In a kingdom plagued by a deadly bramble that thrives on magic, an alchemist discovers a way to destroy it but faces the dilemma of using magic to do so. The story delves into the consequences of magic, the complex character of the alchemist, and the desperate struggle to save the kingdom from the deadly spread of the bramble. Set in a fantastical world steeped in mythology and magic, the novella presents a gripping tale of sacrifice, love, and the battle between magic and alchemy.

Characters:

Characters, particularly the alchemist, are well-developed and complex, while the supporting cast enhances the focused narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines first-person narrative with an engaging allegorical tone, enhancing its fairy tale-like quality.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an alchemist in a world where magic is forbidden due to its destructive consequences, leading to a struggle between personal gain and the greater good.

Setting:

The setting is a medieval-inspired world plagued by brambles due to magic, filled with rich mythology and a sense of danger.

Pacing:

Pacing is brisk, contributing to a fast and compelling reading experience, with twists that maintain interest.

It’s difficult to sell your last bed to a neighbor. More difficult still when your only child clings like a spider monkey to its frame, and screams as if you were chopping off her arms with an axe eve...

Notes:

The Alchemist is part of a duo with another book called The Executioness by Tobias Buckell.

In this alternate reality, magic use is forbidden due to its dangerous consequences.

Using magic causes thorny brambles to grow around the town, choking the city.

The brambles cannot be cut back and resist fire, leading to a potential isolation of the town.

Most citizens use minor magic for simple daily tasks, justifying it with 'a little won't hurt.'

The story is written in first person and has an Arabian Nights-like style.

An alchemist discovers a way to kill the bramble, but it involves using magic.

The story raises themes about the balance between magic and alchemy.

The novella is quick to read, with only 95 pages, making it a fast journey for readers.

The narrative operates independently of its companion volume.

The setting resembles a dystopian fairy tale, drawing parallels to the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Characters and world-building are notable, although some villains may feel clichéd.

It introduces a complex character with a task that is both personal and communal in nature.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the story, as it weaves love into the narrative without dominating the plot.

From The Publisher:

An alchemist determined to heal his sick daughter and save his town from a weed-like plant that feeds off magic invents a device that destroys the plant, but things start to go wrong after he shows the device to the town's mayor.

What can you read after
The Alchemist?

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