A review by bookishbillijean
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 3/5 ⭐️ 

𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 2/5🌶️ 

 

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan is a fantasy romance and the first book in a duology. Nina and Patrick are 12 years old when they go to Belavere City to discover if they have magical potential. When they uncover a devastating truth they part ways heading on different paths but carry this secret. 

 

First things first, I listened to the audio of this. I had a hard time understanding the narrators as their accents were very heavy. It also was confusing. There were time jumps and I could remember if I had heard that it was a time jump or if it just happened. 

 

I also had a really hard time getting into the story. Some parts I was like yes and others I was like eh. Felt very underwhelming. I did not want to keep picking it up really at all. 

 

It has really great potential though and I think the ending makes me kind of want to read the next one. I think if I had read the physical book I might have enjoyed it more. Maybe I will try that in a few months!