Quicksilver sweeps listeners into a desert world of scarcity and secrets, where Saeris Fane survives by stealing water from the Undying Queen, and hiding powers no one can know about. But everything changes when she crosses paths with Death himself… and ends up in a land of snow, Fae politics, and a warrior named Kingfisher. (Yes, that’s really his name. I genuinely thought it was a nickname at first.)
There’s a lot to love in theory: a powerful heroine, a mysterious Fae realm, portals between harsh landscapes, and unexpected twists that keep the story unpredictable. But while the premise is rich and the writing immersive, the story never quite ties its puzzle pieces together. The plot meanders, and the big reveals don’t always land with the impact they should.
The romance between Saeris and Kingfisher lacked the tension and buildup I hoped for. Their chemistry felt rushed, leaning heavily on physical attraction without much emotional groundwork. Instead of a slow burn, we get abrupt heat and a lot of “he smells how aroused she is” moments. The “banter” often misses the mark, and their connection never feels fully earned.
One thing I did appreciate: the single POV. After reading so many multi-perspective fantasies, it was refreshing to stick with Saeris throughout. Unfortunately, the world-building and magic system needed more attention. We’re never given a clear picture of how magic works, what the rules are, or why some characters seem to have limitless power. It leaves things feeling inconsistent and chaotic.
And then there’s Onyx — the magical fox companion. Super cute, yes, but… what’s the story? It feels like there should be a hidden lore element, but we’re left in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Quicksilver is imaginative and full of cool ideas, but it doesn’t quite deliver on the hype. The twisty plot is unpredictable, but at times messy. The romance lacks emotional depth. And the magic, while intriguing, feels unstructured. If you’re into fast-paced fantasy with a steamy edge and don’t mind a few unanswered questions, it might be worth a try.
About Book
Author: Callie Hart
Published: June 4th, 2024
Pages: 624
Series: Fae & Alchemy #1
Description:
Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.
In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water.
Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember.
But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.
When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently re-opens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares… but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.
The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.
Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.
(Source: Goodreads)
