Reviewed by Dee
TITLE: Alchemiya
AUTHOR: Katey Hawthorne
PUBLISHER: Loose Id
LENGTH: 100 pages
RELEASE DATE: September 05, 2016
BLURB:
Eugenia was born to privilege in the Ratna clan, nobility famed for their alchemical jewel production. Eugenia’s a talented alchemist herself–but the patriarchy insists her less able brother is the heir to the family secrets and property. As if that weren’t insult enough, an accidentally public tryst with another woman means Genie is shunned by polite society altogether.
Enter the gorgeous Lord Oliver Plumtree, scion of one of the oldest alchemical families in Chrysopoeia and master of the foreboding Waldgrave Abbey. But Lord Oliver is actually Olivia, and on the lookout for a wife–one who requires an escape from the same crushing social mores that have forced Olivia to masquerade as her own long-dead brother to keep her family’s estate intact.
Genie and Liv seem a perfect match from the get-go, and things heat up quickly between them. But before they can carry off their marriage of convenience, Waldgrave Abbey reveals more secrets. Jealous Plumtree relatives and Liv’s association with the Secret Society of Alchemiya, rumored to be a dark and sinister arm of the patriarchy, might just ruin Genie and Liv’s chance at their unlikely happily ever after.
REVIEW:
Besides the last paragraph, the blurb pretty much sums up this story. I’m rather pleased I didn’t read it too closely before opening this book, as I personally think the blurb gives too much away. The cover and genre are what attracted me, first and foremost.
The story is told in third person and from Genie’s point-of-view. The heroines, Eugenia and Liv are delightful characters. An unsuspecting couple at that. Genie who is much more worldly than the virginal Liv took great delight in educating Liv in the fine arts of lovemaking. The sex scenes, of course, were erotic. However, whether a reader finds them titillating or not will depend on what gets their blood pumping. Let’s just say there’s a lot of rutting.
As per the last line of the blurb, not everything is smooth sailing. With so many people seeing themselves as the greatest alchemist egos and more are at stake. At times, the story is a story within a story (did that make sense?), as Genie is privy to reading ancient tombs in Olivia’s family library.
Besides mention of horses and carriages, I have no idea what era the story is set in. I must admit I found myself a little lost at times; I can’t put my finger on why. It was more than likely my state of mind at the time, and definitely not a reflection on a well thought-out story.
Notes are left which add mystery to the plot, along with talk of the SSA, aka Secret Society of Alchemist, or was it? All is revealed in the end.
People who enjoy historical settings, with scientific lingo, engaging heroines, and a side of spice, will more than likely enjoy ‘Alchemiya ‘.
RATING:
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