The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny

by L.A. Wasielewski

Ryris Bren is a talented alchemist with a forbidden magical power. After making his way to the capital city to open a new shop, he goes on a routine harvest trip and soon discovers his life will never be the same. Destiny, it seems, had her eyes set on him—even before his birth. He stumbles across a specter from the past, one who will turn his life upside-down and force him to face demons he never thought possible. With war now on the horizon, an evil necromancer and his new pawn threaten to transcend time to wreak the havoc he was denied on an ancient battlefield—and Ryris needs to decide if secrets are best kept…or utilized to his advantage. Book One of the Alchemist Trilogy.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2018

Reviews

[Tabitha Tomala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny

All his life Ryris has hidden his magic. But as he journeys off to Keld to start his own Alchemist business, he’ll find himself in situations where magic will save his life. While on the search for rare ingredients he uncovers ancient history in the form of a crystal warrior named Kaia. She is determined destiny brought them together and as a Necromancer rises to threaten the countryside, Ryris must finally admit she’s right. Together they will embark on a journey to awaken the past in order to reclaim their future.

So many stories are told from the perspectives of warriors, or battle-worn magic users. Rarely is there a story where the main character is a noncombatant. I loved the fact that Ryris held to his path of being an alchemist, even when faced with impossible odds. Would it have been easier to have him learn how to fight and become an expert at it? Of course, but it was more entertaining to watch him use his wits and basic instincts with magic. And along his journey, he provided his companions support through his potions.

Ryris’ expeditions for ingredients and mixing potions in his shop were moments his character shined. Readers will be able to tell how much he loves his craft just by how he talks about it. He’s a sincere and charming character you can’t help but become invested in. He’s soft-natured and kind-hearted. To have him thrown into a time of unrest gives him so much room for growth. And Ryris’s road will be anything but easy.

L.A. Wasielewski knows how to write a truly despicable villain. As the main protagonist’s path into darkness was unveiled his evil acts became increasingly violent. He became enamored in his power and the destruction it could bring. Without hesitation, he would kill people and animals with the flick of a hand. Though I do wish he didn’t act so much like a child. But at the same time, his mentality adds to his vileness.

The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny is a brilliant start to a new adventure. Evil has just begun to take root once more and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Ryris and his companions. A fun fantasy read through and through.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordered this book the first day it came out, and I'm so glad I did! The story and worldspace are unique, while at the same time, making use of the themes I love most about the fantasy genre. Ryris is one of the most relatable main characters I've seen in awhile. He's a cinnamon-roll. A self-proclaimed ordinary guy with a soft, sweet personality that endeared me to him immediately, and while reading, he gave me the sense that he could be anyone. It makes it easy to empathize with him. He wants what everyone wants: to make a living doing what he loves, and to carve out a path for himself that he can be proud of.

Then a bunch of totally not normal stuff happens to him (the poor baby), and he's left floundering. If anything, I loved him more for it. He's not unnaturally prepared for all the weird shit that comes his way. He takes it as anyone might expect of a person completely out of his element, and that's just beautiful, and felt natural. As someone who is very character oriented, I appreciated that so much. The other characters are all a delight too, and by the time the end of the book rolls around, I was left more curious than ever. The story hooks you so gradually, that you almost don't even notice. I barely even knew how it happened by the time I reached the end, and said, "What do you mean it's over?" It just felt natural, to keep reading. I'm dying a little on the inside, waiting to see what happens next.

I am in serious need of the second book! Highly recommend this one!

[A.C. Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having completed the series now, I can say that this is an incredible story. Clues that have been woven through all three books, back from the very beginning, bear fruit as new revelations about Lyrax help bring the story to a compelling ending. Wasielewski, however, knows how to torment her characters. At a certain point, just when I felt like poor Mercer Nox (who isn't even the main character- but the most heart wrenching heart-of-gold scoundrel ever dreamed up by an author) couldn't possibly go through any more, turns out, nope, he can. Thankfully, Wasielewski knows what gold she has in this character, and has an upcoming release featuring Nox as the MC. If I had any wish, as a gay reader, I'd love to see more substantial LGBTQ+ representation in this world. But otherwise, this is a solid fantasy with a great MC (Ryris Bren), and a compelling villain. Nicely done!

[Jacob Rundle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 4.6 stars/5.0!!!! And the cover strongly pulls a reader into its grip.
I received this book in exchange for an honest and true review. I have to say that the world alone created by L.A. Wasielewski is quite interesting. I have no problem maintaining my attention while reading this story. I had no issue visualizing the scenery while reading. The characters are dynamic yet relatable. I enjoyed the characters' journeys throughout the story.
I enjoyed Ryris Bren. He is a talented alchemist with forbidden magic. I love stories when they involve forbidden magic or love. It always makes the story more desirable.
The pace is well done.
I recommend this story to all who love fantasy/epic fantasy...any fantasy genre. You won't regret it.

[Tricia Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book -it was outside my normal genre but I was intrigued...L.A. weaved stories in and out and then you find the why in later chapters... as she craftily tied the stories within this book together. It kept my interest throughout...including her painting visual pictures that stayed with me even when I had put the book down. I wait in anticipation for Book 2... I need to know what happens with the characters you've introduced to me next. I just may reread Book as I wait because it's such an enjoyable adventure. MORE PLEASE!!!

[Robin Janney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed full of fantasy elements. Light and easy read...if you buy the kindle version, the paperback's small print gate my readers grief so I switched to the ebook and had no problem lol Looking forward to more my this author!

[Cheyanne Lepka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that fits very well within it’s genre. It’s pretty much exactly what one would expect from high fantasy. There’s a big bad, and an unassuming boy has to stop it. I’m not knocking it, it’s a well established formula, and this book works well within it, I just would’ve liked a little more to make the book stand out from other books within the genre.

The writing itself is gorgeous, and I would say that was the high point of the book for me. It was easy to get lost within the story, with a main character that’s easy to cheer for, and badass warriors that are clad in crystal armor. More than that, the best parts are where the author doesn’t pull any punches and the worst thing you can imagine happening does. With stakes that are well set, and the knowledge that absolutely everything could go wrong, it was hard to put the book down, I had to know what was going to happen.

Where I found myself losing interest, was in the characters, they sort of fell into the type-casts of the genre. I could predict a character before I even had a chance to get to know them. And it got old. I cheered for Ryris throughout most of the book, but honestly there were times where I wanted to scream at him to get his shit together and try harder and stop whining. But perhaps that says more about me than the character. Overall, I found that my favourite characters were side characters.

As for recommending, definitely check this one out if you’re a fan of classic high fantasy. It’s well-written with a high stakes final battle that threatens everything that Ryris holds dear.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start off simply by saying this book is outstanding. Dark, epic adventure fantasy you can really sink your teeth into. Right from page one, I was in love with the main character Ryris Bren. He's lovable and relatable. A reluctant hero, to be sure. The entire cast is distinct and easy to attach to, and you sympathize with their journey from day one.

The world is rich with hidden lore and so easy to imagine, you feel like you're right alongside the companions as you read. I could honestly go on and on about how much I love every detail. I could pour over a book on the history of the Vrelin Empire.

The book ends on a cliffhanger that makes me eager to sink my teeth into the next book. I need to know what happens. And I want to give all the main protagonists hugs.

Very well written and an ABSOLUTE must-have. A definite gem among the indie author community.

[S. Bavey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this epic fantasy tale of good versus evil an ancient, evil necromancer rises from the past thanks to his loyal, demon-possessed acolyte. Meanwhile, a brave alchemist discovers secrets hidden in a mountain while searching for alchemical ingredients to harvest and seals his destiny. He joins a quest to find the shards of an ancient crystal sword which will aid the Crystal Guard in their fight against the zombie army of the necromancer and hopefully save the world!

The cast of characters in this novel was many and varied. They all had depth and layers and felt believable.

The main character, alchemist Ryris Bren, was a lovely, level-headed and respectful character, unassuming yet confident of his alchemical talents, he has hidden his magical abilities his entire life since displaying them in this world means certain death. However these skills will be necessary in the oncoming fight. His romantic feelings for soldier Kaia the Quick develop in a heartwarming and sweet manner, but he never dares to assume she might feel the same. His character develops nicely in confidence and magical ability as the story progresses.

Ryris’s friend the simple giant of a man, Grildi, was a loveable character - pure of heart and loyal to the core, determined to protect Ryris at all costs.

The necromancer, Lyrax and his puppet demon shapeshifter were deliciously evil:

“As leathery wings erupted from his scaled back, a woman in the front of the crowd fainted, her husband barely catching her before her head hit the paving stones. An elderly man screamed ‘demon!’ as razor sharp fangs began to emerge from his beastly mouth. Women shrieked … shielding their children’s eyes. When the transformation was complete, he stood proud, hot puffs of air shooting from his devilish nostrils. He tapped his toe talons on the marble staircase.”

The emperor Roann starts off the book seemingly as a dutiful son and dedicated Emperor-in-waiting. However his parents have harboured a secret about him from his infancy and their desperation has dire repercussions for the Empire.

The blind giant, Phia was another great character, a motherly soul, living in a stinking marsh and guarding secrets for the members of the Crystal Guard as they slumbered for seven hundred years.

The world comes to life around these characters as the companions search for shards of the famous sword in various locations and take on a whole host of foes. Time is also taken to tell the history of the Crystal Guard and their battles during the Old War. Some people thought these were children’s stories, but it becomes apparent that it is actually ancient history.

The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny was a highly enjoyable story with lots of attention to detail in the narrative. If you enjoy epic fantasy stories of heroic quests and good versus evil this could well be the next series for you! The author is an avid game player and the book had a fantasy RPG feel to it at times.

I received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Robert Nugent · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Alchemist: Dawn of Destiny" is a fantasy adventure reminiscent of classic tales. While the story follows in the path of the true and tried, "Farm boy(/equivalent) fights Evil Big Bad and their Empire of Baddies" it did so with intimate familiarity that gave it more a sense of nostalgia than repetition. For those desiring a quick synopsis: I would say that if you crave the taste of older Final Fantasy story-telling flavors and JRPG thrills, you will find something to love about The Alchemist.

The story is largely centered on the titular protagonist, the alchemist, Ryris Bren. Throughout the novel, I felt the most attached to Ryris' character, and at the times he was off-screen, often wanted more of him. The Alchemist is told in a multi-PoV format, where at times we are given the lens of others in the story from which to gain insight to the unfolding events. In some cases, it is a one-off chapter from a periphery, in most others, it is a character we spend lots of time growing with via Ryris' story.

I found the characters of The Alchemist to be charming and the band of heroes are often heart-warming in their interactions with one another. In a story largely focused on friendships, I thought this was a resounding success. Wasielewski balanced the characters involved well, creating a large cast, but never over-doing the amount of individuals involved at one time, allowing each to have their own depth and achieve in being memorable for the reader.

Approximately 1/3 through the book, the story shifts in pace. Our alchemist leaves behind much of being a career alchemist in lieu of beginning his grand quest. At this same time, we experience the transformation of another well-known character into their new role as a primary antagonist. Having seen other reviews for this novel, I think this is the point where opinions begin to divide. While I thought that some aspects felt a bit jarring, by the end of the book, none of these concerns continued to hold much weight. To reiterate what I have said at the beginning of my review, I felt it was very in-theme for the material, and I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds and the characters grow.

When the final page slipped from my fingers, I very much enjoyed my time spent in the world of The Alchemist. I thought the world-building was enjoyable and not overbearing, the characters popped to life, the plot moved along with few interruptions and was engaging, and I was left wondering what is in store next for Ryris Bren...

Onward!

[Melissa Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out interesting and with great characters, fun adventures and the alchemy was not over talked about and then I just don't know. Around the halfway point I was tired of reading the book. The well loved Prince became a disappointment, the MC (alchemist), became a weak, subservient wimp and so on and so forth. Boy, was I let down. I soldiered on, reading a chapter or two between other books, yet I never got back into the story. I hate to say it, but don't read this book. I had such high hopes with how well the first third of the book went with a four star rating, the second third a 2 or 2.5 rating and the last basically sucked. The only reason I gave 3 stars was the first half. I probably should have given a 2 Star honestly. Please don't waste your money.

[Heather Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written tale, with a bit of an unexpected protagonist. I truly enjoyed the world that L.A. Wasielewski created, it is rich and full of life. The characters are interesting and well-rounded, proving delightful to follow along.

I had a little trouble finishing it, but I think that was more because I didn't want to read what I was fairly sure would come to pass than because I was not enjoying it. I have started book 2 of this series, and hope that the author continues to give me a wonderful story to read.

[gordon musgrave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started ok

Was interesting to begin with but the more I read the less it was,the story completely went away from the main character in the beginning .,got to the point where it was not even about him anymore..waisted my time on this book..Do not waste your time with this book!!(

[Stephen J. Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written

A good overall story. I was hoping for more alchemy. There could have been more action and less dialogue in places, but the dialogue let lets you get to know the characters well.

[Pål · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and relatable hero. Anything involving destiny usually makes me cringe but diverged enough from the hero's journey to be interesting. I especially enjoyed the ending when the stakes got personal.