A review by benita
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This is the third YA fantasy in the mix for my book club this year (we read two books a month), and it's definitely my favorite. 

I love Baker's writing. She doesn't dumb it down for YA, and the world-building is rich and well thought out. The characters show their age at times but it's expected, not idiotic. I enjoyed this world of ancient China infused with secretive alchemy and gold-eating elite with an evil empress.