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The Alchemist Heir #1
Flask of the Master
What do you get when you mix alchemy with a scientist?
As a biology professor and a researcher on the cutting edge of biotechnology, Galan Faraday never imagined he’d be back home in Kentucky running a bourbon distillery or dealing with lunatic alchemists.
When Galan returns to Kentucky for his uncle’s funeral, he discovers that he’s been left the distillery and his uncle’s assets. He quickly sees a pattern of destruction left by a group of so-called alchemists that are tied to the distillery. His living relatives try to steal his inheritance; his parents can’t take time from their vacation to show up for the funeral; and someone is dosing people with a very potent elixir that causes mental distress leading to death. As a serious scientist, Galan believes none of this magical nonsense.
Until he sees it for himself.
Following the clues left behind by his Uncle Augie, Galan discovers a hidden level of the Faraday Distillery. Deep below the fermenters and stills, the world of the Alchemist Guild resides. And guess who is their new Master Alchemist?
Galan is going to need more than a flask of Faraday’s best, Magnum Opus, to get him through this.
Flask of the Master is an urban fantasy thriller. It is the first book in the Alchemist Heir series written by Kimbra Swain for Argento Publishing.
As a biology professor and a researcher on the cutting edge of biotechnology, Galan Faraday never imagined he’d be back home in Kentucky running a bourbon distillery or dealing with lunatic alchemists.
When Galan returns to Kentucky for his uncle’s funeral, he discovers that he’s been left the distillery and his uncle’s assets. He quickly sees a pattern of destruction left by a group of so-called alchemists that are tied to the distillery. His living relatives try to steal his inheritance; his parents can’t take time from their vacation to show up for the funeral; and someone is dosing people with a very potent elixir that causes mental distress leading to death. As a serious scientist, Galan believes none of this magical nonsense.
Until he sees it for himself.
Following the clues left behind by his Uncle Augie, Galan discovers a hidden level of the Faraday Distillery. Deep below the fermenters and stills, the world of the Alchemist Guild resides. And guess who is their new Master Alchemist?
Galan is going to need more than a flask of Faraday’s best, Magnum Opus, to get him through this.
Flask of the Master is an urban fantasy thriller. It is the first book in the Alchemist Heir series written by Kimbra Swain for Argento Publishing.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2021
93 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kimbra Swain
74 books332 followersFrom early in life Kimbra Swain was indoctrinated in the ways of geekdom. Raised on Star Wars, Tolkien, Superheroes and Voltron, she found herself immersed in a world of imagination. She started writing in high school, and completed her English degree from the University of Alabama in 2003.
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 14, 2021
Book 1
Kimbra out does herself with her new Alchemist series. The book takes off as soon as the stage is set and the players are defined. Burbon, magic and a coup what could go wrong?
Kimbra out does herself with her new Alchemist series. The book takes off as soon as the stage is set and the players are defined. Burbon, magic and a coup what could go wrong?
August 16, 2021
Excited about this new series with Argento Publishing! I hope readers will learn to love Galan and his crew like I do.
October 27, 2021
I had high hopes for this book, seeing as the focus was alchemy.
Galan Faraday is a professor at a fictitious university somewhere in the south, roughly five or six hours away from Bourbon County, Kentucky. He's working on nanotechnology, along with his beautiful assistant.
Galan's grandfather had raised him after his parents left to travel the world, so when said grandfather passes away, Galan doesn't know what to do. His precious project has been pulled out from underneath him, so he reluctantly heads off to Kentucky.
When he arrives, he's spurned by most people, and the mysteries grow. His car always dies, and people are hostile to him. The only person on his side is his grandmother.
I'll stop the recap there. The story is fine, but it's not really about alchemy. This could have just as easily been about a government approved poppy growing operation, or anything similar. Sure, a bunch of symbols are thrown around, but when we get down to brass tacks, it could be any drug.
On top of that, we don't learn anything about the making of bourbon whiskey.
But still, this is a well written novel, and the editing is tight. What surprised me the most is that both Galan's beautiful assistant and his best friend just happen to be members of families that left the cabal of drug pushing alchemists.
Yeah, it's a lot to take in.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise but not the delivery. It happens. 4/5*
Galan Faraday is a professor at a fictitious university somewhere in the south, roughly five or six hours away from Bourbon County, Kentucky. He's working on nanotechnology, along with his beautiful assistant.
Galan's grandfather had raised him after his parents left to travel the world, so when said grandfather passes away, Galan doesn't know what to do. His precious project has been pulled out from underneath him, so he reluctantly heads off to Kentucky.
When he arrives, he's spurned by most people, and the mysteries grow. His car always dies, and people are hostile to him. The only person on his side is his grandmother.
I'll stop the recap there. The story is fine, but it's not really about alchemy. This could have just as easily been about a government approved poppy growing operation, or anything similar. Sure, a bunch of symbols are thrown around, but when we get down to brass tacks, it could be any drug.
On top of that, we don't learn anything about the making of bourbon whiskey.
But still, this is a well written novel, and the editing is tight. What surprised me the most is that both Galan's beautiful assistant and his best friend just happen to be members of families that left the cabal of drug pushing alchemists.
Yeah, it's a lot to take in.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise but not the delivery. It happens. 4/5*
July 17, 2021
Bourbon and a tale, Kimbra Swain's newest mastery rocks!
What does biotechnology, nanobots, bourbon and alchemy have in common?
Galan Faraday. Meet our star, quiet college professor and respected researcher.
Family heir to one of the best bourbon distilleries.
When his grant is taken away and he loses his life research things can't get worse. Then he gets the call that the man who raised him, Uncle Augie has died.
Strange events are set into motion that leads Galan into a new hidden world of Alchemy, wizards, and danger.
Join Galan on his return back to his home in Kentucky and the world of bourbon.
Kimbra Swain has continued to build a readers delight. This new world is one I am so excited for.
What does biotechnology, nanobots, bourbon and alchemy have in common?
Galan Faraday. Meet our star, quiet college professor and respected researcher.
Family heir to one of the best bourbon distilleries.
When his grant is taken away and he loses his life research things can't get worse. Then he gets the call that the man who raised him, Uncle Augie has died.
Strange events are set into motion that leads Galan into a new hidden world of Alchemy, wizards, and danger.
Join Galan on his return back to his home in Kentucky and the world of bourbon.
Kimbra Swain has continued to build a readers delight. This new world is one I am so excited for.
July 14, 2021
What do you do when the bedrock of your beliefs, science, is rocked to the core with evidence of an alternative previously considered hokey? What do you do when family, previously distanced by your design, comes screaming back into your life against your will? Dr. Galan Faraday faces these questions, and more, when his Uncle Augustine, the only family member he likes, suddenly passes away and leaves him everything. Forcibly thrust back into Kentucky bourbon country, Galan faces a gauntlet comprised of death, deceit, intrigue, betrayal, and secrets that threatens to remake his entire being, or destroy it. A wonderful kickoff for a new series.
October 3, 2021
Decent
The second half of the book felt rushed and the combat scenes aren’t well done. Many things in combat are disjointed and don’t make sense. For example a fight scene recalls Dr faraday being a wrestler then he uses none of the skills associated with wrestling to fight? I guess he attempts one misguided tackle, why even bring up wrestling?
The first half of the book is where the author shined with detailed story telling and fleshing out the world. Author just seems to be in a rush the entire second half of the book, like she wanted to be done with it. Overall don’t regret reading it but wouldn’t recommend it.
The second half of the book felt rushed and the combat scenes aren’t well done. Many things in combat are disjointed and don’t make sense. For example a fight scene recalls Dr faraday being a wrestler then he uses none of the skills associated with wrestling to fight? I guess he attempts one misguided tackle, why even bring up wrestling?
The first half of the book is where the author shined with detailed story telling and fleshing out the world. Author just seems to be in a rush the entire second half of the book, like she wanted to be done with it. Overall don’t regret reading it but wouldn’t recommend it.
July 15, 2021
Amazing as always
I am a huge fan of Kimbra Swain, and a giant fan of Shayne Silvers, so when she decided to work with Shane's company Argento, I knew it would be magic. I just didn't know how magical it would actually be. I loved this book. It is an entirely new type of story for Kimbra, and one she delivers with style and grace. It had the snark I've come associate with Kimbra's books, but a whole new world that I enjoyed every inch of exploring. August will not come soon enough for the next book. Buy it, read it, share it with your friends. You won't be sorry.
I am a huge fan of Kimbra Swain, and a giant fan of Shayne Silvers, so when she decided to work with Shane's company Argento, I knew it would be magic. I just didn't know how magical it would actually be. I loved this book. It is an entirely new type of story for Kimbra, and one she delivers with style and grace. It had the snark I've come associate with Kimbra's books, but a whole new world that I enjoyed every inch of exploring. August will not come soon enough for the next book. Buy it, read it, share it with your friends. You won't be sorry.
July 15, 2021
Love this book!
Kimbra Swain did it again. She weaves her stories so that you are caught up in her magic on the first page!! I didn’t know if I was going to like this story line but because of Kimbra’s great writing skills I love it & I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! I fell in love the the hero of this story. You can’t help but love his dedication to his science, his friends, and everything he takes on! All the supporting cast feels like family!! Bring on the next book in this series!!!
Kimbra Swain did it again. She weaves her stories so that you are caught up in her magic on the first page!! I didn’t know if I was going to like this story line but because of Kimbra’s great writing skills I love it & I can’t wait to see what happens next!!! I fell in love the the hero of this story. You can’t help but love his dedication to his science, his friends, and everything he takes on! All the supporting cast feels like family!! Bring on the next book in this series!!!
July 18, 2021
Unexpected delight.
I'm not sure get I should actually use "unexpected" because it has been my experience that anything I've picked up from the genius of Kimbra Swain has been nothing short of gem! I think the surprise is in how MUCH I enjoyed meeting the characters in her new world and my eagerness to continue the journey with them, how invested I am in their future adventures, and in getting more involved in this rich and exciting world. Thank you, Kimbra, for yet another winner!
I'm not sure get I should actually use "unexpected" because it has been my experience that anything I've picked up from the genius of Kimbra Swain has been nothing short of gem! I think the surprise is in how MUCH I enjoyed meeting the characters in her new world and my eagerness to continue the journey with them, how invested I am in their future adventures, and in getting more involved in this rich and exciting world. Thank you, Kimbra, for yet another winner!
July 25, 2021
A new master arrives
Combine Southern literary style, magic and science and this series promises to become a classic. The hero, Galen Faraday starts as a slightly detached intellectual academic, to becomes so much more, as he inherits the cutthroat world of his uncle’s bourbon distillery and alchemy guild’s magical legacy. His scientific mind is a bit unprepared but the story as he rises to assume authority is both thrilling and entertaining. Once again, Kimbra Swain’s characters win your heart and soul to be an observer in their colorful world.
Combine Southern literary style, magic and science and this series promises to become a classic. The hero, Galen Faraday starts as a slightly detached intellectual academic, to becomes so much more, as he inherits the cutthroat world of his uncle’s bourbon distillery and alchemy guild’s magical legacy. His scientific mind is a bit unprepared but the story as he rises to assume authority is both thrilling and entertaining. Once again, Kimbra Swain’s characters win your heart and soul to be an observer in their colorful world.
June 28, 2021
Fantastic start to a new series! Intriguing characters and excellent world building make for a fresh new urban fantasy you can't put down. When Galen's beloved uncle dies, he is called back home. It isn't long before his eyes are opened to a whole new world and those he holds dear are in danger. With help from his best friend Hardy he sets out to learn what he's gotten into. Fast paced, action packed, and full of twists this story will grab you from the beginning and not let go!
July 14, 2021
Loved it!
This one made me laugh "I opened my mouth to ask him if he had taken his Adderall for the day, but then I vaguely remembered my mandated social guidelines course." There are definitely some funny lines in this book. Kimbra does it again. Flask of the Master was such a good read the book finished with an ending but the series lives on. Looking forward to book 2 in a couple of weeks.
I really enjoyed this book! What a great addition to the Argento team.
This one made me laugh "I opened my mouth to ask him if he had taken his Adderall for the day, but then I vaguely remembered my mandated social guidelines course." There are definitely some funny lines in this book. Kimbra does it again. Flask of the Master was such a good read the book finished with an ending but the series lives on. Looking forward to book 2 in a couple of weeks.
I really enjoyed this book! What a great addition to the Argento team.
July 14, 2021
Don't you love it when you pick up a book and it's different than most other books and an amazing read too? This. This is that book. I knew I would read it because I love Kimbra's writing (if you haven't read her before, you really, REALLY need to), but this blew me away. The research that went into this honestly made me think I would see this on the Boubon Trail tour. It nothing short of. Well. Magic.
July 17, 2021
Another hit for Kimbra!!
This is a brand new series for Kimbra Swain who gave us the awesome Trailer Park series. If you haven't read it you should!! This is totally different from her other series and from chapter 1 I was hooked! This was a great first book with a slightly different urban fantasy view. I live the detail she gave us in creating her characters, they are very believable and likable. I can't wait for the next one!! Great job Kimbra!!!
This is a brand new series for Kimbra Swain who gave us the awesome Trailer Park series. If you haven't read it you should!! This is totally different from her other series and from chapter 1 I was hooked! This was a great first book with a slightly different urban fantasy view. I live the detail she gave us in creating her characters, they are very believable and likable. I can't wait for the next one!! Great job Kimbra!!!
July 21, 2021
More!
This is the first book that I have read written by Kimbra Swain & I am looking forward to not only reading a continuation of this series but many additional stories written by her. The development of the characters & plot was so believable & the details of the bourbon distillery led me to believe that it was actual research to cause me to want to learn the history of this industry.
This is the first book that I have read written by Kimbra Swain & I am looking forward to not only reading a continuation of this series but many additional stories written by her. The development of the characters & plot was so believable & the details of the bourbon distillery led me to believe that it was actual research to cause me to want to learn the history of this industry.
July 26, 2021
Kimbra, you've done it again!
This book is a bit bigger than her other books and for me it was a slow burn read which once I got into the story I couldn't put it down!
I've loved the story from the first page through to the very end. What I liked about it the most was realising that Shady Grove was mentioned briefly and yet it has no toes to the trailer verse books.
I hope people enjoy reading this book as much as I did, thank you Kimbra for yet another awesome story 😊
This book is a bit bigger than her other books and for me it was a slow burn read which once I got into the story I couldn't put it down!
I've loved the story from the first page through to the very end. What I liked about it the most was realising that Shady Grove was mentioned briefly and yet it has no toes to the trailer verse books.
I hope people enjoy reading this book as much as I did, thank you Kimbra for yet another awesome story 😊
August 1, 2021
Magic and so much more!
Kimbra has done it again. I really enjoyed reading Galan’s store. Kimbra did a wonderful job at creating his world and bring it into your imagination. Now I have to wait for book2. That’s the hardest part when you find a new series that you love. If you’ve read any of Kimbra’s books then you won’t be disappointed and will enjoy reading this first book in this series.
Kimbra has done it again. I really enjoyed reading Galan’s store. Kimbra did a wonderful job at creating his world and bring it into your imagination. Now I have to wait for book2. That’s the hardest part when you find a new series that you love. If you’ve read any of Kimbra’s books then you won’t be disappointed and will enjoy reading this first book in this series.
August 7, 2021
DNF 20%
I couldn't get in to it. My Dad was a professor of physics and I've met this kind of person. Up his own backside whilst bleating anout how everybody else was so lucky, without realising what a privileged position they are in themselves *eye roll* and as much as I want to get to the good parts, the dragging it out is painfully boring. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy.
I couldn't get in to it. My Dad was a professor of physics and I've met this kind of person. Up his own backside whilst bleating anout how everybody else was so lucky, without realising what a privileged position they are in themselves *eye roll* and as much as I want to get to the good parts, the dragging it out is painfully boring. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy.
February 2, 2022
Science, Magic, Mayhem and don't forget the Bourbon
Excellent beginning to a very different series. Imagine combining a Bourbon Distillery and Alchemy. Our hero is a bit of a clumsy geek so he doesn't shine in the beginning although his sterling qualities of loyalty, friendship and good manners peek through. As the situations develop so does his character. Science, Magic and Mayhem with some potential romance make a great combination.
Excellent beginning to a very different series. Imagine combining a Bourbon Distillery and Alchemy. Our hero is a bit of a clumsy geek so he doesn't shine in the beginning although his sterling qualities of loyalty, friendship and good manners peek through. As the situations develop so does his character. Science, Magic and Mayhem with some potential romance make a great combination.
July 15, 2021
An excellent read from a Master wordsmith
Kimbra Swain weaves an intriguing tale of friendship, love and decide in the Flask of the Master.
Galan Faraday is the top scientist in his chosen field of nanobiology. When his Uncle dies, he is called home. What he finds upon his return presents him with a choice and memories he forgot he had.
Kimbra Swain weaves an intriguing tale of friendship, love and decide in the Flask of the Master.
Galan Faraday is the top scientist in his chosen field of nanobiology. When his Uncle dies, he is called home. What he finds upon his return presents him with a choice and memories he forgot he had.
July 15, 2021
Magnificent
Oh my word! Miss Kimbra does it again , this time for Argento Publishing! The way Miss Kimbra creates her world and characters is phenomenal! This new series , the Alchemist Heir.,is just great! I don’t know how she does it but , her ability as an author ,always shines brightly in her works! Read this series!
Oh my word! Miss Kimbra does it again , this time for Argento Publishing! The way Miss Kimbra creates her world and characters is phenomenal! This new series , the Alchemist Heir.,is just great! I don’t know how she does it but , her ability as an author ,always shines brightly in her works! Read this series!
July 16, 2021
Bourbon? Or something more?
Wonderful use of unexpected technology which was well blended with tradition and history. Resulting in a distillation of intrigue, mystery, and teasers into the next book. Great characters, and a fun read that has whether my palate for more than bourbon.
Wonderful use of unexpected technology which was well blended with tradition and history. Resulting in a distillation of intrigue, mystery, and teasers into the next book. Great characters, and a fun read that has whether my palate for more than bourbon.
August 28, 2021
Excellent start to a new series!
I loved this book! Galen is a scientist who discovers not everything has a logical explanation. This book caught my attention from page 1! The story flows and moves quickly and the characters are well developed. I can't wait to start the next book! Great story!
I loved this book! Galen is a scientist who discovers not everything has a logical explanation. This book caught my attention from page 1! The story flows and moves quickly and the characters are well developed. I can't wait to start the next book! Great story!
July 13, 2021
A different kind of science
Let's all learn together the similarities of alchemy and magic. Dr. Faraday gets thrown into this world and we get to go on the trip with him. Buckle up!
Let's all learn together the similarities of alchemy and magic. Dr. Faraday gets thrown into this world and we get to go on the trip with him. Buckle up!
July 14, 2021
Fabulous
I love the mysterious start to this series. I’m looking forward to learning more about the characters. One female character became teary and acted weak and helpless. I found it annoying. Glad she became intelligent again. I’m really looking forward to the next book
I love the mysterious start to this series. I’m looking forward to learning more about the characters. One female character became teary and acted weak and helpless. I found it annoying. Glad she became intelligent again. I’m really looking forward to the next book
July 15, 2021
I stayed up way past my bedtime because once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Flask of the Master is the first book in a new series from Kimbra Swain and if this is any indication it's going to be great. I love the characters and the storyline and can't wait for the next book.
July 16, 2021
This is a new series by this author. Nanobots and alchemy are the science and other in this new series. Galan just needs to figure where he fits and what he remembers. It is a cliffhanger but the next book is out soon
July 16, 2021
A great start to a new series
I really enjoyed this new series. The distillery background is very interesting along with the mystery, friendships, romance, magic and alchemy you cant go wrong.
I really enjoyed this new series. The distillery background is very interesting along with the mystery, friendships, romance, magic and alchemy you cant go wrong.
July 18, 2021
A little science, a little magic, and a lot of…. bourbon.
Galan Faraday and his best friend Hardy Johnson are in for an adventure. Take a trip down to Kentucky and see if you can discover what’s behind the flask of the master.
Galan Faraday and his best friend Hardy Johnson are in for an adventure. Take a trip down to Kentucky and see if you can discover what’s behind the flask of the master.
July 19, 2021
Blew me out of the water
This book was absolutely fantastic. Compelling from beginning to end. Excitement, intrigue and even a little romance, all so well balanced and brought to life masterfully.
This book was absolutely fantastic. Compelling from beginning to end. Excitement, intrigue and even a little romance, all so well balanced and brought to life masterfully.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews