Rose of the Alchemist
Haunted by the visions he inherited from his Jardi mother and isolated on his brooding grandfather's estate, Xavier thinks he'll go mad. When he finally escapes this dreary existence to attend university, he's bullied by his classmates because he's Jardi, one of the shunned Wagon People. But when one of his teachers, a master alchemist, takes him on as an apprentice, he begins to feel things are looking up. That is, until a mysterious seer appears to deliver the dark prophesy that a powerful sorcerer wants to enslave him because of his gift. Conflicted about his Jardi gift, the vision to see inside things and transform them, Xavier must embrace his heritage if he hopes to survive. His only allies in the battle against the sorcerer are a sentient falcon, who is both guardian and nag, and an enigmatic young knight with a lot of attitude and a dangerous secret. When the trio arrives at the sorcerer's castle, Xavier is bewitched by the beauty and power the sorcerer wields in his magical garden. Lost in illusion, will he choose the seductive, starlight voices that beckon him to darkness or the love of his friends? |
June 9, 2019 ~ Reviewed By Liz Konkel for "Readers’ Favorite"
Congratulations on your 5-star review! In Rose of the Alchemist by L.E. Frost, Xavier hasn't been given a chance to really experience life as his grandfather has kept him inside his whole life because of Xavier being half Jardi. He finally gets his chance at freedom when he passes his exams to enter university. Leaving his dreary life behind, his new life offers him the opportunity to apprentice for one of his teachers, a chance to understand his Jardi gift, and he even catches the eye of the beautiful Edwina. Then a seer stops him and warns him of a dangerous sorcerer coming after him, and a mysterious knight harboring a secret begs for his help to rescue his sister from the same sorcerer. Xavier must learn to trust his new ally, Meri, and understand his destiny if they stand a chance of staging a rescue and stopping the sorcerer's cruelty. L.E. Frost breaks the story into three parts, beginning with Xavier's life with his grandfather, time at school, and his journey to stop a dangerous sorcerer. Each part contributes to this unfolding origin story with elements of a heroic adventure and coming of age journey. Frost uses university as a way to allow Xavier to experience his first taste of freedom and provide him with an honest chance to accept who he is. Frost is specific about the type of characters used at certain points in Xavier's journey, entering his life when he needs them. Through this dynamic, Frost uses each character to drive the other to think about the world and their future differently. The sorcerer is the biggest threat Xavier faces, which drives his arc and helps to push him to uncover his destiny. Frost excels at character arcs, weaving Xavier's and Meri's journeys together and using each to make the other question their destiny. Rose of the Alchemist is a stunning read full of adventure; a coming of age story about freedom and finding your way with love, friendship, and magic. |
March 14, 2016 ~ I loved it. The first book was great and this one is too. Fun story and interesting characters, highly recommend it. Frost creates a wonderfully interesting world. (5 Stars) Victor Semenoff
January 30, 2015 ~ Xavier is a young boy who has been raised by his Grandfather after the deaths of his parents. His Grandfather hates him because of his mother's nationality. He is left to the care of a servant woman. Xavier sneaks around and figures out he can play with magic, which he knows will upset his grandfather even more. Finally, escape comes in the form of being sent off to school. Instead of being able to enjoy his new found freedom and access to peers, Xavier finds himself being bullied. One good thing is Master Damien, a teacher, has decided to teach him alchemy and help him hone his skills. A date with destiny, an evil sorcerer, blooming friendships, acceptance of heritage all combine to make this an enjoyable and quick read. Well written and a great add to any fantasy lovers collection. (5 Stars) Cindy J. Smith
January 18, 2015 ~ Really good fantasy read (5 Stars) Kathleen Linden
May 10, 2014 ~ I liked the way L.E. Frost told the story with one character that she followed though many mishaps and adventures with some magic and fantasy for enjoyment .f and in another age. Good job. (5 Stars) Zona Roberts
April 7, 2014 ~ An excellent addition to any fantasy library, young or old, and another gem from author L. E. Frost. I look forward to more from this author. (5 Stars) Gretchen Steen