The synopsis of this story is what pulled me in but it was the characters that made me leave. It took far too long for the story to start explaining itself and the characters i didn't feel for at all..

*This review is based upon a sample only*
I found this a really intriguing glimpse into a very interesting world. Khiam has been overrun by a terrible bramble, a plant which has the power to kill and feeds on magical energy. The Alchemist believes that he has found a way to kill the bramble, and this novella tells his story. This particular story is told by Paolo Bacigalupi and it is a shame that the sample didn't have a Tobias S Buckell chapter too, but as you would expect, the prose is great and the world building is very evocative. There is a wonderful exoticism to the tale and it has a real 1001 nights feel about it. Nefarious wizards, plants that kill and family strife all mesh well together to create a very satisfying whole. I look forward to reading the finished article.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Alchemist made for a most tantalising introduction to this book, which will contain four novellas upon release.
We're introduced to a country where magic carries more immediate consequences than are usually shown - free use has resulted in a plague of almost-indestructible bramble sweeping across the country to choke whole cities out of existence. Our titular alchemist may have been able to forge a solution; but if it was that easy, there wouldn't be a story to begin with.
The writing is extraordinary, and the story it's telling is original and drew me in in a heartbeat. I'll eagerly be awaiting the release of the full novel..