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marimoose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Honestly, this book was much darker than what I had expected it to be. I was here for the alchemy school/competition ride, and the historically based Chinese backdrop made sense because of the goal that was connected to alchemical works in Asia. Not so much turning lead into gold like its ancient Western counterpart, but that of longevity and immortality. I absolutely loved the way the magic system worked here, and the use of minerals to power up and transmute metals was actually pretty neat. Also, COME ON. The book already had me at the way this played out like a season of Fullmetal Alchemist. And even though the anime held with it a lot of dark themes, I did not expect this book to take a turn in the same direction. This is a good thing!
Cuz man, this book GETS DARK. I don't know why this is a surprise, considering Zilan's alchemical skill is literally bringing people back from the dead. There is a reason she becomes called the Scarlet Alchemist, and booy, this book delivers in all the right ways, alchemically speaking.
I did have some quibbles with Zilan as a character, as sometimes her unhinged behavior goes a bit too far, but i did have to remind myself that she's practically still a child and is already living her worst life. So yeah, some of her decisions make sense in that way, especially because there is a development in her character as the story went on. I really did enjoy Zilan's interactions with her siblings. They were my favorite scenes in this book, and normally that isn't the case because I tend to enjoy romantic subplots more. I wished there was just as much progression with the romance to make the stakes and sacrifices in the end even higher (cuz damn, that ending was WILD), but I feel like that's not really the point in Zilan's story.
In any case, if Durian is harmed in any way going forward, I. Will. RIOT.
Cuz man, this book GETS DARK. I don't know why this is a surprise, considering Zilan's alchemical skill is literally bringing people back from the dead. There is a reason she becomes called the Scarlet Alchemist, and booy, this book delivers in all the right ways, alchemically speaking.
I did have some quibbles with Zilan as a character, as sometimes her unhinged behavior goes a bit too far, but i did have to remind myself that she's practically still a child and is already living her worst life. So yeah, some of her decisions make sense in that way, especially because there is a development in her character as the story went on. I really did enjoy Zilan's interactions with her siblings. They were my favorite scenes in this book, and normally that isn't the case because I tend to enjoy romantic subplots more. I wished there was just as much progression with the romance to make the stakes and sacrifices in the end even higher (cuz damn, that ending was WILD), but I feel like that's not really the point in Zilan's story.
In any case, if Durian is harmed in any way going forward, I. Will. RIOT.
laurenbookishtwins's review against another edition
3.0
I received a free copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you kindly to Harper Collins for my review copy.
"Alchemists need to break themselves into pieces. They want to rebuild the world around them so desperately that they would give their blood, body, or soul. But people in power cannot fathom breaking a world that already bows to them. Alchemists are forged from pain."
THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST is a unique historical fantasy set during an alternate Tang dynasty. I really enjoyed the concept of alchemy and its use as the basis of the magic system -- I thought it was done exceptionally well and was elaborately crafted, and thus was one of the highlights of the novel.
Zilan's introduction was memorable and she set herself up to be a very intriguing and original protagonist, but I found her characterization lacking in the second half of the novel and her romance with Hong lackluster, which definitely affected my enjoyment of the novel. I also found that generally the second half of the novel, plot-wise, felt very rushed and disorganized, which is the reason this is getting three stars.
But overall, I do think THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST is a solid fantasy novel exploring alchemy, class relations, and Chinese dynastic history.
"Alchemists need to break themselves into pieces. They want to rebuild the world around them so desperately that they would give their blood, body, or soul. But people in power cannot fathom breaking a world that already bows to them. Alchemists are forged from pain."
THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST is a unique historical fantasy set during an alternate Tang dynasty. I really enjoyed the concept of alchemy and its use as the basis of the magic system -- I thought it was done exceptionally well and was elaborately crafted, and thus was one of the highlights of the novel.
Zilan's introduction was memorable and she set herself up to be a very intriguing and original protagonist, but I found her characterization lacking in the second half of the novel and her romance with Hong lackluster, which definitely affected my enjoyment of the novel. I also found that generally the second half of the novel, plot-wise, felt very rushed and disorganized, which is the reason this is getting three stars.
But overall, I do think THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST is a solid fantasy novel exploring alchemy, class relations, and Chinese dynastic history.
auora1484's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
hoffnungswolke's review against another edition
2.0
I'm sooooo mad.
I wanted to love this book, cause on paper this is absolutely everything that I love.
But it just didn't work for me at all.
I loved the writing, so I will check out some other books by the author.
Mostly I just didn't connect to the characters at all, nor did I care for them. I liked the complicated family dynamic. But the romantic situation, I was just really meh about, they didn't do anything for me.
Loved the trial parts but after that I was just not interested anymore.
That ending was a nice little twist but I'm not sure I care enough to read the 2nd book.
The audiobook narrator, Natalie Naudus, saved this whole thing for me, without her I wouldn't have finished the book. I want her to narrate the shit show that is my life, tbh.
I wanted to love this book, cause on paper this is absolutely everything that I love.
But it just didn't work for me at all.
I loved the writing, so I will check out some other books by the author.
Mostly I just didn't connect to the characters at all, nor did I care for them. I liked the complicated family dynamic. But the romantic situation, I was just really meh about, they didn't do anything for me.
Loved the trial parts but after that I was just not interested anymore.
That ending was a nice little twist but I'm not sure I care enough to read the 2nd book.
The audiobook narrator, Natalie Naudus, saved this whole thing for me, without her I wouldn't have finished the book. I want her to narrate the shit show that is my life, tbh.
bookish_spoonie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
4 Stars
I didn't know what to expect going into this book but it definitely exceeded my expectations!
Not only was the Alchemy aspect brilliant and SO unique but the imagination behind it all was so exciting and interesting. It had me hooked from the first word til the last.
The characters were also brilliant, although I would have liked more time between the lead female and the love interest tonsee it grow more smoothly. I felt that was the main aspect I lacked and so can't quite give the book 4.5 stars.
The author is brilliant and the writing was easy to read but so well done. I'm looking forward to more from this author in general.
I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the second book!
I didn't know what to expect going into this book but it definitely exceeded my expectations!
Not only was the Alchemy aspect brilliant and SO unique but the imagination behind it all was so exciting and interesting. It had me hooked from the first word til the last.
The characters were also brilliant, although I would have liked more time between the lead female and the love interest tonsee it grow more smoothly. I felt that was the main aspect I lacked and so can't quite give the book 4.5 stars.
The author is brilliant and the writing was easy to read but so well done. I'm looking forward to more from this author in general.
I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the second book!
metaphorsandmisc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Sexism, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
willowmae's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Minor: Incest
frinsreads's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Self harm, Violence, Blood, and Murder