The Alchemist's Dilemma by Jef Curlin immerses the reader in a skillfully built world that blends magical powers with scientific knowledge. Finn Graye is a reluctant hero, dragged into supernatural conflicts he can’t ignore. But the cost to him proves monumental with the deaths of his parents, his soulmate, and his position as a Knight of the Magistracy. He’s found solace working as a magical Alchemist alongside his best friend, Gwyn, and only seeks to be left alone to invent his potions and weapons. There’s a powerful sense of injustice pervading the novel as the Magistracy pulls him into their newest fight against the Scions of the Raven while maintaining their very public disdain for him. Finn is conflicted between taking up his magical life-ending weapon or leaving the secret organization to its corrupt fate. Finn is undoubtedly an outsider in his world, trying to make a difference while his enemies grow more widespread. And he can’t let a covert alien invasion happen without at least trying to stop it.

Every battle in The Alchemist's Dilemma is exciting and expertly written, pivoting on high stakes for Earth’s survival. The novel is filled with fantasy and adventure and the action scenes are plentiful. I really enjoyed Jef Curlin’s vivid descriptions of the interactions between supernatural creatures and humans. The author’s gentle humor adds a lightness to the seriousness of the conflicts. One of my favorite quotes from the novel demonstrates the gravity of the stakes both in this fantasy and in the real world; ‘Sometimes there’s a mistake so big it can’t be admitted. To do so causes people to lose faith, which can cause major problems.’ This has incredible truth, especially in the current state of politics and changing moral norms. Jef has created a diverse cast, including heartsore humans, werewolf packs, mages, evil scions, several otherworld races, and a brilliant supernatural cat with extraordinary powers. The push and pull between the characters keeps the plot moving quickly. I really enjoyed this novel.

The Alchemist's Dilemma by Jef Curlin, the second installment in The Alchemist's Chronology series, thrusts readers into a world where magic and modern life collide. Urban fantasy meets high-stakes adventure as alchemist Finn Graye navigates a treacherous path between two powerful factions: the Magistracy of the Supernatural, an organization dedicated to keeping magic hidden from the world, and a dangerous enemy determined to expose and destroy it. As both sides attempt to harness Finn's unique abilities for their own purposes, he uncovers disturbing secrets that force him to question everything he knows. The situation becomes even more complicated when an alien threat emerges, pushing Finn to make impossible choices about how to use his powers to protect humanity while staying true to his own principles.

Author Jef Curlin demonstrates remarkable skill in expanding the rich mythology of this urban fantasy world while keeping the story grounded in relatable human experiences, and this is a balance he strikes and maintains for the entire novel. I was particularly impressed by how he handled the complex moral decisions facing Finn, creating scenarios where there are no easy answers and then allowing great breathing space to explore them. The novel's exploration of hidden magical societies feels fresh and original, while the integration of supernatural elements into modern urban life creates a believable and immersive setting. Curlin's clear talent for crafting action sequences that advance both the plot and character development keeps the pace moving without ever sacrificing the emotional depth needed to keep readers hooked on Finn's progress. The way he portrays Finn's internal struggle with power and responsibility also adds brilliant complexity to what could have been a simple good-versus-evil story, creating a thought-provoking examination of moral choices in extraordinary circumstances. Overall, The Alchemist's Dilemma is a must-read for urban fantasy fans who appreciate sophisticated world-building and complex character development, and I'd definitely recommend it.