The Alchemist and the Angel - Tapa blanda

A rather unique historical fantasy, well-researched and bursting with fascinating detail. It won't appeal to everyone, but those with a taste for colourful and slightly gothic folklore will love it... The whole thing has a very different feel to it than just about any piece of kid-lit I've read lately. It has a bit of science, a bit of fantasy, a bit of history, even a bit of steampunk. (THEBOOKBAG)

the plot fits together like a jigsaw straight from the factory, and the quality is excellent, fun and epic. (Child review (age 10) MY CHILD)

Interwoven with the plot are fairy tales and legends that add colour and contrast to the story and the chapter titles and wonderful names in Prague help evoke the medieval city... A fast-paced, clearly told story with plenty of alchemy to keep KS3 readers involved. (THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN)

Illustrated with the darkly gothic drawings by Jeremy Holmes, and occasionally interrupting the main narrative to include fairy tales of equal gloom, this atmospheric novel is a genuine feat of the imagination. (INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY)

The Alchemist and the Angel is an enchanting book. Winding mysteries and a plot spiralling ever more intriguingly make for a mix that the author shapes with careful hands towards the climax. Much like the city of Prague where a lot of it is set, all the characters have dark, terrible secrets and when the final big revelation comes it is well worth the wait. Five stars. (TEEN TITLES)