Reviews - The Scarlet Alchemist

1.38k reviews for:

The Scarlet Alchemist

Kylie Lee Baker

4.08 AVERAGE

oli_par's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

rlintsen's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark medium-paced

bookish_boy_mom's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious 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

The Scarlet Alchemist
Kylie Lee Baker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧 Narrator: Natalie Naudus 🎧

Kylie Lee Baker has quickly become a favorite author of mine. This is the second book of hers that I have read and it’s another hit!

Zilan is a poor, biracial, orphan living in southern China during the Tang Dynasty. She lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins and has dreams of becoming a royal alchemist so she can help provide for the family. How has she been doing that thus far? Illegally raising the dead.

There is political intrigue, alchemy, morally gray characters, a bit of romance, family dynamics, and death and destruction a plenty. Kylie Lee Baker does not shy away from difficult topics, violence, gore, and horror elements. Her writing is top notch, her story telling is so unique, if she writes it I’ll be reading it.

Book 2, The Blood Orchid, is on my imminent TBR and I can’t wait!

🎧 Natalie Naudus narrates so need I say more? She’s absolutely fantastic, as always. You won’t be disappointed reading this one with your ears!

emily_bg's review against another edition

3.5

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

levantix's review against another edition

4.25

4.25 ★

i need the second book ASAP! i love that there was no huge cliffhanger in the ending, but it still introduces a new storyline to look forward to. now, i’ll just have to patiently wait until october to read the sequel…

this book has a mix of everything: it’s fast-paced with plenty of action and surprising gore. it also weaves in some court politics, romance, and family dynamics. the storytelling was incredibly immersive, making the world feel vivid and alive. the alchemy magic system was also very interesting, there's always something new and intriguing to learn as the story unfolds.

the characters were well-written, particularly zilan. you get to really understand her motivations and find yourself rooting for her all the way through. hong, the romantic interest, is a lovely mix of funny, sweet, and gentle— his character grew on me about halfway into the book. the sibling trio was so entertaining with their constant banter and wholesome interactions.

i’ve heard this book is inspired by the anime full metal alchemist, which i’ve been meaning to watch for a really long time. i might consider watching it some time soon!!