Wow, I don't even know where to start. I had to pick my jaw up several times after twists that I definitely did not see coming. The plot is chef's kiss, truly so unique and unlike anything I've read so far. It was giving Peaky Blinders vibes and I've never even seen it 😂

At the age of 12 children take part in a siphoning ceremony where they will be designated an Artisan or a Craftsman depending on the effects of the Idium they consume. Nina and Patrick stumble upon the truth that Artisans aren't born, they are chosen. This sets them on separate courses that eventually collide with impossible decisions to be made.

I appreciated the world building as it really made things easy to follow for me. The feelings of loyalty as well as betrayal cut deep! The banter was incredible between main characters as well as wonderful secondary characters. I was so invested in this whole book, but there were times that I felt like I literally couldn't read it fast enough because what was happening was so heart pounding!

I am just beside myself waiting for book two, because the cliffhanger it left on basically punched me in the gut and stole my lunch money. This is 100% one of my top reads, not just of this year, but of all time.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Saga Press and Stacey McEwan for the ARC of A Forbidden Alchemy, it was incredible.

This. Book. Is. Stunning.

The twists and turns. The morally grey cast of characters. The unique magic system. The conspiracies. Hands down one of my favorite MMCs, and a really well developed and complex FMC. The found family aspect of this both enveloped me and broke me. If you want to be devastated, but in a really satisfying way, this is it for you. I think it may be among one of my top reads/series ever, which is a high bar! The biggest problem about reading an ARC? I have to wait even longer for book 2.

Thank you to Saga Press Books and Stacey McEwan for the ARC (and the emotional breakdown).

This book was absolutely amazing. Patrick and Nina were everything and more and the plot twists absolutely wrenched my heart out. I haven’t read a book like this in a while. It’s a different type of fantasy than I’m used to, kind of mixed with steam punk and such a crazy read. Some characters definitely have some redeeming to do in the next book

If an author can get me hooked in the first chapter I’m done for and honestly I devoured this book in 24 hours! The banter is witty and fun I just couldn’t get enough. But the ended just hits you like a ton of bricks, you’ll never would’ve guessed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Stacey McEwan for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


Where to even begin??!! This book had my anxiety spiking through the roof the entire time. The amount of lies and betrayals were mind blowing. You live at the edge of your seat waiting to find out what will happen to Nina. Will she be found out at school? Will she reunite with Theo or Patrick? (For the record, I’m #teamPatrick all the way, and when Stacey said this would be a slow burn, she wasn’t kidding.) There were more twists here than in the tunnels being dug in the story. The last page had me screaming, “NO!!!”😭😭😭. So many fates are up in the air, and I don’t know how I’m even supposed to wait for book 2. Well done Stacey McEwan. Well done.

5🌟
1🌶️

I hate posting this because I adore Stacey McEwan, but ultimately, this book wasn't for me. I had a hard time getting invested in mining towns and the rebellion, which didn't really seem needed. Sure, the leaders rigged the magic system, but the consequences weren't out of the ordinary, so the rebellion seemed extreme. Also, the FMC basically had dirt magic, which was a little hard to get excited about. I also wasn't feeling the chemistry between her and the MMC. I was disappointed, to say the least. It literally hurts me to leave this review because I had such high hopes for this book.

Imagine Peaky Blinders with magic, with a touch of Hunger Games—this book delivers all that and more! Nina has spent her life dreaming of becoming an artisan, determined to prove she’s worthy of magic. Patrick, however, has no interest in magic—he just wants to return home. Neither of them expects to uncover a secret so explosive it could shake the very foundations of their society. A conspiracy so dark, it could ignite a war. Now, Nina and Patrick are caught in a deadly game, forced to navigate a world where betrayal, bloodshed, and magic rule.

I absolutely loved this book! At first, I had a bit of trouble following the timeline, and it wasn’t until Nina’s age was mentioned that things clicked for me. That’s just a personal issue I had, and I’m hoping that when the book is officially released, that might be clearer. However, starting with the characters at a young age was perfect for setting the stage.

As the story unfolded, I couldn’t help but get pulled in by all the twists, the romance, the betrayal, and the secrets. I was constantly trying to guess the plot, but Stacey kept surprising me at every turn! I couldn’t put this book down. Every free moment, I was reading, and that final sentence left me eagerly waiting for book 2. I’m not just ready for book 2—I need it!

A Forbidden Alchemy was phenomenal, and I’m already trying my best to be patient while waiting for more. Stacey, there will be more, right? A huge thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!!

I hope y’all enjoy reading what is shaping out to be my new favorite series. Nina and Patrick find themselves at a young age discovering the truth behind what shapes their world, and end up on opposite sides of a rebellion. Maybe it’s destiny, maybe it’s calculated character decisions, but Nina and Patrick both end up in the same orbit again. Both being born in miner families, they start to battle not only externally with the rebellion but internally with each of their motivations. Everything comes to a head when Nina and Patrick must decide if their loyalties will stay with their head or their heart, and who they are willing to betray to protect what they care about most. Stacey McEwan writes in a way that is captivatingly refreshing in the romantasy world. So many of the romantasy’s start to feel wash, rinse, repeat, but Stacey’s is refreshing in her approach and is an autobuy author.

There's so much to say about this book. First, thank you so much for the ARC! This has been a highly anticipated title for me every since Stacey McEwan announced it as I am a big fan of the Glacian Trilogy.

As the story began, I tried to make parallels to other books and predict the overall plot. By maybe 60% of the way through, I gave up. Each turning point took me by surprise and I decided to enjoy myself instead.
The characters are so rich and complex; not a single one could be categorized as "good" or "evil". I think everyone is a shade of morally grey. The story was so intense it became all I could think about and I truly took a day and a half to read this between work and sleep. Nina and Patrick absolutely captured my heart and broke it, and even though I find myself a bit angry with both of them at the conclusion of this story, I am already anticipating a sequel with very little patience!

I can't wait for my pre-ordered copy to arrive so I can reread, and I plan on persuading all of my friends to read this.

oooh this was an interesting start to a romantasy and it felt like a unique read. This had all the intrigue, magic, class wars, uprising, and alchemy plot. The book is a slow burn, and it builds as the two main characters, who are part of gritty low-class areas, are brought together to seek out their magic. I liked that there were these 2 different towns that the main characters come from and were able to see the disenfranchisement and how the class wars and mini rebellions started. I also liked seeing how the towns survived by doing what they had to do to provide for themselves.

The mmc is morally grey, he is kinda a rebellion leader from his town, and he enlists the help of the fmc with her magic aspect, not knowing the secrets she is keeping from him. I loved the tension in the slow burn romance, it's a bit steamy, but there was a lot of relationship development, which makes what happens in the end worse for the mcs. I'm here for the next book in the series! Thanks to Saga Press for this arc for an honest review.

✨ARC REVIEW✨

The world Stacey created in A Forbidden Alchemy instantly drew me and left me wanting so much more in the second book. (I knew a cliffhanger would be coming but my, oh, my, that is an understatement!)

With a unique take on first-person and third-person perspectives this story has an incredible slow burn, plot twists that twisted hard, and an incredible cast of characters, it is an absolute must read for any fantasy lover!

major thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press books for the early opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

"You should trust no one, Nina" - Patrick Colson.

And you shouldn't trust Stacey McEwan either. Every time I thought I knew what was next Stacey had me gasping. Not sure where we go from here but I am looking forward to seeing how Patrick and Nina get themselves out of their current situation and what becomes of Kenton Hill.

Gangsters and magic and war, with a love story, betrayal, and finding yourself (maybe at the wrong time). Nina wants to escape her mining town and become an artisan (aka magic user) but when she gets to the ceremony to determine if she holds magic, she instead finds Patrick. Patrick only wants to go back home to his family. Neither of them ever thought they’d stumble on a secret so big it could star a war.

In the end I really did enjoy this, personal problems aside, the first half of this had weird pacing. I’m hoping in the final print there is a better distinction as to where in time we are. It jumped years or months to go through time and while it was fine, I was confused until what age Nina was at the moment was explained. I will also say I figured out much of the twists in the book, though I still enjoyed the ride! I think there will be a ton of people that enjoy this immensely.

4.75 Stars. That ending!!! I really enjoyed A Forbidden Alchemy. Clever plotting allowed for some great plot twists. The magic system is really interesting. At times, it was giving Hunger Games Capital vs. District 12 & 13 vibes. It’s unfortunate that I could see this caste system happening in the US if it were giving the gift of Idium. I really like the MMC. He is such a complicated and flawed character. I hope our FMC grows even more in the next one because it's heartbreaking to see her struggle with herself. Definitely excited to continue reading this story.

From the start, we are thrown into the gritty, divided world of Belavere City, where the powerful Artisans wield elemental magic while the Craftsmen labor in the perilous idium mines. The way McEwan crafts this hierarchy feels visceral, almost dystopian, making the stakes incredibly high for both Nina and Patrick, our two protagonists who come from opposing backgrounds. Nina, desperate to escape the harsh realities of her mining town, views the Artisan trials as salvation, while Patrick, fiercely loyal to his family’s traditions, resents the system that pulls him away from them. Their initial bond is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, setting the stage for the conflicts that unravel later in the book.

One of the most compelling aspects of A Forbidden Alchemy is its central twist—the Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen. This revelation isn’t just a plot device; it completely reframes how we view the magic system and the society built around it. It’s a commentary on power, privilege, and the lies people are willing to tell to maintain control. McEwan explores these themes with nuance, ensuring that every moment feels meaningful rather than just world-building for the sake of it.

The romance in this book is simply chef’s kiss. Nina and Patrick have a history that makes every interaction between them charged with emotion, whether it’s longing, anger, or grudging admiration. Years after being separated, they find themselves on opposite sides of a rebellion—Nina, now an elite Artisan with earth-wielding abilities, and Patrick, a Craftsman rebel leader who captures her for a mission that could change everything. Their dynamic is intense, filled with tension and slow-burning chemistry that makes their eventual reconnection feel earned rather than rushed. If you love a good “enemies-to-lovers with a complicated past” trope, this book delivers it flawlessly.

Beyond the romance, the action is gripping, with every twist landing perfectly. The pacing never falters, keeping you completely hooked until the very last page. McEwan’s prose is lush and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the world of Belavere. The magic system feels original and well thought out, and the societal conflicts add an extra layer of depth that elevates the story beyond a typical fantasy romance.

By the time I reached the final chapter, I was left in awe of how well A Forbidden Alchemy balanced its action, emotion, and world-building. Stacey McEwan has crafted something truly special here—something that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. This is an easy 5/5 stars for me, and I cannot wait for more readers to experience the magic, the heartbreak, and the triumph of Nina and Patrick’s journey.

My new identity: glutton for punishment. Why did I think that Stacey wouldn't deliver the most delicious torture again... just like she did in Ledge/Chasm/Valley. I signed up for it, so l certainly can't complain. But what an incredible ride this was!
The writing is even better than the Glacian Trilogy, and that's saying something. This book has so much going for it. A really unique plot, magic system, characters... and you're never going to stop guessing what's going to happen next! Hint: you'll get it wrong. This book!!!!! So freaking good.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Saga Press, and the incredibly talented Stacey McEwan for the ARC of Forbidden Alchemy!

I have typed out and erased the beginning of this because I well & truly cannot decide where to start. I have been SO excited for this book since Stacey originally started teasing it on social media and it did 👏🏼 not 👏🏼 disappoint!! This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite reads of the entire year. It was completely unputdownable. When I was forced to stop reading to do adult chores (gross), I was constantly thinking about it. I don’t know how I am supposed to go on with that cliffhanger…I’ll be recommending this to literally anyone who will listen.

A few of my favorite things:
It was so unique compared to any other fantasy/romantasy book I’ve read, and I’m utterly obsessed with the nod to Peaky Blinders! It brought a new dimension to the book and truly made the MMC morally grey, which is honestly a struggle to find in many books that claim it these days.
The twists!!! I usually pride myself on seeing things coming, and let me tell you, while I could predict some of the turns, the ones I missed left me with my mouth completely agape staring at a non existent camera off in the distance
The depth in which we learn of the fmc/mmcs past and how they got to where they are by the end of the book. This was also unique, following their stories starting at 12 years old instead of jumping into 25 with some flashbacks. I actually loved this and honestly my only critique is I wish there was more!
The fmc’s natural desire for knowledge and learning. This was also something I feel like we don’t see too often. This fmc is more clever than anything, and knowing she had a rough go at life didn’t make her completely bitter but just wanting to do the work to make it better was so inspiring to read about.
The dog, because obviously

I could really go on and on about this book, I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read it early, but l am truly going to be in pain until I know what happens (take your time, Stacey, but know us readers are not well).

I’ll likely add to this later, as I spiral about the book, but overall I absolutely loved it (clearly) and it is, without a doubt, my favorite read so far this year!

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release date: July 1, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. A Forbidden Alchemy begins with the main characters, Nina and Patrick, discovering a world changing secret as children that goes on to affect the rest of their lives. When they reunite 13 years later, their country is in the middle of a war between the crafters and the artisans that will change everything.

This was a fantastic book!! The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go until the very last page. The magic system is unique and the world building is interesting. The dual POVs are well done and give the reader different perspectives of what is happening. I loved the FMC Nina. She is intelligent, sassy, and kind. Her internal conflict about what is right and her growth throughout the story make her character easy to relate to and empathize with. The relationship in the story is a little bit of a slow burn and the tension is great!

The plot twist about 2/3 of the way through the book surprised me and gave the story so much more depth. The cliff hanger ending has me more than ready for book 2! I highly recommend giving A Forbidden Alchemy a try.

4.5 / 5 ⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Forbidden Alchemy follows the aftermath of two children, Patrick and Nina, who discover a secret that can rock the foundation of their entire country. Armed with knowledge, Nina travels to the school she’s always dreamed of attending while Patrick returns to the village he can’t imagine leaving.

"That’s the question, isn’t it, Scurry girl. Exactly how much we can trust each other?”

I freaking love Nina. She’s unabashedly smart, incredibly sassy and stubborn to boot. Patrick is kind of frustrating at times but that also makes it actually realistic. The dialogue between the two did a great job of building tension without being cringe. Even the more cringy lines (looking at you Donny).

”Because I read”, she said simply, and she had him there."

This book had SO many twists. I literally reread a page to make sure I read it correctly because it 1000000% did not go the way I expected. Forbidden Alchemy also does an amazing job of balancing humor and gravity. I was literally gasping out loud as I read this book!

The magic system was interesting but I definitely have some questions lingering. I think it’ll be fleshed out because I have a theory but considering my record, I’m probably wrong. Ambience wise, Artisan versus Brink divide was definitely reminiscent of Hunger Games while still being original.

I loved this book. I will buy this book when it’s released. It’s a little grittier than I’ve been reading lately in the best way. I did have some issues with continuity, nothing major but a few things that seemed out of place.

It’s a curse to have to wait for book two!! This book enthralled me from the very beginning. It’s an underdog story with plot twists left and right. It was pretty fast paced at the beginning and quickly settled into an adult world of magic, friendship, love, and betrayal (of course). It was refreshing to read a fantasy story that wasn’t solely plotted around monarchs and winning thrones. This was a whole new spin on elemental magic that I loved. I’ll be counting down the days until book two is released!