#37 The Alchemy of Stone by Ekatrina Sedia
Mattie is an emancipated automaton, an intelligent being trained in the art of alchemy. Her skill draws the attention of the gargoyles, 
who desire to be released from their prisons of stone. Mattie agrees to help, but in the meantime, must deal with a conflict between the Mechanics and the Alchemists of the city, and a revolution that will transform her home forever.
I picked up The Alchemy of Stone for calico_reaction ’s monthly book club. I’m quite glad that this book was chosen, as I’m not sure that I would have picked it up on my own. The first thing I noticed about this book is Ekatrina Sedia’s gift with words. The Alchemy with Stone is written very beautifully, and as a writer it made me a little jealous at times. I found myself easily enchanted by this setting of alchemists, machines, and gargoyles and really enjoyed learning about this world.
Mattie is a surprisingly likable and complex protagonist. Although she is a machine made from metal and gears, the things that she desires (freedom, love and community) are very easy to relate to. Her relationship with Loharri, her creator, is very interesting. Although the two obviously share some affection, the control that Loharri exerts over Mattie can be quite disturbing, and I could completely understand why she desired liberation. Another interesting thing about Mattie is she has a unique insider/outsider perspective. Her status as an automaton and an alchemist gives her access to the two political parties of the city, and she’s also able to connect individuals who are labeled less desirable by the mainstream. This results in Mattie giving the reader access to both the people in power, and those that are oppressed and overlooked.
At the same time, The Alchemy of Stone is a flawed book. It’s safe to say that I loved every one of the first hundred pages, but as the book continued I began to wonder if the author should have spent a little longer developing certain aspects. Although many of the characters, such as Mattie and Loharri, are wonderfully crafted, there are some, such as Sebastian, that feel under developed by comparison. There is a romantic storyline that feels far too sudden, and too little attention is paid to it. Throughout the last hundred pages, I often found myself becoming frustrated with the novel as it felt quite rushed. Important events, like the death of major characters, and barely addressed. The ending, although far from bad, does end up feeling a little incomplete. I also wish that she could have found a way to better tie in the gargoyles to the main plot.
Perhaps I am being too picky. After all, between the likable protagonist, interesting setting, and unpredictable plot, there are so many things to enjoy about this novel. In the end, I can honestly say that I like this book, and I will look into other titles by Sedia. There are just a few things I wish she had done differently.
Rating: three and a half stars
Length: 301 pages
Source: Barns and Noble
Challenge: This book is not part of any challenges
Similar Books: I’m not too experienced with Steampunk, but another Steampunk title I enjoyed is Soulless by Gail Carriger ( my review).
Other books I've read by this author: this is my first
xposted to bookish , temporaryworlds , and goodreads
who desire to be released from their prisons of stone. Mattie agrees to help, but in the meantime, must deal with a conflict between the Mechanics and the Alchemists of the city, and a revolution that will transform her home forever.
I picked up The Alchemy of Stone for calico_reaction ’s monthly book club. I’m quite glad that this book was chosen, as I’m not sure that I would have picked it up on my own. The first thing I noticed about this book is Ekatrina Sedia’s gift with words. The Alchemy with Stone is written very beautifully, and as a writer it made me a little jealous at times. I found myself easily enchanted by this setting of alchemists, machines, and gargoyles and really enjoyed learning about this world.
Mattie is a surprisingly likable and complex protagonist. Although she is a machine made from metal and gears, the things that she desires (freedom, love and community) are very easy to relate to. Her relationship with Loharri, her creator, is very interesting. Although the two obviously share some affection, the control that Loharri exerts over Mattie can be quite disturbing, and I could completely understand why she desired liberation. Another interesting thing about Mattie is she has a unique insider/outsider perspective. Her status as an automaton and an alchemist gives her access to the two political parties of the city, and she’s also able to connect individuals who are labeled less desirable by the mainstream. This results in Mattie giving the reader access to both the people in power, and those that are oppressed and overlooked.
At the same time, The Alchemy of Stone is a flawed book. It’s safe to say that I loved every one of the first hundred pages, but as the book continued I began to wonder if the author should have spent a little longer developing certain aspects. Although many of the characters, such as Mattie and Loharri, are wonderfully crafted, there are some, such as Sebastian, that feel under developed by comparison. There is a romantic storyline that feels far too sudden, and too little attention is paid to it. Throughout the last hundred pages, I often found myself becoming frustrated with the novel as it felt quite rushed. Important events, like the death of major characters, and barely addressed. The ending, although far from bad, does end up feeling a little incomplete. I also wish that she could have found a way to better tie in the gargoyles to the main plot.
Perhaps I am being too picky. After all, between the likable protagonist, interesting setting, and unpredictable plot, there are so many things to enjoy about this novel. In the end, I can honestly say that I like this book, and I will look into other titles by Sedia. There are just a few things I wish she had done differently.
Rating: three and a half stars
Length: 301 pages
Source: Barns and Noble
Challenge: This book is not part of any challenges
Similar Books: I’m not too experienced with Steampunk, but another Steampunk title I enjoyed is Soulless by Gail Carriger ( my review).
Other books I've read by this author: this is my first
xposted to bookish , temporaryworlds , and goodreads