A Forbidden Alchemy has a cool premise: in this world, there are various levels of magic that are ranked and divided out in a caste-based system. Two of those magical levels are the artisans, who can manipulate specific elements, and the crafters, who can tap into additional strength to mine idium, the substance that powers everyone's magic. While awaiting to see which magic level "chooses" them, the main characters Nina and Patrick uncover that it's not the magic that chooses you, but the governing system that chooses FOR you--a secret that no one but those in power know. With this twist of reality, the story begins and we see the resulting political struggle and impending war that lies ahead once a revolution is sparked.

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I think the magic system and the twist are so unique, but I struggled with the first half of this book. At no point did I get "lost" in this story. I felt like the first 45% of the story dragged--the alternating chapters between the past and the present were confusing, and I wish there had been a chapter header that said "X years ago" or included dates, since it was hard to keep track of what was happening, and when. Knowing now that this is book one of a duology, I can see how the author had to do a lot of leg work to lay the foundation for the future plot, but it fell flat for me. However, I am planning on reading book two, since I am interested enough in how the politics and war will pan out and how the plot will tie things together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for an early advanced digital copy of this book, and the chance to read and review it! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely LOVEDDDD this! Such a fun & unique magic system, literally ~ jaw dropping twists, and honestly a great ending that set up the next book so well.

Team Nina & Patrick, I loved their history & story. I loved our morally grey king Patrick & his whole family like what a ride. (+ Isaiah, a good pup makes every book better).

The only bad thing about getting this book early is it’s now a longer wait to book 2 😫

Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Press for the arc!!

I am unwell at that cliffhanger and that last sentence- straight perfection. I’m not even sure I can write a review to do this justice because of how emotional I feel right now. This book is beautiful and gut wrenching and just wonderful. WOW just Bravo Stacey Bravo!!!!! If you like romantasy, plot twists, political wars/revolutions and that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach when you know something is going to happen and you’re not going to like it but you secretly live for the angst, this book is for you!

I can’t put in words how much I love this book. With each chapter I just fell more and more in love with the writing and the characters. I sank into this book in the way that you sink into your couch with a blanket and a hot drink. I let it consume me completely and that is the only way you can read this to fully understand this masterpiece. You have to allow yourself to become completely engulfed in the artwork of a world McEwan has spun in this absolutely devastating novel.

I am completely in love with this and will be fighting EVERYONE for the next book. Artisans and crafters, magic verses mortal, a tale as old as time and yet this one is so different. Nina and Patrick were just 12 when they went to the siphoning ceremony in Belavere to see if they would be joining and elite class of Artisans or if they’d be returning home to the brink which is only despair and mines. Which life will choose them but more importantly which life will they choose for themselves?

I went into this book COMPLETELY blind and I do not regret it one bit. It was haunting, it was heartbreaking, it was earth shattering and was at points so beautiful and swoon worthy that I was in tears. I haven’t written a review like this in a LONG time but like the Artisans in this book, the magic of this writing awakened something in me and I am forever changed by it.

Gangsters, heists, a bunch of misfits and a tantalizing romance? This is the book for all of my romantasy lovers and even those who are new to the genre. So jump into this world where Alchemy is king…or is it?

I truly enjoy everything written by Stacey McEwan, but prepare yourself for twists and turns and heartbreak? This dystopian story is gripping, and what you think is happening, I don’t think you’ll see the twists coming. The only reason I’m not doing 5 stars is because the MMC’s POV is written in third person, while the FMC’s POV is written in first… which perhaps will be explained in book two? 👀 I cannot wait for the second book. Thank you so much for the ARC read!

I have many thoughts after finishing this book. But my biggest is, why is this marketed as Romantasy?!?!!? Because I can tell you with 100% certainty this book was not Romantasy. Like even OwlCrate has this picked as their next Romantasy quarterly book. I just don’t get it. This book should instead be marketed as Dystopian with hints of The Hunger Games meets Peaky Blinders.

And before anyone comes for me, just because there’s a magic system does not make it a Romantasy. If you can’t tell I’m a bit perturbed by this. Trust me the book was not bad, I fully plan to continue on with the series. But the marketing has been so bad for this book that it honestly ruined part of my reading experience. Which is infuriating because I love Stacey McEwans books. So publishers dear god can someone on this marketing team stop labeling everything as Romantasy. K Thanks, back to our regularly scheduled review.

“A Forbidden Alchemy” follows Patrick and Nina who are on opposing sides of a war. Nina our earth wielder representing the magic wielding community know as, the Artisans. Then we have Patrick a miners son reigning from the working class know as, the Crafters. Nina wants nothing to do with the war and just wants to hide and remain neutral. During her escape attempt, she’s captured by Patrick’s rebel cell. Patrick hopes to recruit her to their side because her earth wielding could shift the war in their favor. But secrets from both sides may ruin them both.

I have to admit this not my favorite book by Stacey. The world building and magic system dump at the beginning is a lot. Making the reading journey almost too painfully slow. Plus the switching between past and present view points at times was disorienting. With those factors it took a bit to really become invested in the story. It wasn’t till I got about 51% in that I truly became fully invested.

My favorite part of the entire story definitely has to be the characters. Especially Nina and Patrick. Nina definitely gives off Katniss vibes. She’s smart, cold, methodical. And the only thing driving her is keeping her family safe. She wants nothing to do with the Tanner/Unions war. She’d rather be left alone. Meanwhile, we have Patrick who gives off Kaz Brekker vibes. He will do anything to protect his people and if it means getting his hands dirty then so be it.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and I’m excited to continue on with this series. Lastly big thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read an early copy.

Damn. I finished this book last night and cannot stop thinking about it. That ending was brutal. I wanted there to be more so badly and now I’m sitting here with the pieces of my very heart surrounding me, not knowing if it will be put back together or not. I am absolutely shattered. (AND I’M LOVING IT!)

I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. I’ll be honest, I usually go into books blind so I just did a light skim of the blurb and was like, “This might be interesting.” Oh my gosh. My expectations were surpassed in every way. I think this is my favorite read of the year with the potential to be one of my favorite series ever. So effing good. I pre-ordered it as soon as I finished the e-arc. I loved the main characters in their complexity and the way they were shown over time. Their development was unmatched. The magic system was unique and well built. The controlling government sneaking things by the people is what every utopian society is built from, except there is no perfection here. Unless of course you are one of the artisans or alchemists. The class system is fascinating and demoralizing. There is so much to unpack in this book; it would make a perfect book club discussion pick. There are romance themes with very light spice. I can’t think of anything that I disliked about it, except the fact that book #2 is not here yet. Don’t sleep on this book. It’s going to be everyone’s newest obsession when it comes out. Don’t miss it!

Thank you SO much to Stacey McEwan for writing this masterpiece and allowing me to have an e-arc, as well as Saga Press and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Book Review A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
 
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I preorder a beautiful sprayed edge edition of A Forbidden Alchemy from @ and I am so excited to receive it when it is released 1 July 2025. But I am not good at delaying gratification and I yearned for an ARC. My wish was granted and I am so very excited to say that I received (and promptly demolished) an ARC of A Forbidden Alchemy and I am eternally grateful to @ and @


🚨semi-spoilers ahead if you’ve not read the advance chapter in @ or have been living under a rock and know nothing about this novel 🚨

We follow Nina and Patrick first as innocent youths and later as hardened adults. The two meet at the siphoning ceremony - an event that effectively determines one’s social trajectory by identifying them as either artisan (brains) or crafter (brawn). However, at the tender age of 12 the two inadvertently stumble upon a dark truth about the world they know: artisans are chosen - not born. The two are subsequently able to choose their own fates, and choose they do.

While their paths lead in seemingly different directions after the siphoning ceremony, they fated to cross again.

As I do not actually want to spoil this book for anyone seeking to avoid spoilers, I will keep this short: well written, very distinct characters, very engaging. I consumed this book in 48 hours while shirking adulting as far as I was morally, legally, and contractually able to.

Spice: like Stacey’s other novels, the romance and spice are secondary to the plot and so well woven in. Stacey writes longing and desire so vividly it is painful. When the MCs finally do come together it is titillating and satisfying. The scenes are open door but not gratuitous and easily flitted over if it’s not your jam.

I see a lot of ARC readers (understabably) posting their heartache with the ending. And I will say this, it ended in the only way it could - on the precipice of something big. I am also devastated and elated and I cannot wait to have Stacey break my heart again. And again. And again. I will always come back for more

This book is the perfect blend of fantasy romance and all the dystopian vibes from books I loved in childhood! Nina and Patrick attend a ceremony at the age of 12 where they are expected to drink a substance called “Idium” that will either awaken magic within them or show that they are magic-less. This will determine if the will spend their lives as an artisan (Magic welding person able to have a high paying job and lead a prosperous life) or a craftsman (laborer with no real prospects and banished to the Brink). At the ceremony however, they discover something about the Idium that will change the world as they know it.

This story was absolutely incredible. I could not put it down! I loved the romance between Patrick and Nina and loved their banter! They had the best chemistry and the slow burn had me sweating!!

The pacing and world building was phenomenal. There were also enough plot twists to leave you second guessing everything you thought you knew, and the ending will have you clamoring for the next book!!

THANK YOU to NetGalley, Saga Press, and Stacey McEwan for the advanced copy of this book!! I am beyond honored to have received it and can’t wait for everyone to read this!!

A Forbidden Alchemy may be one of my top reads ever. With its slow burn romance, unique world, and characters you’ll instantly fall for, this is the kind of book that romantasy lovers are going to be absolutely obsessed with when it releases.

We meet the main characters when they’re still young, which brings so much depth to their stories. They’re both so set in their beliefs, shaped by the world they’ve grown up in, but there’s a curiosity in both of them that draws them together. Watching them grow into themselves over time added so much emotional weight to the story, and to their relationship.

The FMC is strong-minded and empathetic, and so easy to connect with. She was a genuinely refreshing character. Her arc is beautifully paced and layered.

And the MMC… swoon. “He falls first, and harder” is one of my favorite tropes, and this book does it perfectly. His loyalty, his complexity, the softness he tries to hide had me squealing and kicking my feet. The dual POV made everything more immersive, especially the way their destinies were threaded together.

The worldbuilding was easy to follow but rich with detail. It gave me that nostalgic 2010s dystopian energy (Hunger Games/Divergent fans, you’re going to love this) but still felt so fresh and original.

Also? The side characters are so good. The found family dynamic was both hilarious and heartwarming.

The ending wrecked me (in the best way)—I didn’t even realize I was on the last page until I was already screaming. I need book two immediately.

✨ Review: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan ✨

I had the absolute privilege of reading an early copy of A Forbidden Alchemy (thank you Stacey ♥) — and WOW, I’m still thinking about it. Stacey McEwan delivers a story that’s gritty, magnetic, and completely impossible to put down. Think Peaky Blinders meets elemental magic, with a world that feels as sharp and dangerous as it is beautiful.

The story follows Nina and Patrick, childhood friends who grew up in the shadow of Belavere City’s powerful magic — only to find themselves on opposite sides of a brewing revolution. Years after uncovering a devastating secret about the magic they were promised, they’re forced back together for a mission that could change everything. And let me tell you... the tension, the longing, the impossible choices? Chef’s kiss.

The banter is top-tier (seriously, I laughed out loud more than once), the character development is so good it hurts, and even the side characters had me way too emotionally invested. (Please, Stacey, I'm begging you — don’t hurt them 🥲.) The magic system is simple enough to understand quickly but rich enough to keep you fascinated — the perfect blend.

And the ending?? Let’s just say when I hit that last page, I had to sit there blinking, like THAT’S where you’re leaving me?! (I need the next book immediately.)

If you love found family, rival-to-possible-allies tension, rich world-building, and characters that feel like they might step off the page at any moment, you need this book in your life when it drops on July 1st.

Pure magic. Pure heart. Pure alchemy. 🖤

This freaking book y'all! If Peaky Blinders, Six of Crows, Heartless Hunter, and Jade City are your jam, then you will *love* this book. Like my gosh it's incredible! This book does not hold back any punches. It'll get you right in the gut but you won't be able to look away for any of it.

This story begins with a chance encounter between two twelve year olds who become central figures on opposing sides of conflict and war. The magical school setting of the first fifteen or so chapters speeds through time quickly, just as The Magicians speeds through so much of what happens during the school years in order to highlight only the most important bits and how their connection remained despite their distance apart, both physically and ideologically.

The first person and third narratives of the two main characters will have you at the edge of your seat. The world building is top notch, fully fleshed out and engulfing. The magic is unique and gripping. The political climate is complex with real stakes. You will be drawn into this world completely and be left breathless and stunned by book's end. The plot twists and reveals were so well done.

The romantic progression was so well done. Their love is fiery and ignites the world in its wake. This is second chance romance of a sort, a childhood moment in time weaving their fates together. This is childhood trust replaced with deep hurt and distrust as they navigate opposite sides of the war turned reluctant allies to lovers.

They hurt each other but with the best of intentions. These characters are so beautifully flawed and real and relatable, from the main two characters to a broad cast of side characters who will quickly find a space in your heart as well. The author quickly and expertly introduces what divides and what unites, what makes each and every character unique and the hero of their own stories.

This is a group of rebelling gangsters/mafia, woven by brutal and swift justice and mercy in one. The miner community is perfectly displayed and described. You will be launched headfirst into the realities they experience and empathize with the plights and trauma induced cycles these characters find themselves in.

Honestly, there really aren't words to describe just how much I enjoyed each and every page of this book. Read it when it releases. I think you'll love it too.

Content: strong language, violence, brutal realities of living and surviving in a mining community (alcoholics and dr..g addled fathers, mothers who leave their families searching for a better life, children seeking a way--any way--to leave their harsh lives behind), there is s..x but it is lower on the threshold with the focus more on their relationship and feelings than overly long and explicit play by plays

Thank you so much to Saga Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

This year is the year of romantasy. I feel like I’ve read a lot of fantastically crafted fantasy romance, and Stacey McEwan is at the top of that list. Growing up in mining towns are two main characters. Nina and Patrick are sent to discover their magical potential but what they stumble upon is something different.
Finding that artisans aren’t born, but chosen they separate and 13 years later Nina is an artisan while Patrick is the head of the rebellion.
I wouldn’t call this second chance romance, but at the same time, this is the second time our main character characters encounter each other. I loved this story. I loved how the world is crafted. I love the Magic system that Stacey McEwan put together as ordinary people are turned into and have magical abilities awoken within them. And that the people in power are the ones who decide who is worth. While you think it is kind of the basic type of story, you might see. McEwan puts a fresh spin that will leave you on your seat and have you foaming at the mouth for the next book.

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan

Thank you @Saga Press Books 🛸🧙🏿‍♀️🔪 for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley . All opinions are my own.

“This stunning slow-burn romantasy follows a fated pair who uncover a world-changing secret and are thrust into a violent class war, navigating love, loss, and devastating betrayals.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved the Artisans and Craftsman set up for this story. Class separation and civil war topic in current world situation is good to read and remind ourself even in fiction books. The magical fantasy elements were really nicely build and made the story sooo good.

Only thing I really didn’t like was that this book had me so stressed out. The secrets & lies, ending with the cliffhanger… I definitely need to read something more light after this one.

Recommended all the romantasy readers.

Book review 📖

📜A Forbidden Alchemy
✍️Stacey McEwan
📠Saga Press
📚Fantasy/Romance Fiction
🗓️Pub date: July 1, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨Thank you @NetGalley and @sagapressbooks for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

✨Nina and Patrick leave their mining town at twelve years old to Belavere City to discover magical potential. Those who are lucky enough to pass Belavere’s test will go on to become Artisans, those who wield powerful magic. Nina loves to be where she is, yet Patrick hates it and would rather return to his mining family that keeps the city thriving.

✨They quickly learn the truth that Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen, and the two are separated. In years to come, Nina and Patrick are forced into opposing sides of a brewing war.

✨When Nina is captured by Patrick’s army, and she finally agrees to help his cause, sparks fly between them, despite her strong inclinations to disregard everything he stands for. A prior lover of Nina’s surfaces, asking her to betray Patrick, and she is faced with an impossible decision.

✨With strong steampunk vibes, this was a unique fantasy read, however was very slow to start and too political heavy for my liking. The time gaps in beginning sections were significant. Fans of a slow-burn and someone who doesn’t mind a slow-to-pick-up storyline may like this.

#netgalley #aforbiddenalchemy #staceymcewan #sagapress #advancedreadercopy #arc #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #summerreleases #fantasyfiction

Look I was skeptical about this when I first started reading it. The characters were 12. I thought “this can’t be the amazing book I read about online.” Then we had the time jumps.

Patrick and Nina meet at 12, but are reunited 13 years later while their country is on the brink of war. They’re on opposite sides, but Patrick is determined to change Nina’s mind.

Patrick is so Tommy Shelby coded that it’s ridiculous. I ate it right up. His family and gang are tight knit, and they truly care about their community and fighting for what’s right. Sometimes the way they go about it isn’t the prettiest, but they get the job done.

Nina spends most of the book conflicted about the side she wants to fight for, but Patrick just might be the one who makes up her mind. Their romance is so swoon-worthy that it makes me sick.

There was a huge twist in this I didn’t see coming, and Stacey McEwan set it up perfectly. There were some other betrayals that came out of nowhere and I loved that they surprised me.

My favorite side character was Donny by a long shot (pun intended). He was funny and sweet, but ruthless when he had to be.

This book was an easy five stars for me. I’ll be thinking about it for a loooong time. Probably until book 2 comes out. Especially after that ending!!

Stacy McEwan nailed it! I loved the unique magic system, morally grey characters, and all the twists and turns! The slow-burn and banter were on point. Overall, the characters were really well written. The dialogue and interactions between characters felt very real and it was easy to feel transported into The Artesian School or Keton Hill.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the eARC! I absolutely loved this read! All options are my own. #NetGalley #AForbiddenAlchemy

I really liked the idea and basic premise of the magic in this book-that really anyone could have magical powers fed from the earth, but the people in power were gatekeeping it. I loved the twists and turns. The romance was hot and angsty. That having been said, the switch between first and third personal narration was a bit jarring, and I wish there was more magic. This book was mostly Peaky Blinders with a tiny bit of magic. I wish there was more balance. Still a great book and it has me excited to see where book two takes us!

3.75⭐️ rounded to 4. A Forbidden Alchemy alternates between the dual POVs of Nina and Patrick, childhood friends who reunite years later amidst war and rebellion. I found Nina and Patrick both interesting characters to read through and enjoyed the authors writing style. The ending left me a bit frustrated but it set up nicely for the sequel. Overall a solid start to a duology and I plan on reading the second book.

What a fantastically juicy slow-burn romantasy! Truly kept me guessing until the end and now I need the next part like yesterday!!!

This really does have all the great elements of a story that keeps you coming back for more…mystery, intrigue, comedy, romantic encounters. Truly Stacy has written such a wonderful story with characters that I just want to invite to the pub, flaws and all.