Review by Booklist Review
Ash has taught himself alchemy, despite prohibitions that restrict its use to students of one expensive school and its licensed graduates. Instead of turning him in for performing a tier 4 alchemy creation, graduate assistant Ramsay Thorne takes him on as an assistant for a dangerous secret project and agrees to tutor him for the licensing examination. But Ramsay, and now Ash, are not the only alchemists looking for the secret Book of Source, and some are willing to kill for it. On their journey, Ash and Ramsay's relationship slowly evolves from reluctant allies to romance over energy sharing, and when Ramsay's ex-boyfriend Callum comes back into the picture, what could be a typical love triangle is instead explored as the beginning of several polyamorous relationships. Callender's (Lark and Kasim Start a Revolution, 2022) newest novel brings back familiar themes of poverty and systemic inequality and adds gatekeeping, colonization, and political machinations to this richly built fantasy world. Ash is trans, binds his chest, and is described as having brown skin, and Ramsay shifts between gender presentations and pronouns. Sexual situations make this title more suited for older teens. "Energy is infinite, and love is energy, so love has the potential to be infinite, too." This is magical.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
After he's rejected from the College of Alchemic Science division of Lancaster College, impulsive but brilliant Ash Woods, 18, applies and is accepted to work as a groundskeeper at the school. Without the college's training, lower-class Ash has little chance of earning a license that will allow him to legally practice alchemy, so he uses his access to the school's resources to teach himself. When arrogant upper-class Ramsay Thorne, 19, catches him, they offer Ash a deal: assist them in finding the legendary Book of Source and they'll teach him alchemy. Their partnership blossoms into a tentative romance, but other powerful figures--who are willing to manipulate or even kill to find it--want the book's power for themselves. And Ash isn't certain that Ramsay wouldn't do the same. Callender (Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution) builds a rich environment that echoes real-world injustices and is populated by intersectionally diverse characters: Ash is transgender and, like other major characters, brown-skinned; pale-skinned Ramsay is described as a person with "shifting gender." Occasionally alternating viewpoints, political intrigue, a fascinating magic system, and heart-pounding action propel the plot and, combined with Ash's unfurling relationships with Ramsay and the rest of the supporting cast, result in a refreshingly affirming and tender standout fantasy. Ages 13--up. Agent: Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 10 Up--An engaging and inclusive fantasy. In Ash Woods's world, the practice of alchemy is divisive. Privileged few are allowed to study it and enter one of the Houses dedicated to its use. Ash, who applied to and was rejected by an alchemic college, takes a job as a groundskeeper at the college and teaches himself, illegally, after hours. When he is discovered by apprentice Ramsay Thorne, the two strike a deal: Ash will help Thorne find the powerful Book of Source, and Thorne will teach Ash alchemy. But their plan is dangerous--others want the book and will do whatever it takes to get it. Callender here presents a commentary about power: who has it in society, how it can be used and abused, and how those who are not given power can find it within themselves. All this makes it a good read for young people, who may feel they are in a similar situation in their lives. The introduction and building of a relationship with a third main character affects the pacing in the middle, and some readers may gloss over the many detailed philosophical musings and discussions around alchemy throughout. Ash is transgender with brown skin, and Thorne is genderfluid. Scenes with sexual situations make this more relevant for older teens. VERDICT Readers will find a space where anyone can be powerful and be loved in this intriguing fantasy novel.--Florence Simmons
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Review by Horn Book Review
Ash Woods is an unlicensed alchemist, a groundskeeper at a college that will employ him but not admit him to study and train to practice alchemy openly and legally. When Ramsay Thorne, a graduate apprentice, catches Ash working a bit of creation alchemy, he proposes a deal: if Ash will help search for the Book of Source, Ramsay will teach him what he needs to know to pass the licensing exam. In the process, Ash falls for the alchemist. Ramsay (who is genderfluid and uses alternating pronouns) has her own skeletons in her past and now seeks to destroy the Book. When the quest goes awry, Ramsay abandons Ash to the authorities to find the Book herself, and Ash is taken captive, kept under the watch of -- coincidentally -- Callum Kendrick, who broke Ramsay's heart back in boarding school, and whose gentleness Ash also finds irresistibly attractive. This elaborate adventure leads to some surprising places -- alternate universes; a threesome involving Ash (who is transgender), Callum, and Ramsay -- but readers will thrill to the high-stakes predicaments and appreciate the characters' attempts to remain true to themselves, no matter the cost. Anita L. BurkamMarch/April 2024 p.82 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
