Funny, fast-paced adventure that is perfect for fans of magical school stories and the Rick Riordan Presents series. I loved the focus on Arab culture and food.

Call me boring, but fantasy isn’t really my genre of choice. I like it, but I’m usually coerced to read it by my book club or students. 🤣 All that to say, I LOVED this book. To my surprise, I couldn’t put it down and that’s saying a lot.

Synopsis: When Shad Hadid isn’t battling bullies or caring for his sweet Teta, he’s baking or day dreaming of becoming a pastry chef. One day while running from his bullies, Shad stumbles behind the alleyway of his favorite Arabic bakery, and is attacked by a dark shadow. Rescued by the shop’s baker, Kahem, Shad discovers that he’s an alchemist and descends from a long line of them.

After a series of unexpected events occurs, Shad receives an invitation to the prestigious Alexandria Academy, a fabled school for alchemists. Only when he arrives, it seems that no one knows what alchemy is! As Shad begins to dig deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a sinister evil lurking on the campus. Does Shad have what it takes to stop the evil beings and save the world of alchemy?

This fantastical book is sweet, funny, and full of adventure, but what I loved most is how George intertwines so much of his culture into this book. Shad’s love for Arabic food was endearing, but I also love how he did traditional happy dances that his Baba taught him like the dabke.

This book is expected to drop on October 3rd, but I highly suggest you preorder it now. If you love food, magic, and fart jokes then this one is for you! Fans of Sal and Gabi will enjoy!

Thank you to @harperkids and @netgalley for the E-ARC! 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I was so eager to read this middle-grade fantasy about twelve-year-old Shad Hadid who unexpectedly starts a new life in the 2,223rd class of Alexandria Academy. It didn’t disappoint!

Unfortunately, as Shad chases his dreams, he meets up with an old school nemesis, Sarah, and his bullying stepbrother at this school billed as tops in math and science. But Shad is there to remember his beloved Baba and his family from Lebanon. Amidst new friends and enemies, he needs to find out why treacherous necromancers, in cahoots with a school dean, might ambush the school with forbidden alchemy.

It’s a race against time in this fast-paced novel of alchemy recipes, a secret handbook, and elixirs—even a cat named Yolla—all careening toward an epic battle at the science fair in a battle for the Academy. If only Baba’s charm will help Shad before he’s tracked and may be forced to forget everything. I loved every page of this kid with a big heart as he tangles with themes of family, friendships, and betrayal.

So good! Loved the humor especially. Ended up buying a copy for my youngest sister (third grader so might push her a bit in terms of reading level), as this seems like the kind of book she'd really enjoy.

My middle schooler loves fantasy and this was one that was recommended by a few people. Very enjoyable!

This one failed to capture my imagination and found all of the characters to be unreliable and unlikable. The "school for magical children" setting is stale and overused at this point.

The perfect spooky season read!

This hilarious and authentic middle grade novel follows Shad Hadid, a Lebanese American boy living with his teta. When the earnest and lovable Shad who loves sweet Middle Eastern treats and hates school bullies learns that he’s actually an alchemist, who can use his killer baking techniques to create spells, he enters a magical school for alchemists in Alexandria—except, no one seems to remember what alchemy is. Sensing something nefarious afoot, Shad must figure out what it is, stand up to the bullies in his new school, and save the world of alchemy!

I could not stop laughing at this delight of a book! I hope you’ll consider picking it up yourself and/or reading it with the middle grade kids in your life, because this might be one of the most authentic and funny MG voices I’ve read in a while!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC! This is my honest review in return! Now, I have to go find some good baklava!

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George Jreije. HarperCollins, 2022.
Thank you HarperCollins for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.

Rating: 1-5 (5 being a starred review) 3.5
Format: E-Book
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Synopsis: Shad Hadid is a 12-year-old Lebanese kid who has never fit in, whether at school or in his neighborhood. All he has for family is his Teta (grandmother), who lies in bed most of the day. One day, as he eyes his favorite pastries at his local Arabian bakery, he encounters a dangerous shadowy figure: A necromancer, someone bent on controlling the world with dark powers. Just before the necromancer nabs him, Shad is saved by a mentor who claims to be an alchemist, someone able to create wonders with a mix of science and imagination. Shad learns that his Baba was also an alchemist and left with him a rare book that holds secrets to immortality, something that must stay far away from necromancer hands. Soon after, Alexandria Academy, a special school fabled to teach alchemists, sends Shad an invitation to join their ranks. When he arrives though, Shad discovers that everyone is super into scientific experiments, but not alchemy. In fact, there isn’t a single alchemist in the building! And everytime Shad shows proof of alchemy existing, any witness forgets within the hour. Something fishy is going on at Alexandria Academy, and Shad has a suspicion that the necromancers have something to do with it. So, with his mentor mysteriously gone and schoolwork proving harder than ever before, Shad must figure out the necromancers’ plan before the whole school falls under their shadowy spell.

What I Liked: A middle-grade magic-school fantasy based on the principles of alchemy and Arabian storytelling? Count me in! I liked how the “magic” of the world is based on alchemy, which is based on science, giving the “magic” a concrete basis. Shad is a very smart protagonist: He problem-solves through many tough situations and comes up with clever plans to stop the enemy. Shad refuses to back down to aggressors, whether they are school bullies or the necromancers. He also takes responsibility for his actions, the well-being of his classmates, and the fate of the school - Without his mentor, who is going to stop the necromancers from taking over? Shad makes the quick (and correct) decision that only he can save the day, and fearlessly proceeds to try. This quality makes the reader root for him every step of the way.

What I Didn’t Like: The pacing was very fast to the point where it was detrimental. For example, we meet the protagonist, his bully, and the enemy of the book within the first 9 pages. That’s too much to cram into 9 pages! Because of this, many side characters are flat or one-dimensional; We don’t explore too much into them except when they help out Shad/the plot. World building points get breezed by at lightning speed, so sometimes you have to imagine the imagery of the Alexandria school yourself. There are also some instances where important revelations are announced after the fact. Ex. Shad will think to himself “I remembered X had happened before, so I put together that A + B = C” after the dust has settled on certain exciting events, but it would have been better (as readers) to know A + B = C before or during the climax of the scene a) to give it more tension b) so that readers learn at the same pace as Shad.

Personal bias. I love middle grade magic-school fantasy books. They are easily my favorite genre.

Who Would I Recommend This To: Middle grade fantasy lovers, especially those looking for magic schools and/or those looking for people of color protagonists and settings in fantasy. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton, Eva Evergreen: Semi Magical Witch by Julie Abee, and Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend are all good read-a-likes.

Review Date: October 25, 2022

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Shad Hadid is invited to the secretive Alexandria School for Alchemists. Problem is, no one seems to know what an alchemist is! Shad struggles to fit in a school that has a treasure trove of mysteries within--while also dealing with bullies like his awful step-brother. Shad investigates the school with his new friends and discovers a nefarious plot set by necromancers to revive a lost evil...

I really wanted to like this book but I had so much trouble suspending my disbelief with the necromancers just letting Shad wander around school every day despite him being a huge obstacle... Still, I enjoyed the concept of the school and Alchemy is a great magic/science combo that I feel is rarely explored these days. I really enjoyed the wacky alchemist tutor Shad had in the beginning, he was a great character! Will probably keep reading when the second book comes out. :)

Exciting debut and I love the main character for this book! And I'm hoping for more books from this author! Plus the worldbuilding and stakes were good too.

I recieved an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is the kind of book I WISH I had available as a kid! Its definetly a children’s book, but Shad is just such a loveable character and the story has so many twists and turns! This is the first book I’ve read with any Lebanese representation and it makes me so happy to know that its available for kids to read now :) I would love a sequel!

Shad Hadid excels at cooking up new recipes, whether they're baked goods from his Lebanese heritage or magic charms like the stink bomb that never fails to disperse the bullies. But when a confrontation with queen of the bullies Sarah Decker attracts a shadowy ghost-like necromancer, Shad learns that his family's magical recipes are actually works of alchemy and that he is one of the few alchemists left in the world, a legacy left him by his late parents.

Shad receives an invitation to study alchemy at Alexandria Academy, an overseas boarding school, and not a moment too soon since the necromancers who recently discovered his existence are circling closer. Unfortunately, Sarah Decker somehow got an invitation, too, along with Shad's nightmare of a stepbrother, and even more unfortunately when he arrives at boarding school, no one else seems to have heard of alchemy, believing they're all there to study advanced science. The presence of math whizzes and almost magical tech is enough to make Shad doubt his own sanity. But the necromancers have found their way into Alexandria Academy, and if Shad wants to protect his friends (and maybe even his bullies) he's going to need to trust all of his outlandish skills and accept the role he was always meant to fill.

A fresh, funny voice and rich backdrop of Arabic culture elevate classic middle grade fantasy tropes in a wild, thrilling, and unique adventure. Fans of magical boarding school fantasies and intrepid groups of teens battling mystical evil won't want to miss this stellar debut.

Shad Hadid never fit in at school, so he focused on his family and dreams of opening an Arabic bakery. When Shad is attacked, he discovers his late baba was an alchemist and he’s one as well. This skill earns him an invitation to the Alexandria Academy, a school for alchemists. Shad hopes to learn more about alchemy and that he'll be safe from monsters, but no one at the school knows what alchemy even is. Shad soon discovers evil, and only he holds the key to stopping or fulfilling their plans.

Eleven-year-old Shad lives with his grandmother and worries about her health. He also gets bullied, isn't the greatest student, and is more concerned about cooking and baking sweets than anything else. His Lebanese background separates him from classmates; one, in particular, had been told by a parent to avoid him when he first emigrated. That's heartbreaking and only too real to read in the opening chapters. Lebanese food is so good, and the culture of the area is fascinating! But the character offscreen is part of the isolating background, making it easier for Shad to switch schools after his beloved grandmother dies.

Like any eleven/twelve-year-old, Shad has to face schoolwork, bullies, and massive amounts of change. Unlike most kids, what he's learning is massive amounts of math and science with alchemy on the side, all in the fabled lost library of Alexandria. (No lie, I'm jealous.) He must be sneaky not only with his training but in avoiding the bullies and the necromancer threat cultivating them. It doesn't happen by accident, as he has good friends, studies hard, and even pushes past his own discomfort to talk with Sarah, his bully from Portland. That makes him learn more about her and why her behavior was so bad and allows him to understand that even bullies are people, and he has inner strength and kindness. It's an important lesson to learn, and I hope to see future adventures with Shad. He's such a fun kid to hang out with, lots of children and preteens will love this book.

I read a physical copy of this book and I have to say George Jreije has created one of the most fascinating worlds and characters I've ever read. The level of craft is up there with Rick Riordan. I was so invested in the story, its rich detail in culture and historical roots... this is one for fans of Percy Jackson or any mythos.

ad Hadid is not your typical kid. Sure, he loves sweets as much as anybody else, and he has a bully he tries to avoid as much as possible, but that’s where the similarities end. When on the run from a bully, Shad learns that his skills in the kitchen aren’t just for cooking, and now he’s become the apprentice to an actual alchemist. Later, when Shad receives a special invitation to attend none other than the most prestigious Academy of Alexandria, of course he has to accept it! He will be leaving everything behind for it, but how much is left for him to miss when all his family is gone? Not everything is as it seems in Alexandria, thought, and Shad soon finds out that there are many secrets to discover in the academy, and many of them are dangerous.

I received an advanced reading copy of Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria in exchange for an honest review.

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria is a middle grade fantasy novel by George Jreije. It features a Lebanese main character who also has the ability to combine ingredients and do actual magic! But not just any magic, alchemy, which is something that I feel is not often included in books (potions is flashier, I suppose!).

I really liked Shad. I worried about him a lot, since the poor kid has such a tendency to get himself in trouble, but he’s really remarkably resilient. The whole novel is told through his point of view as well, and thus we get a youthful tone throughout, one that kept me smiling in every chapter, and occasionally chuckling at some of his comments. It wasn’t that he was trying to be funny, but he so often was.

The plot changes a bit throughout, with the first part of the book being about him learning alchemy while taking care of his sick grandmother, before growing into a plot about discovering what exactly is wrong with the school he’s attending. This is really the sort of plot that would appeal to all sorts of young readers, since we all had to deal with school, and also there is such care and love for his family here, that I couldn’t help but identify with him. I have to admit there was a tiny tear that escaped my eyes at one point in this book, although I won’t say exactly where. If you read the book, though, you’ll know what part I’m talking about.

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria was such a fun and fast-paced adventure. The language keeps the story upbeat, even in the darker times, and it helps in making it a quick read. I would sit down with this book for a short while and be amazed at just how much I’d read! The plot is exciting, the characters funny, and I thought it would be a perfect novel for younger readers beginning to transition from chapter books to middle grade. The humor skews younger, but the topics suit older readers just as well. This would also be a fun family read, and I can imagine everyone cracking up at different moments in the story. And luckily, while Jreije gave this story an actual ending, he also left it open for any books that may come afterward. I’m going to have to keep an eye out and see if we get a sequel at some point!

Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria will be released on October 4. You can preorder your novel from HarperCollins here.

What really shines in this book is the author's unapologetic love for Lebanese culture! From the food to the family conventions to the descriptions of how main character Shad's family learned and practiced alchemy back home in Lebanon, this whole book is a love letter to Lebanese kids all over the world.

Shad Hadid finds himself thrust into a world of magic and danger when he inherits his family's alchemical talents and ends up enrolled in the oldest Arabic school in toe world. At the end of the day, the book's main message is that true strength lies in faith and trust in oneself, and in one's friends. This action-packed MG treasure is a must-read for anyone who wants a good old-fashioned "kids go on a magical adventure to save the world" story!

One side note: Shad was my SUPPORT SYSTEM against all the difficulties I faced last month! Without this book, I wouldn’t be able to survive the pressure from academia and Lebanon’s situation.

1. SHAD HADID is all about food, farts, and friendship. I LOVE every elements of it! It’s an MG book but it fits all ages! I can’t say more than that you need to click on the PRE-ORDER Button! 🥰
2. The setting: it was so authentic and relatable! The way the author shaped the environment of Alexandria and mentioning Lebanon and the beauty of this country from time to time made me tear from time to time.
3. The characters: Shad, the main character, is a spirit in every one us. Or at least, a Lebanese spirit! I mean, Shad loves his belly (Arabic sweets), his friends/family, and his TETA! If you find a Lebanese who doesn’t love at least two of the mentioned above, shoot me! Oh and farts joke! HAHAHA! Not spoiling, you need to read the story 🙃
4. Extra element that I will never forget: FOOD-FOOD-FOOD! This book is all about Levantine food! This is why I’m going to read it again! I fail to count the times I found myself drooling. OH and I read it during Ramadan! So fasting while reading this book was not the best choice I’ve ever made but I survived and enjoyed the extra drooling! 🤣
5. Why this book should be recommended in schools. (At least in Lebanon). I was wondering, why my school back then didn’t add similar books in their curriculum. I was represented in many tropes. This is what as a reader wants from a story. Maybe there is several reason why we were unfortunate, I’ll mention two that came in my mind: 1) There is no MG books written by POC in english/french 15 years ago 2) Our schools are somehow orientalist when it comes to second languages classes.
6. continue- If I was back to middle school and read SHAD, as a Lebanese, this might have changed a lot of things. One of them is turning into a reader at that age. I grew up as a anti-reader because I hated books in the french curricular! They were so not for us. It was always about french characters in a french plot - no diversity- nothing. And yes I identified myself as a reader when I turned 20 (but better late than never).
7. I’m so proud to read this book as a Lebanese reader! I’ve never felt so represented in a MG published book before or even in almost all books written in english! Why reading Harry Potter if SHAD exist? I’m sure there are other MG books as great as SHAD! And I’ll be starting reading more MG thanks to George!
8. This is another call to the publishing industry about why we need diverse books written by diverse characters. Not only because many readers will find themselves in them but also you will be creating learning tools for everyone to learn about some aspects about a specific culture.
9. Last but not least, just knew that SHAD has a sequel! And I’m not so ready to all the food George will includ

I requested this as I'm always on the lookout for Islamic rep in books, and while I had a feeling this was Lebanese Christian, once I started reading I kept on because the book was entertaining. It feels a bit like an Arab Harry Potter, which is probably an annoying and unfair comparison, but it was the vibe for me nonetheless with a lot of the foundation building. The MG book is clean, the only possible content to be aware of: potty humor, death, bullying, crushes, and LGBTQ+ hinted at identity, but the bulk of the story is not about the characters and is more about the action. In fact, it reads a bit choppy, and at times I wanted to know more about the characters and feel a connection to them. The book may have gone through a hundred revisions since this arc was made available to me, and I'm really hoping some of the jumps and skips and scene holes have been filled over (including Sarah in the science fair group, no one questioning Hayati getting better all of a sudden, explaining certain basics about the school, and the time to enter the secret garden, I really could go on and on). The book is quick paced and I think kids will be fine with it, but I think it does at times come at the expense of glossing over the character connections. It will detail a food fight very thoroughly, but just keep saying certain phrases over and over without offering some grounding for why a character feels a certain way or thinks there is something more going on. It has a lot of characters' names dropped that are difficult to keep straight, and with no clear understanding of what the objective is, a lot gets muddled. I think the book is a fun read, I love that it never identifies as being Muslim or another faith, but with a few inshaAllahs, Allahs, maSalaamas, and an Arab school full of Arab names and Arab foods (why does it twice say Arabic foods, Arabic is a language) on every page it is definitely a culture rich window and mirror for a fun fantasy of alchemy, friendship, and saving the day. #islamicschoollibrarian #dayoffdeliberations

I thought this book was very well-written. I enjoyed reading a story with a Lebanese main character and learning cultural references and mythology mixed with alchemy and humour. I look forward to reading the sequel.