Alkrem

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Author(s)

Marta Palazzesi

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Christopher Turner

Publisher

Red Comet Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

October 14, 2025

ISBN

978-1636551500

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From award-winning author Marta Palazzesi comes a bold and exhilarating fantasy adventure―rich in breathtaking landscapes, electrifying action, and unforgettable heart.

Just as Theo is about to turn thirteen, everything he knows is turned upside down. At the stroke of midnight, he awaits his Apto―the animal guide meant to mark his future as an Archemist. But instead, a fire fox appears: the rare, fierce, and fiercely loyal companion of the Alkrem.

In that moment, Theo discovers a shocking truth―he isn’t an Archemist at all, but an Alkrem. Members of this persecuted group once wielded powerful weapons and brewed magical potions, until they were betrayed and nearly wiped out by the Archemists, who now rule with iron control. When Archemist soldiers raid his home and imprison his father, Theo sets out on a desperate mission: to find the legendary Alkrexa, an ancient Alkrem relic said to heal any wound―and possibly save his father's life.

But the path ahead is more dangerous than Theo could ever imagine. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Theo must question everything he’s been taught―and embrace a destiny he never asked for.

Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and brimming with magic, Alkrem s a thrilling fantasy that will grip readers from the first page to the last.

Editor review

1 review

Alkrem

November 24, 2025 (Updated: June 24, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

In this alternate Paris, magic exists. Archemist are the main faction of magic users after the liberation from the Alkrem and Negato's. There is so much to this magic world that it would be impossible to get into this review but as one reads it - it makes sense. It's not too complicating but intricate enough that it holds an interest and is unique enough. One of my favorite parts about this magical world are the animals (duh!). Archemist have apto's that speak to them and are a companion. Alkrem's have Mutolo's - animals that are more geared towards fighting and protecting.

Theo is found as a young boy outside the house of Chimus - a prestigious Archemist. He ends up taking Theo in and raising him. Then word gets out that there is an Alkrem alive and when a Mutolo shows up outside of Chimus' home to claim Theo as his Alkrem, it's no longer a secret of who the lost Alkrem is.

Theo's world is thrown upside down as him, Chimus, and Fuse (Chimus' apto escape). A hidden Alkrem organization shows up after a fight where Chimus is seriously injured. Again, so much happens and it's so hard to explain in the review. But just know that the pace is amazing and so is the story. I was instantly hooked and could not stop reading. I was lucky to have a physical and digital copy of this book so I wasn't limited to where I could read. This book was so well written and the plot was easy enough to follow with enough excitement to keep the pages turning.

One of the best parts about this book was how the characters were written. The actions they took were so believable and the development was great. Theo was such a great main character and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I thought every character fit and had their purpose.

Overall, Alkrem by Marta Palazzesi was such a winner. I thought the story and characters of this book were absolutely amazing. The pacing kept me turning the pages, needing to know what happened next. The characters were so well written that any reader at any age can easily relate to them. This book is fantastic for the intended audience but for adults as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys magic, magical animals, with a mix of political corruption.