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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A peaky blinders coded world exploring the repercussions of what happens when hoarded power and intentional disenfranchisement are proven to be happening. Language became weirdly literary at points and didn’t necessarily feel like it fit the situation sometimes, but there were story related reasons it could have come off this way. I liked the dynamic between MCs but think Nina is probably too much of a realist and Patrick is too much of an idealist. I saw the ending from a mile away, but interestingly, have no idea what track book two will take or how they’ll resolve how things were left. Groundbreaking? No. But if romantasy with acquired magic, class warfare, and pesky blinders vibes sounds like your jam, give it a go.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP.
What did I just READ!? This is HANDS DOWN my top read of 2025 so far.
The yearning…. THE YEARNING!?
Peaky Blinders meets Divine Rivals meets October Sky. This book was FANTASTIC and I can’t think of anything bad to say.
What did I just READ!? This is HANDS DOWN my top read of 2025 so far.
The yearning…. THE YEARNING!?
Peaky Blinders meets Divine Rivals meets October Sky. This book was FANTASTIC and I can’t think of anything bad to say.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/2 🌶️
🎤: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 dual POV, 1st person & 3 person
Series: A Forbidden Alchemy, book 1
Do I recommend this book: 👍
Will I read the next book in the series: 👍
This was my first Stacey McEwan book and I’m officially hooked. A Forbidden Alchemy was such a pleasant surprise. A fresh take on fantasy that felt both unique and easy to get into. I really enjoyed the story and now I’m counting down to the next instalment.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I wanted more the entire book. I was somewhat invested, but the storyline and plot elements felt so reminiscent of other fantasies, but without the pull of the characters/relationships so it felt kind of hollow to me. I also wouldn’t call the MC’s relationship enemies-to-lovers, and the romance was definitely in the backseat. It wasn’t a bad book, but it felt cookie cutter and predictable.