This is an updated review!
Unfortunately I was not aware of before the 2013 Latino Comics Expo, which is where I was first introduced to the trilogy and its talented author.Such a shame because it is a wonderful read. This historical fantasy is set in World War II albeit not the one taught in history class. Isabella George, the books protagonist, works as a spy for a clandestine agency known as the SOE based in England. Not only is Isabella a talented spy but also a skilled alchemist who once attended The Gray Tower, an institution for training those with various magical skills. In the world Isabella inhabits, dealing with wizards, Nazi wizard vampires, spies, time travel, and of course alchemy is commonplace. The general public is not aware of the additional danger and atrocities that these magical and supernatural elements play in the war, but for Isabella a battle weary spy she is only too familiar and it has finally taken it's toll.
If it sounds like there is a lot going on thats because there is but it is not overwhelming or confusing the story is expertly woven. I felt it was true to the era when it described the day to day injustices of being a woman during World War II, you can tell the author took great care to when doing her research. When it touched upon issues of sexism and race I feel it was done from the perspective of someone from that time. The characters are engaging, and amazingly relatable. The main character Isabella is a woman who has decided to take action as the world is tearing itself apart, using her alchemy and intelligence to try and hold the darkness at bay. We are introduced to Isabella while she is in the middle of a mission. Upon her return she agrees to take on one final assignment extract the dangerous Dr. Heilwig from Paris and bring him back to England.
Right away you get the impression that she is not in any way a damsel in distress. She handles herself with confidence and even when she is fatigued she just pushes through it. I admire her incredibly strong character, she is quick thinking and a force to be reckoned with wether it be physical or magical combat, against enemies both male and female, magical and non magical alike. What's so lovely about this female character is that she does not have to sacrifice her femininity to be strong. She is feminine and strong, she longs for a normal life to meet someone and fall in love but that is also not her main objective. Yes there is romance and a bit of a love triangle, thankfully it does not distract from the story or become the books driving force. I feel the romance actually worked to make Isabella more relatable. Not everyone can relate to being an alchemist/spy during a World War, but almost everyone can relate to being in love. Isabella is by far my favorite character but the book has no shortage of well fleshed out endearing supporting characters like the dashing Brande a Gray Tower wizard, or Renee the frenchwoman doing her part against the Nazi's. The book is full of great characters and it is no small feat that Alesha was able to give most of them a satisfying if small back story.
The Towers Alchemist packs a punch there is quite a bit of action in the book as the main character of course is a spy on a dangerous mission fighting off the Nazi's and various villains with her alchemy. The action scenes are expertly paced is superbly done. Your adrenaline will definitely be pumping when Isabella first encounters a Cruenti (a warlock who feeds off the blood of other magic users to strengthen their power through blood magic). Hero's and villains alike are complex, allies can be just as frightening as enemies in The Towers Alchemist. Alesha Escobar grabs the reader by the hand and says run, and you will enjoy every second. It is a fun action packed, supernatural, spy caper, romance, and it is done beautiful and perfectly balanced. This book is a definite must read.
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From the Publisher
The Gray Tower Trilogy
This paranormal fantasy series has been described by some readers as a mash-up of Agent Carter and Hellboy. The complete series includes:
- The Tower's Alchemist
- Dark Rift
- Circadian Circle
Be a spy. Save the world. If only it were that simple...
Isabella George is an alchemist trained by the prestigious Gray Tower. Although she can cast spells and stop hearts from beating (and break a few along the way), she wants to quit spying and settle down to a normal life.
But, as fate would have it, the Third Reich's occult army is swarming Europe, and she's called upon to complete her final mission, which can prove her most dangerous one of all.
- Action-packed fantasy
- Wizards and warlocks in an alternate history backdrop
- No damsels in distress or TSTL heroines
- Non-sparkly vampires
About the author
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Top reviews from other countries
Ellie Mitchell
A excellent Fantasy twist on World War II. Would recommend.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2017
