Review | ‘Quicksilver’ (Fae & Alchemy #1) by Callie Hart

Review of ‘Quicksilver’ (Fae & Alchemy #1) by Callie Hart. Discover the captivating blend of magic, danger, and romance in this sprawling fantasy that takes readers from the unforgiving desert to the frozen lands of the Fae. With intriguing characters, an imaginative world, and a simmering romance, Quicksilver is a spellbinding start to a promising series.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart is a spellbinding fantasy romance full of magic, danger, and unforgettable characters

Synopsis

Do not touch the sword.

Do not turn the key.

Do not open the gate.

In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember.

But a secret is like a knot.

Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her.

Death has a name.

It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate.

His past is murky.

His attitude stinks.

And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child.

The devil is in the details…

Review

I received a free copy from bol.com and Best of Fantasy in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my review. Thank you for this review copy.

When I say Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy #1) by Callie Hart kept me entertained, I mean it truly kept me entertained. Despite its hefty length, I breezed through it in just a few days. This book has an addictive quality that makes it hard to put down, and while it’s not without its flaws, it’s a solid pick for fans of romantasy with intriguing magic systems, lovable characters, and a dash (or more) of spice.

The story follows Saeris Fane, a twenty-four-year-old thief surviving in a desert kingdom ruled by the ruthless Undying Queen. Saeris has always been good at keeping secrets, especially about the strange magic she possesses and her years of stealing from the Queen’s water reservoirs. But secrets don’t stay hidden forever, and when Saeris crosses paths with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms, landing in a frozen land ruled by the mysterious and dangerous Fae. Bound by accident to Kingfisher—a handsome yet morally murky Fae warrior—Saeris must navigate a centuries-old conflict, unearth her own powers, and strike uneasy alliances if she ever hopes to make it back home. But in Yvelia, every deal comes with a price, and Saeris might just lose more than she bargained for.

Let’s start with the magic and world-building because, honestly, that was one of my favorite aspects. Hart introduces us to an expansive and layered world (or worlds), and I was completely captivated by how the magic system operated. It felt fresh and imaginative, with just enough detail to keep me invested without bogging me down. The middle of the book does lean heavily on lore, which slowed things down a bit, but it was necessary and, for the most part, enjoyable.

Now, onto the characters. Ren and Carrion absolutely stole the show for me. Ren had a sharpness and grit that made her compelling, while Carrion brought so much humor and charm that I couldn’t help but adore him. Saeris and (King)Fisher, on the other hand, felt a little more like your standard romantasy couple—bantering, bickering, and full of chemistry. Don’t get me wrong, I ate up their dynamic and enjoyed their moments, but they didn’t quite break the mold. Also, can we pause for a moment to talk about Fisher’s name? It’s giving “I rule a kingdom full of fish” and… I don’t know how to feel about it.

If you enjoy spicy reads, fair warning—this one delivers. There’s quite a bit of heat packed into these pages, so you might want to keep a fan handy! The romance balances well with the action and lore, creating a dynamic story that keeps you hooked.

The writing itself, while engaging, isn’t perfect. There were moments where things felt a bit confusing or clunky, but nothing that detracted too much from my overall enjoyment. It’s one of those books where you forgive its imperfections because the story and characters are just that entertaining.

And the ending? It leaves you on an intriguing note, setting up the next book perfectly. I’m already excited to dive back into this world and see where Hart takes us next.

Final thoughts

Quicksilver is a thick, spicy, and entertaining romantasy that leans on familiar tropes while delivering a vivid world and lovable characters. Come for the magic, stay for the humor, and prepare for a very amusing fisherman-king. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!

Rating

8/10

Details

• Trigger warnings: Violence, explicit sexual content, morally gray characters, mentions of death, blood, torture, mention of sexual assault, and manipulation.
• Themes: Secrets, survival, forbidden magic, unlikely alliances, the cost of power, and personal sacrifice.
• Representation: The story prominently features a theme of found family and characters grappling with self-discovery and inner strength.
• Genre: Fantasy romance (adult).
• Pages: 624 pages
• Publication date: June 4, 2024
• Publisher: Hodderscape
• About the author: Callie Hart is a bestselling author known for crafting dark and steamy romances with complex characters and gripping narratives. Quicksilver marks her venture into fantasy romance, bringing her signature blend of intrigue, tension, and passion to a vivid new world.