I loved this! After finishing THE SCARLET ALCHEMIST I knew I needed to get my hands on this as soon as I could, and it did not disappoint. I really like how all the relationships are explored and how everything wraps up.

3.75⭐

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I really like the first one and knew I wanted to continue on with the series, it just took me forever to do so. But now that I've finally finished this, I can say this was really good. I think, in hindsight, I enjoyed the plot of the first book more, but "The Blood Orchid" was still just as engaging to read and I continued to enjoy the characters all throughout. There were some genuinely heartfelt and heartbreaking moments in there! And this author is also very good as adding a bit of body horror into their writing but without grossing me out too much. The writing is honestly what I enjoyed most about the first book and why I needed to continue the series.

Overall, a perfectly enjoyable book! My only issue is that I wish I didn't wait so long to read the second book because there were some characters that got reintroduced that I forgot about, but the author gave enough context to make sure I wasn't completely lost, so I'm quite happy with the general reading experience.

The shocking ending of the first book in this duology left my jaw on the floor, and I couldn't wait to see the direction this story took in the sequel.

This novel has a very different feel from The Scarlet Alchemist. It's almost as if the characters are on a scavenger hunt following clues and accumulating items before reaching the end game. Looking at other reviews, some readers didn't care as much for this approach, but it worked for me. High stakes and life-threatening situations intermingled with the occasional humorous situation - and Durian the grape-eating duck, who clearly deserves his own spinoff story.

The last 20% or so is all about the characters outwitting and outmaneuvering the Empress - who has a black soul, no doubt about it. She's truly a horrible person. Readers who enjoyed the romance between Zilan and Hong in the first novel may be disappointed as he doesn't get as much page time in this sequel. They still share important moments, but the focus leans more on sibling bonds.

The uncertainty of the fate of a character left me anxious during the last few pages, but I was left with a smile on my face. Otherwise, I might have hunted down the author. Recommended for fans of alchemy (it was fantastic), crucial quests, and resilient female MCs.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I liked The Blood Orchid but didn’t love it quite as much as The Scarlet Alchemist. It picks up with Zilan on another big, magical, sometimes heart-wrenching journey, and while there were definitely parts that kept me hooked, the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some scenes had me flying through the pages, others dragged a little or felt a bit disconnected from the main story.

The worldbuilding is still really cool—alchemy, resurrection, ghosts, and all that good stuff. I also really liked the sibling dynamics and the return of Durian (yes, the demon duck still steals the show). Zilan continues to be a strong, complex protagonist, though I do wish the romance played a bigger role again—it felt kind of sidelined this time around.

The ending tied things up nicely, but a few twists felt a little too convenient for me. Still, it’s a solid conclusion to the duology and definitely worth reading if you enjoyed book one. Just don’t expect quite the same emotional punch.

I remembered loving "The Scarlet Alchemist", and this sequel did not disappoint! We got to see more of Zilan's journey to save and protect her loved ones with her family (and a new but returning addition??). While there was not as much romance as the first book, seeing her family dynamic especially with Wenshu was sweet to see. I definitely recommend this duology!

This is a book that has a lot of loose ends to tie up. There was a lot going on, and I found myself distracted easily. The pace felt very slow, with some action but not a lot of suspense. The tone was very heavy with a lot about death, very bleak. But everything was ended nicely.

This duology is quality and I am so happy that it stuck the landing. Zilan's quest to find Penglai Island so she can bring back her loved ones from death is filled with twists. My only gripe is with the lack of Hong/Zilan dynamic. I did appreciate the avoidance of a possible love triangle, though. Not quite as strong as the first book, but still such a great ending.

DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS DUOLOGY BCS THEY'RE SO GOOOODDDDD

I feel like this book (and the series) is criminally underrated. It has that unhinged FMC who are actually smart, cunning, and brave. Decisive, and we know deep down she has good conscience in her.

Continuing from The Scarlet Alchemist, Fan Zilan is trying to find Penglai Island, said to be the source of Alchemy, to bring back Prince Hong. Her journey was adventurous, tiring, and exhausting. She uncovered a lot more than just power. Miles away, her kingdom was in shambles bcs the riches are protesting the end of life gold era. Zilan met many more immortal alchemists in her way.

Her enemy, Empress Wu Zhao, isn't sitting still. She seized the opportunity to take back her power whatever it takes.

The pace is fast and nice to follow. Action-packed ang gorey. Lots of Durian scene 🥹🩷 WAKAKAKA felt a bit rushed at the end but I enjoy this so much.

If you like Iron Widow and a bit of The Poppy War, I think you'll love this. It's Chinese history inspired sff.

Honestly, please give it a go!!! It deserves more hype.

Thankyouuuuu for the e-arc in exchange for honest review ✨🩷

*Whatever power you think you have is an illusion.* These words perfectly capture the essence of *The Alchemist’s Promise*, a story that expertly weaves alchemy, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of justice into an unforgettable journey. Zilan, the fiercely determined protagonist, is an alchemist driven by the need to resurrect the people she’s lost, a quest that sets her on a perilous path that challenges both her powers and her very beliefs.

The narrative hooks you immediately with its mix of high stakes and emotional depth. Zilan’s journey to Penglai Island—a place shrouded in myth, offering the promise of life restored—becomes more than just a physical quest. It is a journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the search for a way to undo the irreversible. The author’s portrayal of alchemy as both a literal and figurative force in Zilan’s world is fascinating, as alchemy becomes more than a tool for magic but also a reflection of the cost of power and the weight of loss.

The world-building is rich and immersive, blending mystical lore with the dangerous unpredictability of powerful alchemists, making every turn in the story feel like a step into the unknown. The mythical elements of Penglai Island and the complex, often dangerous alchemists that guard it provide an intriguing backdrop for Zilan’s quest, making the stakes higher than ever.

Zilan’s character is a standout, her determination and vulnerability both palpable as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the immense price of resurrection. Her internal struggle between saving her loved ones and confronting the dark truths about alchemy adds layers of depth to her character, making her journey both compelling and emotional. The romance and relationships in the story are equally well-crafted, adding emotional stakes without overshadowing the narrative’s focus on sacrifice and personal growth.

The author’s writing is masterful, delivering not only an action-packed adventure but also a poignant exploration of grief, power, and the lengths one will go to in order to undo past mistakes. The twists and turns in the story keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional payoff is worth every page.

This gripping conclusion to the duology is nothing short of breathtaking. With *The Alchemist’s Promise*, the author has crafted a story that balances fantasy, heartache, and the struggle for redemption, making it an absolute must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy. If you loved *The Keeper of Night*, this book will undoubtedly cement the author as a master of crafting poignant, spellbinding narratives.

A fantastic sequel to The Scarlet Alchemist. Minor gripes about how some villains overstay their welcome, but overall a great read.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins publisher!
So excited for this conclusion! I finished the Scarlett alchemist and was dying that I had to wait for the next book. This book delves more into the alchemy and the we finally get to see Zilan and Wenshu's journey! Avoiding spoilers, they have to make their easy through a perilous journey and dangerous alchemists to save their loved ones. This was just as amazing and the first book and I loved getting to see these characters again (especially the alchemy duck!!!).

This is a great sequel. The characters are continued to be developed; the plot is well thought out and executed.

I particularly was thrilled to read the historical note at the end. Kylie Lee Baker did a great job with this book!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Ahhh I’m so glad I finally finished this duology! I read the scarlet alchemist a while ago and really enjoyed it! This one did not disappoint and I had so much fun with it! Narrated by one of my fav narrators Natalie Naudus who is amazing as always. This book had so many twists and turns and the expansion of alchemy in this book was so interesting! I do feel like certain parts of this book did drag on. We were in the desert for so long 🤣 But Zilan is such an interesting main character and her flaws are very real. I loved how this intertwined with history and was an alternate way things could have gone. I also love the sibling bond that Zilan has with her brother and sister soooo much! Overall this was a very solid duology and I enjoyed it!

The Blood Orchid by Kylee Lee Baker is the finale of the author's The Scarlet Alchemist duology. Return to the world of The Scarlet Alchemist with this twisty sequel that picks up right where the first book left off. Set in an alternate Tang Dynasty China where alchemy has flourished, this world is decadent with gold and gems but teeming with death underneath the glitter. Inspired by Kylie's heritage, the half-Chinese, half-Irish heroine Fan Zilan has the ability to raise the dead, a power that thrusts her into the middle of a dangerous game at the imperial court.

Fan Zilan, the newly appointed Scarlet Alchemist, must find a way to resurrect her loved ones after they sacrificed their lives to destroy the evil Empress, who we haven't seen the last of. Zilan, who grew up poor, and practicing alchemy, once dreamed of becoming a royal alchemist, but although she’s achieved this goal, she’s also lost almost everything: Her friends, family, and beloved prince have all died as part of her quest to kill the Empress and enact justice. Hoping to resurrect them all and create a better world, Zilan, her alchemy duck, and her brother, Wenshu—who’s been resurrected in the prince’s body—search for legendary Penglai Island, said to be home to eight immortals who possess an elixir for eternal life.

With only her white foreign father’s scant notes and a riddlelike poem as guides, Zilan and Wenshu set off on a daunting journey. Each clue brings them one step closer to Penglai Island—and deeper into the dangerous, secretive world cloaking its whereabouts. But Penglai Island has been hidden well by a group of unpredictable and often dangerous alchemists. Uncovering the secret means challenging some of the most powerful alchemists to ever live. And when old threats come back to haunt Zilan, she will have to decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice to save her loved ones—and the practice of alchemy that has long defined her and the world around her.

Joining Fan Zilan on this adventure, besides her brother Wenshu, are her sister Yufei, rival alchemist Zheng Sili, and, most importantly, Durian, the alchemy duck Zilan created in the first book. Along the way, they encounter new threats, old enemies, and unexpected allies, making Zilan question whether the sacrifices she’s made (and continues to make) are worth it. If you like books with quests, and if you like nonstop action until the last page, you should read this entire duology. One of the best parts of this book was the family aspect. It was nice seeing Zilan and her siblings get away so well, even with a little banter to keep things moving.

I think the duology would have worked as a standalone so this book wasn't necessarily needed but you got to spend more time with the characters. The duck is still my favorite. I really love the focus of the sibling relationship in this duologu. The ending of The Blood Orchid was great but the pacing before that was ok.

i have been excited to read this book ever since i finished the first one. i have to say, i am very glad that there were some things that i hoped to happen in here that did. usually i am not one to be patient when it comes to slow burn even though i love them. however, though the slow was truly slow in this book, i have to say that i truly enjoyed it!

This was honestly a solid sequel. I wasn't sure how I felt following The Scarlet Alchemist, but I think the strength of this duology is definitely in this book. Everything felt more precise and interesting, from the characters, the arcs, the romance, and the plot itself. I think this was a solid ending as well and overall, a strong series!

I am a fan of book 1 and I dare to say the second book is good. But it doesnt meet my expectation.

I love how the author potrayed Fan Zilan in book 1. The brave, quirky and clever Zilan. But i dont see any of those qualities in book 2. Every times Zilan faces threat, the coincidences were playing plenty to help her. Idk if it was the writing, plot devices or it just me being picky with my novel.

This book is less bloody than the book 1. There were plenty scenes of the river of souls in almost every chapter (since our prince is trapped there).

But good news, we got Zheng Sili who liven up the plot. It it wasnt because Sili and Zilan dynamics, I might get this done next year.

Anyway, this book should be in trilogy. I think it will be more reasonable for the pace. I do think there is some major plot edited out because i feel kinda lost some details toward the ending.

Thank you publisher for the ARC

Scarlet Alchemist will always be a five starter read for me. However, this book just didn’t give me what I needed it to give. We work our way up to find the island and that was just very slow but at the same time I felt like everything was just against our main characters to the point where I was exhausted. There were no moments where it felt like things were going up for our main character because as soon as we thought that they were going up, they plummeted. and then the latter half of the novel was very slow. I think it would’ve been better if we combined going to the island with killing the Empress, but other than that, I do think that this is a satisfying conclusion with a happy ending, even though I would’ve been okay if there was not a happy ending