New Novel by Alum Margaret Chiavetta Receiving Rave Reviews

MFA in Creative Writing & Poetics alum Margaret Chiavetta (’14) continues to receive glowing reviews on her new kids fantasy novel, The Alchemist’s Theorem: Sir Duffy’s Promise. Most recently plugged by MuggleNet, the #1 Harry Potter fan site, the reviewer writes: “Wonderfully written world with complex characters and imaginative creatures that readers of all ages will enjoy!”

Sir Duffy’s Promise is the first book of The Alchemist’s Theorem fantasy series. Written especially for middle grade readers, it includes fun potion-making, faithful animal friends, and fantastical adventures. Mendel, an eccentric boy with an autistic nature, and the master alchemist Sir Duffy set out on a series of quests with their many weird and endearing creature companions—like Esther the snake-ish gusselsnuff, and Gooder the fat, lazy, carnivorous horse. These determined travelers must venture across the continent of Terra Copia, an exotic land where the plants and animals in one forest are completely different from the next. It is up to them to safeguard secrets and dangerous artifacts from many enemies—such as agents from the Academy of Advanced Disciplines, venomous pixies, and a mysterious pale stranger. If they fail, a terrifying curse will return to their land!

Chiavetta has received positive accolades from Kirkus, Middle Shelf Magazine, BestFanstasyBooks.com, and FanGirlNation, among others. Kirkus Reviews writes: “Chiavetta employs a gale-force imagination in conjuring her alchemical realm… While immersed in this crowd-pleasing adventure, young readers should marvel at Chiavetta’s Alice in Wonderland vibe, and adults should appreciate the sweeping mythos.”

Chiavetta attributes great credit to UW Bothell’s MFA program, saying: “Attending this MFA program is the best decision I have ever made. I found what makes me tick.”