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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Tausha Treadway

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett. This is the second book in the Apothecary’s Series. Set in Victorian London, its part medical thriller, part fiction/fantasy. The two main characters are Dr. Simon Bell and his apothecary Gaelan Elcerdoune who have both drank the elixir of Immorality. Simon in trying to cure his wife’s cancer fixes up a potion and has her drink it thinking she will be all cured instead she dies, leaving Simon in a deep, dark pit of grief and guilt. Simon tries to kill himself by drinking the potion but it doesn’t kill him. Gaelan and Simon’s sister have a complex relationship as well and the book goes back and forth between the 2 men’s lives. There are multiple timelines and views that create a very deep and dark read. Its not a book you can just sail thru you need to pay attention to the details! A very moving and deep thrilling fantasy.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such an interesting story. I knew I would enjoy it when I read the description but I didn’t expect it to draw me in so easily and so quickly. I enjoyed the way the author slowly built up the storyline. As each page passed I became more invested in the story and what was happening.
The mix of characters was really interesting to read about as well. They had a brilliant dynamic which fit well with the story. This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed the writing style. This book has piqued my interest in her work as a whole and I am looking forward to discovering more.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Alison Risher

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is not quite about time travel. Rather, it is about two people who have managed to evade time and its ravages. Although they have evaded the ravages of time, they have not fallen prey to the machinations of evil men. This book has so many twists and turns, it will keep you riveted to the very end. But make sure you pay close attention, lest you fall into the clutches of evil, yourself!

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Allyson Ware

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is truly for anyone. I know there are specific people that enjoy the Sci-Fi genre, but there is a little mystery, suspense, and fantasy in this novel for any reader. As most fantasy and Sci-Fi novels begin, this had a slow start in order to gather the information you need for the rest of the book. I can assure you that you will not regret continuing to read this book if you can make it through the first couple of chapters with an open mind.

I enjoyed the back and forth between characters and time frames as well. It ties the characters and the plot together beautifully.

I am also being impatient when it comes to the second book. I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Also, have you seen the cover art? It is fabulous!

Review by @aware
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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett is a compelling and imaginative blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and medical thriller. Set in Victorian London, the novel explores themes of immortality, guilt, and redemption through the intertwined lives of its central characters: Simon Bell, Gaelan Erceldoune, and Anne Shawe.

Barnett successfully blends the gritty realism of Victorian London with fantastical elements. The historical setting is richly detailed, and the concept of immortality is explored through both historical and contemporary lenses, making the novel both educational and entertaining.

Simon and Gaelan are complex, deeply flawed characters whose motivations are driven by their past traumas and present dilemmas. Simon’s guilt and Gaelan’s remorse create a compelling dynamic. Anne Shawe adds a fresh perspective and becomes crucial in unraveling the mystery of the manuscript.

The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, creating a layered and suspenseful plot. The connection between historical events and modern-day revelations keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters’ fates.

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@bookworm1909

The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Anantha Rusum

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a rather complex book, which follows the characters through multiple story lines.
The two main characters, Doctor Simon Bell and his mysterious apothecary Gaelan Elcerdoune
drink the elixir of immortality and now they are essentially immortal. The plot follows these two
characters in different times, their interaction with each other and interaction with other individuals
set in that time. The plot deals with Alchemy, magic and science. It deals with love, lost love and
grief of Simon as he bereaves his wife and wishes to be reunited with her. Gaelan’s long lasting love
with Simon’s sister and a budding love between Simon and another lady he meets in the 21 st
century. Come 2016, a pharmaceutical company is behind their secrets and they have to do
everything in their power to protect their medieval Alchemy.
Overall it’s a very compelling read. The ending was a little open ended, am hoping there is a sequel.
I loved this book.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jenni Bishop

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 – 4.5 stars
The story revolves around two men who become immortal after consuming two potions, leading them to question whether their immortality is a blessing or a curse. The narrative intertwines two separate, but interconnected stories set in the modern day and the past, featuring fully realized and appealing characters. One character is grappling with grief, while the other is filled with dreams. Together, they embark on a quest to find the missing book of ancient alchemy, hoping to unlock the key to their plight.
The book delves into themes of destiny, alchemy, passion, secrecy, and more, while incorporating elements of mystery, supernatural, fantasy, urban fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi. Barbara Barnett’s storytelling makes for a captivating and emotional read, blending humour with a quick pace.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author, starting with “Alchemy of Glass.” I’ll be sure to share my thoughts once I’ve finished it.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Rose McCaskey

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This isn’t my usual type of read but itkept me interested and wanting more. The way the author of Sherlock Holmes is written as a prominent character was pretty cool. It’s ultimately a mystery fantasy romance. I enjoyed the main character, Gaelan. His story is one of heartbreak.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett

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〰️ 💫 〰️ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 〰️ 💫 〰️
The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Historical Fantasy
Page Count – 350
Cover Designer – Galen Dara
A 2017 Bram Stoker Award nominee, The Apothecary’s Curse is an alchemist’s brew of historical fantasy and cutting edge genetics as a physician Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune race against time to recover the ancient book that made them immortal centuries ago.
In Victorian London, the fates of physician Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune entwine when Simon gives his wife an elixir created by Gaelan from an ancient manuscript. Meant to cure her cancer, it kills her. Suicidal, Simon swallows the remainder–only to find he cannot die. Years later, hearing rumors of a Bedlam inmate with regenerative powers like his own, Simon is shocked to discover it’s Gaelan.
Two centuries later, a modern-day pharmaceutical company unearths diaries describing the torture of Bedlam inmates, and the company’s scientists suspect a link between Gaelan and an unnamed inmate. But when Gaelan and Transdiff Genomics geneticist Anne Shawe are powerfully drawn to each other, her family connection to his manuscript leads to a stunning revelation. Will it bring ruin or redemption?

~ AMAZON ~

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Barbara Barnett is the author of three books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. She is an editor-at-large and former publisher and executive editor of Blogcritics (blogcritics.org), an Internet magazine of pop culture, politics, and more, for which she has also contributed nearly 1,000 essays, reviews, and interviews over the past decade. Always a pop-culture and sci-fi geek, Barbara was raised on a steady diet of TV (and TV dinners), but she always found her way to fiction’s tragic anti- heroes and misunderstood champions, whether on TV, in the movies, or in literature. (In other words, Spock, not Kirk; Han Solo, not Luke Skywalker!) Her first  book,  Chasing  Zebras:  The  Unofficial  Guide  to House, M.D. (ECW Press), reflects her passion for these Byronic heroes, and it was inevitable that she would have to someday create one of her own in Gaelan Erceldoune, hero of both The Apothecary’s Curse and The Alchemy of Glass.

 

Author Interview with Barbara Barnett

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