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books2026-04-28 11:14 am
marycatelli) wrote in books2026-04-28 11:14 am
Alchemist of the Wilds
Alchemist of the Wilds: An Ex-Assassin's Guide to Cozy Romantic Brews by A. T. Valentine
A slightly misleading subtitle -- but only slightly. The first volume
Our narrator is about to complete brewing the poison that will mark the end of his studies. He will become an assassin and a valued servant to the fae Autumn King, and do his family proud. He gets to the end -- and doesn't complete it.
Aware of the danger, he realizes he must flee to the frontier, which is the only place where he can hide.
Despite the inherent dangers, his finding his place there leads to a charming tale. (He brews healing potions, and things to preserve wood, not love potions).
It involves the upsides and downsides of bridges, the effects of mana on wildlife including causing plants to grow in unsuitable climates, direbears, the education of doctors (who tend to have a bad rap), and more.
A slightly misleading subtitle -- but only slightly. The first volume
Our narrator is about to complete brewing the poison that will mark the end of his studies. He will become an assassin and a valued servant to the fae Autumn King, and do his family proud. He gets to the end -- and doesn't complete it.
Aware of the danger, he realizes he must flee to the frontier, which is the only place where he can hide.
Despite the inherent dangers, his finding his place there leads to a charming tale. (He brews healing potions, and things to preserve wood, not love potions).
It involves the upsides and downsides of bridges, the effects of mana on wildlife including causing plants to grow in unsuitable climates, direbears, the education of doctors (who tend to have a bad rap), and more.