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The Alchemist #2

Alchemist Assault

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Alchemy is the key to stopping the Nighlan, but no Alchemists remain.

The dangerous alchemy key has bonded to Sam, giving him access to the almanac that is the key to the ancient power of true Alchemy. He’s made an enemy of the Nighlan, but it’s those inside of the Academy he worries more about. Though he has no magic, he has continued to excel, which puts a target on his back. He has allies inside of the Academy, but remains an outsider.

When the Nighlan attack in the city and Sam is targeted, his connection to the key is threatened. Without that and the almanac, the Academy lacks the defenses that can protect it. If Sam can’t find his connection to the key, not only might another claim it from him, but he could be permanently scarred.

This time, his knowledge of Alchemy and the arcane arts might not be enough. Sam must find real power within himself for failure means that more than the Academy will fall to the Nighlan.

Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2021

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D.K. Holmberg

329 books989 followers

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5 stars
319 (55%)
4 stars
163 (28%)
3 stars
73 (12%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
183 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2021
I scored this second book in the series, Alchemist Assault, as an ARC and this is an honest review.
I enjoyed the story, that said, I was occasionally confused at why this or that didn't happen or wasn't explained in the story. Or why the ending was rushed when the rest of the book wasn't. Normally I don't worry about writing styles, mistakes, or questions I have while reading a story but at least one gaping explanation was never forthcoming and it bugged me. And how can the protagonist be so fretful, fearful, and so sure that he is inept, keep putting himself in dangerous situations? (because I really want to know!) Caring for the story this much must mean I like the book right? I wonder, did the writing styles of Dan Michaelson and D.K. Holmberg conflict too much? The characters are likable and hateable, the writing immerses you in the magic realm, easily making you familiar with the place. I say give this series a try even if I didn't give it five stars, it was still enjoyable.
212 reviews
July 10, 2021
Regret buying the book

What started off as a promising ended in a bone jarring journey. I had hoped for more of michaelson and less of holmbergs style. The reading of the dialogue was like walking with one leg two inches shorter then the other.

Yes I read the whole thing and typical holmberg the main story surrounded the angst worry fretting worrying and more worrying about how to solve a problem. It repeats and repeats over and over again and did I say the main character worries? I'm worried you might not understand the degree of how I'm worried you might not understand so let me continue to run on with one leg two inches shorter than the other and try to describe how worried I am you might not understand.

If the worry wasn't enough you have the main character knowing he is currently powerless yet continues to hobble out into harms way despite the expressed concerns and advise of those who had to rescue him, but in a grinding predictable way he manages to trigger the device as if that were some cathartic event. I was honestly hoping the main character would die so we both could stop worrying

By the way I'm worried you might not understand what I'm worried about so I'll sit here and worry that someone else will buy this book. So much to worry about and no ability to stop it... If only someone would read this critique then maybe they won't read the book but what if they don't read this critique? What if I stop writing like homeberg and worry about the money I wasted.
Never again will I read a holmberg book I just wish I knew how to remove his name from the algorithm so I stop getting tempted by the potential of the story.
Profile Image for Michelle Nelms.
134 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2021
Full disclosure: I received an advance read copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for a fair review.

This is the second book in the series. Sam is still coming to terms with being bonded to the alchemy key. He's trying to learn what it can do, and is frustrated at the lack of information about it. Worse, the library is still in shambles from the events of the previous book, hours for student access have been limited, and Sam and Tara's Study Hall access to it doesn't help as there are faculty working during off hours to repair the damage.

Sam, concerned that he is running out of time at the Academy but unable to use that time to study the extensive collection of books there, decides to try to find other ways to learn. He ends up sneaking off the school grounds and wanders into town, where he comes across a true alchemist.

He tries to enlist the alchemist's help learning about the device he is bonded to. The two are attacked by a familiar enemy and after the altercation Sam suffers a loss that leads to him learning how to sense someone using magic near him.

While Sam is adjusting, he's also trying to decide who at the Academy can be trusted. The academy remains in danger, and some of that peril is coming from those within.

This was a good second book. I liked seeing Sam continue to grow into himself more; to begin to define himself as something more than "Mia's brother/protector". He's taking more risks, some of which didn't make a lot of sense for him as a character but they did drive the plot.

It was interesting to get to learn a little more about the history of the Academy, the Grandam position, and alchemy in this world.
12.6k reviews189 followers
September 19, 2021
An interesting prequel to the series. Gives you insight as to what will happen. The characters are definitely intriguing. Can’t wait for the next book.
1 review
July 20, 2021
This could have been a really good book. The storyline was excellent, but I had difficulty following it due to the avalanche of errors, incomplete sentences, extremely bad grammar and poor punctuation. I am sure the writer was not to blame, but whoever edited the text did not have English as his first language. I usually correct minor errors, but editing this book would have taken longer than reading it. It was a disgrace. I can only hope that the third book in the series, due out later this month will be a huge improvement. This edition only barely got 3 stars and I was being generous. It completely ruins the reading experience when you have to reread and interpret so many sentences and phrases. Not recommended until after it's reedited.
Profile Image for Karla Schneider.
765 reviews22 followers
March 20, 2022
Sam went down a tunnel, which lead to a tunnel, which lead to another tunnel, he pushed the power out of his hands with intricate designs, bam there was an explosion, see you in the next volume.
I was entirely right about the first volume, this author exhausted all the good ideas that were in Harry Potter, and now this second volume was as vague as possible in describing just about everything. We might as well have just daydreamed about our own version of this book. It was absolutely horrible.
64 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2021
In the interest of full disclosure, I reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy, in exchange for an honest and full review. I will be purchasing this book once it is released in print. I hope this series is released in hardcover.

This is a sequel to Alchemist Apprentice, released earlier this year by D.K. Holmberg and Dan Michaelson. This series focuses on Sam, starting in his home town on the fringe of an expanding kingdom in an occupied area next to another threatening, mysterious neighbor realm. Sam and his sister manage to get released from enslavement as miners, shortly after which they encounter Havash, a magic user who, for a variety of reasons, takes them as students to the kingdom's capital, where they are enrolled as students in a magic school known simply as the Academy. In the first book Sam, who was believed to have no magic power innately, was enlisted by to investigate an attack on the Alchemist wing of the Academy that was reported to have left behind a lingering effect lethal to those with ties to magic. In the first book Sam struggles to maintain a relationship with his sister, while developing friendships with first year James and fourth year Tara.

Sam solved the mystery of the attack on the Alchemist wing and uncovered a larger plot against the entire realm in the first book, which took place in roughly the first half of the academic year. Sam discovered and unlocked an Alchemy artifact that suggested he may have some hidden, untapped magical power of his own, but he was skeptical and resistant to the notion. The second book continues where the first left off, with Sam still largely socially isolated, with the school and realm still under attack from parties with ties outside of the realm. Sam continued to worry that he will be removed from the Academy, despite the service he already provided, and remained diligent in his studies in preparation for a life outside of the Academy and apart from his sister. Sam struggled to embrace his potential magic power, while he continued to investigate and resist further incursions and attacks from outside of the realm. Sam made some new allies within the Academy staff and Alchemists outside of the Academy over the course of his investigation. All the while, Sam continued to excel in his studies, which prompted him to receive advanced training, but leaving him to struggle to be attentive within his classes. After Sam was attacked and rendered blind, he managed to uncover information about a pending attack and through the assistance of his network of Alchemist allies and Academy staff, he managed to temporarily neutralize an immediate threat within the leadership of the Academy, and uncover more evidence of the foreign infiltration within the Academy and the realm. By the end of the book, Sam's first year of studies is STILL not over, leaving plenty of room for future books.

This book, and series, are both great contributions to Young Adult Fantasy. They support positive ideas like the value of personal investment in one's education; the value of people no matter their social station, gender, occupation, etc.; and the value of persistence to achieve one's goals. While these are books targeting a Young Adult / Fantasy audience, there is no sexual content, although there is some very tame romance described. I do not recall any "trigger" items, such as rape or other sexual violence, although there is an incident initially presented as a kidnapping which is later found to have been a rescue by an ally unknown to Sam. The limited violence within this book, and the previous book within the series, was not graphic in nature, was not gratuitous, and served to advance the plot. I would have no concerns with putting this in my child's library, giving it to a niece, nephew, or grandchild, or using it for a Young Adult bookclub. I thoroughly enjoyed it and anxiously await the next in the series.

My sole complaint is that I would like a map of the realm and its neighbors, of the kingdom city, and the Academy.
Profile Image for Tawny Molina.
102 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2021
Alchemist Assault is a fantastic sequel to Alchemist Apprentice. It picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first book. Sam, the main character is continuing to try to adjust to life in the academy, though because of the damage to the library from the first book, he has lost his favorite place to spend most of his time studying. Aside from this minor conflict, the town the Academy is in has been attacked. As is prone to happen with Sam, he ends up tied up in a conflict involving these people. Some of which are much more closely tied to previous conflict than he could ever guess.

I enjoyed this story. Though unfortunately, I found I could guess some villains from the beginning of the story. This was slightly disappointing, as it seemed a bit too obvious. Aside from this issue I found I enjoyed the rest of the story. I enjoyed the further evolution of Sam and his friends and I have found I have become more and more interested in how alchemy and magic work in this world.

Over all I say that Alchemist Assault is a wonderful second novel, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

4 reviews
September 8, 2023
Recommended to read if you like thicc ass armor plot where MC is powerless even after the end of Book 2 and always throws himself at the center of the shit show and ends up saving the day by triggering something or deciphering unknown powers, and did I mention he is still powerless?

Nothing is clear on what is actually happening. The Academy was attacked multiple times and students are still unaware of it. Everyone still thinks that the Academy is safe even after a lot of alchemists already died, despite unveiling that the Grandam and Secondum as traitors, and despite multiple attacks to get the key, the almanac and the hidden something in the Academy. Students are dumb as fuck thinking that their enemies are imaginary like the boogeyman and they are clueless despite the attacks in the city, the armies gathering. I mean how stupid can they be? There were no reactions from their parents worrying that their children might just explode into oblivion with all that is happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michele Hermansen.
343 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2021
I did not expect to get a free copy of this book to review for my unvarnished opinion, but was very pleased to do so, as I truly enjoyed the first book.

This second book in the series is even better than the first! As Sam and Tara delve deeper into the mysteries at the Academy involving the arcane arts and the destroyed alchemy section, the action becomes very intense! Who’s behind the destruction of the Alchemy section? Are there still secret agents working inside the Academy? Are these enemies it’s professors, other staff or even older students? How does Ferand keep getting into the school? How will they discover what’s written in the cryptic Alchemist’s Almanac? Can they protect themselves from further attacks to the Academy? The fight does come, some answers are found but will they be enough to stop the those bent on seeking more power? Can’t wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Adrianne Lemke.
Author 18 books60 followers
December 22, 2023
Decent addition to the series

This book started with quite a bit of repetition, especially Sam thinking about or saying that he had no access to the arcane arts. That said, the story does pick up as you read. I enjoy the relationship between Sam and Tara, and I am annoyed by Mia and how she acts toward her brother while she's with the people in her tower. Considering everything Sam did for her, she comes across as a spoiled brat. Hopefully her character will grow as the series continues. I am curious to see how Sam's connection to alchemy progresses, and what happens now that some of the antagonists have been revealed.
Profile Image for Bigred6126.
1,384 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2021
I loved it. It's a great book and I can't wait to see what happens next. Sam and Tara are a great team and as they add people to their group it gets more and more interesting. Sam goes through some rough stretches in this one but he comes out on top. He also learns more about the key and is getting closer to understanding what it is.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Ken Grant.
260 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2021
This book picked up where the first one ended and the story definitely became more complex and richer. I enjoyed how the main character struggled to determine who was on which side and who seemed to have formed their own side. This series does a good job of showing that different people can have their own agendas and still find a way to work together when necessary. The plot is building and the stakes are getting higher. Looking forward to where the story goes from here.
761 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2021
Frustrating

Too much introspection. I was increasingly impatient with this story. Sam's constant lack of belief and his insistence that he wouldn't be staying long were beyond overstated and seriously annoying.
Even when things are moving, they're bogged down by his thinking. It's exhausting and I'm less inclined to care where this story goes. Hope the next book is better because it sucks for me that I still want to finish the story.
Profile Image for Siret M..
12 reviews
January 7, 2022
I feel like it's more like 4.5☆ as story was captivating and I liked that Sam wasn't blue eyed and trusting everyone. I liked it more than second book. What keeps me from giving 5☆ are multible weird grammar mistakes and wrong words at weird places. Also the fact that Sam was stuck in his '' I have no power and will leave soon'' for too long. At some point it felt like that was all he talked about. I very much hope he has gained some confidence in next book so story can move on more smootly.
631 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2021
Not good

Gave it three because the first one was ok but how many times can you say I don't have any power? The writers made it a point to mention almost every page, I really started to dislike the main character !! I should have realized how bad a book it would be if Holmberg wrote it !! I dont recommend this book series!!
38 reviews
August 17, 2021
Good second book

This is a pretty good 2nd book it feels like part of the story not an add on. The foreshadowing is a little heavy. But for a young adult it would be a great novel to teacher about Gore shadowing and character development. Overall I have enjoyed both books and will continue through the series.
3 reviews
July 13, 2021
Whoever did the proofreading on this book really missed so many errors. They had words that were similar that took away from the plot and gave it a different meaning in different places. The story is good but it was so distracting to have this many errors in a book
Profile Image for Marie.
190 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2021
Enjoyed this!l

I received an ARC of this book and I am so glad. This book is perfect for adults and teens. It is full of mysteries and I couldn’t even guess what would happen. I really liked that about it! Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,672 reviews82 followers
December 10, 2021
Alchemists Book 2

Wow, this was an action packed adventure, with many turns of plot. As new members are drawn in, others go up in a puff of smoke. Sam and Tara from a real bond of friendship, working together to solve mysteries about the Acaedemy.
1,140 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2022
Keeps getting better
Sam and Tara are discovering that not all is as it should be with the leaders of the Academy. They are unsure who they should trust. They rely on each other and that is beneficial for both of them.
74 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2022
Fun but

Not a bad sequel but it has the problem most sequels do with pacing and the risk of repeating to much of the previous book.
A side from that it's an enjoyable book that nudges the story along nicely.
Profile Image for Stuart Macmartin.
715 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2022
My kind of setting and story. But the bad guys do things the hard way, and Sam does things the stupid way. The bad guys need this? Let me bring it to them, then. And the angst woe is me I don’t have magic is a little tiresome. But the rest is fine. On to the next.
Profile Image for Barbara S. Fetty.
68 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2021
Good Story

Overall a good story. But, the wrong words were used in sentences or wordsp left out. Needed more proof reading.
26 reviews
October 2, 2021
Repetitious even if written well

After two books, the main character’s belief that “I have no” and “it’s complicated” becomes wearing. Decent writing however the plot crawls.
53 reviews
October 11, 2021
Not as good as the first volume

Not bad but it tended to bog down in places. I would have preferred more action less philosophy. I will give the next volume a try.
88 reviews1 follower
Read
October 20, 2021
Fantastic!

I've read the first book and really enjoyed it. Now comes this book and wow! I wasn't able to put it down! Loads of action and mystery with a large dash of action.
31 reviews
October 27, 2021
Love the book

Great book but I don't like being forced to leave a written review review to post on Amazon my five four three two or one star should be enough.
76 reviews
December 22, 2021
I enjoyed the second book in the series. The plot was solid and I felt like there’s a lot of potential to the series. The writing style feels like there is also room for growth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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