Alchemy of Secrets

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Which genre element in Alchemy of Secrets—urban fantasy, film noir, or romance—was most prominent in the narrative, and how did this affect the tone of the story?

2. Stephanie Garber is known for writing YA series like Caraval. How did this adult debut feel in comparison, especially in its world-building and tone?

3. What single image or scene from the novel did you see as being the most emblematic, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Holland’s quest is driven by her need to understand her parents’ past. Why do you think people are often so compelled to uncover the stories of their own heritage?

2. Throughout the story, Holland must decide whether to trust Adam or Gabe. Which character did you find more trustworthy? How was your choice influenced by what you value in an ally?

3. Can you think of a story, myth, or family tale that has had a powerful influence on your own life or how you see the world?

4. If you received one of the devil’s black-and-gold business cards, what deal would you be tempted to make?

5. January chooses to keep secrets from Holland in an attempt to protect her. Is it ever justifiable to lie to someone you love for their own good?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel is steeped in the glamor and scandal of Hollywood’s Golden Age. In your view, what commentary is the book making on modern celebrity culture?

2. What does the spread of the Watch Man legend suggest about how stories gain power and become dangerous realities?

3. What parallels can you find between the Bank, a secret group that hoards magical power, and certain real-world institutions?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The big reveal is that Holland is trapped in a time loop. What clues foreshadowed this twist?

2. The Alchemical Heart is a journal full of stories instead of a mystical object. What is the philosophical significance of this development?

3. Benjamin Tierney’s screenplay acts as a story-within-a-story. Have you read other books that use an internal text in this way, like Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea? How do the two narratives compare?

4. The second-person “Folklore 517” interludes are a unique narrative choice. Why might the author have included them?

5. How does the film noir framework deepen the story’s atmosphere of moral ambiguity and corruption?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. What magical ability do you imagine Holland received from the Alchemical Heart? Explain how this ability would suit her character.

2. If you were a student in Folklore 517, what modern myth or urban legend would you choose to research for your final project?

3. If you were to design a magical business card that reflects Holland’s new identity, what would it look like, and what would it offer?