Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by thecanadianbookworm
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
In the acknowledgements she thanks Peaky Blinders and Six of Crows for inspiration.. which I whole heartedly agree with (as a mega fan of both).
This book blew me away, I could not put it down.
FINALLY someone writes a romantasy that has *longing* and a proper slow burn. I also appreciated the sprinkle of spice, the perfect amount. It didn't take away from the story, or it's tension, only added to it.
I also really appreciated that we didn't get the usual "starving girl is offered food while captive and refuses it" shit. This girl's goal is to eat so much they go poor, which is way more realistic. 🤣
Absolutely perfection, every second of it. How do I know? Because I felt like screaming at the book. Please, make bold decisions, build lots of tension, make me angry at the characters. Go big, or go home. Stacey went big with this one, and I'm so mad she did (in the best way).
10/10, no notes other than the tattered shards of my heart.
This book blew me away, I could not put it down.
FINALLY someone writes a romantasy that has *longing* and a proper slow burn. I also appreciated the sprinkle of spice, the perfect amount. It didn't take away from the story, or it's tension, only added to it.
I also really appreciated that we didn't get the usual "starving girl is offered food while captive and refuses it" shit. This girl's goal is to eat so much they go poor, which is way more realistic. 🤣
Absolutely perfection, every second of it. How do I know? Because I felt like screaming at the book. Please, make bold decisions, build lots of tension, make me angry at the characters. Go big, or go home. Stacey went big with this one, and I'm so mad she did (in the best way).
10/10, no notes other than the tattered shards of my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Blood, Vomit, Death of parent