Secrets and Alchemy

Dragon's Gift: The Potion Master #1

by Linsey Hall

Fated Mates....if they can survive

When Sora, a beautiful mage with broken magic, walks into my bar, two things are obvious. One: she needs my help. Two: she’s my fated mate.

I’ll stop at nothing to save her from the magical mob boss she’s pissed off. It’s the only way I’ll ever be able to make her mine.

Then the unexpected happens. The Fae magic that I once rejected comes back, cursing me to die within days if I can’t create an antidote. Sora is my best chance at getting the ingredients I need, but only if we both survive.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Witches

183 pages, ebook

First published March 26, 2020

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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story that features Connor because the two main characters just leapt off the page ! Connor has always been a background character who provided vital back up through his potions and yes at times sheer muscle but he never before now really stood out. Here he is quite rightly stepping into the spotlight as we learn a lot more about not only his past but exactly what he is meant to do but before all that there is the amazing Sora to introduce !
This story begins with Sora who due to no fault of her own has been cursed and her magic is to say the least a bit wonky. She falls foul of a powerful Vampire and needs help so turns to Alchemist Connor but hadn’t expected the incredible pull she feels towards him. I really liked Sora and she’s a laugh a minute with such an incredible sense of humour and as she gets to know Connor his secrets are revealed which takes them both on an incredible journey that whilst not the longest I’ve read was nevertheless very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Clara Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short changed.....

I love Lindsey Hall novels especially those that are centered on Magics Bend. Each set of novels for each character has been something I have looked forward to. What I didnt expect was to feel so short changed that Connor got only 1 book... yes its a GOOD book and everything gets wrapped up in a pretty little bow, but it seems almost sexist that he only gets one book and has been a central character just as much as the girls, and yet they each have received a minimum of 3 books each..... I am disappointed massively. Hopefully the move to Guild City will open up new doors and make up for this lack of judgement, the guy deserved more for all of the effort, blood, sweat, tears and potions he has put in for everyone else over the years.... so many unanswered questions.......

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most of what this author has written, but I’ve never read one where the protagonist is a man. I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Connor has been a secondary character in many of this author’s series, and I have always liked him. However, when the author wrote a series with his sister as a MC, I grew to love him. This book was a perfect foil for him, and I thought his love interest was interesting…she was so lonely. I’m glad that he got his HEA, and I enjoyed the ride. Not only that, but we get a glimpse into the next series’ universe which just intrigued me more. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to read Connors story! I wish there was more and I really really hate to leave Magic’s bend! However, I’m glad he is getting an HEA and maybe we will see a second book for him in the future *fingers crossed*. Connor is protective and kind per usual but he had secrets he has been keeping. Now that he has stumbled into Sora, or rather she pounded on his door lol, he has awakened fate. Definitely worth the read to get his story and briefly revisit some of the old crew.

[Jamie - The Bookish Attitude · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars,

Honestly I couldn't wait for Connor's book, he's been the potions master and one hell of a bad ass through out almost every other book in this universe.
He's been slinging potions since the first fire soul novel and when this hit my kindle after I finally caught back up, I was disappointed.

Connor's book felt like a place holder for Linsey's new series Shadow Guild, a way to introduce it without seemingly leaving a big player behind.

It was short and sweet and Connor finally got his wings back along with his true fae heritage, but he got short changed, one book, more questions than answers and a mate who I personally didn't connect with. The book had potential which is why it got that .5 and even though it was a little rocky and could have been a few books longer, you could tell Linsey was ready to leave Magic's Bend behind

What I did like about this book though was that Connor knew who he was, knew he had some special power but gave it all up willingly for Claire, his sister. He didn't have to second guess anything that was happening to him cause he already knew what was in store, there wasn't this big prophesy, so one must assume that preparations had started before they were exiled as Fire Fae.
He took it all in stride, helped out the best way he could and even had help in return.

Connor was one of my favourite side characters and I hope if Linsey revisits Magic's bend, she showcases some more of his new Storm Bringer power and bring on more of the Secrete Society of Alchemists.

[Paige K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt rushed

I normally love Linsey Halls books, I've read most of them. That being said, something about this book felt off. It felt as if it was a different new author. The reading was choppy and less descriptive, it started out good then petered out. It was as if the author wanted it done and over with - wanted to kick out a book to meet a quota of something. You could feel that the author has no love of Sora and her story and I feel The "Stormbringer" deserved more.

[Leash · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 🌟 ahhhh idk what happened to this book because it really had potential. The ratings are over the moon as well. I feel like it was just all very happy ending, every situation was seamless and effortless and every idea worked. Not that it’s bad but it just wasn’t entertaining. I skimmed through most of this book. Glad it’s out of my want to read though so I don’t need to return. Very very fast paced and has so much potential.

[Ginger Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Alchemy ( Dragon’s Gift:

Absolutely Spell Binding and a Total Page Turner!!! Couldn’t Put it Down and I So want More!!! Love the Action,Magick and Romance!!! Thanks So Very Much for The Wonderful Story!!! Can’t Wait For More!!!

[Cat- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Connors story

Though this book followed the same layout as all the other series in magic band and it’s world I’m actually sad we only got one book out of Connors story. I wish there was more just for him this whole book felt really really rushed and kind of forced.

[Kell Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5 stars if it possible. Everything about this book screamed 'FORCED' and it just ruined the whole fucking plot.

Sora asked for a wizard's help to control her magic but in exchange, he wanted an expulsio potion and the one who had it was the Guild City's mob boss called the Devil. She tried to steal it but she got captured and she made the rare potion disappear along with her clothes, instead of making the guard's weapons disappear. She was threaten to be banished from the city (which she didn't want) so she begged him to let her stay and she would return the lost potion. She went to Connor, the renowned potion master, and asked his help. Fortunately, she was Connor's mate (of course, ugh), so he jumped into the opportunity to be with her and helped her. However, one of the ingredient for this potion was rare and one who had it was the sorcerer's guild in Guild City, so they went there, stole the ingredient, plus the ingredient that could make a potion to control Sora's magic too (ridiculous).

However, she almost fell from a height, so Connor was compelled to help her and got no choice but to drink the potion that could return his wing. They escaped just fine, Connor made the potion, but then, it was his turn to be on the edge of the demise, because his wing was supposed to contain great power, but he needed to make a second potion to return his power and he never wanted to do that because he had to beat evil when he regained his power. But he got no choice but to return his power or his wing would devour him instead :) wow. So they went to some potion masters' secret society, retrieved the most powerful cauldron to make the potion, went to some sacred sea to get some water that was part of the ingredient and made the potion before Connor died.

Of course he succeed, and he was immediately teleported to a village that would be on fire if he didn't kill the evil who cursed it (ridiculous, stupid, very forced). Of course he beat the evil with his new power, saved the village of fae (which appeared out of nowhere and just happened to need his help), helped nora with the potion, returned it to the Devil, and happily ever after. This book couldn't get any worse.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we finally get to learn all the juicy secrets our beloved, reliable potions master has. And believe me there are a lot! He even kept them from his sister. I must say Sora is not someone I would have seen as a romantic interest for him. Of course, Conner is a sucker for a lady in distress. Not that that is a bad thing. I love protective men! Sora happens into Conner's life at the perfect time. Claire is with her mate & Conner is feeling lonely. Let's face it they were together the two of them against the world for so long. Potions & Pastilles probably feels so weird without her there. Anyway I feel bad for Sora, because of a curse everyone treated her different. Her magic doesn't work right now. She had no friends or family left. What a lonely life! Thank God she met Conner, to show her that home is where friends are. Home is not just a place you live. I love the Guild City that Linsey created in this book. It is so different from the Protectorate, Magic's Bend and Darklane. Linsey Hall would you please write at least one more book about Conner & Sora. I feel like their love story isn't complete! We need to see Conner learning his new powers. Sora trying to concentrate and bring something back from the void. She needs to practice to build up her stamina. I would love to see her getting to know everyone & then them all going on an adventure together. Most importantly I want to see this love story between Conner & Sora unfold. Conner deserves it!

[Jen Proudfoot]

Too bad!

I loved this book! I've been reading about Connor for like 40 books now, and it's about time he got his own story, I'm just bummed it was only one book! It was a good story, but because it was only one book, it was a little forced. They spent a lot of time in the book on getting Connor's magic back, but hardly anytime on the village he'd been dreaming about most of his life. The storyline about his mate was crammed into the story too. If there was only going to be one book, this story should've been longer, more detailed. I did love this story, just as I have loved all of the other stories in the Dragon Gift series, and the Shadow Guild series too, I read those first by accident, but I was disappointed by it. It wasn't up to the standards of the other stories! I recommend this book and all the books in the Dragon Gift series, start with Cass' story, they are a blast to read and it only took me a few months to get through the series, but it was nice to read so many books that were connected. You already know the back story, the main characters, and the main locations. It's cool not to have to start from scratch when you're starting a book! Check them out, if you like magic and all different kinds of magical and shifter characters, then you'll probably like these stories! Enjoy!

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor is the process of making a potion when someone keeps knocking at his door. When Connor sees her, he stops in his tracks.
Connor has never held much stop in the fated mates, seeing her he reconsiders it. He is pulled to her. He lets her in and he is willing to help her.
Sora is looking for someone to make a potion to get her out this bind she is in. She is blown away by Connor, he is not what she envisioned.
She tells Connor the almost all of the truth of why she needs it. She is happy that he is willing to help her.
When her life is in danger, Connor has to embrace his fate in order to help her. Now the clock is ticking on Connor. Will he be able to fix what he has done
and embrace his fate. What is going to happen with Sora. You really need to read this book, in order to find out more about this book.

This was such a great book. So much so, that I wished it was a series. It was nice to see Connor step in to the front instead of being a background player.
I recommend this book, if you have never read Linsey Hall, you can find Connor in her other series as well. This will not disappoint at all. You will have to
read this book to find out exactly what happens, no spoilers.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 30%. It just wasn’t grabbing me. No idea why, I just didn’t care about any of it. Well, maybe I know why. It just all seemed too impractical and rushed and forced. The FMC breaks into the Devil’s (not actual devil, that’s just his pseudonym) most remote warehouse to steal some potion that she “needs”, but we’re not told exactly why she needs it. The Devil is supposed to be some uber scary mob boss, but he just lets her go on the honor system that she’ll replace the potion she destroyed in the process of stealing. Plus, the Devil is the hero/main love interest in another series, so I have a hard time taking him seriously as the villain/threat in this book. Then she just happens to know of an alchemist who can make a new potion and runs off to see him. But, why not go to him first place instead of stealing from a mob boss?? Then the alchemist falls in instalove (fates mates) and happily agrees to make the potion. He only needs one ingredient. Hmm, so this rare and expensive potion isn’t THAT rare?

It’s all just so easy and so fast and convenient. It lost credibility and interest. I’m gonna go read something else instead.

[mellymoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different direction of the

I chose five star rating as this book really deserves it, firstly because Conner really became alive , a vibrant character who really shone as a n interesting broken man.... he was so much more than i had ever imagined! As a character that had been in all the books as a good friend, somebody always there with his potions,and with his sister, running P&P whilst being ready at a drop of a hat too help all of friends in many battles, I'd never really given him much thought.
Also the author wrote this book in a totally different style,and i really enjoyed it

As always i sincerely recommend starting from the very beginning and reading hidden magic and just keep reading because if you do the reward is one great adventure, meeting lots off awesome characters, amazing magic and magical abilities, plot twists and turns, there are plenty of books that lead up to this book, ideal really in the global lockdown to keep your mind in a totally different world

Thank you Linsey Hall for the another adventure

[Nancy Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure suspense and romance thrills us in this novel

Sora's not so skillful with her luck pics but her persistence wins out. But what happens inside the building is what shows us her powers are all wonky. She tries to use them to escape the guards the catcher but the results are not exactly what she planned. Not only does it weaken her but it also leaves her naked in front of the three guardsmen. She then faints.
She wakes up bound to a chair in a jacket they provided for her that covers all the necessary parts. But the big boss is icy cold as he threatens her that if she doesn't return the missing potion she will be evicted from guild City. She promises to replace the missing potion that disappeared with her wonky magic. Thus she meets Connor the master potion maker or also known as The alchemist. Now she has to make another bargain for the potion and payment for the potion. The potion was to betrayed for a fix for her own magic originally and now here she was just trying to replace the potion without getting her fix for her magic.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

And finally, we get Connor... If your a Linsey Hall fan this book, this series has been long-awaited, we met Connor at the beginning he has always had everyone else's back now it's his turn to truly shine and he is going to need help to do it...

As a Potion Master, we know Connor is way beyond talented, as part-owner of a bar/coffee house we know he can make drinks and great food...

But now in Connors's first book, now we get to truly know what other secrets he has been hiding even from his sister Claire...

This was another kick-ass adventure that I truly loved and enjoyed immensely and omg Sora is his perfect match that gal can kick butt and watch Connors back as he does the same for her a true partner, now I just need more...lol I can't wait to see how this story unfolds and how Connor shines as a true Alchemist.

[Dawn Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor gets the girl

What a good book to tell the story of Connor. I hope this is a first book in the story of Connor as I think his character could progress. Connor proves to be the all round good person he appears to be in every other story he has been in. He has a lot of secrets and these are covered in this book. I enjoyed knowing more about him but I'm sure we could know more. It's nice that Connor has found his fated mate, Sora the Broken is fixed by her mate. Connor has always been in the background and he has always been there for everyone else but he doesn't like to be a problem for others, he doesn't want any one else to worry about him or get hurt. No one knew what he gave up for Claire, but he would do it again if it meant he protected someone he loved. He now puts his own life in danger to protect a woman he has only just met.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Master Potion Maker Connor had showed his powerful skills all the time, but he had secrets even his sister didn’t know. When the void Mage Sora asked for his services, the dices were rolled and together they were in a race against time to fix her problems and save Connor's life. Who would think that finding his mate would be so intense! Called my attention how Connor was dealing with both his and Sora’s predicament. Lot of smart thinking and planning there. Used to Connor's calmed demeanor, lack of selfness and sacrifices, I think it was good he had his own adventure and a mate. Liked the action, the interesting descriptions and narrations, the intriguing secondary characters, the bunch of potions that Connor had and the teamwork.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza. Linsey Hall is triumphantly bsck with a fantastic new series that starts with Secrets and Alchemy (Dragon's Gift: The Potion Master, Book 1). I love the character building here, from Connor, chief cook and bottle washer (but really a powerful Potions Master ... but really, really a fae who surrendered his powers when his sister had hers stripped away), and Sora, his beautiful fated love, a mage with broken magic who is targeted by a magical mob boss. Sounds complex? Then add in that Connor’s little extra new problem (the return of his fae magic - cursing him to die within days if he can’t create an antidote). Complex indeed. Exciting indeed. Wonderfully told (indeed) - and totally worth getting (indeedy deedy deed).

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, Connor is freaking hot!!!!!!!! All this time reading the Dragon's Gift series and I always pictured him as the nerdy, lanky, mop of curly hair, potions wiz sidekick brother to Claire. I should have known that Linsey would throw us off-track like that. And Sora, I so want to know more about her. Fated Mates!!!! yessss. Though this book is not a very long read and the story speeds through quite quickly, you get to see a whole new side of Connor and it is going to leave you scratching your head about why you saw him any other way.

Advanced Review Copy provided for voluntary review consideration.

[Susie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!! loved every second of it. Couldn't put it down. There was just so much going on and so much I wanted to know!! Connor is an AMAZING character!! Learned a LITTLE about him in the author's other Dragon's Gift series with his sister. He has some kinda secrets going and there are even MORE that come out that he didn't know about. Can't wait for the next book!!
This series and ALL of Linsey Hall's books could be called "Linsey's Gifts" She writes them so that you feel like you're in the world that she has created and you know the characters so well, it's really hard to say goodbye at the end of the book.

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story

I liked both the characters and finally feeling like we’ve “closed up” the loop on all the initial characters of this multi-series. We start on an adventure concerning our FMC and then it switches to a MMC adventure. Good coverage but short compared to the serials of the other characters. I think I would like to see all the couples “now” just to be reminded of all the crazy adventures and resulting pairings. Good foreshadowing of whatever next book series is coming out (I think we get introduced to the next main characters). Fingers crossed they are as good as the last ones!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of Linsey's books so far and Connor's story doesn't disappoint!! He has always been a background character helping out all of his friends and finally he gets his time to shine. I love how Claire's final book brought us right to Connor's story and immediately to the woman who would bring this man to his knees.
I have to say that Linsey's previous portrayal of Connor was NOTHING compared to this strong ALPHA male as you read his story!! He is much MORE!! I can't wait to see what else is in store for Connor and Sora.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor’s story was as wonderful as are all the other magical fantasy stories since this series began. Sora was the perfect complement to him. Ms. Hall has written wonderful Dragon’s Gifts series in numerous books. As when Mythean Arcana ended I was glad to start the Dragons Gift series. I can’t wait to see where we go next after all this. The characters have been a family that help one another & I will miss them all. Ms. Hall has a fantastic imagination that keeps readers coming back book after book... Connor’s book was excellent as well even as it finished off this series.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor and Sora!

Linsey Hall again bewitches us with magical adventure!

Connor has been a part of several series and his potion making has been essential in saving his sister and their friends and neighbors. Sora is a sweet witch with a magical curse.

Together they find that friendship, and dare I say love, will strengthen their bond.

Another amazing story that just leaves you wanting even more. Thank you, Linsey, for taking us to these other worlds, and providing the ‘realistic components’ that help us feel enveloped in your stories!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Start to Connors Story

It was a great start to Connors story and I hope we get many more.

In Clares story we learnt that Connor had given up his wings when his sister had been cast out of the fire room. In this book we learn how Connor goes about regaining his wings and he also meet his fated mate.

We meet some new characters based in London within the Guild Town. I’m looking forward to reading one of their stories starting the end of April 2020 as his character name is called the devil and we hear his fated mate Prophecy.

[Chris S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Title by Hall !

Another title by LH doesn't disappoint because of the original creation (set in same world as other Dragon's Gift books), creative characters w special powers & a fantastical adventure you will enjoy reading throughout. This book features two main characters, giving you the perspective of each, and tells not only what these two think, but how theg feel based on their pasts. Find out what potions do, what mystical quests they'll embark on, and what special Fae play a part in this story.

Check it out!

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonky magic – it's a bugger. But it's all Sora has.
In an attempt to bring her magic under control she gets caught and can only hope to stay alive if she can find the Expulsio potion.
Enter Connor!
He's an Alchemist, Fae, also damaged in the magic department and, be still my beating heart, Sora is his fated mate.
“Secrets and Alchemy” reads like a YA novel a lot of the time and, while well done, lacked the elements that might have lifted it above many similar books.
It was readable but didn't grab me.
2.5 Stars.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Conner meeting Sora is great. They have lots of action and adventure as they go about solving ancient riddles and repairing broken magics. It really was unclear if they will feature in future stories but I hope that they do.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Page-turner. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift.  This is my honest review.