DISCORD
Quicksilver
Callie Hart
Goodreads Choice Awards
The New York Times Best Sellers
57 Min Reading Time
Audio Version Available
About this book
In a parched desert ruled by an Undying Queen, twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane survives by her wits and a closely guarded secret: she wields strange, powerful magic. Stealing water to survive, she lives in the shadows, until a fateful encounter with Death himself rips open a gateway between realms.
Suddenly, Saeris is thrust into the icy, treacherous land of Yvelia, a world of Fae she thought only existed in nightmares. As the first of her kind to set foot on their frozen soil in a millennium, she finds herself a pawn in a centuries-old war. Her fate becomes entwined with Kingfisher, a devastatingly handsome Fae warrior with secrets as frigid as his realm. Bound to him against her will, Saeris discovers that Kingfisher, whose past is as murky as his attitude, intends to use her alchemy to protect his people, no matter the cost.
He is Death of the Ajun Gate, and her only way home. But in a land where deals are sealed in blood and desire, Saeris must tread carefully. The devil, as they say, is in the details.
Quicksilver is a high-octane enemies-to-lovers romantasy filled with razor-sharp banter, heart-stopping action, and a romance that burns hotter than the desert sun.
Summary of Key Ideas
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The Brutal Reality of Survival
Survival in a Harsh World: Saeris's life is defined by scarcity and relentless heat, forcing her to use her skills as a thief to survive. This theme underscores the lengths people will go to when faced with extreme hardship and the moral compromises they make to protect themselves and their loved ones. The daily struggle for basic necessities shapes Saeris's character, making her resourceful, resilient, and wary of others.
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Secrets and Their Consequences
The Burden of Secrets: Saeris harbors secrets about her powers, adding layers of complexity to her character. This theme explores the weight of hidden truths and the isolation it can create. Saeris's secrets are not merely personal; they have the potential to disrupt the balance of power in the world, making her a target and forcing her to navigate a dangerous path of deception and self-preservation. The story questions whether keeping secrets is truly a form of protection or a path to deeper entanglements.
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Forging Bonds Across Boundaries
Unlikely Alliances: Saeris forms alliances with individuals from vastly different backgrounds, highlighting the potential for cooperation and understanding amidst conflict. These relationships challenge her preconceptions and force her to confront her own prejudices. The theme of unlikely alliances emphasizes that survival and progress often depend on bridging divides and finding common ground with those who may initially seem like enemies. These alliances become crucial for navigating the complex political landscape and overcoming the challenges they face.
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The Price of Authority
The Corrupting Influence of Power: The novel delves into the seductive and corrupting nature of power, particularly within the Fae courts. This theme examines how those in positions of authority can become detached from the needs of the common people, leading to tyranny and oppression. The characters grapple with the ethical dilemmas of wielding power and the responsibility that comes with it, questioning whether power can ever be truly benevolent or if it inevitably leads to corruption.
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Transformative Alchemy
Alchemy and Transformation: Alchemy serves as both a magical system and a metaphor for personal transformation. Saeris's journey involves not only mastering alchemical skills but also undergoing a profound inner change. This theme explores the idea that individuals, like base metals, can be refined and transformed into something more valuable. The alchemical process mirrors Saeris's own growth, as she confronts her past, embraces her powers, and ultimately becomes a force for change in the world.
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The Dance of Attraction and Conflict
Enemies-to-Lovers Romance: The evolving relationship between Saeris and a key character follows the enemies-to-lovers trope, adding romantic tension and emotional depth to the story. This dynamic explores the fine line between love and hate, attraction and repulsion. As Saeris and her love interest are forced to work together, their initial animosity gives way to mutual respect, understanding, and ultimately, a passionate connection. The romance highlights the power of vulnerability and the potential for love to blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Callie Hart
Main Quotes
"Nobody will ever fuck you the way I'm about to fuck you, Saeris Fane. I'm about to introduce you to all seven gods. When you meet them, don't forget to tell them I'm the one you worship on your knees."
"My soul was on fire, and I didn't care if I burned for all eternity. So long as I was burning with him, then so be it."
"“Just hang me already and be done with it,” I snapped. “If you don't hurry up and get on with it, you're gonna miss your opportunity.”"
"Because she is moonlight. The mist that shrouds the mountains. The bite of electricity in the air before a storm. The smoke that rolls across a battlefield..."
"I want to be made a spectacle of. I want everyone in the ward to know me as the glassmaker's apprentice who was stupid enough to steal from Madra's guard..."
"“Because I'm sharing a very small space with you right now. Because we're alone. Because I want to know if I'm breathing the same air as a mass…”"
"Wren's a barren wasteland, and I have no intention of wandering that wasteland, knowing I won't find anything to nourish me there."
"“Don't call her sunshine. Because she is moonlight. The mist that shrouds the mountains.”"
"“I’m not her weakness, and she isn’t mine.”"
"I would burn the world down for her, if she asked it of me."
Who Should Read This Book
Readers aged 17+
Fans of fantasy romance
Readers who enjoy books with dark themes and mature content
Readers interested in stories with fae, alchemy, and magic
Readers who appreciate strong female protagonists
Fans of books with graphic violence and adult situations
Readers of romantasy
Book Summaries Like
Quicksilver
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