Alchemystic by Anton Strout
Synopsis:
Alexandra Belarus is a struggling artist living in New York City, even though her family is rich in real estate, including a towering Gothic Gramercy Park building built by her great-great-grandfather. But the truth of her bloodline is revealed when she is attacked on the street and saved by an inhumanly powerful winged figure. A figure who knows the Belarus name… Lexi’s great-great-grandfather was a Spellmason–an artisan who could work magic on stone. But in his day, dark forces conspired against him and his, so he left a spell of protection on his family. Now that Lexi is in danger, the spell has awoken her ancestor’s most trusted and fearsome creation: a gargoyle named Stanis. Lexi and Stanis are equally surprised to find themselves bound to each other. But as they learn to work together, they realize that only united can they save the city they both love.
Review:
Lexi (Alexandra) seems a bit naive and rushes into danger, dragging her friends with her. She is an artist, though we don’t really get much sense as to what her level of ability is. So when she’s thrust into her family business, it doesn’t seem to be that big of a deal. Stanis, the gargoyle, is a fantastic character, mysterious and imposing. He gives the story a new dimension. While Lexi’s friends provide comedy relief.
Spellmasons who bring stones to life and a flying guardian gargoyle – Strout has come up with an even more fantastic story than before. Alchemystic is a fun and exciting start to a promising new urban fantasy series. With plenty of adventure, mystery, suspense, and magic – this was impossible to put down. Fast-paced, fresh, and surprising, there is never a dull moment. Urban fantasy fans will definitely want to check out this new series (as well as Strout’s previous Simon Canderous series).
It looks a very interesting book, I would love to read it!