Information:

• Goodreads: 4.41 out of 333,269 Ratings
• Age Category: Adult
• Series: Fae & Alchemy, Book 1
• Genre: Fantasy Romance

Summary:

Saeris Fane made an oopsie. She stole something she shouldn’t have and, after a series of unfortunate events, she finds herself in a dungeon. Using the magic she’s not supposed to have, she comes face to face with Death himself and reopens a gateway to a world she thought was just for children’s bedtime stories. Enter Kingfisher, a handsome and aloof fae on the brink of feral insanity. The two find themselves bound together, working towards using her power to help his people, no matter what.

Review:

Is it perfectly written? No. Are there cringey moments? Yes, yes there are indeed. For example, “You spayed my mate,” is indeed a direct quote. Saeris’ inner monologue can be irritating and there were a few moments I found myself debating if I truly wanted to continue to read it. But, here’s why I didn’t put it down. Still, this is a four star read for me and I’m anxiously awaiting the follow up.

First, the tension between Saeris and Kingfisher (even though I can’t take his name seriously) is phenomenal. I love a brooding, broken man and Kingfisher is exactly that. This poor man is struggling, constantly hearing the voices in his head and fighting against them. He carries so much guilt and shame it is essentially crippling for him. I loved seeing the two sides of him trying to keep everyone and everything at a distance while also yearning for connection, forgiveness, and love – even if he’s not necessarily saying that out loud. There is never a doubt that he and Saeris are attracted to one another. The tension lies between the both of them nearly refusing to admit it or act on it or act like their feelings are a big deal. And I ate that up. Also, there is a nightmare scene that made my little heart melt. My only wish is that it could have been more angsty and tension filled. It’s a long book, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want it to be longer. I just think it would’ve been fun and interesting see them fight against this thing between them more. They’re pretty solid by the end of the book and, since this is a series, I feel like keeping the angst and the uncertainty could’ve potentially added more to the second book. But I also haven’t read the second book and I don’t think it comes out until November, so who am I to say it needs that bit added to it?

The other characters within this are also wonderful. I LOVED Carrion (Don’t @ me if his name is spelled wrong). He brings so much humor to the book, I found myself constantly looking forward to whenever he was on the page. Even though he and Saeris have a past, I would love to see them become a dynamic duo. There’s a moment where they’re just passing a quiche back and forth while watching a fight play out and that single scene made the whole book for me. I love when we get a genuine and fun bestie relationship and I really hope that’s what this is panning out to be.

The plot is interesting, with Saeris trying to find a way to help Kingfisher save his people. There are mindless vampire things to contend with while also dealing with the general fuckery of everything else. I will say, though, the ending left a bit to be desired for me. There’s a big bad secret Kingfisher is hiding and I just felt like the secret and cause of his great shame was a smidge lackluster for what it was set up to be. This man is haunted by his actions. They have left him with so much shame, he can’t even face the people who are supposed to be his family. He’s kept up with nightmares, refusing to believe he deserves Saeris or love in general. So I definitely expected something so much worse than what it was. Don’t get me wrong, it was bad. Really bad. But not unforgivable. And there was tension in the ending, but not very real tension with wondering if the ones we care about will be okay. If that makes any sense. Still, though, I’m really excited to see what happens in the next book. Saeris, Kingfisher, and Carrion have me in a chokehold and I need to know what happens next. I’m hoping for more scenes between Saeris and Carrion being besties, Kingfisher opening up more about his trauma, and what’s going to happen with Saeris now that she is what she is (I cannot give detail due to spoilers).

Have you read Quicksilver? Did you love it, did you hate it? I honestly could see each option. It’s not a perfect book, but it was the perfect book for what I was looking for at the moment and I adored it. I would love to know your thoughts as well!