"A dark alchemy slices into this action-packed and original historical adventure set in 1597 with devastating results, ensuring it sits as a LoveReading Star Book. "
Well now, this originally stimulating novel is rather fabulous! Elizabethan England is brought to vividly adventurous life while delving into the darker side of alchemy. Kit and Mariner find their life as part of a gang is obliterated when a grave robbery goes horribly wrong. Author Emma Hinds has created an atmospherically intense and wonderfully suspenseful read. I found myself immersed in both the time and place, it all felt incredibly real which made the elements of alchemy roar with fierce potency. I loved how the fanatical twisted within historical facts of this strange craft and it was fascinating to hear in the Author’s Note about some of the truths embedded within that were most definitely stranger than fiction! The characters are vibrantly colourful, with each and every one striding onto the page with empathic energy. I was fascinated by the weaving plot, unexpected elements hit with a punch and I loved being kept in suspense. While this is most definitely a powerhouse read, the nature of friendship and family is explored with beautiful compassion and therefore it sits as both a LoveReading Star Book and Liz Pick of the Month. The Quick and The Dead sings with a raucous power while touching emotions and encouraging thoughts to flow. Highly recommended.
