In this third instalment of the Invisible College series, we finally get quite a few of the background story uncovered: the various hints dropped during the first two instalments, finally start to make sense.
As Rob and McKenna navigate the events happening to and around them, trying to make sense of some of their unexplicable feelings, they are struggling to live our their lives together while being thwarted at every turns by others who have their own agendas.
Looking forward to the conclusion in the next book.

The Alchemy of Fate

Wow! The story line continues as all substance - meat and potatoes so to speak…
Book 3 of The Invisible College series was complicated, intriguing, compelling, etc., etc.
Loved this book - so many twists and turns it was a bit tough to keep up. Just the way I like it! There is very little predictability here. Pace is very fast and more often than not, the direction unexpected. I’ve often thought when reading Mr. Wheeler’s books, how does this guy’s mind work? Fascinating! Such creativity!
Reflecting on the progress within this saga, one realizes there are subtle hints along the way but very cleverly disguised adding to the gut punch when all is said and done. Could not have predicted the outcome here.
McKenna and Robinson, what an exciting journey - absolutely invested in their future path! Cannot wait for the final chapter in their story.

This third book wastes no time tying up the last cliffhanger, which I really appreciated. The pacing is sharp, and the story just keeps building.

The glimpses into Isaac Berrow’s past add layers without slowing things down, and the world expands in a way that feels effortless. The twists are smart and unexpected, but always make sense once they land.

Backstories unfold, loyalties shift, and nothing is quite what it seems. The setting has distinctive and believable magic system, and the ending absolutely delivers.

4 stars! Thanks to netgalley for this e-arc!
The action is explosive and the writing has gotten better since the first two books. So many exciting revelations! Highly recommend this one and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

July, 10, 02025
Alchemy of Fate
Jeff Wheeler

After reading the first 2 books of the series, I was excited to have the opportunity to read an early release of the 3rd book. As with the first 2 books I was very pleased with the book. The creative magic and world of the series is well thought out and interesting. I loved the characters, and the many twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I was surprised by the ending, but I do like surprises. I have read several of Jeff’s books, and this series meets expectations. It offers a distinct atmosphere compared to his other works, characterized by steampunk elements and a magic system that is both original and credible. If you haven’t started already, I recommend reading the books.


FYI, I was unable to post on Amazon until release date, it's in my calendar.

Beautifully written with unexpected details sprinkled in to make it interesting. McKenna loses some of her warmth, which is a little sad. Earlier books with less intrigue read a bit lighter, which was nice. The series is still great, but it's getting a bit heavy under its new weight. I'm still eagerly awaiting the next book though..

I did not feel that I connected as easily with this book as I have with the previous books in the series. It may be because it’s been a while since I read the second book… Because I was very much excited to see how the twist at the end of book 2 was going to play out in book 3.

It was a little difficult for me to follow the plot in some places, though the pacing was certainly not at fault. However, the twist at the end of this book was probably something I expected about 3/4 of the way through the story; and I would’ve been unhappy if the book ended the series. However, I am very much looking forward to the next book, and I am continually fascinated by the way Wheeler’s mind works in taking things like “sound“ and looking at aspects of it that we may not consider for the most part. Also the presence of the “Earl King“ well known to musical circles, shows up in a totally unexpected way.

I expect I will get the closure that I need at the end of the next book and I’m delighted that Wheeler continues to think outside the box.

A fast paced solid read, All is not as it seems . There are lots of twists and turns in the plot. Just when you think you know what's coming, a new revelation changes everything. If you're an astute reader there is enough foreshadowing in the previous books to give you hints of McKenna's backstory. Robinson's backstory is also revealed. Friends become foes and the Strannik reveals his secrets. Well Done, Jeff!

This book follows book two nicely in a linear fashion expounding on the relationship of Robinson and McKenna with all its obstacles from the strannik and others. What I loved was the inclusion of the past of Isaac Berrow through chapters and not just the introductory letters that make Jeff Wheeler's work what we love and come to expect. Astute readers will catch on to clues early on as to why there are Isaac Berrow chapters, and our predictions will be accurate. Another clue will prove to be true, although it's not one wanted to be so. No spoilers, the careful reader will feel it and find it! Book four is going to take another turn for sure!

The Alchemy of Fate is the kind of third installment that makes a series feel worthwhile—layered, confident, and deeply rewarding for readers who’ve followed from the beginning. Jeff Wheeler returns to the mysterious halls of the Invisible College with more revelations, more questions, and a sense that we are finally seeing the bigger picture come into focus.

Picking up right after the chaos of The Violence of Sound, the book opens in the aftermath of upheaval and gradually steers toward a new order—though never for long. Wheeler continues his trademark structure of weaving the past and present through multiple points of view, balancing the perspectives of Hawksley and McKenna with those of the enigmatic founder, Isaac Berrow. These narrative shifts not only broaden the scope of the story, but add weight to the unfolding history of the Invisible College itself.

What I found most impressive in this entry was how seamlessly the world continues to expand. The groundwork from the previous books feels fully realized here, and yet Wheeler still finds space to build deeper layers of lore, history, and magic without ever slowing the pace. The alchemy isn’t just in the title—it’s in the storytelling. Each twist feels carefully measured and placed, making for a narrative that surprises without straying too far from its core logic.

That said, there is a certain predictability to the shape of the plot—moments where you can see the machinery working behind the scenes. But that doesn’t diminish the enjoyment. If anything, Wheeler uses that predictability to his advantage, subverting expectations just when it matters most. There’s one twist in particular that cast a whole new light on events across all three books.

The emotional threads also deepen here. McKenna continues to be a standout character, especially as her personal choices begin to ripple outward in unexpected ways. And Isaac Berrow’s chapters add a layer of mythic gravity to the narrative, like reading a legend in the making.

For readers who like:
-Multi-POV narratives
-Alternate histories
-Secret societies

Final Verdict
The Alchemy of Fate enriches the Invisible College series with intrigue, tension, and a steadily rising sense of destiny. If you’ve been waiting for the moment when all the threads begin to tighten—this is it. Wheeler knows how to craft a world that breathes, and this book proves that he’s not just building a story—he’s preparing us for something big.

Grateful to NetGalley, 47North and Jeff Wheeler for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

We return once again to the Invisible College for some twists of magic and fate. Picking up where the Violence of Sound left us after its climactic ending, we start in tumult but some order returns before too long. As with the previous two books, we have multiple points of view from Hawksley, McKenna, and from the past, the founder of the Invisible College, Isaac Berrow. There is some predictability in the flow of this story and a very enlightening twist. I had been wondering where this story is going for the first two books and by the end of this one, I have seen much (but not all) revealed. Having enjoyed the characters, world-building, and writing style of the first two books, I really appreciated this one and am now looking forward to the conclusion of the series in Master of the Royal Secret.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, 47North) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Well this book was so good I finished it in a day! Here are a couple things that I loved.

First of all, book two left us on quite the cliff hanger but I appreciate that book three takes care of that quickly and the issue is resolved and not dragged out.

I really enjoyed the flashbacks of Isaac Berrow. I feel like it very appropriately gives us more insight into the lore of the world without feeling overwhelming.

I love how much world building is done so naturally in this book. I feel like the world was very well established in the other two books but it is built upon in this books and by the end you can’t wait to see how it all resolves.

This book is full of twist and turns that fell in so beautifully. It never felt predictable but also never felt out of place. It was all just reviled very well.

So basically if you enjoyed the first two books I think you will enjoy this one even more. I know I did and I can’t wait to start the last book and see how it all turns out!!!