Book Review: Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Title: Quicksilver
Author: Callie Hart
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: December 3, 2024
ISBN: 9781538774199

Synopsis:
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. When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens 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 right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

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. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her.

———————-

It’s only taken me four months, but I’ve finally jumped on the bandwagon that is Quicksilver and I am not disappointed. After listening to the audiobook, I’ve already preordered my copy of the special edition of both this book and the sequel, both set to come out later this year. It’s not often that I go this route, splurging on a physical copy after listening to the audiobook, but in this case it was a no-brainer. Hart’s writing is absolutely delightful and her world-building is truly something to be admired.

The most breathtaking part of this book is the world-building. While Hart engages similar character species seen in many popular fantasy novels—think vampires, fae, humans—she engages them in new and creative ways, introducing behaviours and transformations that are less commonly seen in the genre. It really makes for a new and refreshing take on a very popular genre, making this a standout in the romantasy landscape.

The FMC, Saeris, is on a journey of self-discovery as she begins to uncover what she is capable of and what it is she truly wants. Her power will take her on a journey that she could have never imagined, exposing her to powers beyond her comprehension. The MMC, Kingfisher, is wild, raw, and pure power. He is a warrior with many secrets and is on the brink of losing himself to a magic so great and powerful, it may just consume them all. As they come together, their story becomes more intricately tied to the fate of the world in a startling and completely blindsiding end to the story. There are so many characters at play, each at varying levels of influence and strength. Every chapter is engaging, bringing with it more and more intrigue.

This is easily one of my favourite books that I’ve read in the last few months. It’s a standout in the landscape of fantasy novels today and I can see why so many people have been screaming this book’s name from the rooftops. If you haven’t read Quicksilver yet, this is your sign to pick up a copy.

Happy reading!