ALCHEMY OF SOULS

In this world, there are the magicless and those who are part of magical society, which is itself divided into privileged, powerful Mages, discriminated-against Laborers, and violent, outcast Lawless. Hardworking Eloise Belrose hopes to become the first in her Laboring family to be admitted to the prestigious University of Magical Arts, while handsome, talented Grayson Stone, the High Chancellor’s nephew, is expected to be marked Gifted and admitted to all four university guilds: Alchemy, Illusion, Botany, and Elemental. Shockingly, their graduation exam mysteriously binds them and briefly manifests the Archive Key, which unlocks a hidden room containing powerful, dangerous books. Ordered to procure the Key within two weeks, Eloise and Grayson are forced into constant, surveilled proximity as the ruthless Chancellor prepares to conquer the Lawless. The duo’s reluctant alliance quickly turns into a fake-dating cover story that develops into real feelings. The well-paced plot combines familiar elements—rigid social hierarchies, elite magical schooling, a simmering rebellion, and secret motives—into a gripping, genre-bending page-turner. Mather thoughtfully explores class politics and injustice, but the antagonist and worldbuilding would have benefitted from more nuanced development. Eloise and Grayson (both cued white) make an appealing couple whose banter-filled dialogue entertains, and a diverse supporting cast, especially Eloise’s scene-stealing queer best friend, Maggie, adds ride-or-die humor and heart.