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Alchemical Journeys #4
Inkpot Gods
The New York Times bestselling author takes us back to the world of the Alchemical Journeys in this action-packed follow-up to Middlegame, Seasonal Fears, and Tidal Creatures.
The gods live and die at our whim.
More than a century has passed since Asphodel Baker refined the process allowing her to imbue alchemically created life with power in a way no one else had ever been able to achieve. More than a century since she built the Impossible City on the ruins of Olympus, forging it from nothing more than imagination and spite, and penned it in plain view, enabling it to be read and cherished and believed by children the world over.
And now, so long after her exit from the world, the descendants of her dark alchemy―who exist in a reality that inches ever closer to the hellscape of her imagination―step into a place of birth, of discovery, of horror, to make amends for the sins of the past.
Can the gods of today defeat the evils of their maker, or will the legacy of the most powerful alchemist the world has ever known prove to be their undoing?
The gods live and die at our whim.
More than a century has passed since Asphodel Baker refined the process allowing her to imbue alchemically created life with power in a way no one else had ever been able to achieve. More than a century since she built the Impossible City on the ruins of Olympus, forging it from nothing more than imagination and spite, and penned it in plain view, enabling it to be read and cherished and believed by children the world over.
And now, so long after her exit from the world, the descendants of her dark alchemy―who exist in a reality that inches ever closer to the hellscape of her imagination―step into a place of birth, of discovery, of horror, to make amends for the sins of the past.
Can the gods of today defeat the evils of their maker, or will the legacy of the most powerful alchemist the world has ever known prove to be their undoing?
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Seanan McGuire
522 books17.4k followersHi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 9, 2026
A return to form
Inkpot Gods is the fourth novel in Seanan McGuire's Alchemical Journeys series. The first of these, Middlegame, was, I thought, one of the very best of McGuire's many, many books. From me that is a big statement, since I'm an avid fan of hers. Books 2 and 3, Seasonal Fears and Tidal Creatures, were much less impressive. Inkpot Gods returns to the subjects and themes of Middlegame. It is not quite as good as that first novel, but it approaches it.
More important, this novel represents, I think, a return to form for McGuire. Those of us who subscribe to her Patreon know that she has gone through some troubles in the last several years. (See her 20-Jun-2024 post for more detail.) It has shown in her output -- not the quantity -- I don't think McGuire can live and stop writing -- but in the quality. Her most recent output has been repetitive and verbose, marred by a tendency to unnecessarily explain EVERYTHING. (She knows better, honestly.)
In Inkpot Gods, and also in "No More Amazement," her 1-Jul-2026 Patreon novella (which I will presently review) she reads like the old Seanan, and I am so glad to have her back!
Inkpot Gods focuses on the Alchemical foundations of Middlegame. We go back to the 19th century and Asphodel Deborah Baker, the central figure in American Alchemy in the world-building of Alchemical Journeys. But these bits of 19th century lore are interspersed with a story of the 21st century characters we have met in the first three novels. It's a gritty, dangerous story: bad things happen to good people. Not everything is set right.
She hints in her acknowledgements that this is nearly, but not quite, the end of the series.
I will certainly read it.
Blog review.
Inkpot Gods is the fourth novel in Seanan McGuire's Alchemical Journeys series. The first of these, Middlegame, was, I thought, one of the very best of McGuire's many, many books. From me that is a big statement, since I'm an avid fan of hers. Books 2 and 3, Seasonal Fears and Tidal Creatures, were much less impressive. Inkpot Gods returns to the subjects and themes of Middlegame. It is not quite as good as that first novel, but it approaches it.
More important, this novel represents, I think, a return to form for McGuire. Those of us who subscribe to her Patreon know that she has gone through some troubles in the last several years. (See her 20-Jun-2024 post for more detail.) It has shown in her output -- not the quantity -- I don't think McGuire can live and stop writing -- but in the quality. Her most recent output has been repetitive and verbose, marred by a tendency to unnecessarily explain EVERYTHING. (She knows better, honestly.)
In Inkpot Gods, and also in "No More Amazement," her 1-Jul-2026 Patreon novella (which I will presently review) she reads like the old Seanan, and I am so glad to have her back!
Inkpot Gods focuses on the Alchemical foundations of Middlegame. We go back to the 19th century and Asphodel Deborah Baker, the central figure in American Alchemy in the world-building of Alchemical Journeys. But these bits of 19th century lore are interspersed with a story of the 21st century characters we have met in the first three novels. It's a gritty, dangerous story: bad things happen to good people. Not everything is set right.
She hints in her acknowledgements that this is nearly, but not quite, the end of the series.
We’ve almost reached the Impossible City at this point, and I can show you a shortcut, if you like. Just take my hand, close your eyes, and trust me. I know the way.No, I don't know what that means either, beyond being a hint that there's another, probably last book to come.
I will certainly read it.
Blog review.
June 10, 2026
I loved this one! It splits its time between telling Asphodel's villain origin story and letting us spend plenty of time with our beloved Berkeley weirdoes - Roger, Dodger, Erin, Smita, Judy, David, Artemis, Kelpie - and they are joined by an interesting new character, Lilianne, who already has unexpected connections to their world. There are little sparks of romance for some of our characters, but they remain very much in the background of the story. There's also some great lgbtqia+ representation.
This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm really curious how things will be resolved in the series finale. I'm also curious if Melanie and Harry will return for the final conflict... because up until now their story seems set apart and less connected to the rest of the series. (When I first read book #2, I thought these were going to be very loosely connected standalones. But now, I feel like #1, #3 & #4 are part of a true series arc, with #2 not really fitting in and feeling less important to the overall story so far...)
This one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm really curious how things will be resolved in the series finale. I'm also curious if Melanie and Harry will return for the final conflict... because up until now their story seems set apart and less connected to the rest of the series. (When I first read book #2, I thought these were going to be very loosely connected standalones. But now, I feel like #1, #3 & #4 are part of a true series arc, with #2 not really fitting in and feeling less important to the overall story so far...)
August 24, 2026
First impressions: I remember being fascinated by Middlegame, the first book in this Alchemical Journeys series, but it’s all been downhill from there with too much churning exposition and powerful figures posturing at each other, and this entry (book four) is a real low point.
We’re introduced to one interesting new character and see plenty of returning faces. Unfortunately, the new character has no room to breathe amid the thicket of theoretically suspicious people dumping their entire personal histories and private trauma to a stranger they don’t trust in order to remind the reader of these details from books one and three that they surely will forget again by the time book five comes out in two years. The climax of the book has some great elements, but it’s compressed and told from some of the least interesting POVs, cutting away from some potentially great moments– I don’t understand the writing and editorial choices here about where to spend narrative time at all.
I’ll probably read book five when it comes out, since I’ve followed the series for this long, but at this point my take is that McGuire needs a year or two off to recharge and remember how to write engaging scenes from central POVs instead of having people stand around explaining secondhand backstory to the reader. Failing that, a new editor who would push for real structural work would be great.
We’re introduced to one interesting new character and see plenty of returning faces. Unfortunately, the new character has no room to breathe amid the thicket of theoretically suspicious people dumping their entire personal histories and private trauma to a stranger they don’t trust in order to remind the reader of these details from books one and three that they surely will forget again by the time book five comes out in two years. The climax of the book has some great elements, but it’s compressed and told from some of the least interesting POVs, cutting away from some potentially great moments– I don’t understand the writing and editorial choices here about where to spend narrative time at all.
I’ll probably read book five when it comes out, since I’ve followed the series for this long, but at this point my take is that McGuire needs a year or two off to recharge and remember how to write engaging scenes from central POVs instead of having people stand around explaining secondhand backstory to the reader. Failing that, a new editor who would push for real structural work would be great.
June 25, 2026
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: Fascinating concept. Rich mythology. Characters who transcend the page.
Cons: The dual timeline with a foot in the 19th century may not sit well with everyone. In the "present" timeline there's a lot of exposition/recapitulation (though it's required in order to bring a new character up to speed).
WARNING! Death in childbirth, dismemberment, body horror/flensing, self-harm, stabbing, near-drowning, animal death, misogyny/sexism, suicidal thoughts.
Will appeal to: Fans of the series who loved Book 3 more than Book 2. Readers who enjoy a creative, exciting twist on concepts made flesh, gods incarnate and the heart of creation.
This series is FABULOUS (except for Book 2 LOL), and I'd be happy to read it for the rest of my life, but alas...we're approaching the ending. Only one book to go! Catch up while you can (the final installment will only come out in 2028...). Thank me later 😉.
DOUBLE ANGLE
While Book 4 in the Alchemical Journeys series is a direct sequel to Book 3, and at the same time draws on the events of Book 1 (the second installment was, for all purposes, a "sidequel"), it also broadens the scope of the story in two different ways. In the past, we're treated to an insight into the life of Asphodel Baker, the first female alchemist, to whom a number of our protagonists owe their non-human existence; in the present, we're introduced to Lilianne, a trans woman and a budding alchemist herself, whose life becomes entwined with the rest of the cast's due to a...meet-cute with one of them 😁, and who's in for a shock or two (more like a dozen) and a lot of reckoning to be done.
Asphodel's villain origin story was a blast to read (and a real eye-opener). Leave it to McGuire to write a despicable character in a way that makes you almost sympathise with them, all while you never forget how monstrous they are (in this particular case, the period-accurate misogyny helps a great deal with the sympathising part). Asphodel is a complex villain, and if her transition from innocent, wronged little girl to evil schemer is a bit abrupt, it's not like this impacts the story as a whole. Lilianne counterbalances the "villainous alchemist" trope and adds her own coming-of-age arc to the mix, one in which her identity and her pursue of alchemy are cleverly connected. (Before you ask: she has a supportive - and incidentally, magical-adjacent - family, so hers is mostly a story of trans joy, though McGuire doesn't shy from mentioning the trials that come with reinventing yourself on a physical level in a very vocally hostile society. Then again, the story is set in 2018, prior to the horrendous backlash the US trans community has experienced in the last couple of years). [...]
Whole review here.
Pros: Fascinating concept. Rich mythology. Characters who transcend the page.
Cons: The dual timeline with a foot in the 19th century may not sit well with everyone. In the "present" timeline there's a lot of exposition/recapitulation (though it's required in order to bring a new character up to speed).
WARNING! Death in childbirth, dismemberment, body horror/flensing, self-harm, stabbing, near-drowning, animal death, misogyny/sexism, suicidal thoughts.
Will appeal to: Fans of the series who loved Book 3 more than Book 2. Readers who enjoy a creative, exciting twist on concepts made flesh, gods incarnate and the heart of creation.
This series is FABULOUS (except for Book 2 LOL), and I'd be happy to read it for the rest of my life, but alas...we're approaching the ending. Only one book to go! Catch up while you can (the final installment will only come out in 2028...). Thank me later 😉.
DOUBLE ANGLE
While Book 4 in the Alchemical Journeys series is a direct sequel to Book 3, and at the same time draws on the events of Book 1 (the second installment was, for all purposes, a "sidequel"), it also broadens the scope of the story in two different ways. In the past, we're treated to an insight into the life of Asphodel Baker, the first female alchemist, to whom a number of our protagonists owe their non-human existence; in the present, we're introduced to Lilianne, a trans woman and a budding alchemist herself, whose life becomes entwined with the rest of the cast's due to a...meet-cute with one of them 😁, and who's in for a shock or two (more like a dozen) and a lot of reckoning to be done.
Asphodel's villain origin story was a blast to read (and a real eye-opener). Leave it to McGuire to write a despicable character in a way that makes you almost sympathise with them, all while you never forget how monstrous they are (in this particular case, the period-accurate misogyny helps a great deal with the sympathising part). Asphodel is a complex villain, and if her transition from innocent, wronged little girl to evil schemer is a bit abrupt, it's not like this impacts the story as a whole. Lilianne counterbalances the "villainous alchemist" trope and adds her own coming-of-age arc to the mix, one in which her identity and her pursue of alchemy are cleverly connected. (Before you ask: she has a supportive - and incidentally, magical-adjacent - family, so hers is mostly a story of trans joy, though McGuire doesn't shy from mentioning the trials that come with reinventing yourself on a physical level in a very vocally hostile society. Then again, the story is set in 2018, prior to the horrendous backlash the US trans community has experienced in the last couple of years). [...]
Whole review here.
June 16, 2026
Similarly to Tidal Creatures, it’s so gripping and just ridiculously absorbing because how can it not be when there’s so much Roger and Dodger?
Then there’s the fact that we’re getting a peak behind the curtain at Asphodel’s life and it feels like something illicit. There’s this accompanying sensation that the other alchemists certainly don’t want us to experience Asphodel’s many sides.
To me, her return is a combination of her story arc just logically making sense and a very Marvel-like villain’s return at the most unexpected moment when the mcs are enveloped in relatively peaceful domesticity. Still, maybe it’s worth it to see down the line how Roger and Dodger might change now that everything they are has been ripped from them.
Definitely, the plot line of Inkpot Gods speaks more to me than that of Tidal Creatures’, although Lilianne’s pov is honestly all over the place, Erin would have hated the chaos of it. Chemistry with Smita is forced at best. And it’s filled to brink with endless, endless conversations among characters (which I have enjoyed because come on, Roger and Dodger), but it does make me wonder where’s the limit, exactly?
Then there’s the fact that we’re getting a peak behind the curtain at Asphodel’s life and it feels like something illicit. There’s this accompanying sensation that the other alchemists certainly don’t want us to experience Asphodel’s many sides.
To me, her return is a combination of her story arc just logically making sense and a very Marvel-like villain’s return at the most unexpected moment when the mcs are enveloped in relatively peaceful domesticity. Still, maybe it’s worth it to see down the line how Roger and Dodger might change now that everything they are has been ripped from them.
Definitely, the plot line of Inkpot Gods speaks more to me than that of Tidal Creatures’, although Lilianne’s pov is honestly all over the place, Erin would have hated the chaos of it. Chemistry with Smita is forced at best. And it’s filled to brink with endless, endless conversations among characters (which I have enjoyed because come on, Roger and Dodger), but it does make me wonder where’s the limit, exactly?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
The concluding volume (I think) of the four-book Alchemical Journeys series about alchemists trying to control reality, and the universe beyond ours (if that's what The Impossible City is). I say "I think" it's done because a four-book series reflects the four seasons (and people manifesting as seasons is a part of this), but the ending makes it seem like there could be more. Seanan McGuire has gone down a few rabbit holes before that caused her to write more books (including the 'children's' books by A. Deborah Baker that feature in this series).
As is appropriate for a concluding volume, a lot of characters come together at the end, and there's some exciting chase and fight scenes. The churn of McGuire's imagination never fails to amaze me, and her output is inconceivable (but you probably don't think that word means what I think it means).
For Zeus's sake, don't start here, you'll be totally confused. Read the books in order. She has a very careful pattern to them.
As is appropriate for a concluding volume, a lot of characters come together at the end, and there's some exciting chase and fight scenes. The churn of McGuire's imagination never fails to amaze me, and her output is inconceivable (but you probably don't think that word means what I think it means).
For Zeus's sake, don't start here, you'll be totally confused. Read the books in order. She has a very careful pattern to them.
June 5, 2026
This series is so good, I was absorbed from the minute I started reading. I loved seeing our new characters interacting with characters from previous books, and learning more about how everything interconnects. The main character Lily is an interesting person to drop into the mix.
LGBTQ+ representation in multiple characters!
LGBTQ+ representation in multiple characters!
June 27, 2026
I still have to say that I loved Middlegame, and thought it was a stand-alone book. But now Seanan has written three books in the series, plus a related four children's books by A. Deborah Baker (who ic a character in this book). Also this book ends in a cliffhanger, so I am pretty sure this series will continue. I do think this alchemical world is interesting, but I don't think it's 8+ books worth of interesting!
Saying that, I liked the characters in this book (old and new) and some of the scenes were scary/interesting, and I probably will read the next book when it comes out.
Saying that, I liked the characters in this book (old and new) and some of the scenes were scary/interesting, and I probably will read the next book when it comes out.
June 24, 2026
This series continues to be infuriating, because I want to like it, but the weird turns it takes are so unsatisfying.
The chapters with flashbacks to Asphodel Baker's past are great. I didn't love how fast the shift from 'wild country girl' to 'cold alchemist' happened. I wish there had been more time for that transition.
I loved Lilianne as a character. She brings an interesting new point of view. I found her crush on Smita endearing and her reason for pursuing alchemy unique and sensible. I especially like that she has a family that is both connected to the alchemical world and is supportive of her transness.
I enjoyed that we got some POV chapters from David, who had appeared previously. I liked that we got to see other familiar characters from his perspective.
I am really frustrated with the back half of the book. As it progresses, it felt like the story shifted further and further from the early POV characters to the point that Lilianne (the only new character and the seeming focus of the story) feels like she is almost forgotten about.
I hope (and suspect) we will get a lot of this in the next book, but this is the first time a book in this series has not stood on its own, ending in the middle. The back half felt rushed, unfocused, and ultimately, unfinished.
The chapters with flashbacks to Asphodel Baker's past are great. I didn't love how fast the shift from 'wild country girl' to 'cold alchemist' happened. I wish there had been more time for that transition.
I loved Lilianne as a character. She brings an interesting new point of view. I found her crush on Smita endearing and her reason for pursuing alchemy unique and sensible. I especially like that she has a family that is both connected to the alchemical world and is supportive of her transness.
I enjoyed that we got some POV chapters from David, who had appeared previously. I liked that we got to see other familiar characters from his perspective.
I am really frustrated with the back half of the book. As it progresses, it felt like the story shifted further and further from the early POV characters to the point that Lilianne (the only new character and the seeming focus of the story) feels like she is almost forgotten about.
I hope (and suspect) we will get a lot of this in the next book, but this is the first time a book in this series has not stood on its own, ending in the middle. The back half felt rushed, unfocused, and ultimately, unfinished.
June 30, 2026
McGuire adopted an authorial voice that bugged me. I don't remember if it was there in the first book in the series, but it's the same one she's been using for her Wayward Children series and I do not like it. The best way to describe it is that she will tell you how to intepret a scene she just finished describing. I know the intent is to make it feel more fairy-tale and oral history like, but it just feels condescending. I know that an 8 year old who just got to a new place after a long journey and is not immediately fed and put to bed is not in a kindly home, you don't actually need to tell me that the home is not nice.
Authorial voice issues aside, this book feels like a novela's worth of plot stretched out. I don't mind the cliffhanger, but I do mind that the A plot of this book probably should have just been the beginning of the final book and this book a novela of Villainess whose name I don't remember's backstory.
Will I read the next book? Yes. But man, this one was a bit dissapointing. It was fine, I liked it, but not as much as the earlier books in the series.
Authorial voice issues aside, this book feels like a novela's worth of plot stretched out. I don't mind the cliffhanger, but I do mind that the A plot of this book probably should have just been the beginning of the final book and this book a novela of Villainess whose name I don't remember's backstory.
Will I read the next book? Yes. But man, this one was a bit dissapointing. It was fine, I liked it, but not as much as the earlier books in the series.
July 31, 2026
middlegame is one of my favorite books of all time and back in 2021 or 2022 when I learned it would become a series i was so thrilled. overall, none of them quite lived up to the first one :( unfortunate. something about this just was not clicking for me, particularly as what is ostensibly an end to the series. (though it seems like there is going to be one more?) in part, this is completely on me--in that apparently I don't remember a single thing from tidal creatures (despite it being my second-favorite of the four!)--but I think there are other elements that just didn't work for me personally. which left me so sad.
- I DID like asphodel's plotline. her character coming into her own as a proper villain was really interesting because in the previous books she's a mythologized figure more than anything else and I liked seeing how she became this sort of figure. I didn't really like but that's not the end of the world.
- I also liked several of the scenes in the lab. they were quite scary!!
- as for the things I didn't like --I think the core of it is the really weird pacing. The way things slowed down and sped up made no sense. SO MUCH happens in the last 15 pages without any room to breathe at the ending (one review I read speculated that this is to lead into another book--perhaps, but I kind of don't feel like there's going to be one? I feel like though the ending wasn't satisfying, to open it up to another book would probably be even less satisfying) and yet we can spend 70 pages on the morning Lilianne wakes up and gets the whole backstory and recap of the past several books? (of course slightly more than that does happen within those 70 pages.....but not enough to make it all feel balanced.)
- I noticed this a bit when I read overgrowth, but I really am not meshing with McGuire's style the way I used to. When I first read Wayward Children I was utterly entranced by the way she writes and she is still undoubtedly a good writer but the way characters explain and justify things to one another--in narration but even more so in dialogue--often felt rather stilted and awkward to me, as if they had to say it in the most careful, nuanceless way possible to ensure that they can't ever be misunderstood. sometimes this feels more natural than other times. idk.
- I didn't NOT enjoy this but I do think I might pretend that Middlegame is a standalone from here on out (unless there is a fifth book, in which case I will read it and likely be disappointed that it is not as good as Middlegame, wherein the cycle will begin again) because it is simply so perfect. It's interesting to learn more about this world but.....how did so MUCH fit into Middlegame in 530 pages when so LITTLE is in this at 430?? It never reads as bloated but when you look back at any point throughout reading you realize you've come very far and very little has happened....idk. this could have been a novella.
- bottom line: I NEED to know if this title is a The Amazing Devil reference because googling the term "inkpot gods" only pulls up results for their song and for this book. someone tell me please PLEASE. confirm for me.
- I DID like asphodel's plotline. her character coming into her own as a proper villain was really interesting because in the previous books she's a mythologized figure more than anything else and I liked seeing how she became this sort of figure. I didn't really like but that's not the end of the world.
- I also liked several of the scenes in the lab. they were quite scary!!
- as for the things I didn't like --I think the core of it is the really weird pacing. The way things slowed down and sped up made no sense. SO MUCH happens in the last 15 pages without any room to breathe at the ending (one review I read speculated that this is to lead into another book--perhaps, but I kind of don't feel like there's going to be one? I feel like though the ending wasn't satisfying, to open it up to another book would probably be even less satisfying) and yet we can spend 70 pages on the morning Lilianne wakes up and gets the whole backstory and recap of the past several books? (of course slightly more than that does happen within those 70 pages.....but not enough to make it all feel balanced.)
- I noticed this a bit when I read overgrowth, but I really am not meshing with McGuire's style the way I used to. When I first read Wayward Children I was utterly entranced by the way she writes and she is still undoubtedly a good writer but the way characters explain and justify things to one another--in narration but even more so in dialogue--often felt rather stilted and awkward to me, as if they had to say it in the most careful, nuanceless way possible to ensure that they can't ever be misunderstood. sometimes this feels more natural than other times. idk.
- I didn't NOT enjoy this but I do think I might pretend that Middlegame is a standalone from here on out (unless there is a fifth book, in which case I will read it and likely be disappointed that it is not as good as Middlegame, wherein the cycle will begin again) because it is simply so perfect. It's interesting to learn more about this world but.....how did so MUCH fit into Middlegame in 530 pages when so LITTLE is in this at 430?? It never reads as bloated but when you look back at any point throughout reading you realize you've come very far and very little has happened....idk. this could have been a novella.
- bottom line: I NEED to know if this title is a The Amazing Devil reference because googling the term "inkpot gods" only pulls up results for their song and for this book. someone tell me please PLEASE. confirm for me.
June 15, 2026
Errr... 3.5?
This series has turned into a roller coaster that looked like a repetitive ride at first, then kinda quaint , then really pretty, (all, of course, liberally sprinkled with m*rders and magic) and now we turned a corner onto some ghost of a behemoth wreck of an ancient wooden coaster track barely hanging on over a pier with a haunted carnival from the Victorian era bashing on below. The kind of coaster that you are pretty sure is going to require at least a urgent care visit if your car remains on the track and you get to disembark, but that's not really certain. Did I mention that the whole wooden coaster is hung with bits of inexplicable gore and serving as a perch for corvids and vultures?
I took this meat-a-phore too far, but, I think the hard turn in this story line sent me sailing off the track and into a lightless abyss? I love a good gore and horror fest, I just was not expecting this book to go quite this king of T. Kingfisher direction?
This series has turned into a roller coaster that looked like a repetitive ride at first, then kinda quaint , then really pretty, (all, of course, liberally sprinkled with m*rders and magic) and now we turned a corner onto some ghost of a behemoth wreck of an ancient wooden coaster track barely hanging on over a pier with a haunted carnival from the Victorian era bashing on below. The kind of coaster that you are pretty sure is going to require at least a urgent care visit if your car remains on the track and you get to disembark, but that's not really certain. Did I mention that the whole wooden coaster is hung with bits of inexplicable gore and serving as a perch for corvids and vultures?
I took this meat-a-phore too far, but, I think the hard turn in this story line sent me sailing off the track and into a lightless abyss? I love a good gore and horror fest, I just was not expecting this book to go quite this king of T. Kingfisher direction?
July 20, 2026
A phenomenal fourth entry into this series! I am slightly disappointed by the cliffhanger, simply because each previous book has been self contained so it would have been tremendously tidy to have this fourth one wrap everything up.
The pacing of this series & the tone of the narration seems to be something people dislike but I adore it. Also Amber Benson has once again knocked it out of the park! I love love love all of her voices
Having said that, I love these characters so much (especially Erin)! As for the new characters, I think Lily was a very interesting addition & I am so beyond happy to finally get Asphodel on the page!
The pacing of this series & the tone of the narration seems to be something people dislike but I adore it. Also Amber Benson has once again knocked it out of the park! I love love love all of her voices
Having said that, I love these characters so much (especially Erin)! As for the new characters, I think Lily was a very interesting addition & I am so beyond happy to finally get Asphodel on the page!
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July 31, 2026Uuuhhhmmmm. What? (I’m liking these less and less as the series continues. I genuinely think middlegame should’ve been a standalone, but I also get why McGuire would want to keep spending time in this world and isn’t ready to let them all rest)
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May 26, 2026** THE VERSION OF THIS BOOK THAT I READ WAS AN ARC **
& may i say: ow
& may i say: ow
June 15, 2026
Oh gdi Seanan what the heck????
June 16, 2026
This was an incredibly engaging chapter of the series. It's rough that it ended on a cliff hanger and leaves me waiting on the next book. Luckily McGuire will likely have the final book out next year so it's not like I'll be waiting forever.
I think my favorite new twist (very minor spoiler) is the introduction of a not awful alchemist.
I think my favorite new twist (very minor spoiler) is the introduction of a not awful alchemist.
July 16, 2026
I have some mixed feelings about this book.
There are two storylines running here, one in the 19th century, the other is 2018. The former felt structured and crafted, while the latter...Hm. The ingredients are all there, I love these characters (I was rabid for Middlegame), but the pacing... it's this strange, blobby mix of exposition (so much), cozy slice of life (hurt by said exposition), and The Lab.
A pair of near-identical scenes involving Kim does the same thing twice, and at the 60% mark we're still thinly disguising recaps and re-explanations of lore as dialogue; and these almost feel like oversights rather than intentional.
The story gestures at an arc for Lilianne's beliefs and worldview about alchemy, but it's smothered by the fact that she's also the exposition receptacle, and that a big chunk of her interiority is about a crush she has. There's just not enough space left for any real turmoil from her developing doubts, I was hoping for some kind of cathartic resolution to this arc, but it's barely a whisper.
I'm only this critical, because it's so close to being great, and the fantastic Asphodel thread more than proves that it could've been possible.
Overall I did enjoy the book, as I said I love these characters and I like the story, but I have to like it despite the pacing and structural issues (I think I liked it more than Seasonal Fears, and less than Tidal Creatures, while Middlegame is still the best of the bunch).
The highlights for me were the Asphodel backstory and the setup for the next (final?) book; I neeeeed to know what happens next!
There are two storylines running here, one in the 19th century, the other is 2018. The former felt structured and crafted, while the latter...Hm. The ingredients are all there, I love these characters (I was rabid for Middlegame), but the pacing... it's this strange, blobby mix of exposition (so much), cozy slice of life (hurt by said exposition), and The Lab.
A pair of near-identical scenes involving Kim does the same thing twice, and at the 60% mark we're still thinly disguising recaps and re-explanations of lore as dialogue; and these almost feel like oversights rather than intentional.
The story gestures at an arc for Lilianne's beliefs and worldview about alchemy, but it's smothered by the fact that she's also the exposition receptacle, and that a big chunk of her interiority is about a crush she has. There's just not enough space left for any real turmoil from her developing doubts, I was hoping for some kind of cathartic resolution to this arc, but it's barely a whisper.
I'm only this critical, because it's so close to being great, and the fantastic Asphodel thread more than proves that it could've been possible.
Overall I did enjoy the book, as I said I love these characters and I like the story, but I have to like it despite the pacing and structural issues (I think I liked it more than Seasonal Fears, and less than Tidal Creatures, while Middlegame is still the best of the bunch).
The highlights for me were the Asphodel backstory and the setup for the next (final?) book; I neeeeed to know what happens next!
August 9, 2026
the ranking of this series is very clearly
1. middlegame
2. inkpot gods
3. tidal creatures
4. seasonal fears
1. middlegame
2. inkpot gods
3. tidal creatures
4. seasonal fears
June 29, 2026
As much as I loved the last book, I was wondering why Seanan was focusing on the lunar gods. Unsurprisingly, we get the answer in this book, and the answer is "because things are about to get fucked on a truly monumental level". Also, this book gives us more background on Asphodel Baker, who's been a looming presence over the whole series. I continue to be impressed at the degree to which Seanan has plotted out this series and the ways she's chosen to mirror it (if you've read the Up and Under novellas that have been released alongside these, they continue to be incredibly relevant). Highly recommended, if nothing else for the cliffhanger. Can't wait to see where the next one goes.
June 10, 2026
Read Completed 6/10/26 | 3 stars | Book #124 of 2026
Sadly, I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as I hoped. MIDDLEGAME is really the strongest book of this series and the only one I've really, truly enjoyed. What I did like about this book is honestly just the connections and cameos from the previous characters, but Roger, Dodger, Erin, and Smita are my favorites (naturally, everyone from Middlegame).
There are some interesting parts of this, but for how long these books are, there's just not quite enough development for me. It doesn't have to go into crazy world-building, but I feel like we could definitely get more considering everything that is introduced to us and the potential for everything we could explore. I really liked seeing the origin story of Asphodel and I appreciated this flashback.
Lilianne's story was kind of hit or miss for me. I was interested to see how she was going to fit into the story as someone coming in from the alchemist side, but I still didn't quite connect with her character, much like pretty much everyone since MIDDLEGAME.
I'm also starting to feel like the Up and Underside series is starting to become mandatory reading rather than just epigraphs, which is annoying to me. It's like, a middle grade series but in the books is a "real" series written by A. Deborah Baker aka Asphodel. It's always been used to insert passages in the book that relates to the Alchemical Journeys series, but it was HEAVILY in this book and I feel like some of the plot is now directly tied into them.
For some reason I thought this was going to be the last book in the series so I'm glad I checked that out before reading/finishing because we end on quite the cliffhanger.
Honestly, I'm not super excited about adding more and more and more to this series. I just want to start wrapping it up now. I'll still continue to read the rest of it but I'm worn out by not getting places with the plot.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as I hoped. MIDDLEGAME is really the strongest book of this series and the only one I've really, truly enjoyed. What I did like about this book is honestly just the connections and cameos from the previous characters, but Roger, Dodger, Erin, and Smita are my favorites (naturally, everyone from Middlegame).
There are some interesting parts of this, but for how long these books are, there's just not quite enough development for me. It doesn't have to go into crazy world-building, but I feel like we could definitely get more considering everything that is introduced to us and the potential for everything we could explore. I really liked seeing the origin story of Asphodel and I appreciated this flashback.
Lilianne's story was kind of hit or miss for me. I was interested to see how she was going to fit into the story as someone coming in from the alchemist side, but I still didn't quite connect with her character, much like pretty much everyone since MIDDLEGAME.
I'm also starting to feel like the Up and Underside series is starting to become mandatory reading rather than just epigraphs, which is annoying to me. It's like, a middle grade series but in the books is a "real" series written by A. Deborah Baker aka Asphodel. It's always been used to insert passages in the book that relates to the Alchemical Journeys series, but it was HEAVILY in this book and I feel like some of the plot is now directly tied into them.
For some reason I thought this was going to be the last book in the series so I'm glad I checked that out before reading/finishing because we end on quite the cliffhanger.
Honestly, I'm not super excited about adding more and more and more to this series. I just want to start wrapping it up now. I'll still continue to read the rest of it but I'm worn out by not getting places with the plot.
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July 3, 2026I kind of wish I'd waited to read this until the next book was out. Not even because the cliffhanger is so gripping or anything. But this simply doesn't feel like a complete story. I can deal with stories that have unhappy endings. But the unhappy conclusion of this book doesn't feel like an ending. It's the literary version of feeling like you have to sneeze and then not sneezing. It's unsatisfying and you suddenly want completion for its own sake. That all said, I did like the parts of this book that were a flashback to the life of Asphodel Baker. But I didn't like them so much that I wouldn't happily sacrifice them for a much more condensed version that's only one or two chapters and that means this book actually finishes, rather than merely stopping
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
I was definitely not expecting a cliffhanger after the last two were so self contained, but I really appreciate longer storylines with my favorites, Roger, Dodger and Erin. I am interested to see where Lilys story ends up, she was an interesting character so far. Only criticism was I COULD NOT believe they split the party when the got to the lab. That seemed like a really basic mistake that Roger would have recognized, but maybe that was ADB's influence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2026
More like 3.5 stars, but rounded down because this ends on way too much of a cliffhanger! The other books have been much more self-contained (albeit obviously connected), whereas this one is clearly the first half of the story. It picks up fairly clearly from where Tidal Creatures left off, and pulls on the loose ends that were left behind to start unraveling everything.
Our newest character Lilianne was fun to meet, and it was nice to see an (early/wanna-be?) alchemist who wasn’t cartoonishly evil and immediately trying to dissect someone. In contrast, the backstory of Asphodel had her morph rather quickly from innocent into murder accomplice. It is understandable though, since the story weaves between Asphodel and the “real” plot, we needed to get to seeing the meat of Asphodel’s alchemist journey.
And I’ll be a hypocrite - I complain that this book didn’t do enough; at the same time it felt like it was almost trying to do too much. I enjoyed having David and the other Lunars back, but them plus Smita and Lilianne was just… a lot of people. Kim and Tim still feel pretty one-dimensional, and since I expect they’ll play MUCH bigger roles in the next book, I would have appreciated an early preview of their POVs. It’s a lot of build-up in this book, and the glimpses we have gotten from Kim (why is there almost no Tim) were heartbreaking and I want more!
All in all though, I still love this world and the characters (even if I start rolling my eyes at the “must snark as we face mortal peril” everyone has). Seanan has created such a cool universe with a lot of depth - who else would write an entire separate “children’s” series to tie in?
In summary: I am low-key infuriated that we have to wait at least a year and a half for the finale
Our newest character Lilianne was fun to meet, and it was nice to see an (early/wanna-be?) alchemist who wasn’t cartoonishly evil and immediately trying to dissect someone. In contrast, the backstory of Asphodel had her morph rather quickly from innocent into murder accomplice. It is understandable though, since the story weaves between Asphodel and the “real” plot, we needed to get to seeing the meat of Asphodel’s alchemist journey.
And I’ll be a hypocrite - I complain that this book didn’t do enough; at the same time it felt like it was almost trying to do too much. I enjoyed having David and the other Lunars back, but them plus Smita and Lilianne was just… a lot of people. Kim and Tim still feel pretty one-dimensional, and since I expect they’ll play MUCH bigger roles in the next book, I would have appreciated an early preview of their POVs. It’s a lot of build-up in this book, and the glimpses we have gotten from Kim (why is there almost no Tim) were heartbreaking and I want more!
All in all though, I still love this world and the characters (even if I start rolling my eyes at the “must snark as we face mortal peril” everyone has). Seanan has created such a cool universe with a lot of depth - who else would write an entire separate “children’s” series to tie in?
In summary: I am low-key infuriated that we have to wait at least a year and a half for the finale
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
This book... mostly made sense? Surprisingly disappointing. XD
The description really did this one no favors. It sounds like it will wrap up the series with the main characters from the previous books coming together to deal with the big villain. There's no indication that most of the book is from the POV of an entirely new character (who, of course, needs everything explained yet again), and it's just the setup for dealing with the villain and ends on an enormous cliffhanger. This is the first time in the series one book hasn't been a basically self-contained story, and it took me until the last 30-ish pages to conclude that no, this truly could not wrap anything up even in an unsatisfying way.
There were weird inconsistencies. A side character is introduced as in her early 20s and then turns into a child. When the group splits up to explore the lab, Erin gets entirely forgotten? She's there when they all meet up again, but she's not with any of the smaller groups as they explore.
I read this series for Roger and Dodger, really, and they were barely here.
Looking back knowing this is setup for the finale, I can give the overall plot more grace. I didn't dislike reading it, and I have some hope that the next book will be the finale I was expecting. But this is still definitely my least favorite of the series.
The description really did this one no favors. It sounds like it will wrap up the series with the main characters from the previous books coming together to deal with the big villain. There's no indication that most of the book is from the POV of an entirely new character (who, of course, needs everything explained yet again), and it's just the setup for dealing with the villain and ends on an enormous cliffhanger. This is the first time in the series one book hasn't been a basically self-contained story, and it took me until the last 30-ish pages to conclude that no, this truly could not wrap anything up even in an unsatisfying way.
There were weird inconsistencies. A side character is introduced as in her early 20s and then turns into a child. When the group splits up to explore the lab, Erin gets entirely forgotten? She's there when they all meet up again, but she's not with any of the smaller groups as they explore.
I read this series for Roger and Dodger, really, and they were barely here.
Looking back knowing this is setup for the finale, I can give the overall plot more grace. I didn't dislike reading it, and I have some hope that the next book will be the finale I was expecting. But this is still definitely my least favorite of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
While McGuire does a lovely job of recapping, I highly recommend that these novels be read in the order of their release. Events, characters, and understanding are deepened by fully investing in the series. Seanan McGuire is a favorite author, from her October Daye series to her Mira Grant books.
In Inkpot Gods we get Asphodel Baker’s origin story and spend time at Berkeley College with Kelpie, the incarnate moon goods and Rodger and Dodger, the living embodiments of the Doctrine of Ethos.
Our story begins in 1865 in a small village. A local woman, Elizabeth Turner (Baker) is with child. The villagers find this strange because she socializes with no one. This is where Asphodel’s story begins; we follow her childhood and introduction to alchemy. It was horrifyingly delicious.
We then head to August 2018 at Berkeley College and meet a young woman from Alabama named Lilianne. She is interested in alchemy and is searching for the abandoned labs of the American Alchemical Congress. She also believes the cuckoos are here. Lilianne is a little odd and feels like she has stood out all her life, but here she feels comfortable. She lives off-campus with other students. She doesn’t discuss alchemy, but David, who is an incarnate of Máni, suspects Lilianne is an alchemist. He sets out to alert Judy, the senior Lunar leader.
The tale that unfolded was suspenseful, provided answers, and kept me engaged. I love the world McGuire has created and the way she ties things together and weaves a story. Once the gang is involved and we find ourselves below ground, I could not put this down. The ending, though, killed me. It’s a cliffhanger in that we know danger is growing and our motley crew has been left at a disadvantage. Which means I am now counting down the days to devour the next novel.
This review originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer
In Inkpot Gods we get Asphodel Baker’s origin story and spend time at Berkeley College with Kelpie, the incarnate moon goods and Rodger and Dodger, the living embodiments of the Doctrine of Ethos.
Our story begins in 1865 in a small village. A local woman, Elizabeth Turner (Baker) is with child. The villagers find this strange because she socializes with no one. This is where Asphodel’s story begins; we follow her childhood and introduction to alchemy. It was horrifyingly delicious.
We then head to August 2018 at Berkeley College and meet a young woman from Alabama named Lilianne. She is interested in alchemy and is searching for the abandoned labs of the American Alchemical Congress. She also believes the cuckoos are here. Lilianne is a little odd and feels like she has stood out all her life, but here she feels comfortable. She lives off-campus with other students. She doesn’t discuss alchemy, but David, who is an incarnate of Máni, suspects Lilianne is an alchemist. He sets out to alert Judy, the senior Lunar leader.
The tale that unfolded was suspenseful, provided answers, and kept me engaged. I love the world McGuire has created and the way she ties things together and weaves a story. Once the gang is involved and we find ourselves below ground, I could not put this down. The ending, though, killed me. It’s a cliffhanger in that we know danger is growing and our motley crew has been left at a disadvantage. Which means I am now counting down the days to devour the next novel.
This review originally published at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 15, 2026
Quiero empezar diciendo que, una vez más, creo que parte del problema soy yo.
Dicho esto, el 80% del libro me sobra, igual que me sobró en su momento el 80% del segundo libro. El volcado de información y de antecedentes a la historia es tan grande que más que una novela, inkpot gods parece un manual de instrucciones. El nuevo personaje introducido para desarrollar toda la trama del libro no aporta nada más allá que eso, ser la primera ficha de una cadena de dominós que se podrían haber volcado mucho más fácilmente si los protagonistas de la saga no se hubieran pasado los dos últimos libros mirándose el ombligo con la excusa de “estamos aprendiendo a ser humanos”. Es completamente comprensible que, cuando los protagonistas de tu saga son lo más parecido a Dios en tu universo, quieras hacer poco uso de ellos para no caer en un deus ex machina perpetuo, pero apartarlos hasta un punto en el que no aportan nada y el peso de la acción cae en todo un elenco de personajes que, tras constante descripción y recordatorio, nos queda claro que son terriblemente más inferiores e imperfectos, la trama se siente desequilibrada.
Empecé Inkpot Gods con la impresión de que era el último de la saga y hasta el 85% de la novela pensé que así sería, solo para darme cuenta en las últimas 20 páginas que las otras 400 de la novela habían sido aperitivo para la que -espero- será la quinta y última novela de la saga.
Habrá que ver que tal porque yo ya…
Dicho esto, el 80% del libro me sobra, igual que me sobró en su momento el 80% del segundo libro. El volcado de información y de antecedentes a la historia es tan grande que más que una novela, inkpot gods parece un manual de instrucciones. El nuevo personaje introducido para desarrollar toda la trama del libro no aporta nada más allá que eso, ser la primera ficha de una cadena de dominós que se podrían haber volcado mucho más fácilmente si los protagonistas de la saga no se hubieran pasado los dos últimos libros mirándose el ombligo con la excusa de “estamos aprendiendo a ser humanos”. Es completamente comprensible que, cuando los protagonistas de tu saga son lo más parecido a Dios en tu universo, quieras hacer poco uso de ellos para no caer en un deus ex machina perpetuo, pero apartarlos hasta un punto en el que no aportan nada y el peso de la acción cae en todo un elenco de personajes que, tras constante descripción y recordatorio, nos queda claro que son terriblemente más inferiores e imperfectos, la trama se siente desequilibrada.
Empecé Inkpot Gods con la impresión de que era el último de la saga y hasta el 85% de la novela pensé que así sería, solo para darme cuenta en las últimas 20 páginas que las otras 400 de la novela habían sido aperitivo para la que -espero- será la quinta y última novela de la saga.
Habrá que ver que tal porque yo ya…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
4.5 stars
The fourth novel in Seanan McGuire's Alchemical Journeys series, Inkpot Gods is 100% not the place to start. For that, I'll always recommend the first book, Middlegame . This is the book that pulls together characters and threads set up in the first three books.
Inkpot Gods tells a dual timeline story. In the 1800s, we learn about the birth and life of the alchemist Asphodel Baker, a figure who's been looming large over the series since the first book. In the modern day (2018), we meet a young self-taught alchemist, who, through a series of events, winds up involved with Roger and Dodger, the main characters from Middlegame, and the strange found family the two have gathered around themselves.
I really enjoyed this entry in the series, but I can't talk too much about it without spoiling the previous books. I will say this may be the goriest entry in the series, and it ended on one hell of a cliffhanger which has me anxiously awaiting the next (final?) book of this series.
Recommended, but only if you've read the previous books.
The fourth novel in Seanan McGuire's Alchemical Journeys series, Inkpot Gods is 100% not the place to start. For that, I'll always recommend the first book, Middlegame . This is the book that pulls together characters and threads set up in the first three books.
Inkpot Gods tells a dual timeline story. In the 1800s, we learn about the birth and life of the alchemist Asphodel Baker, a figure who's been looming large over the series since the first book. In the modern day (2018), we meet a young self-taught alchemist, who, through a series of events, winds up involved with Roger and Dodger, the main characters from Middlegame, and the strange found family the two have gathered around themselves.
I really enjoyed this entry in the series, but I can't talk too much about it without spoiling the previous books. I will say this may be the goriest entry in the series, and it ended on one hell of a cliffhanger which has me anxiously awaiting the next (final?) book of this series.
Recommended, but only if you've read the previous books.
June 13, 2026
My favorite weird fantasy series is back and we're finally getting to the thick of it! The last installment, Tidal Creatures, was my least favorite so far but it did its job in expanding the world building (although I will never find the alchemists as interesting as the forces they attempt to tame). This book has lots of callbacks to each book prior and firmly establishes what should have been clear all along: Asphodel Baker is the true villain of this series--and a raggedy b***h, besides. We get her backstory and I still can't stand her trifling behind. She's the epitome of a Karen, and worse than your average white supremacist because she thinks she's the only person who matters in the entire universe, and therefore the only real person, period. A self-taught alchemist has a meet cute with Smita, finds the abandoned underground lab in Berkeley and drags Roger, Dodger, Erin and the Lunars into an encounter with a resurrected Asphodel. The book ends on the cliffhanger that the devil herself has extracted her powers back from her creations. So are Rogwr and Dodger still even the Doctrine incarnate? It's going to be a long wait for the conclusion but I'll be there with bells on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2026
Inkpot Gods by Seanan McGuire is powerful and brilliant. Just when you think you have a grasp on the series of Alchemical Journeys, Seanan turns her work on its head. The interwoven story of Asphodel and the present characters will keep you fascinated, especially as you see the glimmers of the direction Seanan McGuire is taking with the novel and the series.
Inkpot Gods is an impossible mix of horror and fantasy with completely unforeseen consequences. As we see the merging of the alchemists, the lunars and the cuckoos, including Roger and Dodger, unexpected results occur. The story moves the needle on the series, changing what you think you know completely. And if you love the characters, you will not be able to wait to read it.
If you like Seanan McGuire and the previous novels in the series, you will find it powerful and brilliant. I can’t spoil too much but I can tell you not to miss reading this. It has completely unexpected twists in the story that will change what you know of the world entirely. I loved the journey and can’t wait for more.
Inkpot Gods is an impossible mix of horror and fantasy with completely unforeseen consequences. As we see the merging of the alchemists, the lunars and the cuckoos, including Roger and Dodger, unexpected results occur. The story moves the needle on the series, changing what you think you know completely. And if you love the characters, you will not be able to wait to read it.
If you like Seanan McGuire and the previous novels in the series, you will find it powerful and brilliant. I can’t spoil too much but I can tell you not to miss reading this. It has completely unexpected twists in the story that will change what you know of the world entirely. I loved the journey and can’t wait for more.
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