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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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:
No
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
I was SO impressed by this book. The writing, the world-building, the slow unfurling of tension—it all came together in a way that felt both masterfully crafted and emotionally honest.
—
🙌 What I Loved
The writing is some of the best I’ve read in ages. Taut, confident, and deliberate, it builds suspense with a quiet intensity that has you holding your breath without even realising it. The dialogue is razor-sharp and layered with subtext, while the world feels grounded and textured, like you could reach out and touch it. Every detail felt considered, yet never overworked.
The characters are beautifully complex—flawed, earnest, and deeply human. The relationship at the centre of it all? Utterly captivating. There’s chemistry and tension, yes, but also SO much tenderness. It’s the kind of connection that simmers slowly—one built on mutual recognition, on vulnerability, on feeling seen. And while there is spice, it’s sparing and understated, which was refreshing—sometimes, romantasy spice can feel overdone, but in this case, it felt real. Probably because the intimacy didn’t rely on heat alone; it’s there in the glances, the restraint, the unspoken things. Both MCs have definitely earned a place on my favourite characters list.
The plot was also interesting and had me guessing. There are reveals in here that arrive so subtly you might miss them if you’re not paying attention—but I loved that. It felt like being let in on a secret rather than being hit over the head with a twist.
The writing is some of the best I’ve read in ages. Taut, confident, and deliberate, it builds suspense with a quiet intensity that has you holding your breath without even realising it. The dialogue is razor-sharp and layered with subtext, while the world feels grounded and textured, like you could reach out and touch it. Every detail felt considered, yet never overworked.
The characters are beautifully complex—flawed, earnest, and deeply human. The relationship at the centre of it all? Utterly captivating. There’s chemistry and tension, yes, but also SO much tenderness. It’s the kind of connection that simmers slowly—one built on mutual recognition, on vulnerability, on feeling seen. And while there is spice, it’s sparing and understated, which was refreshing—sometimes, romantasy spice can feel overdone, but in this case, it felt real. Probably because the intimacy didn’t rely on heat alone; it’s there in the glances, the restraint, the unspoken things. Both MCs have definitely earned a place on my favourite characters list.
The plot was also interesting and had me guessing. There are reveals in here that arrive so subtly you might miss them if you’re not paying attention—but I loved that. It felt like being let in on a secret rather than being hit over the head with a twist.
❌ What Didn’t Hit
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. Well, maybe a different ending because this one was torture. 😭
👀 Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Especially if you’re into fantasy romances that lean into emotional depth, slow-burning tension, and atmospheric storytelling. This isn’t just another romantasy—it’s one that stands apart. Thoughtful, original, and completely absorbing. I’m still thinking about it.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. Well, maybe a different ending because this one was torture. 😭
👀 Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Especially if you’re into fantasy romances that lean into emotional depth, slow-burning tension, and atmospheric storytelling. This isn’t just another romantasy—it’s one that stands apart. Thoughtful, original, and completely absorbing. I’m still thinking about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Violence, Murder
First off—whoever decided to switch from first to third person? Let’s not do that anymore, k? Thanks.
The start had me swooning—lush world building, magic that crackled off the page, a revolution brewing in the shadows. Patrick? Obviously written to be the golden boy, and he freaking delivered.
But the FMC… oh, the FMC. From the very first chapter, I had a feeling.. I never trusted her. Couldn’t like her. And those wildly unrealistic feelings toward her parents? Not tragic, not complex—just felt like a convenient “plot reason” stapled in. (Read it and you’ll see.)
It had all the ingredients for greatness, but with zero growth and zero real personality from the FMC, the whole thing just… deflated. This book is the purest example of “play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” And sadly? She played.
Send a raven to the author—give the magic and Patrick the spotlight they deserve in book 2 and I’ll read it.
5 Stars!!!!!
Oh. My. Word.
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan absolutely consumed me in the best way. This slow-burn romantasy with a gritty Peaky Blinders-inspired gaslamp fantasy vibe hooked me from page one and refused to let go. By the final third, I had to physically put the book down because I didn’t want it to end… but I also had to know if Patrick would be okay. That cliffhanger? Cruel and perfect all at once.
The worldbuilding is nothing short of masterful—layered, immersive, and seamlessly woven into the narrative without drowning the reader in exposition. Belavere Trench pulses with life, danger, and political unrest. The class divide is sharp and unforgiving: Artisans, the elite magic-wielders of elemental power, live in privilege, while Crafters—laborers from the mining towns—struggle to survive under the weight of oppression. It’s a world teetering on the edge of revolution, and McEwan captures every flicker of its tension.
At the heart of it all is Nina and Patrick, bound by a connection that feels like fate. As children, they uncovered a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born—they’re chosen, a process manipulated to ensure the rich stay rich and the poor remain powerless. That knowledge pulled them together, even as life forced them apart. Years later, Nina has risen to power as a rare earth-charming Artisan, while Patrick has become a battle-hardened rebel leader—morally gray, dangerous, and nothing like the boy she once knew.
The romance edges toward insta-love, but their shared past gives it an undeniable depth. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry magnetic, and their secrets—utterly maddening in the best possible way. The shifting POVs elevate the tension: Nina’s first-person narration feels raw and confessional, while Patrick’s third-person perspective keeps him shrouded in mystery. He’s a gruff, wounded fighter hiding tenderness behind steel; she’s strong, resilient, and maddeningly unreliable, guarding truths even from herself.
Oh. My. Word.
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan absolutely consumed me in the best way. This slow-burn romantasy with a gritty Peaky Blinders-inspired gaslamp fantasy vibe hooked me from page one and refused to let go. By the final third, I had to physically put the book down because I didn’t want it to end… but I also had to know if Patrick would be okay. That cliffhanger? Cruel and perfect all at once.
The worldbuilding is nothing short of masterful—layered, immersive, and seamlessly woven into the narrative without drowning the reader in exposition. Belavere Trench pulses with life, danger, and political unrest. The class divide is sharp and unforgiving: Artisans, the elite magic-wielders of elemental power, live in privilege, while Crafters—laborers from the mining towns—struggle to survive under the weight of oppression. It’s a world teetering on the edge of revolution, and McEwan captures every flicker of its tension.
At the heart of it all is Nina and Patrick, bound by a connection that feels like fate. As children, they uncovered a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born—they’re chosen, a process manipulated to ensure the rich stay rich and the poor remain powerless. That knowledge pulled them together, even as life forced them apart. Years later, Nina has risen to power as a rare earth-charming Artisan, while Patrick has become a battle-hardened rebel leader—morally gray, dangerous, and nothing like the boy she once knew.
The romance edges toward insta-love, but their shared past gives it an undeniable depth. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry magnetic, and their secrets—utterly maddening in the best possible way. The shifting POVs elevate the tension: Nina’s first-person narration feels raw and confessional, while Patrick’s third-person perspective keeps him shrouded in mystery. He’s a gruff, wounded fighter hiding tenderness behind steel; she’s strong, resilient, and maddeningly unreliable, guarding truths even from herself.
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
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
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really loved this book 💖💖 the story kept me interested the whole time,
I really love the magic system in this one. It's a bit different and I really enjoyed all the characters and how the story moves along quite quickly
I can't wait for book 2!!!!!!