preferably not the jung-esque modern reinterpretation of alchemy that thinks of it as more of a spiritual/psychological process of transformation rather than the physical precursor to chemistry that it actually was, but i'll take anything. it doesn't necessarily have to be fantasy. sci-fi, historical fiction, really anything as long as it's focused on alchemy
by realmisterpants
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Middlegame by Seanan McGuire. Book one of her Alchemucal Journies series.
The Mystic Marriage by Heather Rose Jones (book two of her Alpennia series. Book one is Daughter of Mystery).
The Primal Hunter by Zogarth. (I cannot guarantee the *quality* of the alchemy, but it’s the first series that comes to mind.)
If you’re ok with YA, this series was enjoyable. Book 1 is The Apothecary by Maile Meloy.
I haven’t read it yet but have heard good things about “Alchemised”
Kate Elliott’s “Crown of Stars” epic fantasy series set in a fantasy-Europe with a dualistic church, in the aftermath of the deterioration of the Fantasy-Carolignian dynasty, with prophetic hints that we’re entering an era of change (good or bad depends on who you’re asking). The focus is more on astrology as the discipline various groups used as a path towards enlightenment and power, rather than alchemy. But given how much historical alchemy overlapped with astrology, I think it might be relevant to your interests. Elliott’s clearly has a lot of fun researching the ontologies and epistemologies that predate modern science, and exploring how medieval occultists might be influenced by particular ideas.
The horror novel “The Starving Saints” by Caitlin Starling is more interested in the *vibes* of alchemy the way you describe, not so much in reworking historical texts and ideas into a fantasy-setting. It’s set in a fantasy-castle under siege, and the local convent of engineer-nuns have been using their alchemy and engineering skills to help. But now everyone’s hitting the starvation-point where cannibalism is an option. A heretical alchemist-nun is charged with making a miracle, because the people in charge don’t understand how enlightenment and understanding work.
If you like graphic novels, Alan Moore’s pretty open about the fact that “Promethea” is pretty much a manifesto for his views on occultism. Alchemy is part of that.
thank you everybody ❤️