A review by currant7
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

adventurous dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

 

POV: First-Person

Coming into The Scarlet Alchemist, I was stoked! Although this is not the first time I have read the author's work, and there might be a few similarities and might be related to her past books, The Scarlet Alchemist is a refreshingly new take on the Chinese culture, its outlook on alchemy, immortality, politics, and power! 

Fan Zilan ("Zi") is an orphan with a unique gift that will allow her to escape being married off and have a "secure life" for herself and her family. The problem is that this "gift" cannot be known to all because only a royal alchemist is supposed to practice this skill. Also, Zil - a woman shunned in this profession, is expected to be married off and bear children as society dictates. But what would a strong-headed, determined, and brave woman like Zi do when faced with such misogyny and a patriarchal system - takes the rigorous royal alchemy exams! This story is about her journey to greatness while stumbling over more problems to balance her alchemist duty and humanity.

As per the author's earlier books, Lee's forte in creating a ghostly setting with a down-to-earth countryside, then transforming to the lavish surroundings of the royal palace, was terrific to read through. It flowed like I was walking through the scenes, from the grim of the soil to touching the intricate golden wallpapers. The transformations were intriguing and mystical. 

The characters were diverse in their outlook and personality. You have the brave and strong-willed Zi, the nerdy scholarly brother in Wenshu, the quirky partner-in-crime sister Yugei, a mysterious prince, the "evil" Empress Wu, the absentee father, etc. There are many more than I mentioned here, but I won't spoil it, especially as Zi met her rivals and alleys in the alchemy field. I enjoyed diving into these characters and dissecting their motives in helping/hindering Zi. 

It's impossible not to adore Zi in general. Aside from being the main character, Zi is an excellent example of an ever-developing, learning character in the book. Zi was not born with anything but a loving couple, nor was she brave after she lost it all. She had to strive to be "seen" and worked through several dire situations. She was resilient in learning what she could and earning her way to the alchemy examinations. Her quick wit and ever-adaptive mind saved (and won) her many moments in the book - all this with no formal training but reading her father's notes and whatever she could scrimp to purchase old books on alchemy only.

I love the historical reimagination infused in the book. The author made me want to look back and research more about Empress Wu and the other Chinese emperors with their lives and deaths concerning the Chinese stance on alchemy and how it would later relate to Chinese medicine, qi, etc. My background as an Asian reader helps, but I realized how little I know and want to further "investigate" this side of my heritage. 

My favorite part of the book was the author's exploration of the infinite possibilities of alchemy. There were many amazing "manipulations" and "jump-starts" with the alchemy concept - beyond gold creation that was riveting! The book kept me hooked even further as Zi became more comfortable with her alchemy abilities. I appreciate the author's extensive research and constructive reinterpretation of the elements used and marrying a theory in Chinese history, further explained through the book's disclosures and notes. 

On the ending...I am still reeling from what happened!!! There were no words to describe how shocked and unexpected things turned out. Just when I could not see any other way than "death," Zu did a reverse 360 (slang for something "out-of-the-box" move) that brings everything where it should be...or so I thought. I should have expected as much since the author's previous books also left me wanting to grab Book 2 immediately! (Note: Book 2 was still months beyond my reach then.) Although the ending would have been sufficient as a standalone, I know the author has more plans for Zu and the rest of the "gang."

The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantastic, spine-tingling (check out the last few chapters) story of family, connections, patriotism, and survival. The book shows resilience, hope, and the cost and determination for a better life. Readers who love dark fantasy, horror, yokai/monsters, courtesan/political intrigue, a few deaths, and bad things mixed in with a big mystery about the Royal Palace that explodes at the end that I (for once) saw coming. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!

TW: character deaths, misogyny, blood, gore, violent and horrifying scenes

**I would suggest this book for older YA audiences, given the above TW.