After The Vampire Diaries, Julie Plec sets her sights on a just-released romantasy book for a TV adaptation - here's all about it

Julie Plec
Julie Plec (Image source: Getty)

Julie Plec, renowned for her influence over supernatural television with The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, is in development for her next big project: a television adaptation of the romantasy novel Alchemy of Secrets.

Universal Television purchased the rights to Alchemy of Secrets, written by Stephanie Garber. Both Julie Plec and Garber have released statements confirming that the project is in development, and both will serve as executive producers.

Early impressions of the book emphasize complex magical systems, significant work on emotional character arcs, and romantic genre hybrid pathways, as noted in reviews and Garber’s statements. The adaptation is anticipated to become a major contender in romantasy television shows.


Julie Plec’s Alchemy of Secrets adaptation: What do we know so far?

Julie Plec (Image via Getty)
Julie Plec (Image via Getty)

Julie Plec’s adaptation of Alchemy of Secrets is an ongoing development, according to multiple industry insiders. Deadline quotes Stephanie Garber as saying:

“Out of everything I’ve written, Alchemy of Secrets is the book that I really wanted to see adapted for film or television. I’ve been ecstatic from the moment Universal Television first reached out. Then I met with Julie Plec, and it truly felt like a wild fever dream come true.”

Garber added:

“I’ve followed Julie’s work for years. In some ways, I feel as if her storytelling is part of how I learned to write; I think she’s incredible at weaving magic into the real world, and I cannot wait to work with her and the UTV team to bring Alchemy of Secrets to life.”

The news outlet further quoted Julie Plec, saying:

“From the moment we started reading Alchemy, we knew we had found something special. Stephanie, whose masterful storytelling has captivated millions of readers, crafts a thrilling, jaw-dropping world with brilliantly tortured characters. It’s a story that drips with romance and intrigue. We’re honored that she has entrusted us, along with UTV, with bringing this magical love letter to Los Angeles to life.”

As Collider reported, Julie Plec was impressed by the well-thought-out magical world as well as the emotionally compelling romance plot, all of which are similar to her previous successes in supernatural television, such as The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. Her background in complex ensemble drama and her talent for merging genres make her a good fit for this ambitious adaptation.

Collider points out that the series is designed for a broader platform release, as Universal Television is looking to capitalize on the increasing demand for romantasy across streaming services and cable/network television.

Parade further notes that Julie Plec and Garber will work closely together throughout the adaptation process, with Garber continuing to be part of writing the scripts to help ensure that the tone and structure of the original story are preserved.

Additionally, some early production notes indicated that the series would provide additional content around Garber's magical mythology, possibly by incorporating new characters and plots, building upon the original novel. Parade notes that the series is seen by experts as a strategic opportunity not just to cater to existing readers of the book, but also to introduce an entire new television audience to romantasy through Plec's storytelling skills.


What is Alchemy of Secrets about?

Alchemy of Secrets and Stephanie Garber (Images via Amazon)
Alchemy of Secrets and Stephanie Garber (Images via Amazon)

The plot of Alchemy of Secrets concerns a protagonist named Holland St. James, who is a graduate student in Los Angeles. Holland is a long-time believer in magic and is studying folkloric legends.

She begins by talking with a local myth named the Watch Man, who informs Holland that she is going to die on Halloween at midnight if she fails to locate the ancient relic, the Alchemical Heart. Following that, Holland is drawn into a wizard world that exists above contemporary Los Angeles, where she is confronted by a stranger who insists that they were sent by Holland's sister to protect her.

As the story unfolds, Holland is faced with the task of moving quickly, chasing after information and legends connected with the Alchemical Heart, in addition to unraveling a web of deceit and threats that is built around her.

Throughout the book, Holland is frustrated with trusting people, accepting that nearly everyone around her is deceiving her outright or keeping important information from her, including the stranger that she recently encountered.

It contains some supernatural thrillers, but also lies within the domains of mysteries, folklore, and romance. It also touches base with fantasies or romantasy.

Comments from reviewers say that the story is suspenseful, involves twists and turns in the plot, and features character development with dark academia and Hollywood lore themes.

Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author, describes the book as:

“I’ve never read anything quite like Alchemy of Secrets—it’s full of adventure and magic and quirky twists that will keep you guessing until the very last line. What a fantastic adult fantasy debut for Stephanie Garber!”

Cosmopolitan writes:

“Stephanie Garber spins pure magic in her books and her adult debut is absolutely no exception...This time Garber is turning the Hollywood glamour up and taking us on a unique new ride that you won't want to stop talking about.”
Edited by Sahiba Tahleel