What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alchemist #1
Alchemist Apprentice
Sam’s desire to protect his sister leads him to magic he never imagined.
The powerful arcane arts have kept Olway safe for generations, taught only to those tested and proven to have real potential at the prestigious Academy. That power has never been found on the edge of the kingdom where Sam and his sister struggle to survive. Until now.
A terrible mistake puts Sam at the mercy of a master of the arcane arts who brings Sam to the Academy to help learn what happened to the last of the Alchemists. Posing as a student, and with no magic of his own, he tries to navigate the Academy and discover the secrets of Alchemy. When he discovers a dangerous power that could destroy the Academy, Sam is tested in a way he’d never imagined.
Having no magic of his own, his mind and wits might not be enough to stop a dangerous power that has turned its attention upon the Academy—and is now focused on Sam.
The powerful arcane arts have kept Olway safe for generations, taught only to those tested and proven to have real potential at the prestigious Academy. That power has never been found on the edge of the kingdom where Sam and his sister struggle to survive. Until now.
A terrible mistake puts Sam at the mercy of a master of the arcane arts who brings Sam to the Academy to help learn what happened to the last of the Alchemists. Posing as a student, and with no magic of his own, he tries to navigate the Academy and discover the secrets of Alchemy. When he discovers a dangerous power that could destroy the Academy, Sam is tested in a way he’d never imagined.
Having no magic of his own, his mind and wits might not be enough to stop a dangerous power that has turned its attention upon the Academy—and is now focused on Sam.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2021
429 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 21, 2021
I've read this book from Dan Michaelson and D.K. Holmberg, as an advanced reader's copy, in exchange for an honest and open review.
The book focuses on Sam, an elder brother to a magically gifted sister, living as orphans in the ruins of a border city after a recent invasion and annexation by a neighboring power. As both Sam and his sister are youths with no social resources and limited skills in an impoverished occupied state, Sam is deperate for a chance to get an opportunity in a gainful occupation. In a chance encounter puts Sam at the mercy of a master of the arcane arts who brings Sam to a magic academy to help investigate an accident or attack on the Alchemists portion of the school. Sam negotiated the entry of his magically gifted sister into the academy, while he posed as a student to discover the secrets of the incident in the Alchemy section.
The book fully engaged my attention throughout. The book is reminiscent of the Harry Potter series as well as the recent book A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik. Both series feature underdog youth literally fighting with their lives for their education. For Sam, in this book, he faced loss of a golden opportunity for himself and his sister both, so the stakes are even greater in this book. The book, according to Amazon, is the first in a two book series, which I can see turning into a larger series if there is interest, as this book only covers the first year of school. I can also see how this could spawn another series, following Sam into young adulthood.
The book offers a compelling cast of characters. It is unclear if there will be an academy map, city map, or country map in the book, but I think it would benefit from all three. There are descriptions of elements of the academy and city, but I'm sure more detail will be forthcoming in future books.
The book speaks about significant protest and unrest in the city, taking place in the background. This should not prove to be an emotional trigger for a sensitive reader, but if there is concern about this, previewing the book before sharing it with a younger reader may be appropriate. The book does speak about romantic relationships in pretty benign, general terms, raising no issues with sexual content. I recall no cursing or use of foul language, so if any is present, it is very limited in nature and scope. While there are violent altercations, the detail is very limited and appropriate to the plot, with no graphic or gratuitous use of violence or glorification of violent action.
This is a book I can see myself reading with an interested child, foster child, grandchild, etc. This is a classic Young Adult offering that can be fully enjoyed by adult readers with interest in Fantasy/Science Fiction. I will purchase this when it is available in print.
The book focuses on Sam, an elder brother to a magically gifted sister, living as orphans in the ruins of a border city after a recent invasion and annexation by a neighboring power. As both Sam and his sister are youths with no social resources and limited skills in an impoverished occupied state, Sam is deperate for a chance to get an opportunity in a gainful occupation. In a chance encounter puts Sam at the mercy of a master of the arcane arts who brings Sam to a magic academy to help investigate an accident or attack on the Alchemists portion of the school. Sam negotiated the entry of his magically gifted sister into the academy, while he posed as a student to discover the secrets of the incident in the Alchemy section.
The book fully engaged my attention throughout. The book is reminiscent of the Harry Potter series as well as the recent book A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik. Both series feature underdog youth literally fighting with their lives for their education. For Sam, in this book, he faced loss of a golden opportunity for himself and his sister both, so the stakes are even greater in this book. The book, according to Amazon, is the first in a two book series, which I can see turning into a larger series if there is interest, as this book only covers the first year of school. I can also see how this could spawn another series, following Sam into young adulthood.
The book offers a compelling cast of characters. It is unclear if there will be an academy map, city map, or country map in the book, but I think it would benefit from all three. There are descriptions of elements of the academy and city, but I'm sure more detail will be forthcoming in future books.
The book speaks about significant protest and unrest in the city, taking place in the background. This should not prove to be an emotional trigger for a sensitive reader, but if there is concern about this, previewing the book before sharing it with a younger reader may be appropriate. The book does speak about romantic relationships in pretty benign, general terms, raising no issues with sexual content. I recall no cursing or use of foul language, so if any is present, it is very limited in nature and scope. While there are violent altercations, the detail is very limited and appropriate to the plot, with no graphic or gratuitous use of violence or glorification of violent action.
This is a book I can see myself reading with an interested child, foster child, grandchild, etc. This is a classic Young Adult offering that can be fully enjoyed by adult readers with interest in Fantasy/Science Fiction. I will purchase this when it is available in print.
August 25, 2021
Pretty good not great worth the read.
It’s been along time since I’ve had trouble figuring out exactly how to score a book. The beginning in the end of this book are solid. The middle has its good points but there are issues for lack of a better word. There are times in the story where things are just too easy, times when things are just overlooked or brush to the side and this leads to difficulty. There are times in the story where you literally ask yourself how can you just ignore this. How can there literally be an explosion or at least the sound of an explosion and then we just roll onto the next day as if nothing happened. The majority of the story is actually more of a mystery type novel you know the main characters trying to figure out what’s going on. Typically you expect them to uncover clues and discover things and move from one plot point to the next but sometimes it’s just a little too easy what’s going on here. Character guns down the hallway one day decides not to continue anymore. ^ goes down the exact same hallway on another day decides to finally continue forward Bam plot advances. It back to the question why didn’t they just advance this plot sooner what was the point of the initial observation. You get that a lot in the middle of the story. Points where it really could’ve been shaved out of the book maybe 3 chapters worth of writing. Yeah at the end you realize this wasn’t a bad story there was a beginning there was a middle there was an end there are parts in the book that makes sense and when you connect those that you’re like OK it’s not a bad story there’s some fluff that needs to come out but overall it’s worth reading.
One issue I do have with the book is the cover. I never like it when the cover of the book does not fit the story this cover does not fit the story. When I look at this cover I think I’m going to get a lot of action in the story while there is action this cover doesn’t fit the narrative of the story it should’ve been something more passive less aggressive.
It’s been along time since I’ve had trouble figuring out exactly how to score a book. The beginning in the end of this book are solid. The middle has its good points but there are issues for lack of a better word. There are times in the story where things are just too easy, times when things are just overlooked or brush to the side and this leads to difficulty. There are times in the story where you literally ask yourself how can you just ignore this. How can there literally be an explosion or at least the sound of an explosion and then we just roll onto the next day as if nothing happened. The majority of the story is actually more of a mystery type novel you know the main characters trying to figure out what’s going on. Typically you expect them to uncover clues and discover things and move from one plot point to the next but sometimes it’s just a little too easy what’s going on here. Character guns down the hallway one day decides not to continue anymore. ^ goes down the exact same hallway on another day decides to finally continue forward Bam plot advances. It back to the question why didn’t they just advance this plot sooner what was the point of the initial observation. You get that a lot in the middle of the story. Points where it really could’ve been shaved out of the book maybe 3 chapters worth of writing. Yeah at the end you realize this wasn’t a bad story there was a beginning there was a middle there was an end there are parts in the book that makes sense and when you connect those that you’re like OK it’s not a bad story there’s some fluff that needs to come out but overall it’s worth reading.
One issue I do have with the book is the cover. I never like it when the cover of the book does not fit the story this cover does not fit the story. When I look at this cover I think I’m going to get a lot of action in the story while there is action this cover doesn’t fit the narrative of the story it should’ve been something more passive less aggressive.
June 21, 2021
A fantastic story about a young man giving everything he can hoping to make sure his younger sister has the best life she can, and trying to find a place for himself. This fantasy story is far from just a repeat of similar tales of magical academies. The relationship between Sam, the main character and his little sister is heavily part of the reason for any of the story happening. Orphaned, he knows his little sister has talent and goes to some extremes to make sure she had a place in the Academy for Arcane Arts.
The world of Alchemist Apprentice is original and well made. There is a lot more than just the tale involving the school here. There are also heavy influences of family, war and friendship. The style of magic and alchemy created for this world is fascinating and I hope they go in to more detail in later books. The first of a series it is clear that the creators of this book have a good grasp on their world.
The characters are realistic and exciting to learn about. They have emotions and flaws in their thinking that make them more interesting than some of the perfect fantasy protagonists that come out of some novels. I look forward to picking up the next novel soon.
The world of Alchemist Apprentice is original and well made. There is a lot more than just the tale involving the school here. There are also heavy influences of family, war and friendship. The style of magic and alchemy created for this world is fascinating and I hope they go in to more detail in later books. The first of a series it is clear that the creators of this book have a good grasp on their world.
The characters are realistic and exciting to learn about. They have emotions and flaws in their thinking that make them more interesting than some of the perfect fantasy protagonists that come out of some novels. I look forward to picking up the next novel soon.
June 1, 2022
This book could have been great! But it was so boring. The characters were one dimensional, the plot just dragged on and on. And the magic system was not explained. Literally at all. And the fight scenes, what few there are, were very underwhelming. Given the number of 4 and 5 star reviews, I was honestly expecting something more compelling from a story stand point. The synopsis was intriguing, but I feel the book just failed to deliver.
August 13, 2025
Completion Level: fully read the first 2 volumes, dropped it after.
Story: 3/5
Story telling: 2/5
Characters: OK
Character development: adequate
Side character development: none to minimal
Conclusion: Not Recommended
Liked:
+ some of the character interactions
Didn't like:
- the world and worldbuilding
- the storytelling
- the magic
- his sister
- the conversations
- the names
-=Overall Assessment=-
Story
The story might be good, but it's told so poorly it takes most the enjoyment out of it.
Everything is vague and ambiguous, the towns, the people ... very little is mentioned or described.
The world feels empty, dreary, grey, unpleasant to the point I don't wanna learn about it anymore and worst of all nothing changes, nothing improves.
I guess the author wanted to create a more original take on magic but in doing that it ended up feeling overly complicated, too difficult to use and weak, even a bow and arrow would've felt more effective (except for some things like teleportation and barriers). Every attack or use of magic is super poorly explained ("the power expanded", "a light filled the air"), just super non-descriptive and generic sounding.
It took all the magic out of magic.
Maybe the author tried to create/maintain mystery by doing so but it came of as either lazy or severely lacking in imagination.
Characters and their development
There isn't much of that going on, the books focus on the story super hard, everything takes a back seat.
2 volumes in and we know about as much of the MC as what would be on an ID card. And that he cares for his super annoying and stupid sister (why is she even in this story?).
Story telling/pacing
This is by far the worst part of the books. I think the author "wrote" this by dictating it and the transcoding app didn't understand him perfectly, this is not a problem in itself, but it looks like nobody did any proofreading or correcting, so there's tons of errors, words that sound similar to what would fit but say something else (like "terrace" instead of "Tara's"), many occasions of words missing, tons of typos, etc. There isn't a single page that doesn't have one issue or another.
I even got the feeling English wasn't the author's first language and the fact that he wasted a lot of paragraphs on irrelevant things (like most asian authors do), like pointing out the obvious, reaping himself over and over again (like telling us for the 12th time that he came to the academy to help his sister)
Then there's the fact that the author either has a bad memory or just sucks at story telling because lots of times things are either forgotten or they appear out of nowhere, usually doors, and I don't mean magically appearing out of nowhere, that would be fine, instead they appear like the author forgot to say there were doors there, which is frustrating and immersion breaking.
Recommendation
Recommended only to those who were not bothered by anything I said. Otherwise don't bother.
Story: 3/5
Story telling: 2/5
Characters: OK
Character development: adequate
Side character development: none to minimal
Conclusion: Not Recommended
Liked:
+ some of the character interactions
Didn't like:
- the world and worldbuilding
- the storytelling
- the magic
- his sister
- the conversations
- the names
-=Overall Assessment=-
Story
The story might be good, but it's told so poorly it takes most the enjoyment out of it.
Everything is vague and ambiguous, the towns, the people ... very little is mentioned or described.
The world feels empty, dreary, grey, unpleasant to the point I don't wanna learn about it anymore and worst of all nothing changes, nothing improves.
I guess the author wanted to create a more original take on magic but in doing that it ended up feeling overly complicated, too difficult to use and weak, even a bow and arrow would've felt more effective (except for some things like teleportation and barriers). Every attack or use of magic is super poorly explained ("the power expanded", "a light filled the air"), just super non-descriptive and generic sounding.
It took all the magic out of magic.
Maybe the author tried to create/maintain mystery by doing so but it came of as either lazy or severely lacking in imagination.
Characters and their development
There isn't much of that going on, the books focus on the story super hard, everything takes a back seat.
2 volumes in and we know about as much of the MC as what would be on an ID card. And that he cares for his super annoying and stupid sister (why is she even in this story?).
Story telling/pacing
This is by far the worst part of the books. I think the author "wrote" this by dictating it and the transcoding app didn't understand him perfectly, this is not a problem in itself, but it looks like nobody did any proofreading or correcting, so there's tons of errors, words that sound similar to what would fit but say something else (like "terrace" instead of "Tara's"), many occasions of words missing, tons of typos, etc. There isn't a single page that doesn't have one issue or another.
I even got the feeling English wasn't the author's first language and the fact that he wasted a lot of paragraphs on irrelevant things (like most asian authors do), like pointing out the obvious, reaping himself over and over again (like telling us for the 12th time that he came to the academy to help his sister)
Then there's the fact that the author either has a bad memory or just sucks at story telling because lots of times things are either forgotten or they appear out of nowhere, usually doors, and I don't mean magically appearing out of nowhere, that would be fine, instead they appear like the author forgot to say there were doors there, which is frustrating and immersion breaking.
Recommendation
Recommended only to those who were not bothered by anything I said. Otherwise don't bother.
January 29, 2023
Overall I liked this book. It takes you through a world where magical forces exist and is set primarily in an academy where those with ability are taught to use them. The story starts with the main character and his sister living on the streets struggling to survive. The sister has abilities and ends up getting into the academy and the main character is brought to the academy as well to act as a detective of sorts even though he has no abilities.
There has been an incident at the academy and it’s unclear whether the incident was an accident or intentional. The main character is supposed to investigate what happened and report to one of the instructors. Unsure who to trust and who is behind the incident the main character spends most of his time studying rather than investigating. I would have liked to see a better balance of investigation and studying. His studies ultimately help him to make progress in the investigation. He does eventually find who is behind it but I feel he sort of stumbles into it rather than solves the mystery. The book leaves a lot of questions unanswered which I presume will be answered in the next books in the series.
The problem I had with this story is the cast of supporting characters is inconsistent. Throughout the entire book the main character is focused on his sisters future. Everything he does is so she can succeed. Once they arrive at the academy the siblings talk once, maybe twice for the rest of the entire book. Upon arriving at the academy the main character makes a friend James who later just fades into the background because the main character makes another friend. Now it’s worth mentioning that this is the first book in the series and perhaps these other characters resurface later. However, this book feels very incomplete and inconsistent as a result.
There has been an incident at the academy and it’s unclear whether the incident was an accident or intentional. The main character is supposed to investigate what happened and report to one of the instructors. Unsure who to trust and who is behind the incident the main character spends most of his time studying rather than investigating. I would have liked to see a better balance of investigation and studying. His studies ultimately help him to make progress in the investigation. He does eventually find who is behind it but I feel he sort of stumbles into it rather than solves the mystery. The book leaves a lot of questions unanswered which I presume will be answered in the next books in the series.
The problem I had with this story is the cast of supporting characters is inconsistent. Throughout the entire book the main character is focused on his sisters future. Everything he does is so she can succeed. Once they arrive at the academy the siblings talk once, maybe twice for the rest of the entire book. Upon arriving at the academy the main character makes a friend James who later just fades into the background because the main character makes another friend. Now it’s worth mentioning that this is the first book in the series and perhaps these other characters resurface later. However, this book feels very incomplete and inconsistent as a result.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Full disclosure: I received this book as an Advanced Read Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
I love DK Holmberg's work; he consistently puts out enjoyable fantasy books with complex, imperfect characters. This one centers around a young man named Sam whose parents disappeared and left him to care for his younger sister, Mia, who has magical abilities. He finds a way to get her into the Academy to learn control and gets himself enrolled despite not demonstrating inherent magical talent.
But it comes at a price. Something strange happened in the alchemy wing of the Academy and Sam has been tasked with uncovering the truth.
Sam is clever, determined to do well despite his difficult upbringing, and he's learning his own value which I think is super important in books directed at younger audiences.
I read this book in 3 days, which is something I don't typically do. It gripped me from the beginning. I found Sam relatable and interesting and the Academy was a fun environment to learn about. If you're looking for a good coming-of-age magic-based fantasy, this has you covered.
I love DK Holmberg's work; he consistently puts out enjoyable fantasy books with complex, imperfect characters. This one centers around a young man named Sam whose parents disappeared and left him to care for his younger sister, Mia, who has magical abilities. He finds a way to get her into the Academy to learn control and gets himself enrolled despite not demonstrating inherent magical talent.
But it comes at a price. Something strange happened in the alchemy wing of the Academy and Sam has been tasked with uncovering the truth.
Sam is clever, determined to do well despite his difficult upbringing, and he's learning his own value which I think is super important in books directed at younger audiences.
I read this book in 3 days, which is something I don't typically do. It gripped me from the beginning. I found Sam relatable and interesting and the Academy was a fun environment to learn about. If you're looking for a good coming-of-age magic-based fantasy, this has you covered.
November 7, 2022
The book started really slow as it followed Sam as little more than a street rat, but I'm glad I stuck out the first few chapters. After that, the story got interesting and held my interest in a tight grip.
By the way, this book states only part of the authorship. DK Holmberg also deserves credit (he has quietly become one of my favorite authors).
Sam and his sister (she has little personality at this point and largely vanishes after the beginning of this book). Sam's sole mission is to take care of his sister, and knowing she has magical potential, he finds a way to get her enrolled in the academy. Part of the bargain he makes with a 'magic tester', Sam finds himself going to the academy as well to be the tester's pet spy.
The interesting stuff happens once they reach the academy.
Good reading. Stick with it until page 50 or so, and you'll be good to go.
By the way, this book states only part of the authorship. DK Holmberg also deserves credit (he has quietly become one of my favorite authors).
Sam and his sister (she has little personality at this point and largely vanishes after the beginning of this book). Sam's sole mission is to take care of his sister, and knowing she has magical potential, he finds a way to get her enrolled in the academy. Part of the bargain he makes with a 'magic tester', Sam finds himself going to the academy as well to be the tester's pet spy.
The interesting stuff happens once they reach the academy.
Good reading. Stick with it until page 50 or so, and you'll be good to go.
June 18, 2021
The Alchemist Apprentice is a good take on the disadvantaged young people trying very hard to pull themselves up.
Sam recognizes the skills his sister has and realizes what a shame it would be to not develop them. With good luck and serious effort he gets them both into the Academy where they can get a good education. There he discovers deceit, deception, and enemies beyond his capabilities. Fortunately he makes some friendships that help him when most needed.
The authors do an excellent job pulling the reader into the complications involved in this change for the two teens. The background is revealed to the reader just in time through the efforts of Sam and his friends. It's very well written and certainly encourages the reader to keep reading.
Sam recognizes the skills his sister has and realizes what a shame it would be to not develop them. With good luck and serious effort he gets them both into the Academy where they can get a good education. There he discovers deceit, deception, and enemies beyond his capabilities. Fortunately he makes some friendships that help him when most needed.
The authors do an excellent job pulling the reader into the complications involved in this change for the two teens. The background is revealed to the reader just in time through the efforts of Sam and his friends. It's very well written and certainly encourages the reader to keep reading.
June 28, 2021
Received a review copy, this is an honest review. What a wondrous series beginning!! Sam is determined to protect his sister Mia from being discovered she possesses strong magical skills as they struggle to survive in Barlands. Sam's only hope is getting her into the Academy... and that seems a wish to go unfulfilled; but a bizarre encounter with Havash leads Mia earning a spot at the Academy but Sam finds himself embroiled in a mystery that he mist solve to keep his sister at the school. Despite having no magic abilities what so ever, Sam finds he can belong, understanding all of theories and mechanics that underpin magic and helping Sam succeed at the enormous Havash has given him. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2021
I got this book free from the author for my unvarnished opinion.
This book is quite interesting and exciting, with a fantastic finish! Sam and Mia are siblings who Sam wants to get into the Academy. Mia has visible talent for the arcane arts, while Sam doesn’t think he has any magical abilities. Sam manages to get Mia tested for entry, and the both of them get to go. Sam has a special purpose from Havash, one of the professors, to keep him at the academy—which he wants to complete so he can watch over Mia. This is NOT Harry Potter redux, there are many differences and subtexts and different magic types as well. Would give it a 4.5 if I could. Definitely a must read. Have got to get book 2 now!
This book is quite interesting and exciting, with a fantastic finish! Sam and Mia are siblings who Sam wants to get into the Academy. Mia has visible talent for the arcane arts, while Sam doesn’t think he has any magical abilities. Sam manages to get Mia tested for entry, and the both of them get to go. Sam has a special purpose from Havash, one of the professors, to keep him at the academy—which he wants to complete so he can watch over Mia. This is NOT Harry Potter redux, there are many differences and subtexts and different magic types as well. Would give it a 4.5 if I could. Definitely a must read. Have got to get book 2 now!
October 15, 2023
Though some may compare this to Harry Potter, there are differences.
1- Sam is much older when he starts almost too old for school. This gives him a different mind set.
2- Sam has a sister who is talented in magic, and part of his personality is protecting and looking out for her. Contrast this to orphan Harry.
3- Sam is UN-talented. It is fortunate that one branch of the school is for people with no talent.
4- Sam is more like Hermione in his desire and ability to learn.
Add that there is some sort of conspiracy involving people both in and out the school, with Sam being a reluctant investigator.
Best of all the characters are likable. It was a fast read, but I am wanting to get the next book to see how the story progressed!
1- Sam is much older when he starts almost too old for school. This gives him a different mind set.
2- Sam has a sister who is talented in magic, and part of his personality is protecting and looking out for her. Contrast this to orphan Harry.
3- Sam is UN-talented. It is fortunate that one branch of the school is for people with no talent.
4- Sam is more like Hermione in his desire and ability to learn.
Add that there is some sort of conspiracy involving people both in and out the school, with Sam being a reluctant investigator.
Best of all the characters are likable. It was a fast read, but I am wanting to get the next book to see how the story progressed!
June 17, 2021
I am not a huge fan of YA, but I thought that maybe I’d try reading this one because it appealed to me even if it’s YA. I’m so glad I did. At first, I admit I wasn’t sure I would like this as I felt too bad for Mia and Sam, and it didn’t feel like an UF book. However, once they got to the academy, the pace really took off. We didn’t see Mia as much as I would have liked, but I was intrigued by the events of everything else, and I really liked James and Tara. By the end, I was definitely ready for the next one. BTW, I didn’t really see many grammatical errors; I think they were fixed in an update. Either way, this was a good way to while away an afternoon. Recommend.
June 23, 2021
What color is magic? I found the storyline of Alchemist Apprentice to be appealing. The story at times is a bit over-detailed with daily occurrences that drag the story along, but it did flesh out the characters well. Obviously written for young adult fantasy fans, school is in session with all types of personalities to get used to. Just when the story starts to get real interesting we are at the end of the book with even more questions. I really do want to continue with the story to watch the characters grow and see what develops. I received this book as an Advanced Read Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed the story line of this book - but their were a huge number of grammatical errors. The storyline is sold and the character development lends itself well to further books in the series. Overlook the grammar and you will find this a wonderful read. A young boy wanting to protect his sister. A bad guy wanting to use magic against them. Sam does not have any magic; or so he thinks - it is a page turner - how will he survive - can he save his sister - will they both die? Let's find out.
July 1, 2021
A nice YA fantasy. The world was intriguing and the characters varied. The first part of the story seemed a bit slow, but was better as the story progressed. The variety of talents was nice. Although this seemed like a typical take on a YA school for magically gifted children, but Michaelson had a unique enough take to make this story interesting. It will be interesting to see where the series goes in the following books.
I received a free copy of Alchemist Apprentice. The story was well written and well edited. The opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of Alchemist Apprentice. The story was well written and well edited. The opinions are my own.
August 7, 2021
Interesting take on magic
I agree with other reviewers that this started slow but got better. The writer does a pretty good job of leaving enough mystery that you want to read the next book. There are enough unresolved relationships and plotlines left to spur curiosity and interest. However, the writer either doesn't have the skill or doesn't have the interest to develop ANY of the relationships in this story so far. Even Samran's relationship with his sister is flat and unfulfilling. Is this a plot device and intentional? I'll read the second book hoping for more depth.
I agree with other reviewers that this started slow but got better. The writer does a pretty good job of leaving enough mystery that you want to read the next book. There are enough unresolved relationships and plotlines left to spur curiosity and interest. However, the writer either doesn't have the skill or doesn't have the interest to develop ANY of the relationships in this story so far. Even Samran's relationship with his sister is flat and unfulfilling. Is this a plot device and intentional? I'll read the second book hoping for more depth.
August 30, 2022
I'm going to have this review reference both this book and the series going forwards I will however avoid spoilers.
So firstly this book is quite good, Sam is at this point an interesting character with clear motivations and works towards them logically. This is the only book in the series where i feel like Sam actually grows as a character.
Things start to go wrong in the 2nd book where it feels like Sam has somehow lost all his brains and the book can be summed up with Sam thinks he can't, this continues for the 3rd book as well. I managed to get to the 4th book before giving up by that point Sam had finally evolved past "I can't do it" to "everyone is out to get me, except some of the people who have already tried"
So firstly this book is quite good, Sam is at this point an interesting character with clear motivations and works towards them logically. This is the only book in the series where i feel like Sam actually grows as a character.
Things start to go wrong in the 2nd book where it feels like Sam has somehow lost all his brains and the book can be summed up with Sam thinks he can't, this continues for the 3rd book as well. I managed to get to the 4th book before giving up by that point Sam had finally evolved past "I can't do it" to "everyone is out to get me, except some of the people who have already tried"
July 4, 2021
The patient reader will be well rewarded. I felt too much time was spent in the build up, but once the story was let loose it was a fun ride. This is the foundational book in the series so hopefully the following books will get moving a bit quicker. The world building is top notch, the characters are fairly well developed, and the intrigue is enough to keep the reader wondering. I look forward to see where the series goes from here.
July 14, 2021
Took me a bit to read only as we got a new puppy… engaging story about a young man and his sister who go “study” at a magical school. A well written first book in what is sure to be an engaging series of adventures for Sam, his sister and their friends and academy instructors.
While the description may sound familiar, it is a very good story and if you have a young - or not so young- fantasy reader in your house, pick this up for them.
While the description may sound familiar, it is a very good story and if you have a young - or not so young- fantasy reader in your house, pick this up for them.
December 31, 2021
A Fun Adventure
This is a great collaboration between Dan Michaelson and DK Holmberg. Without giving away too much of the story, the main character Sam is believable and credible, motivated by concern for his sister he pushes himself and takes every advantage offered to him. His developing relationship with Tara is refreshingly unhurried and wholesome, not built on convenience or gratification. Give it a read and see if you agree or disagree!
This is a great collaboration between Dan Michaelson and DK Holmberg. Without giving away too much of the story, the main character Sam is believable and credible, motivated by concern for his sister he pushes himself and takes every advantage offered to him. His developing relationship with Tara is refreshingly unhurried and wholesome, not built on convenience or gratification. Give it a read and see if you agree or disagree!
June 7, 2021
Good pace and well writte
Normally holmberg loops over and over again hammering on the characters doubts and questions. It gets old, however teamed up with Michaelson they find a rhythm that works and makes for a fun ride. Felt the ending was a bit forced and rushed but on the balance it was a good read.
Normally holmberg loops over and over again hammering on the characters doubts and questions. It gets old, however teamed up with Michaelson they find a rhythm that works and makes for a fun ride. Felt the ending was a bit forced and rushed but on the balance it was a good read.
June 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel. I stayed up til 5am to finish reading it. It's a really good series starter. I can't wait to see what happens next. Sam is the major player but the other characters have distinct rolls. I can't wait to see how it continues to develop.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 15, 2021
Magical Mystery; an out standing fantasy adventure that will keep you guessing who is the bad guy.
When I start on a book and hate to put it down because regretfully there are other priorities in life, it's a good story . This story holds your interest and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Great plot. Great characters, very good consistency.
When I start on a book and hate to put it down because regretfully there are other priorities in life, it's a good story . This story holds your interest and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Great plot. Great characters, very good consistency.
December 29, 2021
A book about a brother and sister, trying to survive and find opportunities in a harsh world. The sister has magical abilities, and her brother fights to get her into an Academy for such kids. The characters are really strong and compelling. The story is slow at times, but well written enough to keep you reading. There is intrigue and surprise and a fantastic ending.
March 19, 2022
A getto Harry Potter lookalike that covered 6 books worth in just 1, but then also used up the well of ideas. I'm assuming that the second book will be a dread, because on top of Dumbledor not dying, there is a lack of magic system. Theres no names for spells, and little rules to govern the the laws of the world.
June 16, 2021
Looking Forward to The Next Book
I am looking forward to the next book and have preordered it. The book has some pretty big surprises in it and is a coming of age story. I am really wondering what is going to happen next.
I am looking forward to the next book and have preordered it. The book has some pretty big surprises in it and is a coming of age story. I am really wondering what is going to happen next.
June 18, 2021
An absolutely outstanding magical story that had me hooked forever. Sam and his Sister feel a power that they never felt before. Impossible to not fall in love with Sam and Mia. Can’t wait for the next book .
October 17, 2021
Gripping
Your sister has powers you don't. You both go to the academy and are separated upon arrival. She will learn how to use her magic and you have to find out what has happened in the alchemist tower.
Your sister has powers you don't. You both go to the academy and are separated upon arrival. She will learn how to use her magic and you have to find out what has happened in the alchemist tower.
January 14, 2022
took a while to get there but…
Sam & Tara are a perfect team! Mega brilliant minds that meet in perilous times & the bond looks like it will last well beyond academia. I am interested to see where this goes. Already got book 2!
Sam & Tara are a perfect team! Mega brilliant minds that meet in perilous times & the bond looks like it will last well beyond academia. I am interested to see where this goes. Already got book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews