Alchemystic by Anton Strout (The Spellmason Chronicles #1)
Urban Fantasy
Released: September 25, 2012
Ace

Reviewed by May 

Alexandra (aka Lexi) Belarus lives in her family’s posh New York City building, where she spends much of her time struggling as an artist and admiring the work of her great-great-grandfather. That is, until a series of events find her with a deceased brother, discovering a gargoyle guardian that watches over her family, and having an evil group of men out to kill her.

Alchemystic is the first book in a new series by this author, focusing on Lexi, her friends, and the discovery that she has talents she never imagined. It is very much an urban fantasy novel – there was absolutely no romantic plotline here. I am intrigued by this author’s world that is being created, as well as where this series will head in the future. The ending of this book was dramatic to be sure, yet it was also satisfying in ways many books of this genre fail to be.

If you are looking for a new series to start in this genre featuring a heroine who is finding her way with brand new information, skills, and a strong pair of best friends then I would recommend this book to you certainly.

For me, it wasn’t even close to perfect start or read because I had a hard time feeling to connected to (or quite honestly, caring) about what happened to Lexi. I found myself questioning her motives and feeling like I just did not understand her a bit. It was a major problem for me that the lead character was someone I wasn’t relating to or caring about! That said, I was interested in the supporting cast and I read on.

There are some great action scenes and a sense of drama and adventure that had this group of friends (and sometimes Stanis, the gargoyle or grotesque, as he prefers) heading all over the city. I hesitate to tell you more because I believe the information I’d want to share is better experienced through reading in the story as it unfolds.

The relationship between Stanis and Lexi is an odd one, and one that I think we’ll see more of in the future. Stanis is only just really waking up, only just now remembering beyond his life as a protector and guardian. I think he has a long way to go, and I see great potential for many adventures to come for these characters.

I will definitely pick up book two so that I can see where this series leads. I find it hard to recommend series with only one book out, but I do have hopes that this series will grow and develop into something I consider a must-read.

Grade: B

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