Can’t Wait Wednesday: Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
2 July 2025
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Alchemy of Secrets, Book Reviews, Books, Can't Wait Wedesday, Fantasy, Stephanie Garber, Wishful Endings

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that was originally created by Breaking the Spine. Unfortunately Breaking the Spine are no longer hosting so I’m now linking my posts up to Wishful Endings Can’t Wait Wednesday. Don’t forget to stop over, link up and check out what books everyone else is waiting for. If you want to take part, basically, every Wednesday, we highlight a book that we’re really looking forward to. This week my book is: Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber. Here’s the cover and description:
The HOTLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel by the beloved, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author of the Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series: a contemporary fantasy kicking off a brand new series!
It starts with a class in an old movie theater.
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.
With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.
Expected publication: October 2025

I really didn’t enjoy Caraval, but this sounds much more my style. I’ll definitely consider it😁
I like her writing but Caraval did lose me before the final instalment. This does sound good and I’d like to try it as its adult rather than YA.
Lynn 😀
I can’t wait for this one to come out either. I’m curious to see what it’ll be like as the authors adult debut and the premise sounds fascinating 😍
My thoughts precisely.
Lynn 😀
First I’ve heard of this and it sounds wonderful!
Yes, I really like the sound of this one and it’s the authors first foray into adult territory.
Lynn 😀