I have received a free electronic copy of the ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The story was enjoyable and the plot kept me very interested in what happens next. A page turner that spans centuries. A part love story, a historical fiction with some dark magic. There are quite a few POVs and characters to keep up with. Some time lines get more attention than others. Some characters were developed better than others. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and rated it 3.5⭐️ It published on 1/28/25.

A story of a man desperate to save the love of his life, seduced by the knowledge of the occult, take the step to infuse two souls into a magical object of his creation. Reincarnated multiple times over the centuries, wandering the wide world, tied to the same family line, the soul of the alchemist suffers, as the soul of him reincarnated wife, somewhere.

It is romance deeper than memories and older than centuries.

The build up about the characters was so strong that the romance was already well established in its yearning, attraction and transcendence when the characters first met. It is everything achingly soul satisfyingly I wanted to read in this story. It was never mushy, and the spice didn't stray far from the story, giving me moments of thrill every now and then. It was a good balance, the darkness of visions and the light of the romance.

What I loved best about the book was its characters. I was invested in Michael's past, curious about Elias' future and hoped for Micah's knots to be resolved by Michael. I loved Kat too but I loved Emmaline more. Her side of the story made my heart ache while his side of the story kept me flipping pages.

What I would have loved to see more of was the proper use and address of the occult/ the low fantasy element revolving around the goblet and the other artifacts addressed in the story but never explored. Shying away from those parts keep me in the dark about the lore. the magic that led to the centuries long cycle of reincarnation. It also would have tied the villainous end of the story more neatly.

Nonetheless, these little factor didn't keep me away from the story, instead kept me guessing, hoping, turning pages for the next twist, the next shift, the next vision, and the next rise in tension.

All in all, I will recommend it to all my friends who love romance and specially romantic thrillers that transcend the space-time continuum.

A beautifully told story that spans centuries, The Alchemist of Aleppo weaves magic, mystery, and timeless romance into a compelling narrative. It’s neither a historical romance nor a fantasy, but a unique love story that transcends genres.

The plot flows seamlessly across different times and places, evolving without confusion. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the reader often knows more than they do, creating a sense of anticipation. While tragedy shadows the story, the ending offers hope and fulfillment.

If you love stories of enduring romance and subtle magic, this book is sure to captivate you.

Kat Musgrave has been disturbed by dark and turbulent dreams from an early age, her family worry about her but there don't seem to be a solution. Her work as a geneticist brings her to a conference in London. a place she has avoided in the past. On visiting the V & A Museum she is mesmerised by an ancient glass goblet, the Luck of Edenhall. Whilst in a state of turmoil, she meets Michael Samaan, a historian and expert on ancient glass. They immediately feel a connection, this momentous meeting leads them on a journey into the past history of the goblet and themselves. Interesting and enthralling story told in the present day with glimpses into the past.

When Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave meet by the display case of a fourteenth century glass goblet at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, they know immediately that they are deeply connected—to each other and to the goblet. But neither one understands what that connection means. Through a series of uncovered books and recovered memories, Michael, a British art historian, and Kat, an American geneticist, work together to peel back the layers of history—and their past lives—to find answers. Ultimately, they discover that the goblet’s mysterious maker, known in the past as the Alchemist of Aleppo, infused the glass with the essence of his and his dying wife’s souls and with the magical promise of love renewed at some future date. But the two scholars aren’t the only ones enthralled by the museum piece and the goblet isn’t the only magical object created in the alchemist’s furnace.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't the book for me. It is told from different perspectives and timelines, and from what I could grasp they were all reincarnations of themselves. All of the jumping around and the different names was just too confusing for me....maybe I should have read this on a day when I wasn't suffering from Fibro fog. It was very fast-paced and a quick read, and a lot of other people seem to have enjoyed it, so I think it must have just been a case of not a good fit for me.

I anticipated that this book would be straight-up historical fiction, but instead found a creative blend of mystery, historical fiction and magical fairy tale. It is a quick and easy read with good pacing, and time jumps that do not feel disruptive. The characters themselves are not very deep - it is the relationships and plot that carries the book. It is an imagined origin story for the much-storied Luck of Edenhall [a famous glass vessel from the 14th century, on display in the V&A museum in London, and believed to bestow luck upon its owner]. The story expands beyond the known legend of the glass to tell a tale of dark magic, mystery, murder and lovers reuniting over centuries. It feels like “Outlander” and “The DaVinci Code” with a bit of Kate Atkinson’s “Life After Life.” It is an entertaining read, and compelled me to read more about the Luck of Edenhall and its enduring legends of fairies and talismanic powers of luck and good fortune.

When Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave meet by the display case of a fourteenth century glass goblet at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, they know immediately that they are deeply connected—to each other and to the goblet. But neither one understands what that connection means. Through a series of uncovered books and recovered memories, Michael, a British art historian, and Kat, an American geneticist, work together to peel back the layers of history—and their past lives—to find answers. Ultimately, they discover that the goblet’s mysterious maker, known in the past as the Alchemist of Aleppo, infused the glass with the essence of his and his dying wife’s souls and with the magical promise of love renewed at some future date. But the two scholars aren’t the only ones enthralled by the museum piece and the goblet isn’t the only magical object created in the alchemist’s furnace.

I love the timelessness of love in this story. The magic, the history, the love - they come together in a beautiful tale! The author masterfully weaves multiple plotlines and timelines for a wonderful read! 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank You NetGalley and IBPA for a complimentary copy of this novel! This novel pulled me in from the beginning! A spellbinding love story that verges on Fantasy and Magic! I got major Outlander vibes!!! A chance encounter between Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave inside the Victorian and Albert Museum in London in front of a 14th century glass goblet display; and an immediate connection between the two as if they’ve known each other for years!!! What does this connection mean for them? Kat is an American geneticist and Michael is a British Art Historian. As they discover more artifacts and memories from the past, their connection is slowly revealed. This search leads them to someone from Michael’s past, the Alchemist of Aleppo, who created the glass goblet centuries ago that contained a part of him and his dying wife. That goblet would allow them to come back later in time. But there are other artifacts the Alchemist had created, and others are searching for these. Michael’s and Kat’s lives may be in danger if they can’t resolve the past. “Time is ephemeral, only love is everlasting.” Look for this novel on January 28, 2025 to find out if Michael and Kat are able to resolve the past and look forward to the future!

Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave met coincidentally (it seems) at the VA Museum. One with an interest in artifacts and the other for an inexplicable pull towards the display of a particular goblet.

The story starts from there and it is fascinating, unexpectedly full of questions and certainly events, people and feelings which cannot be logically explained. Going back hundreds of years to turbulent times, previous births and a reincarnation in a present time to set finally and bring to an end a very troubled past.

The story was magical, a love story repeated and a book I couldn’t put down. I would urge those who enjoy stories of history as well as those things which are magical, fantasy with a whiff of probability to get this book.

Kat and Michael find themselves connected to each other and to a display at a museum, and this story follows them as they uncover the truth of themselves — and their many pasts. This is a beautiful story of love and madness and the repercussions of attempting to control it all.

The Luck of Edenhall has always held a special fascination for Michael Salmaan and Kat Musgrave, and not just because it's a beautiful piece of art. The 14th-century glass creation marks a bond between these two strangers, as well as multiple other bonds that span generations and lifetimes. And when Michael and Kat meet in person, they can't deny the preternatural pull they feel to both the Luck and each other.

A dive into the history of the Salmaan family reveals a personal tie to the Luck: one that unveils a centuries-old alchemical marvel. The souls of lovers from hundreds of years ago are bound together by the Luck and its accompanying pieces, and Michael and Kat were instrumental in that discovery in former lives. But while some delight in reuniting with their lovers over and over again, others see their tie to the Luck as a curse. And while some simply want closure, others are willing to kill over and over again to get their revenge.

The Alchemist of Aleppo is the latest work of fiction to pay tribute to the legendary Luck of Edenhall (which is indeed a real vase on display at the V&A). The concept of the piece as a lodestone powering reincarnations for lovers across time is a wild one, and one that makes for some excellent romantic storytelling. While the complex and knotted timelines of the book are intriguing, the flow of the book is impeded by a lot of "telling" rather than "showing," with characters launching into unnatural-feeling monologues to fill in gaps. The villain of the piece has a sort of "Before I kill you, Mr. Bond" monologue toward the end, and a character introduced just before the finish line crams in a last-minute infodump that dilutes what should be a passionate scene. The concept itself is strong, as are the characters, and I hope to see Savage lean a little less into straight exposition in later works.

This was such a cool story to read! I loved all the POVs, the different stories woven together spanning generations. I’ve not read a book like this before, and it was such a treat to read!

This review is written as my honest opinion after receiving a NetGalley copy.

My feelings on this story are mixed, but I will start with the good.

This book had excellent scope. The generational storyline was exciting and lent the story a The Davinci Code-esque mystique (in a good way)! I thought most of the twists and adventure plots were good, and the story trekked along at a good pace.

Where the story fell apart for me:

The Characters. They were the weakest part of the story, and I was not particularly attached to Kat especially. The characters felt a little flat, and I would have put the book down if it wasn't for the plotline that kept me interested.

The Alchemist of Aleppo is a breathtaking exploration of love, memory, and the mysteries of the universe, masterfully weaving together art, science, and the enduring power of human connection. From the moment Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave meet at the Victoria & Albert Museum, their magnetic bond pulls readers into a story that spans centuries and defies conventional boundaries of time and space.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its intricate narrative structure. The author seamlessly transitions between the present and the past, painting vivid scenes of medieval Aleppo alongside modern-day London. The goblet at the heart of the story—a creation of the enigmatic Alchemist of Aleppo—is more than an artifact; it’s a living testament to love’s resilience and the mysteries of the human soul. The detailed descriptions of the alchemist’s craft and the intertwining of his fate with Michael and Kat’s add an almost ethereal quality to the storytelling.

Both Michael, the introspective art historian, and Kat, the pragmatic geneticist, are richly developed characters. Their journey to uncover the truth behind the goblet is as much about self-discovery as it is about unraveling the secrets of the past. Their chemistry feels genuine, their dialogue sharp, and their shared moments poignant, making their connection deeply relatable despite the story’s mystical undertones.

What sets The Alchemist of Aleppo apart is its ability to balance the metaphysical with the emotional. Themes of love, loss, and redemption are explored through the lens of reincarnation and alchemy, yet they remain grounded in the universal experiences of longing and hope. The alchemist’s quest to preserve his wife’s essence in the goblet mirrors Michael and Kat’s search for meaning in their connection, creating a powerful parallel that resonates long after the final page.

This novel is not just a story—it’s an experience. It will captivate readers who love historical fiction, magical realism, and profound explorations of the human spirit. Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Night Circus will find themselves equally enchanted by The Alchemist of Aleppo.

In the end, this book reminds us of the enduring mysteries that science cannot explain and the treasures that money cannot buy: love, memory, and the unbreakable bonds of the soul. An absolute triumph.

The Alchemist of Aleppo was an intriguing read. It makes one think, and ask questions about love, life and immortality. I was swept away, caught in the maelstrom of a family's history throughout the ages and cycles of life.
Is it possible? I don't know, but I do know this, I kept reading until the novel was finished and I knew what happened. Better yet, it still has me thinking.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this delightful book.

Marie K. Savage is a new to me author. I was taken aback by this fantastic book. It was a well written page turner I couldn't put down. There are many worlds and a cornucopia of genres blended into this tale like time travel, reincarnation, mystery, and romance that will pull at your heartstrings. The different plots this author weaves are what kept me engrossed. It contains drama and suspense. The chemistry of the main characters, Michael and Kat, is off the charts sine they meet in front of the artifact that somehow deeply connects them. It's a full circle story that ties all plots together at the end. One-click this book and be prepared for an exciting journey. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author. 5 stars all the way!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blank Slate for the advanced copy of The Alchemist of Aleppo! This was such a fun and unique read, and I quite enjoyed diving into this world.

From the get go, I was drawn to Kat and Michael’s story of trying to figure out the secrets of The Luck while figuring out their own pasts and secrets. I was rooting for them to finally get a happy ending in this lifetime. I also loved Michael’s family, especially Leila, they were all memorable side characters.

What wasn’t for me was, unfortunately, the amount of different POV’s we got in this book. I generally dislike reading more than 2 POV’s as it can get confusing, and sometimes I was indeed confused as to which POV we were in.

Overall a great story. Could use some more editing for spelling mistakes, spacing errors and the like.

The Alchemist of Aleppo by Maria K. Savage is a captivating novel that explores reincarnation, fate, and the power of past lives. The story follows Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave, whose intertwined lives across centuries, starting in 14th-century Aleppo, are shaped by a mystical goblet known as the Luck of Edenhall and an alchemist who manipulates their destinies. As Michael struggles to recall his past lives to save his family, Kat seeks to understand her role in the unfolding events. Savage’s rich character development and seamless shifting between timelines create an engaging, thought-provoking narrative about how our past actions reverberate through time, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist.

The Alchemist of Aleppo follows two characters, Katherine “Kat” Musgraves and Michael Samaan, who are inexplicably drawn to a blown glass piece called the “Luck of Edenhall.” They’ve each dreamt of the piece for years, but their chance meeting one day at the museum’s display brings back memories and emotions that seem to have been hidden away for centuries. Kat and Michael seem to go on a journey through time as they piece together the history of the “Luck” and themselves.
One of my favorite details of this book is how Kat and Michael remain as rational-thinking as possible for as long as they can. It makes the characters feel so much more real because they aren’t willing to fall into the fantasy as soon as it shows itself. I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. Some things were easy to pick up on early on, but some mysteries kept me reading until the very end, which I appreciated.
I do wish there had been more character development for both of the main characters, although I feel like I know Michael more than I do Kat. Kat feels very secretive about her teenage years like she doesn’t want to think too much about what happened, but I think she could have opened up more as the story went on and come to terms with her past in a way that would have brought her and Michael even closer together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and give it four out of five stars. I will definitely recommend this book to others when it is released.

My rating:

Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Mystical /Time Travel/Fantasy

Review:

This was an interesting story. I liked the mixture of fantasy, romance and a bit of mystery. Not my usual genre but I thought it was well done. The story flowed well. The main timeline is set in the present with several short flashbacks set at different times in the past. The story flowed well and the different timelines were nicely interwoven in the main story and added an extra dimension mystery and intrigue to the book. The characters were interesting and likeable and their actions were well explained.

Overall:

A well written story with interesting characters,the right amount of mystery and magic mixed in with a bit of romance to keep you captivated till the end.

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.