Alkrem

by Marta Palazzesi

Theo, 13 anni, è figlio di uno degli Archemisti più in vista di Parigi ed è in attesa di ricevere il suo Apto, l’animale guida che lo accompagnerà nella vita e nella sua saggezza. Finché una notte tutto cambia. Quando una volpe di fuoco gli appare, il ragazzo scopre di essere un Alkrem, superstite degli antichi alleati degli Archemisti, da loro poi sterminati nel nome di presunte malefatte. E la volpe è il suo Mutolo, animale protettore forte e selvaggio. Da quel momento l’unico obiettivo del ragazzo è trovare l’Alkrexa, una potente arma Alkrem capace anche di guarire qualsiasi ferita, ed evitare al padre la morte. Nella sua avventura, Theo scoprirà che la verità non è sempre come gli è stata insegnata

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction

376 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Mattia Fionda · Rating 3 out of 5]

❗️2.5-3/5🌟

Alkrem – Fantasy standalone MG di Marta Palazzesi (Il Castoro) – è il classico racconto ambientato in un mondo (una Parigi alternativa, abitata da persone capaci di praticare la magia-alchimia e legate ad animali particolari) diviso in due fazioni (Archemisti e Alkrem) – una delle quali ha distorto la realtà dei fatti a proprio vantaggio.

A muoversi entro i suoi confini – in cui “la verità non è sempre quella che viene scritta nei libri di storia” – è un giovane protagonista (Theo), in fuga, con una missione da compiere (provare a cambiare le cose e ritrovare un oggetto speciale) e tanti punti interrogativi.

Ammiccando a opere note (es. Queste oscure materie di Philip Pullman), Alkrem mischia trope e cliché dell’avventura fantastica per ragazze e ragazzi (es. capire chi si è).

Per questo motivo potrebbe risultare sbrigativo, semplice e scontato a chi non è nuovo a letture di questo genere, mentre un buon titolo per lettrici e lettori alle prime esperienze.

Cosa non mi ha convinto nello specifico:

>> La trama si compone di vicende che si susseguono molto rapidamente e senza troppi (veri) ostacoli;

>> Il sistema magico è interessante, ma a tratti approssimativo e/o non ben sfruttato;

>> Le relazioni tra personaggi non sono molto equilibrate (alcune sono studiate e approfondite, altre superficiali).

[Benjamin Rosini Gutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nel libro, mondo costruito molto bene👍.
Però ho preferito “Nebbia”, scritto sempre dalla stessa autrice✍️. Ma questo non toglie niente ad alkrem, dove l’autrice a fatto un perfetto dipinto🖼 della situazione di quel mondo.

Conclusioni:
Storia: 9-
Finale: 9+
Modo/stile in cui è scritto: 9-
Maniera di coinvolgere il lettore: 9+
NELL’INSIEME: 9-

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On his birthday Theo discovers that he was abandoned as a baby by Alkrem wizards trying to save his life from the Archemist government who imprisoned and executed all the Alkrem years before. Theo was adopted by Chimius, who raised him as an Archemist wizard in Paris. The Archemists hate the Alkrem and blame them for the constant war against Negato monsters that roam the countryside. At midnight on his birthday, Theo's magic animal companion appears on his doorstep, confirming that he is indeed an Alkrem wizard. His animal companion is a ferocious and powerful Fire Fox, a rare animal even among Alkrem. The Archemists get wind of an Alkrem boy in the city, and Chimius is arrested after being wounded by a mysterious wizard named only the Shadow. Now Theo and his Fire Fox travel to the secret city of the Alkrem, hoping to find the only magic item that can cure Chimius's wounds, the legendary and dangerous Alkrexa, a weapon that also has the power to heal.

I was fascinated with the magic system in this fantasy world, where they have different potions that are activated by being combined with power from their swords. They pour a potion on the ground, and then dip their sword into it, and flames or ice or mist or something magical will emerge to paralyze their enemies or burn the Negato monsters to ash.

I really liked the world-building and all the history of the Alkrem and the Archemists, and how they used to be allies against the Negato, but then the government framed the Alkrem for all these attacks and they've been at war ever since. You could really see how the war has taken its toll on both Alkrem and Archemists, as their social hierarchies begin to collapse, and they start to realize that they are all just regular people with families they want to protect.

The plot is really exciting, and it keeps you guessing as Theo learns more about the past and about the Alkrem. He has to follow the clues to find the legendary Alkrexa, and he finds out how deep the lies go into the corrupt government of the Archemists.

However, I just didn't connect with the characters that much. The supporting characters are fine, and Theo does have some really good character development and depth. I loved the sarcastic remarks from Theo's cat friend, Fuse. Really funny writing! And there is a lot of pathos as Theo deals with the tragedy of war, so the writing also deals with serious subjects. Maybe something just got lost in translation though, because I just didn't really care about the characters. I can't exactly pinpoint why, but I didn't have an emotional connection there.

The end papers have a map of the secret city of the Alkrem, which I thought was a really cool detail in the design of the book.

This book has been screened for profanity and violence on the Screen It First website. https://screenitfirst.com/book/alkrem...

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo, the adopted son of the powerful Archemist Brennock Chimius, is turning thirteen. In his Parisian world, this birthday is a sacred rite of passage, the moment an Archemist finally receives their Apto, an animal advisor and lifelong companion. Brennock’s own Apto, a loyal, wise, and somewhat sarcastic, talking ginger cat named Fuse, has helped raise Theo. Since the Chimius family is known for feline Aptos, Theo is expecting to go with his father and Fuse to the Aptarium and find his own kitten. But even Fuse would have to agree that a kitten, no matter how annoying, would have been preferable to the alternative. At the stroke of midnight on Theo’s birthday, an unexpected low growl vibrates through the open front door...

Please continue reading my full review on the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative's blog for International Young Adult Literature Month:

#IntYALitMonth: Alkrem

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera arrivata nelle nostre librerie.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmelo scappare?
Assolutamente no.
Non c'è niente da fare: Il Castoro pubblica sempre bellissime opere e anche questo libro che avevo adocchiato in libreria tempo fa, si è rivelato una bellissima lettura.
Principalmente voglio sottolineare la bellissima copertina che accompagna anche lo splendido lavoro dell'impaginazione e la storia, seppur breve, si lascia totalmente divorare.
Ho trovato originale l'atmosfera, i personaggi, e seppur sia una storia che consiglio prettamente ai bambini e agli adolescenti, questo è un libro capace di attrarre e incantare anche chi, come me, ha la sindrome di Peter Pan.
Theo è un ragazzino coraggioso che nonostante l'età affronta avventure e pericoli che alla sua età non dovrebbe mai affrontare ma nel contesto in cui si muove, è anche normalità che a quell'età si sia già "adulti".
Se cercate un libro leggero ma intenso, da leggere ai vostri figli/nipoti o per voi stessi, non fatevi scappare questa nuova favolosa uscita fantasy!

[Book_Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scritto bene, avvincente, interessante e originale. I personaggi sono ben scritti e ben sviluppati. La trama tiene incollati alle pagine, nonostante non ci siano grandi misteri o colpi di scena.
(Anche io vorrei poter avere un Apto adesso)

[Yuvaraj kothandaraman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alkrem by Marta Palazzesi is a fast, imaginative middle-grade fantasy set in an alternate Paris where magic, politics, and animal companions are deeply linked.
It follows Theo, an adopted Archemist boy, who discovers he may actually be Alkrem, part of a persecuted group who work with dangerous “dark” magic and fight monstrous Negatos. The book mixes adventure, found family, and moral questions about power and prejudice in a way that is usually engaging, even when the pacing and explanations don’t always keep up.

The worldbuilding is one of the strongest parts of the book. The split between Archemists (with their castes: Blancs, Rouges, Noirs) and Alkrem is clear and easy to follow. The system of animals, Aptos (talking companions to Archemists), Mutolos (silent, fiercely loyal partners to Alkrem), Negatos (murderous beasts), and Nullos (ordinary animals) makes the world feel alive without getting too confusing. The idea that Archemists see Alkremia as dishonorable while Alkrem rely on it for survival gives the conflict emotional depth rather than just “good vs evil.”

The prologue is especially strong: two young Alkrem parents, hunted by Archemists and Negatos, use forbidden magic to create a Mist Tree, hide their baby inside, and sacrifice forty years of their own lives to freeze him in time. Eighty years later, that baby is Theo, found by Brenock Chimius, the grumpy but brilliant Archemist who raises him. This twist re-frames the whole story: the boy who thought he was an ordinary Archemist’s ward is literally a hidden Alkrem child from before the Extermination.
Theo himself is a likeable main character. He feels like a real teenager: stubborn, impulsive, often scared but still trying to do the right thing. His relationship with his Apto, Fuse (a sarcastic talking cat), brings a lot of humor and warmth. His struggle with identity, Archemist by upbringing, Alkrem by blood gives the story its emotional center.

When Theo sees Brenock imprisoned in the Eiffel Tower, used as a living battery to power Archemist devices, he is furious and heartbroken. The rescue mission with Alkrem cousins Pierre and Oliver becomes not only a heist but a test of his loyalties. The scene where he finally reaches Brenock and realizes the old man risked everything for him is one of the most moving in the book.
The supporting characters are fun and varied: Pierre and Oliver bring cousin energy and banter, Lilac feels like the cool older sister everyone wants, and the different Alkrem in the Fortress give a sense of a whole society in hiding. The book also does a good job showing how propaganda works.

The Archemists call the 1921 slaughter “the Liberation,” while Alkrem call it “the Extermination.” That one naming difference says a lot. The Council in the Fortress is divided between those who want to hide forever and those who want to act, and the idea that some Alkrem might betray their own people to the Dikasterium sets up real stakes.

However, the book has some real weaknesses. The pacing is uneven. The first third spends a long time on setup, Theo’s daily life with Brenock, basic magic explanations, and slow hints that something is off. Then the middle and final parts rush through big revelations, battles, and emotional turns. Sometimes important events feel a bit too easy or too quick, especially when the kids succeed against powerful adults.

For example, the infiltration of Paris with an elixir that makes everyone see Pierre and Oliver as beloved pop stars (Attaque Désir) is funny and clever, but the danger feels lower than it should. Similarly, the final confrontation with the Shadow and his domesticated Negato is intense, yet the resolution happens so fast that the emotional fallout doesn’t get enough time on the page.
The magic system, while rich in concepts, isn’t always explained clearly. The names of elixirs and powers (like Elixir Epithymos or Metafero) come quickly, and younger readers might struggle to remember what each one does. The book sometimes tells you something is very dangerous or important without fully showing why.

The Alkrexa, the legendary weapon made from a black Vela tree branch feels underused. It is set up as something mythic, but when it appears, it doesn’t quite change the story as dramatically as the buildup suggests. The same goes for some of the Mastix elixirs created by the Six Sisters; they sound terrifying in theory, but we see only a few of them in action.
Character depth can also be uneven. Theo, Brenock, Fuse, Pierre, and Oliver feel well-developed, but several key figures remain thin.

The Shadow, for example, is a strong visual villain with a horrifying domesticated Negato at his side, but his personal motives and history aren’t fully explored. Doric Archanbault and some members of the Alkrem Council feel more like types (the strict elder, the cautious leader) than fully fleshed-out people. There are hints of complexity, for instance, the idea that an Alkrem might be cooperating with the Dikasterium but the book doesn’t fully explore who and why within this volume.
The emotional beats sometimes repeat without deepening. Theo worries about being “just a pawn,” worries about choosing sides, worries about putting his friends in danger and these worries are real. But a few scenes circle back to the same feelings without adding new layers. A slightly tighter edit could have kept the emotions strong without feeling repetitive.

On the positive side, the relationship between humans and animals is beautifully handled. Mutolos are not “cute sidekicks”, they are partners with their own instincts and boundaries.

Nerea, the Fire Fox, is particularly memorable, wild, lethal, and loyal on her own terms, not as a pet. The fact that Mutolos choose silence to avoid becoming too “humanized” is a subtle, smart touch that respects their otherness.
The ending clearly sets up more to come.

Theo has accepted his Alkrem identity but hasn’t fully resolved his place between Archemists and Alkrem. The Extermination’s secrets, the true role of the Six Sisters’ magic, and the extent of the Dikasterium’s corruption are all left partly open. It doesn’t end on a cruel cliffhanger, but it definitely feels like “Book 1 of a series” rather than a complete standalone.

Overall, Alkrem is a lively, creative fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy magical societies, animal companions, and underdog heroes trying to uncover hidden histories. It shines in atmosphere and heart, even if the worldbuilding and pacing could be sharper in places.
For middle-grade and younger YA readers (or adults who enjoy that style), it’s an engaging start with room to grow in future books.

My rating: 4/5

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoyed the listening to this and the reading, however the hardcover book must have heavy paper as it is heavy to hold. The translation is wonderful. I feel so much like it is like so many of the spirit animal books, but it is well-written and I believe will make a great movie if it ever does.

[S Tondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alkrem is a middle grade fantasy with our main character Theo finding out he is an Alkrem, who are despised by the Achemists who has lived as for the last 13 years. On his 13th birthday everything changes and he is now chased and wanted by the Achemists just for being an Alkrem. This book was originally published in 2022 in Spanish and has now been translated into English and re-released. I very much enjoyed this stand alone story and I think middle grade readers will very much enjoy the fast paced story, the sassy Apto Fuse and the twists and turns Theo takes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Su4mi _ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐

[Steffanie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is great book for ages 10 to 12. I read it with my son and he loved all the animals in the book.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see why kids are so enjoying this.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

At midnight on his 13th birthday, Theo learns that much of what he knows about himself is a lie. When a large Mutolo Firefox shows up instead of an Apto, he learns that he is not an Archemist (the ruling class) but an Alkremist (the people who were slaughtered en masse by the Archemists 80 years ago and are still hunted down and killed) and that he may be the key to finally finding a powerful weapon, the Alkrexa.

My opinion:

I really enjoyed this plot-driven fantasy that never stops moving long enough for poor Theo to catch his breath. From the moment he turns 13, this becomes a fast-paced move it or lose it story. While the reader knows a few things that Theo doesn’t, we learn a lot more about the world he thought he knew right alongside him. In some ways, this reminds me a bit of the first Percy Jackson. Theo isn’t safe anywhere, even in the places that he’s supposed to be. And while there is no oracle to send him on a quest, Theo decides that to save the only father he’s ever known, he’s going to undertake a quest that has eluded people for decades.

My favorite character in this book is definitely Fuse, the Apto belonging to Theo’s father, Chimius. He is the sarcastic moral compass of the story, and I adored him. He is an amazing guide for Theo even when, like a typical teenager, Theo doesn’t listen to him. Theo makes a few friends along the way, and they tag along on his adventures, though I was never clear on why they wanted to be friends with him to begin with. Some are merely names thrown in to fill out the cast with no characterization to them all.

There is a lot of good world-building, but there were also many aspects where it fell short. The Fortress was built before the extermination of all Alkremists in Paris, when they were still allies, and yet none of the Archemists seem to know it exists. What the Archemists do that is different from the Alkremists isn’t explained very well. And why does this division, that is apparently genetic, exist to begin with?

Overall, this is an enjoyable read, especially if you don’t overthink it, which I tend to do. I believe that middle-grade readers will enjoy it. I will be recommending it to my middle school librarians and students.

Thank you to Net Galley and Red Comet Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all his life, Theo has known the world of the Archemists under the care of a man who adopted Theo as a baby. Because Theo arrived in an unusual manner, Theo’s caretaker has always guessed there was something special about him. When Theo’s thirteenth birthday finally arrives, the rumors are proven true with the appearance of a Fire Fox, anchoring Theo’s actual identity as Alkrem. Suddenly a target, Theo must find his way to others like him, especially as the mysterious Alkrexa is assumed to be in his possession. Theo soon emerges in a new and dangerous world he has never known, and with the help of new friends, Theo must uncover the truth before it is too late. This richly layered fantasy novel requires a great deal of word building before the momentum of the story takes off. Translated from its original Italian to English, the narrative contains a descriptive quality that sets it apart from other stories of its type. Though the original language of the book is Italian, however, the novel begins in Paris and many French words appear throughout the narrative. This blending of languages adds layers to the storytelling that are unique and compelling. A variety of character types–both human and animal–are featured in the novel and support the fantastic nature of the storytelling. Built upon a caste system, the society in which Theo exists is anchored in a familiar Earthen setting but diverges significantly thanks to the overall design of the story. While this book requires some attention to ensure the foundation is adequately set, the novel is particularly appealing to confident middle grade and emerging young adult readers, especially because it is a standalone title. This is a unique addition to library fantasy collections.

[Percy Apollo Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read, the characters were well developed and original. The book gave a hint of pjo. At times the dialogue was confusing but it soon cleared up. Honestly a great book and a great topic.

[Topo Biblio · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, Alkrem pulled me into a world unlike any I’ve visited before—where talking animals, magical castes, and hidden rebellions pulse beneath the surface of a reimagined Paris. Marta Palazzesi’s writing (beautifully translated by Christopher Turner) feels both classic and fresh, full of heart, humor, and danger.
What hooked me most was Theo, the boy at the center of it all. Found as a baby beneath an old oak tree, his journey from ordinary student to someone caught between two powerful worlds had me turning pages late into the night. I loved how the story explored questions of identity and injustice without ever slowing down the action. And the idea of Mutolos—silent, loyal animal companions—stayed with me long after I finished.
Palazzesi creates a complex, believable society of Archemists and Alkrem, filled with strange elixirs, secret histories, and fierce loyalties. It reminded me of the layered fantasy of His Dark Materials, but with a voice and world all its own.
Alkrem is the kind of book I would have devoured as a kid and still deeply appreciate as an adult. A magical, emotional ride—and one I won’t forget. For readers 10 an up of Bartimaeus, The Golden Compass, Percy Jackson and Impossible Creatures.

[Julia Pika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Red Comet Press for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a bit conflicted on this book, it had a lot of cool fantasy and dystopian themes in it but the pace was at breakneck speed. A lot of info dumps and no time to process them.

I felt bad for the protagonist having to deal with SO much stuff within a week! I feel like this book would have been better as a duology or trilogy and let the protagonist breathe and establish relationships. Poor kid kept getting hit with sidequests every second!

Fuse was my favorite character--you can't go wrong with a sassy cat!

I will say I did enjoy myself, I just feel like the book could have used a liiiiiittle bit more time in the oven. It's also pretty complicated and would probably appeal most to Grade 5-8.

[Janna Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alkrem by Marta Palazzesi is a captivating and imaginative fantasy adventure that sweeps readers into a world of magic, betrayal, and self-discovery. The breathtaking landscapes and pulse-pounding action scenes create an immersive reading experience, while Theo’s journey from an uncertain boy to a determined Alkrem is both moving and empowering. Palazzesi masterfully balances fast-paced plot twists with emotional depth, making it easy to root for Theo as he faces impossible odds. Although a few moments could have benefited from more nuanced character development, the story’s rich mythology and thrilling stakes more than make up for it. Alkrem is a bold and exhilarating tale that will leave fantasy fans eager for the next installment.

[Serena De Silvestris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una bellissima storia fantasy adatta anche ai lettori più giovani. Nonostante la mancanza di Romance(che x me è quasi essenziale) ho amato la scrittura Dell autrice. Molto bello e finalmente un fantasy autoconclusivo

[Ember Moto · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA readers who love fantasy will eat this book up. Filled with fantastical creatures and brimming with magic this book is a wonderful ride from start to finish. Readers who enjoy books like Percy Jackson will find a lot to enjoy here. thank you to netgalley for the ARC copy.