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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
slow-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
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
A refreshing unique romantasy. This felt like magic in a Peaky Blinders world with class warfare. The world building was easy to follow and the setting was beautifully described. I felt like I got to know Kenton Hill and its gritty people. Extremely well written with great dialogue.
My only complaint might be that the initial introduction of the characters as children felt a bit clunky. You need the initial meeting between Nina and Patrick to anchor the story. It is the center of gravity that draws these two together again. But it felt a bit too quick and rushed for me. Same for Theo and Nina. We’re given bits and pieces of their schooling and Nina’s initial heartbreak but I wanted more foundation to ground the story.
But the rest of the book delves deeply into these characters as we see love develop, trust earned and destroyed, and friendships gained and lost.
A heart-aching beautiful read. I need book 2 now please!
My only complaint might be that the initial introduction of the characters as children felt a bit clunky. You need the initial meeting between Nina and Patrick to anchor the story. It is the center of gravity that draws these two together again. But it felt a bit too quick and rushed for me. Same for Theo and Nina. We’re given bits and pieces of their schooling and Nina’s initial heartbreak but I wanted more foundation to ground the story.
But the rest of the book delves deeply into these characters as we see love develop, trust earned and destroyed, and friendships gained and lost.
A heart-aching beautiful read. I need book 2 now please!