The Alchemy of Stone

by Ekaterina Sedia
The Alchemy of Stone cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Fantasy
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6600
  • Added: 2025-11-26
  • Updated: 2025-11-26
  • ISBN: 9780809572847
  • Publisher: Wildside Press
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Alchemy of Stone is a unique blend of steampunk and fantasy, set in a world where the boundaries between science and magic are blurred. The protagonist, a golem, grapples with her identity and desires, navigating a society that views her as both a tool and a threat. The novel explores themes of autonomy, sexuality, and the consequences of playing god. /n/n The story is rich with intricate world-building, featuring a society where alchemy and clockwork technology have advanced to unprecedented levels. The golem's journey is one of self-discovery and rebellion, as she challenges the status quo and seeks to define her own purpose. The Alchemy of Stone is a compelling exploration of what it means to be human, even when one is not.

Reviews
SFF Book Reviews · 2014-11-02
intriguing 3.50

The book is packed with ideas and characters, which is both its strength and weakness. The setting is atmospheric and the protagonist's unique situation is compelling.

This reviewer found The Alchemy of Stone to be a rich tapestry of ideas and characters, which makes it a compelling read. However, the sheer density of these elements can sometimes feel overwhelming, as if the book is trying to do too much in too short a space. The setting is particularly noteworthy, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and immersive. The protagonist, an automaton named Mattie, is a standout feature, offering a fresh perspective that is both intriguing and poignant. The reviewer appreciates the originality and depth of the world-building, even if it occasionally feels like the plot could benefit from more breathing room.

Quick quotes

    For a relatively short book, The Alchemy of Stone is crammed full of amazing ideas and characters.

    This is both a strength and a weakness.

    Mattie's situation, neither human nor mindless, is compelling.

A Dribble of Ink · Aidan Moher · 2010-08-31
enjoyable 3.00

The novel is flawed but enjoyable, showcasing the author's originality and flair. The reviewer appreciates the unique tone and writing style.

Aidan Moher acknowledges that The Alchemy of Stone is a flawed novel, but one that is ultimately enjoyable. They highlight the author's ability to write with originality and flair, noting that the tone and style are particularly noteworthy. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective offered by the protagonist, an automaton, and the way the story blends poetry with machinery. While there are some issues with the execution, the overall experience is one that Moher finds engaging and memorable. They commend the author for taking risks and creating a story that stands out in the steampunk genre.

Quick quotes

    It's a flawed novel, but also an enjoyable one

    Sedia shows that she has the ability to write with originality, flair and tone

    it just needs a bit more polish to really shine

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2009-10-14
lyrical 4.50

The prose is lyrical and haunting, making the book feel like a symphony. The reviewer praises the vivid imagery and the author's economical use of words.

Kara Babcock is deeply impressed by the lyrical and haunting prose in The Alchemy of Stone. They describe the book as a symphony, with each word and image carefully crafted to create a cohesive and evocative whole. Babcock appreciates the author's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas with a minimalist approach, making every sentence count. The reviewer finds the setting and characters to be particularly compelling, noting that the automaton protagonist adds a unique layer to the story. They commend the author for creating a world that is both familiar and alien, blending elements of steampunk with a touch of magic. Overall, Babcock finds the book to be a masterful piece of storytelling that lingers in the mind long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    Sedia's prose is lyrical and haunting; she never wastes words or wants for imagery.

    That's why I label The Alchemy of Stone a symphony.

    The setting and characters are compelling, with the automaton protagonist adding a unique layer to the story.

Appears in Lists