in her bed.
There’s an interesting vibe going on between her two friends / brothers.. one broody, grumpy and seemingly jealous, and one care free, class clown and golden retriever vibes.
She has 6 weeks to attempt to restore her memories and figure out what caused her memory loss or she will not be able to participate in her final school years trials.
Overall I found the plot of the book interesting and an entertaining read. I will be continuing the series!
I found the school / magic system interesting and figuring out what each of the four trials were. if you’re into magical schools and love triangles I’d say this book is worth a try!
Thank you for the gifted copy, all opinions are my own
December 17, 2025
FIVE STARS!!!!
This book is why I’m so hesitant, yet incredibly grateful, when I receive arcs because WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT’S THE BEST BOOK YOUVE READ ALL YEAR BUT IT’S BOOK ONE IN A SERIES AND THE BOOK DOESN’T ACTUALLY COME OUT UNTIL NEXT YEAR AND BOOK TWO PROBABLY HASN’T BEEN WRITTEN YET AND WON’T BE RELEASED UNTIL THE NEXT YEAR.
Okay. Sorry. Breathe.
I’m going to be so so so annoying come April 2026 because I will be recommending this book to everyone. I was only halfway through the book when I realized this was probably book 1 in a series and you cannot begin to imagine how panicked I became… I LOVEEEE Amber, the FMC and narrator of this story. I also cannot say anything about this book because it will not be released for another 4 months. I went into this completely blind and I FEAR I WILL NEVER HAVE A READING EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS AGAIN!!!!
The two books that came to mind when reading and what I hope will be comp titles when promoting was Alchemised x The Atlas Six. This may be biased given those are two of my favorite books but if you like those two books you’ll love this one. I think, especially, if you didn’t like certain themes or plot points from them, this book makes different choices and utilizes those themes in more palatable ways.
Okay!!!! I’m not saying anything else even though this review has said absolutely nothing of substance. BUT!!!! I highly recommend adding this to your TBR if you love a darker romantasy (not dark as in dark romance but darker themes).
Okay byeeee please read this book when it’s released I love it so much and I’m really sad it’s over.
This book is why I’m so hesitant, yet incredibly grateful, when I receive arcs because WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT’S THE BEST BOOK YOUVE READ ALL YEAR BUT IT’S BOOK ONE IN A SERIES AND THE BOOK DOESN’T ACTUALLY COME OUT UNTIL NEXT YEAR AND BOOK TWO PROBABLY HASN’T BEEN WRITTEN YET AND WON’T BE RELEASED UNTIL THE NEXT YEAR.
Okay. Sorry. Breathe.
I’m going to be so so so annoying come April 2026 because I will be recommending this book to everyone. I was only halfway through the book when I realized this was probably book 1 in a series and you cannot begin to imagine how panicked I became… I LOVEEEE Amber, the FMC and narrator of this story. I also cannot say anything about this book because it will not be released for another 4 months. I went into this completely blind and I FEAR I WILL NEVER HAVE A READING EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS AGAIN!!!!
The two books that came to mind when reading and what I hope will be comp titles when promoting was Alchemised x The Atlas Six. This may be biased given those are two of my favorite books but if you like those two books you’ll love this one. I think, especially, if you didn’t like certain themes or plot points from them, this book makes different choices and utilizes those themes in more palatable ways.
Okay!!!! I’m not saying anything else even though this review has said absolutely nothing of substance. BUT!!!! I highly recommend adding this to your TBR if you love a darker romantasy (not dark as in dark romance but darker themes).
Okay byeeee please read this book when it’s released I love it so much and I’m really sad it’s over.
November 24, 2025
3.5 stars! Dark academia with some romance is right up my alley and I really enjoyed this one.
Amber wakes up with no recent memories to a stunning cliff-side view of the ocean outside her window. This immediately transports us to the beautiful setting of the Alchemary, the most prestigious school of alchemy. The descriptions of the campus buildings and architecture are so vivid you feel like you are there alongside Amber as she rediscovers everything herself. Amber learns she is in her third and final year and therefore must survive the Alchemary Trials or be expelled, despite having no memories of the past two years. To do so, Amber must rely on her only two friends to help her prepare. Wilder, her childhood best friend and current classmate, wants to help her to succeed. While his brother Desmond, a recent graduate and current staff researcher, will do anything to send her home to safety.
As Amber prepares for the trials she uncovers more questions than answers. Why was she researching the Philosopher’s stone? Is her relationship with either Wilder or Desmond more than just a simple friendship? Will she ever be able to decipher her old notes and discover the dark secrets lurking beneath the university’s shiny surface?
I think the biggest problem I had with the book was the pacing. The first 20% was very slow and then it would pick up but slow back down until the last 30%. I also would have liked to get a better grasp on Amber’s relationships with her other classmates before the amnesia. Overall though I loved it and will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amber wakes up with no recent memories to a stunning cliff-side view of the ocean outside her window. This immediately transports us to the beautiful setting of the Alchemary, the most prestigious school of alchemy. The descriptions of the campus buildings and architecture are so vivid you feel like you are there alongside Amber as she rediscovers everything herself. Amber learns she is in her third and final year and therefore must survive the Alchemary Trials or be expelled, despite having no memories of the past two years. To do so, Amber must rely on her only two friends to help her prepare. Wilder, her childhood best friend and current classmate, wants to help her to succeed. While his brother Desmond, a recent graduate and current staff researcher, will do anything to send her home to safety.
As Amber prepares for the trials she uncovers more questions than answers. Why was she researching the Philosopher’s stone? Is her relationship with either Wilder or Desmond more than just a simple friendship? Will she ever be able to decipher her old notes and discover the dark secrets lurking beneath the university’s shiny surface?
I think the biggest problem I had with the book was the pacing. The first 20% was very slow and then it would pick up but slow back down until the last 30%. I also would have liked to get a better grasp on Amber’s relationships with her other classmates before the amnesia. Overall though I loved it and will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
Oh, this was so fantastic, I loved everything about it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.75 🌟
✔️ Love triangle
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Academia
✔️ Games and trials
This book was already on my TBR because of Allurial. Imagine my surprise and enthusiasm when I actually get an ARC for this book! That being said the beginning of this book started off exactly how I had imagined it due to the blurb. I immediately wanted to know her relationship with the two brothers and desperately wanted her to solve the mystery of her amnesia and regain said memories.
The first 20% of the book was hard to endure but that can be said of most fantasy books, the frontend will always be loaded with world building. Initially I was disappointed with the lack of romance and I felt only a slight pull towards one of the brothers. However, I feel like that is the point. The whole basis of this book is Amber acting on her instincts. In an effort to not spoil the book I'll leave it at that.
I was so focused on Amber solving the issue of her lost memories, actually I was screaming at the 3 of them to do something more substantial than just study and go to class. I truly felt like I was an observer beating on the glass wall of an aquarium, trying to get the characters to stop the world from ending. Hypothetically of course. Anyways, I came to the conclusion that Amber is better without her memories which was an unexpected outcome.
We do get some lackluster spice, and while spice is not a requirement I felt like those scenes were not truly descriptive as if the author was not comfortable being descriptive with the spice. I say this because the rest of the book is HIGHLY descriptive.
I was just vibing along going through the trials sure that our girl is gonna pass and prove everyone wrong. Sure that she's gonna recover her memories and resume her place at the head of the cohort. Sure she was gonna discover the philosopher's stone. Meanwhile homegirl is just completing side quests like her life depends on it. Then the plot twists literally hits me in the face, I didn't see the last 25% of this book coming.
Overall a unique romantasy and I will be continuing the series.
-------------------------------
I will post my usual quotes from the book once it is actually published.
3.75 🌟
✔️ Love triangle
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Academia
✔️ Games and trials
This book was already on my TBR because of Allurial. Imagine my surprise and enthusiasm when I actually get an ARC for this book! That being said the beginning of this book started off exactly how I had imagined it due to the blurb. I immediately wanted to know her relationship with the two brothers and desperately wanted her to solve the mystery of her amnesia and regain said memories.
The first 20% of the book was hard to endure but that can be said of most fantasy books, the frontend will always be loaded with world building. Initially I was disappointed with the lack of romance and I felt only a slight pull towards one of the brothers. However, I feel like that is the point. The whole basis of this book is Amber acting on her instincts. In an effort to not spoil the book I'll leave it at that.
I was so focused on Amber solving the issue of her lost memories, actually I was screaming at the 3 of them to do something more substantial than just study and go to class. I truly felt like I was an observer beating on the glass wall of an aquarium, trying to get the characters to stop the world from ending. Hypothetically of course. Anyways, I came to the conclusion that Amber is better without her memories which was an unexpected outcome.
We do get some lackluster spice, and while spice is not a requirement I felt like those scenes were not truly descriptive as if the author was not comfortable being descriptive with the spice. I say this because the rest of the book is HIGHLY descriptive.
I was just vibing along going through the trials sure that our girl is gonna pass and prove everyone wrong. Sure that she's gonna recover her memories and resume her place at the head of the cohort. Sure she was gonna discover the philosopher's stone. Meanwhile homegirl is just completing side quests like her life depends on it. Then the plot twists literally hits me in the face, I didn't see the last 25% of this book coming.
Overall a unique romantasy and I will be continuing the series.
-------------------------------
I will post my usual quotes from the book once it is actually published.
November 11, 2025
She knows nothing other than her name...
Amber Fallbrook wakes in a tower of stone... overlooking an ocean she does not know... in the company of a man...a nearly naked man at that.
And when another barges in... expecting to find Amber alone... her confusion only grows.
Who are they?
Who is she?
Where is she?
Why can't she remember...?
Imagine the shock when Amber realizes she's woken up in what's her dorm room in the most prestigious university dedicated to alchemy... and is further perplexed by the fact that she has no memory that she is in fact, among the best of the university's students...
for the past two years.
And that the two men in her life now are brothers.... her friends.... even though she may not feel as though they are friends with how... um... close they are.
One claims to want to protect her. The other claims to want to help her get her memory back. And in the labyrinthine campus... surrounded by her classmates, her professors, and what has become her life in the past two years... despite her growing affection for both of the brothers... Amber's life may not be all that it seems.
Darkly bewitching and calling with secrets that long to be discovered... that long to be known.... Rachel Vincent has created a truly spellbinding novel that will grab your attention and refuse to let you go until the very last page....and Vincent has far outdone herself on the magic system and giving a fresh look and take on alchemy that will linger in the back of my mind for ages to come.... not only that, but Vincent has seamlessly blended just the perfect dash of romance in to tie off the story in the most perfect of ways....
Overall, I very thoroughly enjoyed The Alchemary.. and I am looking forward to the sequel when it comes to that time....
I am voluntarily leaving a review as I was sent a copy of this in advanced. Special thanks to Hyperion Avenue, and Rachel Vincent's amazing team there for allowing me to read this amazing novel.
Amber Fallbrook wakes in a tower of stone... overlooking an ocean she does not know... in the company of a man...a nearly naked man at that.
And when another barges in... expecting to find Amber alone... her confusion only grows.
Who are they?
Who is she?
Where is she?
Why can't she remember...?
Imagine the shock when Amber realizes she's woken up in what's her dorm room in the most prestigious university dedicated to alchemy... and is further perplexed by the fact that she has no memory that she is in fact, among the best of the university's students...
for the past two years.
And that the two men in her life now are brothers.... her friends.... even though she may not feel as though they are friends with how... um... close they are.
One claims to want to protect her. The other claims to want to help her get her memory back. And in the labyrinthine campus... surrounded by her classmates, her professors, and what has become her life in the past two years... despite her growing affection for both of the brothers... Amber's life may not be all that it seems.
Darkly bewitching and calling with secrets that long to be discovered... that long to be known.... Rachel Vincent has created a truly spellbinding novel that will grab your attention and refuse to let you go until the very last page....and Vincent has far outdone herself on the magic system and giving a fresh look and take on alchemy that will linger in the back of my mind for ages to come.... not only that, but Vincent has seamlessly blended just the perfect dash of romance in to tie off the story in the most perfect of ways....
Overall, I very thoroughly enjoyed The Alchemary.. and I am looking forward to the sequel when it comes to that time....
I am voluntarily leaving a review as I was sent a copy of this in advanced. Special thanks to Hyperion Avenue, and Rachel Vincent's amazing team there for allowing me to read this amazing novel.
November 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC!
The Alchemary drops you straight into the chaos. Amber wakes up in a stone tower with no memory, a stranger in her bed, and Desmond and Wilder, two brothers from her past, reacting very differently to the situation. The entire alchemical university seems oddly unfazed and welcomes her back as if a total identity wipe is just a minor inconvenience. The tone is moody, coastal, and very dark academia in a way that pulls you in immediately.
I want to be honest about one thing I personally struggled with. The amnesia premise is a tough one for me. Even though I understand why it is used for the mystery, it is hard for me to connect with a world where a girl loses every memory she has and everyone around her simply moves on. Some early character reactions felt emotionally strange to me because of that.
I also felt the pacing slowed down in certain sections as Amber gradually regains pieces of her past. The reveals are interesting, but the momentum dips at times and I found myself wishing the story would move forward a little more quickly.
There is still a lot here that really worked for me. The Alchemary itself is an incredibly atmospheric setting. The tension between Amber, Desmond, and Wilder adds both emotional stakes and mystery. The Trials and the secrets surrounding the school kept my curiosity going, along with the question of who Amber was and who she is becoming.
If you enjoy dark academia, magical universities filled with hidden agendas, identity mysteries, complicated sibling dynamics, and slow-burn tension with real stakes, this book is worth picking up. It has a rich, moody world and plenty of intrigue, even with a few pacing bumps.
The Alchemary drops you straight into the chaos. Amber wakes up in a stone tower with no memory, a stranger in her bed, and Desmond and Wilder, two brothers from her past, reacting very differently to the situation. The entire alchemical university seems oddly unfazed and welcomes her back as if a total identity wipe is just a minor inconvenience. The tone is moody, coastal, and very dark academia in a way that pulls you in immediately.
I want to be honest about one thing I personally struggled with. The amnesia premise is a tough one for me. Even though I understand why it is used for the mystery, it is hard for me to connect with a world where a girl loses every memory she has and everyone around her simply moves on. Some early character reactions felt emotionally strange to me because of that.
I also felt the pacing slowed down in certain sections as Amber gradually regains pieces of her past. The reveals are interesting, but the momentum dips at times and I found myself wishing the story would move forward a little more quickly.
There is still a lot here that really worked for me. The Alchemary itself is an incredibly atmospheric setting. The tension between Amber, Desmond, and Wilder adds both emotional stakes and mystery. The Trials and the secrets surrounding the school kept my curiosity going, along with the question of who Amber was and who she is becoming.
If you enjoy dark academia, magical universities filled with hidden agendas, identity mysteries, complicated sibling dynamics, and slow-burn tension with real stakes, this book is worth picking up. It has a rich, moody world and plenty of intrigue, even with a few pacing bumps.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars- This was such a good start to a new series. It was an interesting blend of romance, fantasy, science, and a strong female protagonist. It also had vibes from a long ago TV show that I loved called Samantha Who, starring Christina Applegate. I know this is a strange reference to put in a book review but I absolutely loved that show and I love that this book had a similar theme except with the added alchemy and dark academia world.
Amber Fallbrook has amnesia and has no memory of the last several years that she spent studying alchemy at The Alchemary. Despite her memory loss she refuses to leave The Alchemary as it has been her dream since she was little to study alchemy. The only problem is she is a mastery level student and has upcoming trials to take. These trials are deadly and Amber has no memory of what she has learned the past couple of years. She decides that she is going to study as hard as she can in the hopes that her memory will come back. In the coming weeks she begins to recognize that past Amber was not the nicest of people. Plus she can't figure out her love life. Who was she involved with before and who is really her friend? Amber must figure out her past in order to keep herself alive.
I am so excited to read the next book in this series. I loved this world as well as Amber and the brothers, Wilder and Desmond. Amber was a great character and I enjoyed reading about how she had changed. I liked that she was strong, and smart regardless of what had happened to her. I definitely think this book fits in the Romantasy category but I loved that it also had urban fantasy vibes as well. An excellent read and I can't wait to read more.
Thank you to Hyperion Avenue Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Amber Fallbrook has amnesia and has no memory of the last several years that she spent studying alchemy at The Alchemary. Despite her memory loss she refuses to leave The Alchemary as it has been her dream since she was little to study alchemy. The only problem is she is a mastery level student and has upcoming trials to take. These trials are deadly and Amber has no memory of what she has learned the past couple of years. She decides that she is going to study as hard as she can in the hopes that her memory will come back. In the coming weeks she begins to recognize that past Amber was not the nicest of people. Plus she can't figure out her love life. Who was she involved with before and who is really her friend? Amber must figure out her past in order to keep herself alive.
I am so excited to read the next book in this series. I loved this world as well as Amber and the brothers, Wilder and Desmond. Amber was a great character and I enjoyed reading about how she had changed. I liked that she was strong, and smart regardless of what had happened to her. I definitely think this book fits in the Romantasy category but I loved that it also had urban fantasy vibes as well. An excellent read and I can't wait to read more.
Thank you to Hyperion Avenue Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. Really enjoyed this one.
We wake up with Amber at the Alchemary, a prestigious alchemy school, with her memories gone from the last 2 years. She's confused, unsure where she is and what she is supposed to do.
As she tries to find her lost memories and fight her way through the trials, she also finds herself in a dilemma. The brothers. Wilder, her childhood best friend is there every step of the way, helping her, and making sure she survives the trials. But Desmond is eager to get her out of the Alchemary. However, that isn't the only problem. Her feelings are conflicted, is she with Wilder or Desmond? What was her relationship to them prior to losing her memory?
Absolutely loved all of the details throughout the book. They were so vivid that I felt like I was actually at the Alchemary. I do wish that attention to detail was applied to more areas besides the school.
Only had 3 issues with this book:
1. the love triangle, definitely not my cup of tea and that's okay.
2. the pacing of the book. The first 20% felt very slow with a lack of important information. Then it really picks up and then slows down a bit again. Additionally, some parts definitely felt repetitive and unnecessarily long.
3. Amber's relationship to her classmates. There is an obvious hatred towards her and we only know true reason in the end. However, I would've loved more backstory on how their relationships started and shifted to where it is now.
Overall, I devoured 80% of this book in a matter of days. Absolutely, loved it and now I'm devastated to have to wait until 2027 for the second book😭.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
We wake up with Amber at the Alchemary, a prestigious alchemy school, with her memories gone from the last 2 years. She's confused, unsure where she is and what she is supposed to do.
As she tries to find her lost memories and fight her way through the trials, she also finds herself in a dilemma. The brothers. Wilder, her childhood best friend is there every step of the way, helping her, and making sure she survives the trials. But Desmond is eager to get her out of the Alchemary. However, that isn't the only problem. Her feelings are conflicted, is she with Wilder or Desmond? What was her relationship to them prior to losing her memory?
Absolutely loved all of the details throughout the book. They were so vivid that I felt like I was actually at the Alchemary. I do wish that attention to detail was applied to more areas besides the school.
Only had 3 issues with this book:
1. the love triangle, definitely not my cup of tea and that's okay.
2. the pacing of the book. The first 20% felt very slow with a lack of important information. Then it really picks up and then slows down a bit again. Additionally, some parts definitely felt repetitive and unnecessarily long.
3. Amber's relationship to her classmates. There is an obvious hatred towards her and we only know true reason in the end. However, I would've loved more backstory on how their relationships started and shifted to where it is now.
Overall, I devoured 80% of this book in a matter of days. Absolutely, loved it and now I'm devastated to have to wait until 2027 for the second book😭.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
November 12, 2025
4.25 stars. I enjoy stories around academia, and THE ALCHEMARY was a wonderful surprise.
The story starts with Amber waking in bed with a nearly naked man, having no memory of her life or circumstances. The man in bed with her, Wilder, is a student—like her—who are both getting ready to start the third year at a prestigious school called The Alchemary. Also at the school is Desmond, Wilder’s older brother and accomplished alchemist.
The first two hundred pages surround Amber’s quest for knowledge about her past while trying to prepare for the third year at school when she can barely remember anything. I felt that this section could have been tightened up a bit, as I had a hard time staying engaged. However, I did appreciate the author’s method of sharing Amber’s backstory with readers while she is relearning it herself.
Somehow, after that point, things start moving very quickly. The Alchemy Trials are particularly engaging. The old Amber has a reputation of being an intelligent mean girl, and so she had few friends. But the new memory-deficient Amber is nicer, and a much more likable protagonist.
Early pacing issues aside, this book was excellent. The story was so complex, yet so compelling. And the reason for Amber’s memory loss was unexpectedly clever. I loved the ending, and can’t wait for the conclusion!
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
The story starts with Amber waking in bed with a nearly naked man, having no memory of her life or circumstances. The man in bed with her, Wilder, is a student—like her—who are both getting ready to start the third year at a prestigious school called The Alchemary. Also at the school is Desmond, Wilder’s older brother and accomplished alchemist.
The first two hundred pages surround Amber’s quest for knowledge about her past while trying to prepare for the third year at school when she can barely remember anything. I felt that this section could have been tightened up a bit, as I had a hard time staying engaged. However, I did appreciate the author’s method of sharing Amber’s backstory with readers while she is relearning it herself.
Somehow, after that point, things start moving very quickly. The Alchemy Trials are particularly engaging. The old Amber has a reputation of being an intelligent mean girl, and so she had few friends. But the new memory-deficient Amber is nicer, and a much more likable protagonist.
Early pacing issues aside, this book was excellent. The story was so complex, yet so compelling. And the reason for Amber’s memory loss was unexpectedly clever. I loved the ending, and can’t wait for the conclusion!
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
December 6, 2025
✨ THE ALCHEMARY by Rachel Vincent
Dark academia meets alchemy magic… with memory loss, dangerous trials, and two brothers who are way too complicated to call “friends.” 👀
This book hooked me from page one. Amber wakes up with no memories, a stranger in her bed, another stranger barging in and both claim they’ve known her for years. The vibes? Chaotic, mysterious, intoxicating.
As Amber starts to piece her life back together, she discovers:
⚗️ A magical school filled with secrets
⚗️ A deadly set of alchemy trials
⚗️ A legend tied to the Philosopher’s Stone
⚗️ A broody/grumpy brother vs. golden-retriever brother dynamic
⚗️ A slow, creeping sense that she cannot trust anyone...maybe not even herself
This is the kind of romantasy that gives you:
✨ Dark academia energy
✨ Magic + mystery + a ticking clock
✨ That “who can I trust?” tension
✨ A subtle, delicious love-triangle pull
✨ A heroine rediscovering who she was… and deciding who she wants to be
📚 Read this if you love:
• Magical schools with high stakes
• Amnesia plots packed with secrets
• Trials, puzzles, and academic competition
• Sibling rivalries with romantic tension
• Slow-burn romantasy rooted in mystery
If you’re craving something atmospheric, twisty, and alchemy-obsessed with a heroine fighting to reclaim her past then this belongs on your TBR.
#TheAlchemary #RachelVincent #RomantasyReads #DarkAcademiaVibes #BookstagramFantasy #HyperionAvenue
Dark academia meets alchemy magic… with memory loss, dangerous trials, and two brothers who are way too complicated to call “friends.” 👀
This book hooked me from page one. Amber wakes up with no memories, a stranger in her bed, another stranger barging in and both claim they’ve known her for years. The vibes? Chaotic, mysterious, intoxicating.
As Amber starts to piece her life back together, she discovers:
⚗️ A magical school filled with secrets
⚗️ A deadly set of alchemy trials
⚗️ A legend tied to the Philosopher’s Stone
⚗️ A broody/grumpy brother vs. golden-retriever brother dynamic
⚗️ A slow, creeping sense that she cannot trust anyone...maybe not even herself
This is the kind of romantasy that gives you:
✨ Dark academia energy
✨ Magic + mystery + a ticking clock
✨ That “who can I trust?” tension
✨ A subtle, delicious love-triangle pull
✨ A heroine rediscovering who she was… and deciding who she wants to be
📚 Read this if you love:
• Magical schools with high stakes
• Amnesia plots packed with secrets
• Trials, puzzles, and academic competition
• Sibling rivalries with romantic tension
• Slow-burn romantasy rooted in mystery
If you’re craving something atmospheric, twisty, and alchemy-obsessed with a heroine fighting to reclaim her past then this belongs on your TBR.
#TheAlchemary #RachelVincent #RomantasyReads #DarkAcademiaVibes #BookstagramFantasy #HyperionAvenue
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So, this story begins in a way I haven’t encountered in a long time. And the ending? Just as unexpected. Honestly, most of what happens in between is equally unconventional.
This book feels singular and unique, even while clearly being the start of a series. There will be at least one more book, as the ending makes very clear. What really stands out is the depth of the worldbuilding. Now that I’ve finished it, I realize it gave me the same feeling I had while reading When the Moon Hatched and My Dear Illusion. I can’t quite articulate what links those experiences, except that all three have premises that don’t feel trope-heavy or recycled. They aren’t the kinds of stories you feel like you’ve read a dozen times already.
I’m giving this a full five stars. It’s truly fantastic.
This is a fantasy novel, but it also has a philosophical undercurrent that adds a lot of richness. There’s a small hint of romance, though I wouldn’t call it a central element. There are a few scenes that readers may choose to linger on or skim past, depending on their tolerance for smut, but it is absolutely not the focus of the book.
So, depending on what you’re looking for, this may or may not be your next read. But if you want a thoughtfully imagined fantasy that launches a promising new series, this one is well worth picking up.
This book feels singular and unique, even while clearly being the start of a series. There will be at least one more book, as the ending makes very clear. What really stands out is the depth of the worldbuilding. Now that I’ve finished it, I realize it gave me the same feeling I had while reading When the Moon Hatched and My Dear Illusion. I can’t quite articulate what links those experiences, except that all three have premises that don’t feel trope-heavy or recycled. They aren’t the kinds of stories you feel like you’ve read a dozen times already.
I’m giving this a full five stars. It’s truly fantastic.
This is a fantasy novel, but it also has a philosophical undercurrent that adds a lot of richness. There’s a small hint of romance, though I wouldn’t call it a central element. There are a few scenes that readers may choose to linger on or skim past, depending on their tolerance for smut, but it is absolutely not the focus of the book.
So, depending on what you’re looking for, this may or may not be your next read. But if you want a thoughtfully imagined fantasy that launches a promising new series, this one is well worth picking up.
November 13, 2025
3.5
Amber Fallbrook despierta en una habitación que no reconoce, junto a un hombre al que no recuerda, sin idea de dónde está ni quién es. Pronto descubre que se encuentra en la Alchemary, la academia más prestigiosa del reino de Aethermere, donde la alquimia no solo es ciencia, sino poder. Lo más inquietante: ha perdido toda memoria de los últimos años, incluyendo sus estudios, sus logros y sus relaciones con los hermanos Desmond y Wilder Gregory, con quienes comparte un pasado tan profundo como peligroso.
Mientras intenta recuperar sus recuerdos y mantener su lugar en el programa más exigente de la academia, Amber descubre que su investigación, una que podría desafiar las leyes mismas de la alquimia, pudo haber sido la causa de su amnesia. Entre secretos, traiciones y una atracción prohibida que amenaza con consumirla, deberá decidir en quién confiar… antes de que la verdad la destruya por completo.
__
Estoy con Amber en que no entendí porque Desmond no le dijo la verdad.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Amber Fallbrook despierta en una habitación que no reconoce, junto a un hombre al que no recuerda, sin idea de dónde está ni quién es. Pronto descubre que se encuentra en la Alchemary, la academia más prestigiosa del reino de Aethermere, donde la alquimia no solo es ciencia, sino poder. Lo más inquietante: ha perdido toda memoria de los últimos años, incluyendo sus estudios, sus logros y sus relaciones con los hermanos Desmond y Wilder Gregory, con quienes comparte un pasado tan profundo como peligroso.
Mientras intenta recuperar sus recuerdos y mantener su lugar en el programa más exigente de la academia, Amber descubre que su investigación, una que podría desafiar las leyes mismas de la alquimia, pudo haber sido la causa de su amnesia. Entre secretos, traiciones y una atracción prohibida que amenaza con consumirla, deberá decidir en quién confiar… antes de que la verdad la destruya por completo.
__
Estoy con Amber en que no entendí porque Desmond no le dijo la verdad.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 9, 2025
Romantasy
Dark academia
Amnesia
Trials
The blurb to this book is what originally drew me to it. But it did not live up to my expectations.
While I liked how descriptive the scenes were when talking about what the Alchemary looked liked and I could totally picture myself there, I found myself often confused when the author wrote about alchemy itself and the subjects the students were learning. The first half of the book seemed incredibly slow.
I felt it odd that Amber didn’t seem to care about finding out why she lost her memories. She instantly threw herself back into her studies to prepare for the trials. I was frustrated that no character seemed to really want to help her with her memories for most of the book.
It wasn’t until more then 50% into the book that the trials finally started and I will say I enjoyed reading those parts.
I was completely overwhelmed by the end of the book with how all the questions were answered. It was a lot of information to take in.
It does end on a cliffhanger with the next book not coming out until Spring 2027.
Dark academia
Amnesia
Trials
The blurb to this book is what originally drew me to it. But it did not live up to my expectations.
While I liked how descriptive the scenes were when talking about what the Alchemary looked liked and I could totally picture myself there, I found myself often confused when the author wrote about alchemy itself and the subjects the students were learning. The first half of the book seemed incredibly slow.
I felt it odd that Amber didn’t seem to care about finding out why she lost her memories. She instantly threw herself back into her studies to prepare for the trials. I was frustrated that no character seemed to really want to help her with her memories for most of the book.
It wasn’t until more then 50% into the book that the trials finally started and I will say I enjoyed reading those parts.
I was completely overwhelmed by the end of the book with how all the questions were answered. It was a lot of information to take in.
It does end on a cliffhanger with the next book not coming out until Spring 2027.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
EEK!!! I have been DYING for an amazing new dark academia series, and this was it!
It starts with Amber waking up not remembering the last two years of her life, and so with her we get to learn the world, the school, the magic system. While the beginning is a bit slow action wise due to the lovely world building, I still enjoyed every page. Then, about 3/4 of the way through, the action picks up so much I could hardly breathe as I turned the pages.
I'm usually a more romance- heavy romantasy girl, but in this, the romance(s) was more of a subplot, and I was actually fine with that. That said, I loved the romance, and I have a feeling it will be a bigger part of book two.
This is going to sound like a completely unhinged comparison, but the Gregory brothers were insanely Fisher (Conrad and Jere) coded. If you loved that dynamic, you will love this one.
I am so thankful I was able to pick this one up before it came out, and I cannot wait for the next one! What a ride!
It starts with Amber waking up not remembering the last two years of her life, and so with her we get to learn the world, the school, the magic system. While the beginning is a bit slow action wise due to the lovely world building, I still enjoyed every page. Then, about 3/4 of the way through, the action picks up so much I could hardly breathe as I turned the pages.
I'm usually a more romance- heavy romantasy girl, but in this, the romance(s) was more of a subplot, and I was actually fine with that. That said, I loved the romance, and I have a feeling it will be a bigger part of book two.
This is going to sound like a completely unhinged comparison, but the Gregory brothers were insanely Fisher (Conrad and Jere) coded. If you loved that dynamic, you will love this one.
I am so thankful I was able to pick this one up before it came out, and I cannot wait for the next one! What a ride!
February 1, 2026
Wow.
It isn’t often that the end of a book can have me staring into space reflecting on how I didn’t see that coming. This book broke my brain but in the best way possible!
There were so many moving pieces to this story that, as I was reading, I kept thinking why so we need to know this? The story pics up with Amber waking up in bed with her best friend with no memory of the last two years. Now she has to face trials to stay at the Alchemary with no memory of anything she’s learned to help her.
As the trials and memory loss are ongoing there’s a mystery happening surround the Alchemary itself and the man who started it all. The way the story happening at present tied into the mystery by the end of the book had me on the edge of my seat.
Then there was all the details added into the story. The descriptions of the building were beautiful. The details surrounding Amber and her thought on Alchemy really added to the setting. This book gave off Harry Potter but with romance and a love triangle. I was highly impressed and I’m now invested and can’t wait to see what happens next!
It isn’t often that the end of a book can have me staring into space reflecting on how I didn’t see that coming. This book broke my brain but in the best way possible!
There were so many moving pieces to this story that, as I was reading, I kept thinking why so we need to know this? The story pics up with Amber waking up in bed with her best friend with no memory of the last two years. Now she has to face trials to stay at the Alchemary with no memory of anything she’s learned to help her.
As the trials and memory loss are ongoing there’s a mystery happening surround the Alchemary itself and the man who started it all. The way the story happening at present tied into the mystery by the end of the book had me on the edge of my seat.
Then there was all the details added into the story. The descriptions of the building were beautiful. The details surrounding Amber and her thought on Alchemy really added to the setting. This book gave off Harry Potter but with romance and a love triangle. I was highly impressed and I’m now invested and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is not going to be the most coherent or cohesive review ever because I have literally no idea how to formulate (no pun intended) my thoughts on this properly.
Most of my time reading this I was pretty intrigued and was fairly certain I'd land on a 3.5 star rating. I can't do that. I have NOT been able to stop thinking about this all day (I finished it at 5am, it's 7pm now). It consumed my thoughts at work. I am so absolutely perturbed that I have to wait a whole YEAR AND A HALF for book 2. This is why I don't read series. This right here. The wait time inbetween. I can't handle it.
The only issue I have (that pertains to the story and is not an irrational hatred toward a certain word) is that Amber feels incredibly different in the first couple of chapters versus the rest. She comes off as incredibly pompous and pretentious (to me). I get that her character is very academic but the first couple are a weird slog, and then the narration hits its stride.
Also a slight confusion as to why she uses certain people in certain ways and doesn't question her actions when she's supposedly super smart and whatnot, but I can forgive that, cause people are weird.
Most of my time reading this I was pretty intrigued and was fairly certain I'd land on a 3.5 star rating. I can't do that. I have NOT been able to stop thinking about this all day (I finished it at 5am, it's 7pm now). It consumed my thoughts at work. I am so absolutely perturbed that I have to wait a whole YEAR AND A HALF for book 2. This is why I don't read series. This right here. The wait time inbetween. I can't handle it.
The only issue I have (that pertains to the story and is not an irrational hatred toward a certain word) is that Amber feels incredibly different in the first couple of chapters versus the rest. She comes off as incredibly pompous and pretentious (to me). I get that her character is very academic but the first couple are a weird slog, and then the narration hits its stride.
Also a slight confusion as to why she uses certain people in certain ways and doesn't question her actions when she's supposedly super smart and whatnot, but I can forgive that, cause people are weird.
November 18, 2025
The Alchemary is one of those books that grabs you immediately with its atmosphere and refuses to let you come up for air. Rachel Vincent blends alchemy, danger, and a beautifully layered fantasy world into a story that feels fresh, engaging, and completely addictive. The magic system is clever, the worldbuilding is detailed without ever slowing the pace, and every chapter pulls you deeper into the mystery.
The characters are easily the standout. Vincent has a talent for writing flawed, determined heroes you can’t help but root for, and the dynamics—tension-filled, emotional, and occasionally sharp—make the story even richer. I loved watching the relationships evolve against the backdrop of political intrigue and high-stakes magic.
Fast-paced, immersive, and full of twists, The Alchemary is the perfect read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with heart, depth, and a touch of danger. Rachel Vincent delivers another winner.
The characters are easily the standout. Vincent has a talent for writing flawed, determined heroes you can’t help but root for, and the dynamics—tension-filled, emotional, and occasionally sharp—make the story even richer. I loved watching the relationships evolve against the backdrop of political intrigue and high-stakes magic.
Fast-paced, immersive, and full of twists, The Alchemary is the perfect read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with heart, depth, and a touch of danger. Rachel Vincent delivers another winner.
November 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
The Alchemary delivers a unique magic system and a mystery driven plot that explores what lengths people might go to in pursuit of power. We follow along with Amber who wakes up one morning without her memory from the past 2 years and has to navigate her life at The Alchemary. There are 2 potential love interests and my favorite part of the book was the relationship between Amber, Desmond and Wilder, however I wish we had gotten more build up before the end reveal. By the end, there is a resolution to the love triangle, but the catalyst of it felt abrubt to me. I struggled with the pacing of the last 20% of the book. It felt like so much was happening. The trials didn't serve much of a purpose to where the book ends up. It's a good start for the first book of the series, and I am curious to see where we go in book 2.
The Alchemary delivers a unique magic system and a mystery driven plot that explores what lengths people might go to in pursuit of power. We follow along with Amber who wakes up one morning without her memory from the past 2 years and has to navigate her life at The Alchemary. There are 2 potential love interests and my favorite part of the book was the relationship between Amber, Desmond and Wilder, however I wish we had gotten more build up before the end reveal. By the end, there is a resolution to the love triangle, but the catalyst of it felt abrubt to me. I struggled with the pacing of the last 20% of the book. It felt like so much was happening. The trials didn't serve much of a purpose to where the book ends up. It's a good start for the first book of the series, and I am curious to see where we go in book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amber wakes up with no memories of her past two years to learn she's the top student at Alchemary. As she begins to learn about the 'past Amber' as she calls her, we understand she was brilliant in a unapologetic way. As Amber tries to catch up with her education after two years of memory loss, she also is trying to understand everything she is before her first Mastery trial. Bits of memories pop up without context that make it harder for her to understand her past self.
As the story starts to unfold, there are certain parts that I assume will tie into the next book because they didn't seem so relevant to the story. The descriptive world building and even building details all add to the mysterious nature.
Unexpected twists and turns with some plot carrots lead to a surprising ending that makes you want to go back and reread to catch it from the beginning.
As the story starts to unfold, there are certain parts that I assume will tie into the next book because they didn't seem so relevant to the story. The descriptive world building and even building details all add to the mysterious nature.
Unexpected twists and turns with some plot carrots lead to a surprising ending that makes you want to go back and reread to catch it from the beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Many thanks to Hyperion for the ARC! I really enjoyed this fantasy/dark academia story about Amber, an (adult) student of alchemy who loses her memory in the middle of a very important school year while (maybe?!) making some very big discoveries, and having adventures - some of them romantic? - with two very interesting brothers. The spin on the Philosopher’s Stone and the elements of magic and alchemy were a lot of fun, as was the suspense about what really happened in the years Amber can’t remember. If you are hoping for a super intense love triangle, this isn’t it - there is some romance, but it’s a little disjointed throughout the novel, and there’s more scientific chat about experiments than flirty banter - which I actually found refreshing overall, but the book cover blurb is a bit misleading. Overall, a fun read with a sequel coming.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was interesting! It had a neat magical world that I initially thought would be close to Harry Potter with the way the blurb sounded, but it was an in-depth magical system all its own! It was a fun read and it was cool to see the main character have to figure out why her memory was missing. Initially I was hesitant because I don't usually care for memory loss stories as they tend to not be done well but this one was pretty good! To see the character work through the puzzle of things that she couldn't really remember in the first place! I would definitely recommend this read if you like a good magic system! Thank you NetGalley for this free copy to read in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC!
Similar to other reviews, I struggled with the pacing of the book. The first 30% of the book felt slow for me even though we were dealing with Amber's amnesia, academic life, and relationships with various characters. The book picked up when the trials started but then slowed down again. The last 15-20% of the book went by super fast and so many things were happening at once...it was a lot to take in and I felt overwhelmed with all the information.
The romance was okay but it didn't really feel like a true love triangle since it was pretty predictable who she would end up with.
Overall, I had a good time reading this and am interested in seeing where the story goes in the sequel!
Similar to other reviews, I struggled with the pacing of the book. The first 30% of the book felt slow for me even though we were dealing with Amber's amnesia, academic life, and relationships with various characters. The book picked up when the trials started but then slowed down again. The last 15-20% of the book went by super fast and so many things were happening at once...it was a lot to take in and I felt overwhelmed with all the information.
The romance was okay but it didn't really feel like a true love triangle since it was pretty predictable who she would end up with.
Overall, I had a good time reading this and am interested in seeing where the story goes in the sequel!
December 10, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early. I really enjoyed The Alchemary. The mystery around Amber’s missing memories pulled me in, and the magical university has a vivid and intriguing atmosphere. The relationships she navigates add emotion without overwhelming the plot, and the world feels layered with secrets. The pacing is on the slower side, but it gives the story room to build tension and mood. Overall it is an engaging and immersive read that left me curious about what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this! This book had me hooked from page one. I loved the way this was written and I thought the pacing of the book was well thought out. I appreciated having various elements of the plot be a mystery as it made it really engaging. The character dynamics were really interesting as well. Despite the fact that I don't always love a cliff hanger, this one has me really intrigued and excited for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a ride! No fae, no dragons but plenty of magic, mysteries, group dynamics and world building action. Vincent has given us the first book in her Alchemy series and I can't wait for the next one. Strong female protanganist trying to regain her memory while battling wits and physical 'chemistry' with brothers who are either trying to assist her or sabotage her. Oh! On top of this, there's an unseen, immortal source who also seeks what she has in her memory banks. I loved this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Missing memories, academy trials, magic systems that are unique and interesting - sign me up! This book was a fun quick read. I felt there were some pacing issues in the first part of the book but after that got sorted the pace picked up and was quick moving and interesting. I would certainly read other books by Rachel Vincent in this same world and would like to see more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Alchemyst by Rachel Vincent started off pretty slow, and it took me a bit to get into it. But once things picked up, I really enjoyed it. The story got more interesting, the pacing improved, and by the end I was glad I stuck with it. Worth the read if you’re okay with a slow start
thank you netgalley for the ARC
thank you netgalley for the ARC
February 10, 2026
The Alchemary by Rachel Vincent is a dark-academia romantasy about an amnesiac student navigating a dangerous alchemy school, high-stakes trials, and secrets tied to her past. The character dynamics—especially the tension with the two brothers connected to her—add emotional depth, and while the pacing starts slow, it builds into an engaging and atmospheric read.
November 25, 2025
Interesting idea but not a great execution. The ARC I had need some serious edits and rewording in order for me to invest in the FMC. Right now she reads as a pretentious teenager with a pennant to talk like Sherlock Holmes. Also, it could use a chili pepper or two for this love triangle.
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