Alchemystic

The Belarus name is famous for real estate, but 22-year-old artist Alexandra Belarus would rather spend her days in the studio that once belonged to her great-great-grandfather, Alexander, than meet with contractors. Then, over a very eventful two days, Lexi survives two attacks, discovers ancient family magic, and realizes that her brother's accidental death may not be that accidental. Thankfully, she has her new friend Stanis, a gargoyle created by Alexander with Spellmasonry, which gives life to inanimate objects. Stanis has but one mission; to protect the Belarus family from the malevolent Servants of Ruthenia and other dangers. As the bond between Stanis and Lexi grows, she tries to return him to his full power before she encounters a foe he can't save her from. Strout (the Simon Canderous novels) keeps things moving with action on every page as Lexi develops improbably quickly into a Spellmasonry adept. The dialogue between Lexi and her friends is fast-paced, but the attempt at capturing twentysomething slang comes off as adolescent, though it does lend plenty of humor. (Oct.)