The Alchemists of Loom is the first book in a steampunk/fantasy series by the ever wonderful Elise Kova, and I can tell you guys that it will be the reason why many readers’ year will start off with a BANG. With incredible characters, a jaw-dropping world, and lots action, this book will definitely make a run for bestseller status!
What I liked:
Elise is the kind of author who knows how to work magic into words. She hooks you right into the story and makes you feel as if you were there instead of reading. I wasn’t even a page in when I was already thrown into the dangerous life of Arianna and trying to keep up with all her badassery, who just happens to be my favorite from the four points of view we get in this book. Yup. FOUR. And they were all amazing. Dragons and Chimaeras, anyone?
Not so many authors can get away with writing dual point of views, let alone four, but Elise pulls this off quite well. All four voices were distinct and rich with their personalities, never confusing me for a second of whose POV I was reading. Despite loving Arianna’s POV more than the others, I also enjoyed reading from Cvareh’s, Florence’s or Leona’s POV. They offered different views of their world and their race, so it was nice to get to know them on a deeper level than just from the outside. I particularly liked the POV of one of these characters who is actually an antagonist–so interesting to be on the”bad” side for once!
But the world of Loom! Gah, I love it! Maybe it’s because I got the chance to join a guild before I even knew the characters or the plot of this book, but I became rather attached to the world and its territories. I’m a Harvester (one of five guilds–sort of like territories– in Loom) through and through, and even though we don’t get to read much of it in this book, I still felt shivers whenever it was mentioned. As if they were speaking about MY home. So yeah, Elise Kova is a master in world-building. Just you wait until you learn all about this world (worlds?). IT’S HUGE. Because we get the world of Loom AND Nova (where dragons live and who rule over Loom). And the system is intriguing (to me), so messed up for the people of Loom, and I am 85% sure I wouldn’t survive if I ever left the Harvester’s Guild (I’m no Ari OR Flor).
I know all of the above might sound confusing, but there’s really no way I could explain in few words what this book has to offer. It’s a ridiculously long list, but I can assure readers will love it! It has new creatures! Magic and Steampunkiness (is that even a term?)! And just for the record, yes… there might be a hint of romance in there somewhere. So never fear romance lovers, Elise Kova has you covered as well! 😉
What left me wanting more:
I do have to admit that despite The Alchemists of Loom being action-packed right from the start, I still feel like describing the first half as slow. It’s not a boring kind of slow, but it was a slow that whenever I had to put the book down, it would take me a few days to pick it up again, get hooked, and repeat the process for 2 weeks. That bummed me a bit. However, this cycle thankfully stopped right after I reached the second half and things got REAL. Then it was non-stop reading until the very end!
Maybe it was just me and my lousy reading mood. Maybe…
Final Verdict:
Do I recommend The Alchemists of Loom? YES YES YES. Elise Kova’s new series will surely make every reader fall head-over-heels with this fantastical steampunk world and demand the release of the next book.
Yay, so glad you enjoyed it! It sounds like an incredible start to a new series, I can't wait to pick it up next year. I love dragons and chimaeras, too, so… I'm super intrigued! I'm really loving the sound of the worldbuilding and everything Kova creates in this world, so I have really high hopes. Great review! 🙂
I don't think you will be disappointed! Elise Kova knows what she's doing and she quickly gained a place in my favorite authors list. 😀