OnlineBookClub.org

This is a discussion topic for the January 2025 Book of the Month, "The Riddle of Alchemy" by Paul Kiritsis.


What do you think of the title of "The Riddle of Alchemy" by Paul Kiritsis?

Honestly, I knew next to nothing about Alchemy, but the word "Riddle" drew me in. You guessed right, I love riddles . And seeing that it was on a topic that looked like magic and science intertwined, I jumped in for the read. Apt title.

Since the title contains the word "riddle," I thought the book would be an adventure/exploration book with a major challenge that the characters must overcome by solving riddles. The word alchemy alludes to transformation and hints at the book containing magic or science experiments. I admire how the author incorporated the two words into the title. It broadens the readers' imagination and presents many possibilities for the book's contents.

From the book title and cover, I honestly thought it would be a sci-fi/fantasy novel until I read the description and the official review for it. I wasn't disappointed in the book regardless!

I was thinking either it is a fantasy novel about a character exploring the world of alchemy or an educational book about alchemy. A very interesting title, and it did not spoil anything about what the book really is about. A very clever title, I have to say.

I think it's a brilliant title, actually. It perfectly captures the essence of what the book is about. "Riddle" suggests the mysterious, enigmatic, and often perplexing nature of alchemy, hinting at the hidden meanings and symbolic language within the subject.

I actually thought it would spill some juicy secrets about all the secrets of alchemy, or at least, give hints. Well, I was actually impressed with how it highlighted philosophy and alchemy. It sparked my interest as I read on.

Michaela Vancura wrote: ↑03 Feb 2025, 01:19 I think it's a brilliant title, actually. It perfectly captures the essence of what the book is about. "Riddle" suggests the mysterious, enigmatic, and often perplexing nature of alchemy, hinting at the hidden meanings and symbolic language within the subject.

It was brilliant indeed. The main lessons were shrouded in the mysteries of history and philosophy. Fits perfectly with a riddle.

This title doesn't give much away, I know what a riddle is, and I know that alchemy is related to the study and sciences of the elements and how they interact. Historically it was primarily focused on how to combine elements to transform them into gold. I suspect however that the book is one of philosophy not necessarily hard science.

Well, first, I googled the word "alchemy" (was I the only one? ).Once I understood that I was doubly intrigued. Riddles, mysteries, and anything unsolved naturally creates a vacuum, and a desire for resolution. I think it's an excellent title for a book. Cover and title work together to snag and hold a reader's attention.

The title was intriguing at first, making me curious as to what the book would be all about. My first guess was that this was a mystery thriller. The book lived up to expectations and I feel the title is a perfect fit.

Without being at all an expert, I have always consider that traditional alchemy has always been very related with riddles, puzzles, guessing and trying. The title makes me think of Flamel and the stone, of hidden treasures and secret formulas. I find it really interesting.

I think it's a brilliant title that perfectly captures the essence of the book. "Riddle" suggests mystery and hidden meanings, while "Alchemy" hints at transformation, magic, or science. Together, they create a sense of adventure and exploration, sparking the imagination with endless possibilities. I admire how the author combined these words to reflect the book’s themes and intrigue readers.

I found it to be a bit. It might be attracting and interesting for English native speakers, but not those who speak the language as a second language. But I found it to be a bit creative.

I love the title; it is super creative and makes you wonder what it entails even though you already know the meaning of the two words: riddle and alchemy. I think that the title is a wonderful choice.