A review by katiemack
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This distinguishes itself remarkably from other YA historical fantasy books. I loved the alternative history nested within the Tang dynasty (coupled with the fact that Zilan is loosely based on a Chinese cultural figure); it gives some context for Kylie Lee Baker's worldbuilding. Zilan is oddly relatable, and I admired her stubbornness and courage in the face of bloody violence and death. (I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is much more visceral and gory than I was expecting.) The alchemical system, though not unfamiliar, is also fascinating and fleshed out well. The romance, on the other hand, is not--it was tough for me to see the trajectory of Zilan's feelings for the prince--but that's understandable given the ending.

While I think this could have ended as a standalone, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. 
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