The sequels are just never as great as the first books 😔

But that doesn't mean that it isn't still a good book. I just LOVED The Scarlet Alchemist so I had very high expectations coming into The Blood Orchid. There is not as much romance or plotting as the first book, and this one centers around finding Penglai Island by going on an adventure and collecting things. It got a little bit repetitive, so it was a really slow start for me. It wasn't until like 65% into the book where I was like, okay, I think I am finally hooked.

I think this is a really good conclusion to this duology, so I am still giving it fours stars. Maybe if I read this book right after I read the first book, the pacing would be better, so do take my review with a grain of salt. I would probably recommend that you reread the first one before going into The Blood Orchid.

I did really like the theme of family in this book. It was very cute and moving, and I am just happy that Zilan gets to explore this more deeply here. The historical note at the end is also really interesting because you can tell how much thought Lee Baker put into all the details for this book, like this is why I love historical fantasy so much.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this e-ARC!

The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and mystery. Set in a richly imagined world, the novel follows a gripping plot filled with dark secrets and powerful magic. Baker's writing is atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into a tale of intrigue and adventure. With a compelling protagonist and a well-crafted storyline, The Blood Orchid was a great book for after The Scarlet Alchemist and a great continuation of the series.

Durian the undead duck! Seriously, can I have one too? Baker's dark spirit worlds are a lot of fun to explore. While "The Scarlet Alchemist" focused more heavily on Li Hong and Zilan, the shift and focus for this installment was on family, adventure/quest, and consequences that actions have. I for one was all for it!
I did feel that it wrapped up a little too neatly, but I enjoyed the series regardless.

Thanks at Netgalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blood Orange by Kylie Lee Baker
I absolutely devoured "The Scarlet Alchemist" and could not wait to dive into "The Blood Orchid," the second and final installment in the series.
While the conclusion was somewhat satisfying, I found the pacing of the second half to be a bit slow. Kylie excelled with "The Scarlet Alchemist" through her vivid writing and descriptive imagery, making this second installment feel somewhat rushed in comparison.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this duology and appreciated the closure it provided. I look forward to reading more from Kylie in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I think this was an excellent follow up to one of my favorite reads of last year, The Scarlet Alchemist. The pacing sometimes left some things to be desired, and there was less development of romance than I would like, but I looooove the enduringly strong theme of family.

It’s rare to see a YA Fantasy book this deeply tied to the values of family and its so heartening to see!

I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley, but it's really hard to enjoy a book where the villain is impossible to defeat. It feels like there hasn't been a glimmer of hope since the last book.

Oh, but the duck is funny. (Thank you to the reviewers who reminded me of that.) In fact, I think all the laughs I've had with this book are because of Durian...

KYLIE LEE BAKER, YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN. You have once again blown my expectations out of the water with your vivid imagery, beautiful prose, and incredible world building. Fan Zilan reminds me so much of Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries with her insane ideas and raw talent. I LOVED every second of this book.

Zheng Sili’s redemption arc was not on my bingo card for this series BUT am I happy he had one. What a great character. He cracked me up so much and despite him being a raging asshole, I wish only the best for him.

For anyone who watched Fullmetal Alchemist and never forgot it, this book is for you. I also just LOVE that Baker wrote that in her dedication of this book.

The Scarlet Alchemist was one of my favorite reads of last year, securing Kylie Lee Baker's spot as one of my auto-buy authors, so needless to say I devoured this ARC, courtesy of NetGalley.

The story continues where the first left off—Zilan has defeated the Empress, but at a terrible price. Looking to fix her mistakes, she sets off on a journey across China to find Penglai Island, a legendary place of alchemical miracles. But if there is one thing that every good alchemist knows, it is the law of equivalent exchange. To obtain something, something of equal value must be lost.

Baker always writes with the sort of grittiness and humor that make her heroines delightful to follow. Zilan is still her relentless, snarky self. All of her relationships are complicated, to say the least, and we get to revisit some characters who liven up the story. I'm never a huge fan of MacGuffin stories, but Baker always takes the time to hammer home important character beats for her cast.

As with the first book, I still love the setting and magic system, especially with how they tie into the themes. It is always so fun to watch Zilan problem-solve, but you also see how every action has consequences. Everywhere Zilan goes, she witnesses the fallout of her actions, and her understanding of the world beyond what she once knew evolves.

And just like that, Baker's second duology has earned its place next to The Keeper of Night on my favorite duologies shelf. Can't wait to see where we go next.

I think I enjoyed the overall plot and how this ended. It did take me a bit to get into the book. I don't think I was really engrossed until I was about 30% into the book. There is a happy ending. We do see Zilan and her family and friends succeed.

Okay on to spoilers.

I had a feeling the source of alchemy would show that suffering was the effect of using alchemy. Ridding the world of alchemy hopefully will help everyone be more equal and lessen the suffering of everyone.
When the Empress came back into the world, that was definitely shocking. I didn't expect that. It was wild how she carved her name into so many people in order to come back, but also very smart of Wenzhu and Zilan to change her name and so she loses her power.
I'm glad we get a bit of a character arc with Zheng Sili. He ended up basically sacrificing himself in order to defeat the Empress.
I'm glad Zilan was able to bring back the people closest to her. During the last chapter, I was a bit worried the woman that Hong was going to marry was going to be some random girl, but I'm glad Zilan was found.
I also enjoyed the part where we find out why her father had named her after the orchid. That was pretty.

I enjoyed the first book more, but this was a pretty good ending. So much happened and at least things are back to the way it should be.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful sequel. This is everything I want in sequels. There's fantasy and romance and a grand adventure and mystery and intrigue and fights and battles and so much more. It doesn't feel rushed, like the author was trying to get to the end of the story, but it also doesn't feel like it drags on - the pacing is wonderful and there's so much in this book that it flows well from the first one. The first book had a lot of information and story in it, without feeling like it was rushed or jumped around, and this one followed the same type of pacing. I didn't have any guesses for the ending as I was reading, which I typically do. I was unsurprised when Zilan was willing to sacrifice herself (I only saw this coming about a page or two before she actually did it) and I felt like it was a great ending to the story. I was a little disappointed when she came back, but after seeing Hong's thoughts about why she was able to return from Penglai Island it made perfect sense. I was also just as drawn into this book as I was the first one, which is hard for me to do - I feel like most sequels don't live up to how good the first books are, but this one definitely did.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC! I was so excited to be approved for The Blood Orchid because The Scarlet Alchemist has been one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I loved looking for the Fullmetal Alchemist “Easter eggs” in TBO as much as I did in TSA and I love the characters in this series. While I was happy with the ending of TBO, I did feel like the story progression was a little slower than TSA and while the stakes were high, they didn’t feel as high for some reason when compared to TSA. My favorite parts about this book and duology is the magic system and I wish I could have another book in this series just so I could continue to read the unique magic system in this series!

In "The Blood Orchid," Kylie Lee Baker concludes her mesmerizing duology with a flourish of alchemical marvels and intricate storytelling that captivates from start to finish. Set in a vividly imagined world inspired by ancient China, this sequel picks up where "The Scarlet Alchemist" left off, plunging readers deeper into a realm where magic and political intrigue intertwine seamlessly.

At its heart, Baker’s narrative revolves around Fan ZiLan, a protagonist whose journey from the first book continues to unfold with poignant depth. Fan ZiLan’s growth is palpable as she navigates through a landscape fraught with dangers both mystical and political. Baker excels in crafting multifaceted characters, each grappling with their own ambitions and vulnerabilities against a backdrop of escalating stakes.

The world-building in "The Blood Orchid" is nothing short of spectacular. Baker deftly expands upon the alchemical lore introduced in the previous installment, weaving it into the fabric of the plot with precision and creativity. From the bustling streets of Chang'an to the mystical Penglai Island, every setting feels alive and integral to the story’s progression.

What sets "The Blood Orchid" apart is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. There are moments of heart-pounding action that keep readers on edge, interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes that deepen the emotional resonance of the narrative. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of wielding power resonate throughout, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of morality and duty.

Baker’s prose is elegant yet accessible, drawing readers into a world where every page turn reveals new revelations and unforeseen alliances. The pacing is brisk yet thoughtful, ensuring that each plot twist lands with impact while maintaining a sense of narrative momentum towards a satisfying conclusion.

In conclusion, "The Blood Orchid" is a triumph of fantasy storytelling, showcasing Kylie Lee Baker’s talent for crafting immersive worlds and compelling characters. Whether you’re drawn to its rich cultural tapestry, its intricate plot twists, or its poignant exploration of human resilience, this duology is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building alike.

tl;dr
A tightly-paced conclusion to the duology with plenty of lore spark the imagination. Don't go in expecting a lot of romance.

Thoughts
Considering how the first book ended, I was really curious to see how this one would go. The previous book in the series was visceral and bloody and terrifying, and this book wastes no time dropping into the same space. And honestly, that's probably what saved it for me. The last book hit me in all the right spots because I love a tournament arc. Sadly, it turns out I do not love a collect-em-all arc, and this plot definitely focuses on collecting the Important Things to get to the end goal. But I stuck with it because Zilan and the Empress are just so great to watch together. They're both cunning and relentless rivals who leave destruction in their wake as they fight, with a surprising amount of intimacy woven into their narrative. It's the most intimacy we get as the romance is practically a footnote at this point. I liked the focus on the main plot, but anyone hoping for more romantic moments like the first book might be let down. This book had to move fast to tie up all the threads from the first book, and move fast it does. A couple reveals come through magical means that feel a bit convenient, but the ending wraps everything up nicely. Overall, a duology recommended for anyone who wants something steeped in Chinese lore with an unforgiving villain and a heroine who's equally brutal.

eARC received for review from NetGalley

5⭐️

Personally as someone with Aphantasia, I find reading fantasy quite difficult. However, even in The Scarlet Alchemist, the author has a way with words that don’t make me feel lost in the world they have created, and I appreciate the opportunity to explore the genre.
The world of The Blood Orchid is so interesting and unlike anything I have ever read that it’s like a breath of fresh air from the same generic stories that I have read.
I would definitely recommend The Blood Orchid - or technically The Scarlet Alchemist if you haven’t started the series - for anyone like myself that wishes they could get into fantasy but struggles when it comes to the confusion that comes along with world building because that is not a struggle you will face here.

Thank you to Kylie Lee Baker, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the free review copy.

This is such a stunning fantasy that's dripping with magic and blood. It has no qualms with portraying the violence that comes with a corrupted kingdom, but it also portrays the love, and even the humor, that can be found amongst the harshest of conditions, because the world can be so full of love.

*Spoiler Free Review*

Earlier this year, I read “The Scarlet Alchemist” and it became one of my favorite reads of the year so far. And now, I had the opportunity to read an early copy of the sequel, The Blood Orchid!! One of my most anticipated releases for October. 🥹💕

Thank you to the author & Netgalley for this arc!!! 🫶🏻🥰

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I especially loved all the moments with Durian!! He could have his own book and I would read it in a heartbeat. 🦆

One of my favorite things about this series is the main character, Zilan (and also the alchemy of course). In this book, Zilan’s best traits were shown as she was thrown into her adventure in finding Penglai island. She had to persevere through many hardships, accept help from others, use her skills in alchemy while also finding solutions outside of what she learned, and carry the weight of her actions and the outcomes from the first book.

The Blood Orchid picks up where the first book ended (I won’t spoil anything) so we were introduced to a new setting, more characters, and a lot of adventure. I personally had a hard time with the pacing of this book because while alot of things happened, the main premise of finding Penglai island felt like it took forever. Even with this, I loved the characters just as much as I did in the first book!

The ending, I felt really fit the book and tied everything together. I was scared about the ending at first, but I’m so happy with the way things turned out! To also read the history this story is based on, was so interesting! Kylie’s inspirations for this story were written very well in the series. Overall, I just really loved the series. The characters, the alchemy, the setting, and the events hooked me from beginning to end. I will say this book lacked the romance that the first book had, but this didn’t really matter much to me! Also, if you’re a fan of the anime, “Full-metal Alchemist” you would loveeee this series!!

An epic conclusion to a great series. We pick up right where the first book ends and there isn't a moment of rest. Duologies are quickly becoming my favorite type of series, and I'm so grateful I got to read this book. The side characters are a blast, the action scenes are riveting, and there's a freaking duck. How can anyone dislike this book?

This was a solid sequel to a series, but it didn’t have the same effect on me as the first book. The book was one giant quest which I loved, but it was definitely missing that romance aspect that I loved in the first book! The political situations were still there, and that definitely kept me captured in the story. I do think that some parts of this book dragged here and there, but overall it was a super fun read! I loved the duck Durian, he was honestly my favourite because how could he not be, he's a demon duck.
The character development and world building in this book also still were amazing like the first book. I never felt like I couldn’t connect with a character, which I worried about especially with the newly introduced alchemists. But after learning about Pengali Island, I was able to understand/feel about them better. And for worldbuilding, the more we learned about the political situation and the background of the island I was drawn more and more into the book. The only thing like I said earlier was that missing romantic aspect since I got so used to it in the first one. And the way this story ended was satisfying enough to feel like nothing more needs to be added to Zilan’s story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Childrens Books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

With Yufei standing in for Empress Wu Zilan and Wenshu set out to find the fabled Penglai Island so Zilan can keep her promise and bring back all of those sacrificed to end the reign of terror led by Wu. In the meantime, private armies owned by the Noble family's are beginning to march brazenly towards Chang'an and Yufei still stuck in Empress Wu's body, must continue to maintain appearances or see the entire country fall in chaos, not just the capital. On top of that Zilan and Wenshu have some how got stuck with Zheng Sili, but all of this pales in comparison to them discovering that the Empress is still alive and she will stop at nothing to get her throne back.

This sequel comes out reminding us all that hindsight is indeed 20/20. The way that Lee Baker reintroduced Empress Wu was one of those moments where you are like "Omg of course she did that! That's literally what Zilan did with Wenshu's and Yufei's souls. Why did no one think of that!?" Myself included after finishing the first book. She kept it simple and in line with what we already know Alchemy to be capable of so instead of it feeling like bringing back a bad guy who was already dead was just lazy writing it fit 100% perfectly in this world.

I also really loved that Zheng Sili gets to be redeemed in this book because I *hated* him in the first one. He's funny and witty and surprisingly likable if only because he loves Durian as much as Zilan does. And look, I normally don't ship characters, but I would have loved to see if he hook up with Yufei. She's such a perfect match for his arrogance.

This sequel is more adventure fantasy than the first one as well, which I found to be immensely satisfying. We get dragged all over the country, people die, souls wink out at wholly inopportune moments, we meet some more insane Alchemists, and Durian saves the day more than once Okay, well, his eggs do. He's a demon duck he can have eggs. Don't question it. Just enjoy it. The pace was perfect for a book this length as well.

The one thing I'm going to complain about and which I myself find surprising is how truly just selfish every person in this book is and it really becomes more obvious as the story progresses, but, everyone from Zilan to her siblings to even Li Hong are ridiculously self centered. Zilan blames herself for everything going sideways in the first to a point where it becomes ridiculous, especially since she is *brought* into the other Alchemists schemes, not the other way around. And I would have been okay with this if her constant whining about how everything was her fault had sounded more like survivors guilt and less like a really arrogant person. However, everyone else just throws it on her shoulders that's going to be able to bring dozens of people back from the dead, and they wonder why she's blaming herself. It never spills over to the point where I'd call it a toxic situation, but it did bug me. I just found it kinda unnecessary. There's enough going on without this weird, self-centered stuff going on between the characters. Especially when there's a point where her siblings are like, "You could have asked for help." And it's kinda like "Wow, you could have offered." So while Zilan drives me nuts for most of the book towards the end, her redemption isn't because she "gets overself. " it's because I realized her siblings are kinda assholes in both books.

Overall, it's definitely an excellent sequel. It wrapped up everything nicely and had a happy ending too, which for most of the book I didn't think we would get!

As always, thanks to HarperCollin's Children's Books and NetGalley for the eArc!

5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: historical fantasy, alchemy, quests

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 6/9, my review blog on 6/27, and will be posted to Instagram 7/24.

This book opens a couple of weeks after The Scarlet Alchemist leaves off. Zilan and Wenshu are searching for Penglai Island so Zilan can return Wenshu and Yufei to their bodies and bring back everyone who died in the palace coup.

But stories are never just stories, and things are far more complicated than either of them suspected. While they do find a map (sort of) to Penglai Island, there are alchemy components they're missing in order to make the journey, and that opens up a whole other can of worms, and opponents, for them to cross.

We actually get to see more types of alchemy in this book. While the royal alchemists are dead, and things aren't looking so great for everyday alchemists, Zilan and Wenshu have to find some powerful ones in order to get what they need for Penglai Island. Resurrection alchemy may be forbidden, but there seems like there's a lot of other kinds of alchemy that teeter on the edge of what is and isn't allowed as well. It was interesting to see more kinds of alchemy and what the potential bounds of the science/magic are.

Poor Zilan has been through so much and is struggling with being the only royal alchemist left, especially since she was the newest of the group and thus the most inexperienced. Because of what happened in book 1, she feels as if she needs to rectify her mistakes and that that's all her responsibility. Luckily though she's on better terms with her siblings in this one, so there are points when Wenshu and Yufei are able to knock some sense into her.

I liked getting to see more Wenshu in this one, though I wish more of his eccentricities were on display. He seemed less concerned with cleanliness in this one, though it does pop up at times (perhaps the dismembering a person helped with that), and he's just as intense when it comes to his writing and calligraphy.

I wish we got to see more of Yufei. The situation being what it is, she stayed in the palace while Zilan and Wenshu went on their quest, so she only pops up toward the end of the novel when they're all reunited. She's a fun character to read about and I liked seeing how she can be both playful and carefree but also intense and willing to fight.

We also get to see a returning character from book 1, Zheng Sili. He was an antagonist then, acting actually quite terribly toward Zilan during the competition and then helping the empress at the end when everything was going wrong. But he seems to have turned over a new leaf and promises to help Zilan and Wenshu. The three actually become friends and I liked seeing their dynamic. When he's not being an ass, Sili's actually pretty funny and helpful.

Getting to Penglai Island is already difficult enough, but there are shadows lurking in the River Plane and someone is hunting for Zilan and Wenshu. A surprising opponent turns up that complicates things, and soon they're racing against the clock to try and stop this enemy of theirs. I wasn't really sure how I felt about this enemy at first, but I actually think it helps make the story more dynamic and gives it some nice tension beyond the obstacles to getting to Penglai Island.

Overall I enjoyed this book and think it's a nice sequel/conclusion to The Scarlet Alchemist. I liked getting to see more friendship and sibling dynamics in this one, and it was interesting to see the other ways the bounds of alchemy could be stretched.