EXTRAS
a few of my favorite things…
Excerpts from a few of my favorite The Alchemist of Aleppo reviews so far (most are from NetGalley readers):
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It is romance deeper than memories and older than centuries.
The build up about the characters was so strong that the romance was already well established in its yearning, attraction and transcendence when the characters first met. It is everything achingly soul satisfyingly I wanted to read in this story. It was never mushy, and the spice didn't stray far from the story, giving me moments of thrill every now and then. It was a good balance, the darkness of visions and the light of the romance.
What I loved best about the book was its characters. I was invested in Michael's past, curious about Elias' future and hoped for Micah's knots to be resolved by Michael. I loved Kat too but I loved Emmaline more. Her side of the story made my heart ache while his side of the story kept me flipping pages.
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This was such a great book! I loved every second of it. The combination of magic and a forever kind of love is always a big hit for me. The writing is descriptive but without exaggerating, it transports you and makes you forget reality for a while. It has different POVs but it never gets confusing. It’s such a creative story, even more so once you read the author’s notes. I have already recommended this book to every single bookish friend I have; is not a usual thing that you get so lost into a book.
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Overall this was a fun read and I would have no trouble recommending. A gorgeously written mystery that combines timelines and cultures across centuries. Beautifully written characters and good pacing that keeps you invested from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the glimpses into the past, piecing together the mystery of the Luck of Edenhall and the slow burn romance.
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The Alchemist of Aleppo breathes fresh life into old legends. Makansi performs her own alchemy by transforming her meticulous research into a tale of undying love that spans centuries and continents. Writers from Longfellow to Trollope have already told the tale of the Luck of Edenhall, a Islamic glass beaker on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, but Makansi’s unique connections to the cup open up new windows on both Islamic luxury glassmaking and the forbidden secrets of alchemy. I loved every minute of it.
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A beautifully told story that spans centuries, The Alchemist of Aleppo weaves magic, mystery, and timeless romance into a compelling narrative. It’s neither a historical romance nor a fantasy, but a unique love story that transcends genres.
The plot flows seamlessly across different times and places, evolving without confusion. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the reader often knows more than they do, creating a sense of anticipation. While tragedy shadows the story, the ending offers hope and fulfillment.
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If you love stories of enduring romance and subtle magic, this book is sure to captivate you. 5 Kat Musgrave has been disturbed by dark and turbulent dreams from an early age, her family worry about her but there don't seem to be a solution. Her work as a geneticist brings her to a conference in London. a place she has avoided in the past. On visiting the V & A Museum she is mesmerised by an ancient glass goblet, the Luck of Edenhall. Whilst in a state of turmoil, she meets Michael Samaan, a historian and expert on ancient glass. They immediately feel a connection, this momentous meeting leads them on a journey into the past history of the goblet and themselves. Interesting and enthralling story told in the present day with glimpses into the past.
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When Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave meet by the display case of a fourteenth century glass goblet at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, they know immediately that they are deeply connected—to each other and to the goblet. But neither one understands what that connection means. Through a series of uncovered books and recovered memories, Michael, a British art historian, and Kat, an American geneticist, work together to peel back the layers of history—and their past lives—to find answers. Ultimately, they discover that the goblet’s mysterious maker, known in the past as the Alchemist of Aleppo, infused the glass with the essence of his and his dying wife’s souls and with the magical promise of love renewed at some future date. But the two scholars aren’t the only ones enthralled by the museum piece and the goblet isn’t the only magical object created in the alchemist’s furnace.
I love the timelessness of love in this story. The magic, the history, the love - they come together in a beautiful tale! The author masterfully weaves multiple plotlines and timelines for a wonderful read!
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I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own. 5 Thank You NetGalley and IBPA for a complimentary copy of this novel! This novel pulled me in from the beginning! A spellbinding love story that verges on Fantasy and Magic! I got major Outlander vibes!!! A chance encounter between Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave inside the Victorian and Albert Museum in London in front of a 14th century glass goblet display; and an immediate connection between the two as if they’ve known each other for years!!! What does this connection mean for them? Kat is an American geneticist and Michael is a British Art Historian. As they discover more artifacts and memories from the past, their connection is slowly revealed. This search leads them to someone from Michael’s past, the Alchemist of Aleppo, who created the glass goblet centuries ago that contained a part of him and his dying wife. That goblet would allow them to come back later in time. But there are other artifacts the Alchemist had created, and others are searching for these. Michael’s and Kat’s lives may be in danger if they can’t resolve the past. “Time is ephemeral, only love is everlasting.” Look for this novel on January 28, 2025 to find out if Michael and Kat are able to resolve the past and look forward to the future!
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Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave met coincidentally (it seems) at the VA Museum. One with an interest in artifacts and the other for an inexplicable pull towards the display of a particular goblet.
The story starts from there and it is fascinating, unexpectedly full of questions and certainly events, people and feelings which cannot be logically explained. Going back hundreds of years to turbulent times, previous births and a reincarnation in a present time to set finally and bring to an end a very troubled past.
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The story was magical, a love story repeated and a book I couldn’t put down. I would urge those who enjoy stories of history as well as those things which are magical, fantasy with a whiff of probability to get this book.
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This was such a cool story to read! I loved all the POVs, the different stories woven together spanning generations. I’ve not read a book like this before, and it was such a treat to read! 5 Marie K. Savage is a new to me author. I was taken aback by this fantastic book. It was a well written page turner I couldn't put down. There are many worlds and a cornucopia of genres blended into this tale like time travel, reincarnation, mystery, and romance that will pull at your heartstrings. The different plots this author weaves are what kept me engrossed. It contains drama and suspense. The chemistry of the main characters, Michael and Kat, is off the charts sine they meet in front of the artifact that somehow deeply connects them. It's a full circle story that ties all plots together at the end. One-click this book and be prepared for an exciting journey. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author. 5 stars all the way!
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The Alchemist of Aleppo by Maria K. Savage is a captivating novel that explores reincarnation, fate, and the power of past lives. The story follows Michael Samaan and Kat Musgrave, whose intertwined lives across centuries, starting in 14th-century Aleppo, are shaped by a mystical goblet known as the Luck of Edenhall and an alchemist who manipulates their destinies. As Michael struggles to recall his past lives to save his family, Kat seeks to understand her role in the unfolding events. Savage’s rich character development and seamless shifting between timelines create an engaging, thought-provoking narrative about how our past actions reverberate through time, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a supernatural twist.
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The Alchemist of Aleppo by Marie K. Savage is a captivating blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and romance, offering readers a rich and immersive experience. The novel follows Michael, a British art historian, and Kat, an American geneticist, as they uncover the deep, soul-stirring connection between themselves and a mysterious 14th-century glass goblet. Savage's writing skillfully weaves together past lives, science, and history, creating a narrative that explores the intersection of love, fate, and the mysteries of time. The concept of reincarnation and the alchemist’s work to infuse the goblet with the essence of love offers a compelling hook for those drawn to stories that blur the lines between the tangible and the mystical. The unfolding mystery, combined with the romance, keeps readers intrigued and emotionally invested in the characters’ journey.
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While The Alchemist of Aleppo is deeply imaginative and offers a thought-provoking exploration of love and destiny, some readers may find the pacing slow at times, especially as the narrative toggles between timelines and unravels the characters’ intertwined pasts. The complexity of the plot and the dense layers of historical and magical elements can occasionally feel overwhelming, making the story challenging to follow for those who prefer a more straightforward narrative. However, for readers who enjoy books that delve into the mysteries of the soul and love transcending time, Savage’s novel will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The Alchemist of Aleppo is perfect for those who crave an enchanting, philosophical journey through history and magic.
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Michael and Kat are haunted by a past they don’t understand and drawn together by mysterious circumstances that will make you question the nature of love, death, and the eternal consequences of one man’s choice. This standalone novel has beautifully written prose and a tight plot that drives toward a satisfying conclusion. Atmospheric and well-researched.
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Loved this book. Not my usual genre, but I really enjoyed it. I was not sure what to expect, but it is well written, and the storyline really drew me in. It is set over eight centuries, and each era has its characters. The concept was excellent and in the end I could not put it down. I loved the main characters in the present day, who brought such colour and intrigue to the storyline. The next time I am in London I well certainly be heading to the V&A to see ‘The Luck of Edenhall.’
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This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
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I loved the way this showed different centuries in this story, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of this. Marie K. Savage has a strong writing style and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It had that element that I was looking for and was glad everything worked together to tell the story.
The Alchemist of Aleppo was such an intriguing blend of fantastical elements along with mystery and romance, it kept me hooked from the beginning. I wasn't exactly sure how much I would like the reincarnation/tied to past lives element of the story since I'm not usually a big fan of them but they worked so well with this story and were so interesting and fun! I really liked the characters and the different plot lines that followed along with the main one, all of which were tied up together in the end. Overall, a really fun and intriguing read that I definitely recommend!
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I anticipated that this book would be straight-up historical fiction, but instead found a creative blend of mystery, historical fiction and magical fairy tale. It is a quick and easy read with good pacing, and time jumps that do not feel disruptive. The characters themselves are not very deep - it is the relationships and plot that carries the book. It is an imagined origin story for the much-storied Luck of Edenhall [a famous glass vessel from the 14th century, on display in the V&A museum in London, and believed to bestow luck upon its owner]. The story expands beyond the known legend of the glass to tell a tale of dark magic, mystery, murder and lovers reuniting over centuries. It feels like “Outlander” and “The DaVinci Code” with a bit of Kate Atkinson’s “Life After Life.” It is an entertaining read, and compelled me to read more about the Luck of Edenhall and its enduring legends of fairies and talismanic powers of luck and good fortune.
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Kat and Michael find themselves connected to each other and to a display at a museum, and this story follows them as they uncover the truth of themselves — and their many pasts. This is a beautiful story of love and madness and the repercussions of attempting to control it all.
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The Alchemist of Aleppo was an intriguing read. It makes one think, and ask questions about love, life and immortality. I was swept away, caught in the maelstrom of a family's history throughout the ages and cycles of life.
Is it possible? I don't know, but I do know this, I kept reading until the novel was finished and I knew what happened. Better yet, it still has me thinking. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this delightful book.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Blank Slate for the advanced copy of The Alchemist of Aleppo! This was such a fun and unique read, and I quite enjoyed diving into this world.
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From the get go, I was drawn to Kat and Michael’s story of trying to figure out the secrets of The Luck while figuring out their own pasts and secrets. I was rooting for them to finally get a happy ending in this lifetime. I also loved Michael’s family, especially Leila, they were all memorable side characters.
What wasn’t for me was, unfortunately, the amount of different POV’s we got in this book. I generally dislike reading more than 2 POV’s as it can get confusing, and sometimes I was indeed confused as to which POV we were in.
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The Alchemist of Aleppo follows two characters, Katherine “Kat” Musgraves and Michael Samaan, who are inexplicably drawn to a blown glass piece called the “Luck of Edenhall.” They’ve each dreamt of the piece for years, but their chance meeting one day at the museum’s display brings back memories and emotions that seem to have been hidden away for centuries. Kat and Michael seem to go on a journey through time as they piece together the history of the “Luck” and themselves.
One of my favorite details of this book is how Kat and Michael remain as rational-thinking as possible for as long as they can. It makes the characters feel so much more real because they aren’t willing to fall into the fantasy as soon as it shows itself. I also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story. Some things were easy to pick up on early on, but some mysteries kept me reading until the very end, which I appreciated.
I do wish there had been more character development for both of the main characters, although I feel like I know Michael more than I do Kat. Kat feels very secretive about her teenage years like she doesn’t want to think too much about what happened, but I think she could have opened up more as the story went on and come to terms with her past in a way that would have brought her and Michael even closer together.
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Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and give it four out of five stars. I will definitely recommend this book to others when it is released. 4 My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of: Mystical /Time Travel/Fantasy
This was an interesting story. I liked the mixture of fantasy, romance and a bit of mystery. Not my usual genre but I thought it was well done. The story flowed well. The main timeline is set in the present with several short flashbacks set at different times in the past. The story flowed well and the different timelines were nicely interwoven in the main story and added an extra dimension mystery and intrigue to the book. The characters were interesting and likeable and their actions were well explained.
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Overall: A well written story with interesting characters,the right amount of mystery and magic mixed in with a bit of romance to keep you captivated till the end.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me. 4 This was an enjoyable, easy to devour book. The author obviously researched the art history mentioned which grounded a lot of the themes and made for a really interesting backstory. The author did a great job of building a mood and main character backstory. I do wish we could have had some more in depth interactions between the main characters that built relationship and were not plot advancing. I was dying to know more about Micah and Yasmin's meeting and story, as well as more interaction between Elias and Emmaline.
It did feel like there were some open ended items near the end of the novel that could nod to a follow up or a spin off.
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POETRY
Here’s poem I wrote long ago, attempting to describe a recurring dream I’ve had since I was a child. I was reminded of the poem when watching the movie Tree of Life, written and directed by Terrence Malick. This was my second attempt at capturing the dream:
BEACH DREAMS 2
by Kristina Makansi
Standing
Huddled
Broken backs braced against the desolation
Broken faces peering toward salvation
Broken lives dreaming of before,
Or after, just not
Now.
It came quickly,
The end did
When it came.
There, see? I told you so, they said.
Happy to go, it seemed.
To have their worst fears confirmed,
Their highest hopes fulfilled.
But we, we who stand
Together
On the beach
Do not celebrate
The end
Do not recognize
The end
Do not accept
The end.
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A “Single-Serving Story”
This is a “Single-Serving Story” by my hubby that we printed and handed out at events many moons ago. Early in his career as an engineer, he’d worked on the 92nd floor of the South Tower in NYC and, like everyone else, was devastated by the 9/11 attack. He is also an amateur musician and composer and plays the piano and viola. This story was originally published in Vol. 2, Issue 3 of Marginalia, the literary review formerly associated with Western State College of Colorado.
HALLUCINATION IN D MINOR
by Jason Makansi
Only a second or two separates the dream from what is on the other side of it, another meeting. Up here in the clouds, above the city of New York, almost everything is dreamy. You never forget about the magnificence. If there was a cloud in the sky, it would be undulating. Every gaze you steal out the window is like peering through a slit of the time-space continuum.
Except when you meet the eyes of the honcho at the head of the table, his supervisors to either side. You and the other direct reports line up and down the sides of the long table. Paper is passed around. The honcho clears his throat, cracks a joke, compels everyone to get started, and the discussion about some dull engineering project begins. You look past him at, well, nothing, nothing in the sky but one tone of blue, with something huge barreling through it toward you.
After a few seconds, the tremolog opening chord sounds, the violent strings descend two notes, then a short hop and back up, reaching, for what? The ominous roll of the tympani completes the phrase, and the stylist in your hand is on automatic, like a pen recorder, tracing the modulations of Brahms First Piano Concerto on a tablet of graph paper. Then it escalates. You are a member of a Philharmonic, What is coming at you in the window disappears.
How many times during thee meetings have you found your left hand clamping your right hand to the table so it wouldn’t obey the subconscious signals from your brain to conduct the music that you hear, as clearly as the solid blue you see out the window? This is one of those times.
You see other musicians separating from you, physically sliding away. Instead of looking at the floor, you turn to look at the principal French horn player. She looks vaguely like a woman who had been sitting near you, who has captured the lusty ventricle of your heart. You’ve long for her the way the ram-like curly-cues of that horn are captured by the cashere fabric folding in delightful patterns around her breasts. And her lips, oh her lips. They are red, puckered from her craft You want your lips to be where her musty breath is before it is transmogrified into the bittersweet sounds coming from that horn. How delicate a kiss must be, like the lighting of a butterfly, so she doesn’t feel pain.
Her horn sounds the clarion call after the notes from the strings extend, despairing to hang on, only to slip, descending level by level, like a body falling, hitting sections of building on teh way down, back into the depths of the base.
On the other side, expressions of horror and fear float around the room, separated from the owners, but on this side, your French horn player only looks puzzled, as if she had just played a wrong measure, as if the conductor is tapping the stand, admonishing her. In a fragment of a second after she glances at you, she acknowledges the melodic bond between you.
Instinctively, you move toward her, but then you notice that you are moving away too. The orchestra is spreading apart quickly. Your organs accelerate into your throat, the same sensation as when the elevator in this building rises very fast, whisking it’s occupants to the stratosphere. Your music stand falls over, but the music pages defy gravity. The hang suspended in front of your eyes, like an image on film in a darkened room.
Flames vaporize the bits and pieces of everything on the other side of this dream. Your piece of graph paper, though, is floating somehwere over the city. Parts of you, and parts of others, are ahead of other parts, behind, to the side, above, and below. There are parts of the imaginary musicians floating amongst the parts of everyone sitting here a moment ago. All are just parts of the sum now. There is no cashmere-cloaked horn paper, and no you, yet you still hear.
Pages of music defy gravity, defy relativity. Just when what is left of your mind praises the resistance of the music to this calamity, the air where your hand was grasps at the music, something to hang onto, in the absense of person, the horn player, anyone. Then the glue and string of the spine explode, the pages drift away, the paper dissolves. Still the notes of the concerto hang in the air, intact, each one where it is supposed to be relative to the other ones. They appear like organized dots between your eyelids and your eyeballs.
The concerto continues. The unbearably sweet but firm entrance of the piano, “I am here now,” it seems to say, coquettishly, the triads and chords ascending up, then down, back up, and ending on the same notes as the melody begins, a pause, then the melody in a long ascending rush. The shring and swell, the outline of the horn player’s small, powerful frame flows therough her instrument. But she is not there.
Finally, the notes disintegrate. Now you know what is the last sense to survive. But, as the propagation of your last brain pulses crash toward the asymptotic zero, it comes to you, the years you’ve been in love with this concerto, its tortured path from the composer’s brain to notes on the page, the microsecond you’ve embraced the empty space that was once this woman. You glide on a bed of air, the serenity of the piano’s melody, the gentle perpetual breath, a conveyance away from the rebellious tonality collapsing underneath.
At the final moment, a weak human bond suspended on a melody is better than no bond at all. Maybe Brahms knew that.