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Alchemy Empire #1
Chains of Silver
If all the world’s a stage, then I am utterly screwn…
In the high-stakes world of the theater, stage fright can seriously crank your career, so apprentice Minx Mellor hides her phobia, studying as a technomancer to create fantastic, steam-powered devices.
But when the mysterious serial killer known as The Peacock targets one of their own, Minx can hide no longer. To save the life of the woman she loves like a mother, she teams up with her sworn enemy and a dashing young director whose powerful magic wakes the nightmares she’s kept secret for years.
When disaster strikes, Minx must face the horrors of her past and find the courage to do what she vowed she’d never do again.
Even if it means risking her life as bait to trap a murderer.
From the shadows of cobblestoned alleys and the glittering steampunk world of an aristocracy gone mad for theater comes the first book in a brand new young adult fantasy series about love, the power of creativity, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
In the high-stakes world of the theater, stage fright can seriously crank your career, so apprentice Minx Mellor hides her phobia, studying as a technomancer to create fantastic, steam-powered devices.
But when the mysterious serial killer known as The Peacock targets one of their own, Minx can hide no longer. To save the life of the woman she loves like a mother, she teams up with her sworn enemy and a dashing young director whose powerful magic wakes the nightmares she’s kept secret for years.
When disaster strikes, Minx must face the horrors of her past and find the courage to do what she vowed she’d never do again.
Even if it means risking her life as bait to trap a murderer.
From the shadows of cobblestoned alleys and the glittering steampunk world of an aristocracy gone mad for theater comes the first book in a brand new young adult fantasy series about love, the power of creativity, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
7 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 29, 2017
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The plot is somewhat predictable, but it’s a nice plot. The characters are mostly three-dimensional, even the ones I don’t like. The setting is interesting, but there’s room for improvement. I admit I was more interested in the characters and the world-building than the plot.
Nevertheless, it has some big problems. I was outraged by the book’s Protagonist-Centered Morality that excuses everything Minx does and demonizes all of Delphine’s actions. I’m also not a fan of love triangles and I don’t like student-teacher romance either.
Overall, it’s a good book. I can’t wait to read the next one. I want to come back to this world and to these characters.
Read a detailed review in my blog.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The plot is somewhat predictable, but it’s a nice plot. The characters are mostly three-dimensional, even the ones I don’t like. The setting is interesting, but there’s room for improvement. I admit I was more interested in the characters and the world-building than the plot.
Nevertheless, it has some big problems. I was outraged by the book’s Protagonist-Centered Morality that excuses everything Minx does and demonizes all of Delphine’s actions. I’m also not a fan of love triangles and I don’t like student-teacher romance either.
Overall, it’s a good book. I can’t wait to read the next one. I want to come back to this world and to these characters.
Read a detailed review in my blog.
May 16, 2016
This book is absolutely cogtastic!!!
The world building is so good you just get sucked straight in. I have to comment on the fact that, as you may have already noticed, I love the steam punk inspired coggish vocabulary!
The characters are relatable and human, making mistakes and screwing up just as much as being heroic, as all good characters should.
The mystery is maintained throughout, suspicions and theories are rife throughout, right until the 'whodunnit' question is answered.
There's romance and action and, in general, it's simply and most definitely a must read!
The world building is so good you just get sucked straight in. I have to comment on the fact that, as you may have already noticed, I love the steam punk inspired coggish vocabulary!
The characters are relatable and human, making mistakes and screwing up just as much as being heroic, as all good characters should.
The mystery is maintained throughout, suspicions and theories are rife throughout, right until the 'whodunnit' question is answered.
There's romance and action and, in general, it's simply and most definitely a must read!
January 16, 2017
Magic, love, friendship, problems, mysteries, murders, troubled pasts. This book has it all! Wonderful story in a world slightly different from ours. I loved the characters and how, during the story we get to know them a lot better. I only hope to learn more about Raymond's, Thea's and Nadine's past more in the next book(s). Great story! I'm looking forward to reading more!
I got a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Meredith Rose, for giving me a chance to read this!
I got a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Meredith Rose, for giving me a chance to read this!
November 28, 2017
This was a steampunk, magical story. Love the intermixing of the two. Being a member of the theater is the top most honor in this Victorian type setting. Minx and her friends are part of the theater and have magical abilities of their own. Minx has the unique ability that is wanted by many. I liked the friend relationships. I did not like the teacher/student relationship even though he was close to her age. Her relationship with Raymond was more my liking. The fact she was kissing and seeing each of them romantically was a negative for me and would have called for a lower rating but the mystery and story other than the romance was very good and unique. I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book, I had a couple of butterflies-in-my-stomach moments, BUT it contains one of my most hated tropes: the love triangle.
I hate love triangle. I must be very unfortunate, because never in my life I was contended between two steamy guys and had to choose which one I wanted in that precise moment, so I don't understand how can the protagonist be so unsure of her feelings.
another thing I did not like was the continuous references to Minx's past as if everybody had read a 0,5 novel which I could not find referenced here on Goodreads.
Also, in some parts the behavior and dialogues of the protagonists felt a little bit odd in a Steampunk setting.
anyway, 4 stars and continuing with the 2nd book in this series.
I hate love triangle. I must be very unfortunate, because never in my life I was contended between two steamy guys and had to choose which one I wanted in that precise moment, so I don't understand how can the protagonist be so unsure of her feelings.
another thing I did not like was the continuous references to Minx's past as if everybody had read a 0,5 novel which I could not find referenced here on Goodreads.
Also, in some parts the behavior and dialogues of the protagonists felt a little bit odd in a Steampunk setting.
anyway, 4 stars and continuing with the 2nd book in this series.
May 28, 2017
Add steampunk, theater apprentices, a murderer and magic you get a great start of a series. The blurb sounded interesting and once I started reading I was not disappointed. And since this is a YA story, there were good characters and a story line not dependent on sex to carry the story. Many scenes made me laugh, roll my eyes or groan "teenagers" - but in a good way. Add a bit of mystery and Minx trying to get over her stage fright and you end up with an amazing book. I liked it enough that I had to go get book 2 to see what happens next.
June 21, 2017
Couldn’t put this down. Loved this steampunk mystery romance. I haven't read steampunk before, but really liked it. I understood that Minx, the protagonist, had had awful things happen to her, however, she seemed like a decent person, so I couldn’t understand why she was dallying with 2 guys at the same time. I did figure out ‘whodunit’, but I wasn’t positive … Can’t wait for the next book! Fewer spelling/grammar mistakes than I’ve seen in ARC copies, but more than should be there in a published book.
December 27, 2017
I received a free ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the book. The teacher student relationship was so clearly creepy and manipulative that it made my stomach churn. The rest of the book wasn't that amazing to keep me reading it. I will say that the world building is magnificent. The world this story is set in is magical and interesting, I just wish the plot were more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2017
With every Steam-Punk book I read, I become more hooked on the genre! I loved this book! Chains of Silver (Alchemy Empire #1) by Meredith Rose is an intriguing story about a world where life revolves around the theater. Enough! No spoilers from me. I’ll just say that I read this in preparation for the the third book in the series, right now I can’t wait to read the second book.
May 28, 2017
Waiting for the movie!
It was an excellent book... We have so many shapeshifters book, but this is one of the bests I read! It is not the average shapeshifter, you know, like werewolf, bears and all the zoo-shifters roaming into the universe of fantasy, Minx is a very special one.
I recommend this story to all fantasy lovers of all ages.
It was an excellent book... We have so many shapeshifters book, but this is one of the bests I read! It is not the average shapeshifter, you know, like werewolf, bears and all the zoo-shifters roaming into the universe of fantasy, Minx is a very special one.
I recommend this story to all fantasy lovers of all ages.
March 22, 2017
Good
This is a very good book. It has action, friendships, mystery, magic and love. The characters are strong and the story line is great. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
This is a very good book. It has action, friendships, mystery, magic and love. The characters are strong and the story line is great. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
October 4, 2016
This is not my kind of book. And I must confess that I know the author. That is the only reason that I would read a steampunk YA book.
But I truly enjoyed it. The main character drew me in; I like her, sympathize with her and want her to overcome her demons.
Because the books is driven by that character, my usual distaste for alternate realities was overcome. And the focus on theatre didn't hurt for this former drama teacher.
I would recommend this strongly for anyone who enjoys fantasy/alternate reality and YA. And if you don't, give it a try anyway.
But I truly enjoyed it. The main character drew me in; I like her, sympathize with her and want her to overcome her demons.
Because the books is driven by that character, my usual distaste for alternate realities was overcome. And the focus on theatre didn't hurt for this former drama teacher.
I would recommend this strongly for anyone who enjoys fantasy/alternate reality and YA. And if you don't, give it a try anyway.
February 13, 2022
A solid and really original plot! This book wasn't for me, but even I can see that its good!
November 2, 2016
Oh my gosh, did I love this book. How much did I love it? While this book was free from Amazon (for Kindle) I have alerady purchased the sequel so I can continue with the adventure.
So first of all - even though there are sequels - this is a standalone book - it does not leave you hanging in the middle of a mystery (which particularly annoys me).
The story is set in an alternate Victorian England where magic exists alongside steampunk device manufacture, and cyborg policemen. It centers on the apprentices at the Alchemy Empire Theater - kind of like a school of performing arts - the apprentices study under directors and actors, and learn a theater related skill.
The main character, Claire, possesses some strong magic talent, but she is damaged. She has the ability to shapeshift and appear to be animals or other people. Because of her talent, she had been kidnapped from the theater when she was younger, and forced by a sadistic master to perform shape shifting at a traveling carnival for over a year. She was rescued and returned to the theater to try to pick up the pieces of her life. The story starts a few years after those events - Claire is better than she was, but still troubled. From there the story picks up as what seems like a teen-school drama novel turns into a mystery, which turns into a murder mystery, and takes a few side trips into romance in the process of solving the mystery.
The book is excellently written and the pacing is perfect. The main characters are all likeable (except for the ones you are not supposed to like) though flawed (like typical humans). I enjoyed the book tremendously and can't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed the descriptions of alternate-England and the blending of Steampunk with magic (and even the descriptions of the different types of magical talent people may have).
So first of all - even though there are sequels - this is a standalone book - it does not leave you hanging in the middle of a mystery (which particularly annoys me).
The story is set in an alternate Victorian England where magic exists alongside steampunk device manufacture, and cyborg policemen. It centers on the apprentices at the Alchemy Empire Theater - kind of like a school of performing arts - the apprentices study under directors and actors, and learn a theater related skill.
The main character, Claire, possesses some strong magic talent, but she is damaged. She has the ability to shapeshift and appear to be animals or other people. Because of her talent, she had been kidnapped from the theater when she was younger, and forced by a sadistic master to perform shape shifting at a traveling carnival for over a year. She was rescued and returned to the theater to try to pick up the pieces of her life. The story starts a few years after those events - Claire is better than she was, but still troubled. From there the story picks up as what seems like a teen-school drama novel turns into a mystery, which turns into a murder mystery, and takes a few side trips into romance in the process of solving the mystery.
The book is excellently written and the pacing is perfect. The main characters are all likeable (except for the ones you are not supposed to like) though flawed (like typical humans). I enjoyed the book tremendously and can't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed the descriptions of alternate-England and the blending of Steampunk with magic (and even the descriptions of the different types of magical talent people may have).
February 4, 2017
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: Mention of rape and major cases of PTSD
First off, wow. This book was an intricate mix of Steampunk and Fantasy. In this world, the theatre is a religion. It is renowned and the biggest business formally protected by the Empress. But there are those who do not want the theatre to be so well received.
Minx Mellor is a young woman working her final year of apprenticeship as a Technomancer. Each department of the theatre has their own special brand of magic that allows them to create a masterpiece. Technomancers build machinery with their magic, Presuls (directors) are able to help the Vicomorphs (actors/actresses) take on the voice and appearance of the person they are trying to portray. Then there is the rare ability of the Vicocorpus- one can completely shapeshift and not just slightly morph.
The reason I really began to love this novel was it's use of the theatre. Even though this novel takes place in a Steampunk world, there were still the recognizable aspects of the theatre. As someone who was studying the theatre for many years, this captured my attention.
Plus, who doesn't love a hint (well, more than a hint) of romance and jealousy? Now, I know many people are sick of seeing love triangle stories. However, the reasoning behind this one was intriguing and understandable. Plus, it allowed the characters to grow and develop through the novel.
Now, there was a heavy theme of PTSD as stated in my disclaimer. And when it hit, damn. Meredith Rose did not sensor what this girl was feeling, nor how detached she became. The writing during those portions were different, yet educational. I could not stop reading because I needed to know that everything would be alright.
With that heartbreaking cliffhanger, I need to continue the series.
Disclaimer: Mention of rape and major cases of PTSD
First off, wow. This book was an intricate mix of Steampunk and Fantasy. In this world, the theatre is a religion. It is renowned and the biggest business formally protected by the Empress. But there are those who do not want the theatre to be so well received.
Minx Mellor is a young woman working her final year of apprenticeship as a Technomancer. Each department of the theatre has their own special brand of magic that allows them to create a masterpiece. Technomancers build machinery with their magic, Presuls (directors) are able to help the Vicomorphs (actors/actresses) take on the voice and appearance of the person they are trying to portray. Then there is the rare ability of the Vicocorpus- one can completely shapeshift and not just slightly morph.
The reason I really began to love this novel was it's use of the theatre. Even though this novel takes place in a Steampunk world, there were still the recognizable aspects of the theatre. As someone who was studying the theatre for many years, this captured my attention.
Plus, who doesn't love a hint (well, more than a hint) of romance and jealousy? Now, I know many people are sick of seeing love triangle stories. However, the reasoning behind this one was intriguing and understandable. Plus, it allowed the characters to grow and develop through the novel.
Now, there was a heavy theme of PTSD as stated in my disclaimer. And when it hit, damn. Meredith Rose did not sensor what this girl was feeling, nor how detached she became. The writing during those portions were different, yet educational. I could not stop reading because I needed to know that everything would be alright.
With that heartbreaking cliffhanger, I need to continue the series.
February 14, 2017
Chains of Silver by Meredith Rose
WOW, I had never read a steampunk book before Chains of Silver. I loved this book! An intriguing story about a world where life revolves around the theater. Mine is one of the students who's specialty is designing and building gadgets. A killer is targeting stars in the theater so Mind and her friends must stop the killer. This is a great book.
WOW, I had never read a steampunk book before Chains of Silver. I loved this book! An intriguing story about a world where life revolves around the theater. Mine is one of the students who's specialty is designing and building gadgets. A killer is targeting stars in the theater so Mind and her friends must stop the killer. This is a great book.
October 31, 2016
I gave this Book a rating of 4 ✩’s
Title: Chains of Silver: a YA Theater Steampunk Novel
Series: Alchemy Empire Book 1
Genre: Ya Steampunk
Author: Meredith Rose
Format: E-book
Published on: Apr 28, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed a Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Main Character’s Descriptions:
Minx Mellor is phobic but she hides it well
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Summary Paragraph:
In an Alternate Victorian reality where theater reigns supreme. Mix in a Phobic heroine and evil mad man and a few good friends and you get Chains of Silver
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: My first book by this author. Very good read if you like the Steampunk Genre. I would highly recommend it.
Title: Chains of Silver: a YA Theater Steampunk Novel
Series: Alchemy Empire Book 1
Genre: Ya Steampunk
Author: Meredith Rose
Format: E-book
Published on: Apr 28, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed a Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Main Character’s Descriptions:
Minx Mellor is phobic but she hides it well
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Summary Paragraph:
In an Alternate Victorian reality where theater reigns supreme. Mix in a Phobic heroine and evil mad man and a few good friends and you get Chains of Silver
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: My first book by this author. Very good read if you like the Steampunk Genre. I would highly recommend it.
September 22, 2016
The best YA book I've read this year. The main character (call her Minx, or Clair, or Gia ... she's a complex person) is haunted by trauma in her past, and grappling for the first time with the awakening lusts and desires that all teenagers deal with. And she has dangerous magic. And there are crocodiles in the sewers, and a mean girl who might become her greatest frenemy. And she's caught up in a love triangle. And the murder mystery is threatening to destroy her loved ones.
It's a great concoction in a steampunk world of rival empires, where magically-enhanced theater is the highest art form, and where everyone has secrets. This is a well-crafted tale. I'll happily read the next one.
It's a great concoction in a steampunk world of rival empires, where magically-enhanced theater is the highest art form, and where everyone has secrets. This is a well-crafted tale. I'll happily read the next one.
September 30, 2016
Loved it! Setting was different (theater), characters were highly lovable (and slightly dysfunctional), and the suspense kept me there all the way to the end. So much so that I want to read the second book and glad I didn't have to wait to long to buy it.
Minx doesn't have the typical teenage tropes that you see in so many other books. She's got some major issues to overcome, and I found myself rooting for her just the same. The reader gets to watch her grow with the challenges of her life, becoming older, and finding love. Along with her BFF (Thea), a second love interest (Raymond), the theater director (Dietrich) they help Minx solve a murder mystery.
Minx doesn't have the typical teenage tropes that you see in so many other books. She's got some major issues to overcome, and I found myself rooting for her just the same. The reader gets to watch her grow with the challenges of her life, becoming older, and finding love. Along with her BFF (Thea), a second love interest (Raymond), the theater director (Dietrich) they help Minx solve a murder mystery.
January 7, 2017
The fast summary: a great book.
Although it is billed as YA, it was written in a style that still appeals to adult audiences. The steampunk setting was novel (theatre in a different world, paranormal talents pertinent to theatre), the characters interesting and the heroine well-drawn. The plot moved well with elements of mystery, touchs of romance and a slowly revealed world. The heroine has flaws and problems but with the grit to move through them.
This book has been free on Kobo (and likely other sites) for a few months so is well worth picking up. I'll be moving forward with the next in the series.
Although it is billed as YA, it was written in a style that still appeals to adult audiences. The steampunk setting was novel (theatre in a different world, paranormal talents pertinent to theatre), the characters interesting and the heroine well-drawn. The plot moved well with elements of mystery, touchs of romance and a slowly revealed world. The heroine has flaws and problems but with the grit to move through them.
This book has been free on Kobo (and likely other sites) for a few months so is well worth picking up. I'll be moving forward with the next in the series.
November 6, 2016
Chains of silver
I'm starting to get into the steampunk genre and came across this little gem...even tho it is quite cringe at times with Minx's love triangle between her presul and best friend, I got over it and just enjoyed the steampunk world set in the theatre. I loved it, quite easy to read, loved the characters and the setting.
I'm starting to get into the steampunk genre and came across this little gem...even tho it is quite cringe at times with Minx's love triangle between her presul and best friend, I got over it and just enjoyed the steampunk world set in the theatre. I loved it, quite easy to read, loved the characters and the setting.
August 31, 2016
I preordered Claws of Brass the day I finished Chains of Silver. The relationships and characters are complex--they don't always do the right thing. The romance is super steamy, while steering clear of outright naughty; and the steampunk vocabulary is perfect. I want more.
August 31, 2016
Great reading. Loved it because it was fast paced ,different. Delightful characters. Received this book in exchange for an honest review
April 24, 2017
A coming of age story steampunk style. Set in the Alchemy Empire Minx, Thea and Raymond are best friends and all members of the theatre. Some one is killing leading ladies and will Minx's mentor be next? If you like steampunk you'll love this book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews