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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
♥️⚜️ The Scarlet Alchemist ⚜️♥️
- Kylie Lee Baker
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• In The Scarlet Alchemist, we follow Zilan, a poor girl from the rural north of 775AD age China. I was so interested to learn more about this time period, an era I haven’t read much about!
• Firstly, the similarities of The Scarlet Alchemist to The Poppy War were impossible to ignore. I found Zilan to be such an unlikeable protagonist, much like Rin in the Poppy War. Again, her bullying from Zheng Sili was reminiscent of Nezha’s behaviour
• I loved the concept of the magic system; I feel like alchemy is something that is rarely used in fantasy and I was excited to learn more about this. However, it turned out to be more about resurrection and death than precious stones and metals. I’m not a fan of resurrection in fantasy - when someone dies, I like to be assured they are not coming back!
• Furthermor, I struggled with the constant misogyny. I understand this was technically historically-accurate, but it frustrated me nonetheless. There were so many seemingly random details, like Wenshu’s obsession with soap beans, that weren’t explained (what even are soap beans?) and felt very superfluous to the story.
• The romance subplot was also lacklustre. The Crown Prince didn’t have much of a personality (so much so that his name was barely used, instead he was referred to simply by his title!). There wasn’t much build-up and I was almost puzzled by their sudden declarations to one another.
• Overall, I enjoyed the brutality and changeability of the Imperial Games and if you’re looking for something similar to the Poppy War, though not as well written, I’d recommend picking up The Scarlet Alchemist. Otherwise, there are better fantasies out there.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Have you read The Scarlet Alchemist? Let me know in the comments! <3
- Kylie Lee Baker
⭐️⭐️⭐️
• In The Scarlet Alchemist, we follow Zilan, a poor girl from the rural north of 775AD age China. I was so interested to learn more about this time period, an era I haven’t read much about!
• Firstly, the similarities of The Scarlet Alchemist to The Poppy War were impossible to ignore. I found Zilan to be such an unlikeable protagonist, much like Rin in the Poppy War. Again, her bullying from Zheng Sili was reminiscent of Nezha’s behaviour
• I loved the concept of the magic system; I feel like alchemy is something that is rarely used in fantasy and I was excited to learn more about this. However, it turned out to be more about resurrection and death than precious stones and metals. I’m not a fan of resurrection in fantasy - when someone dies, I like to be assured they are not coming back!
• Furthermor, I struggled with the constant misogyny. I understand this was technically historically-accurate, but it frustrated me nonetheless. There were so many seemingly random details, like Wenshu’s obsession with soap beans, that weren’t explained (what even are soap beans?) and felt very superfluous to the story.
• The romance subplot was also lacklustre. The Crown Prince didn’t have much of a personality (so much so that his name was barely used, instead he was referred to simply by his title!). There wasn’t much build-up and I was almost puzzled by their sudden declarations to one another.
• Overall, I enjoyed the brutality and changeability of the Imperial Games and if you’re looking for something similar to the Poppy War, though not as well written, I’d recommend picking up The Scarlet Alchemist. Otherwise, there are better fantasies out there.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Have you read The Scarlet Alchemist? Let me know in the comments! <3
I disagree with the raving reviews.
It felt like a children's book.
The relationship dynamics were very juvenile. There were easy solutions for everything. Was annoyed a lot.
Also really annoyed by the naming of the alchemists. "Now you are "the Scarlet Alchemist." And than you have Moon, Comet, River and ... Paper?? And why are the title's sometimes used as nicknames but not always.
Magic system was cool.
Will not continue this series.
It felt like a children's book.
The relationship dynamics were very juvenile. There were easy solutions for everything. Was annoyed a lot.
Also really annoyed by the naming of the alchemists. "Now you are "the Scarlet Alchemist." And than you have Moon, Comet, River and ... Paper?? And why are the title's sometimes used as nicknames but not always.
Magic system was cool.
Will not continue this series.
5 Stars
I don't know what I was expecting going into this book but wow, this was soooooo good, probably one of my favorite reads this year! I didn't see any of those twists coming and I literally gasped at each reveal lol. I loved how the author reimagined this time period and these historical figures - I just love the prince so much. Zilan was also a great MC to follow, so relatable and well-rounded. The way this ended was not what I was expecting but I loved it (even though it had me so conflicted-iykyk) and I cannot wait to pick up the next book a see what happens next (plz get my bb back!!!).
I don't know what I was expecting going into this book but wow, this was soooooo good, probably one of my favorite reads this year! I didn't see any of those twists coming and I literally gasped at each reveal lol. I loved how the author reimagined this time period and these historical figures - I just love the prince so much. Zilan was also a great MC to follow, so relatable and well-rounded. The way this ended was not what I was expecting but I loved it (even though it had me so conflicted-iykyk) and I cannot wait to pick up the next book a see what happens next (plz get my bb back!!!).
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Did I kick myself for not reading The Scarlet Alchemist sooner? Absolutely! BUT…My brain thanked me for the delay for my sanity, as I could reach for book two once I picked my jaw off the floor. The Scarlet Alchemist is a dark fantasy set retelling the Tang Dynasty period's history in China, around deadly alchemy and dabbling with life and death with exhilarating results as danger and desire collide.
Kylie Lee Baker's writing style is decadently dark, evocatively blending action, suspense, and murder with beautiful tender moments into a thrilling, action-packed plot that explores power, identity, and sacrifice themes. She pulls brutal punches for her rich, well-developed characters who you will love – she's an evil mastermind who is giving them a baptism of fire through her ruthless plot. Her ability to paint stark contrasts with her words in her world-building is stunning – she brings to life opulent shimmering palaces full of the eternal young nobles to the bustling, depraved streets where everyone struggles to survive day to day while dreaming of a better life.
Fan Zilan is a marvelously unhinged protagonist with buckets of determination and a resilient heart. She's fought through the school of hard knocks to earn every victory as she pursues her dreams to make a better life for herself and her adopted family. You can't help but relate to her battles and root for her success in every desperate moment as she strives through bullying by those who think themselves above her, political intrigues, and growing close to the crown prince, Li Hong, whose life hangs by a thread in turbulent times.
An unputdownable, addictive historical fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat and staying up way past your bedtime with an immersive, fast-paced plot, gripping narrative, and ruthless storytelling. If you loved the Poppy Wars, Hunger Games, and Asian-inspired fantasy, add The Scarlet Alchemist to your TBR.
One last piece of advice – about the ending… give yourself a minute to pick your jaw off the floor. Make a cup of tea and start the next book immediately- your nerves might never be the same, but you will be OK, I promise.
Kylie Lee Baker's writing style is decadently dark, evocatively blending action, suspense, and murder with beautiful tender moments into a thrilling, action-packed plot that explores power, identity, and sacrifice themes. She pulls brutal punches for her rich, well-developed characters who you will love – she's an evil mastermind who is giving them a baptism of fire through her ruthless plot. Her ability to paint stark contrasts with her words in her world-building is stunning – she brings to life opulent shimmering palaces full of the eternal young nobles to the bustling, depraved streets where everyone struggles to survive day to day while dreaming of a better life.
Fan Zilan is a marvelously unhinged protagonist with buckets of determination and a resilient heart. She's fought through the school of hard knocks to earn every victory as she pursues her dreams to make a better life for herself and her adopted family. You can't help but relate to her battles and root for her success in every desperate moment as she strives through bullying by those who think themselves above her, political intrigues, and growing close to the crown prince, Li Hong, whose life hangs by a thread in turbulent times.
An unputdownable, addictive historical fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat and staying up way past your bedtime with an immersive, fast-paced plot, gripping narrative, and ruthless storytelling. If you loved the Poppy Wars, Hunger Games, and Asian-inspired fantasy, add The Scarlet Alchemist to your TBR.
One last piece of advice – about the ending… give yourself a minute to pick your jaw off the floor. Make a cup of tea and start the next book immediately- your nerves might never be the same, but you will be OK, I promise.
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes