Jaw? Dropped. Mind? REELING!

A masterclass in vivid worldbuilding with a unique and original magic system, and tensions that pull you so deep into the story, it's like living within the pages. Like living near the brink immersed in a life full of crafters and artisans.

From betrayals, world changing secrets, and devastating truths that could ignite war, every chapter is packed with high stakes emotion and explosive twists that I definitely never saw coming. The inner emotional turmoil was at level eleven, paired with impossible choices, and SO much angst.

The second half of the book had me stressed, sweating, heart pounding, flipping pages faster than I could blink. AND THAT ENDING?! Diabolical. Brilliant. i've officially lost myself in a world that refuses to let go, and I need book two ASAP lol. This was definitely giving Peaky Blinders meets a world of magic, and I ATE. THIS. UP.

( I'm hoping certain characters can make amends, and said characters family feels forgiving because this is such a deep hole to climb out of, LIKE HOW DO YOU COME BACK FROM THIS?! )

The way this book has had me in a chokehold for days in no joke! The magic system in this book was unlike any I’ve read. I could not put this down, but alas was forced to by my children, my husband and adult responsibilities. You better believe every other chance I had this book was in my hands.

At the age of 12 all children are brought to Belavere city to find out if they are artisan or craftsman. Children who are found artisan will stay in the city and get school for their gifting (there are many and few rare) and those who are craftsman return to their towns likely live a life working in the mines. What happens when Nina and Patrick stumble upon the biggest secret they are keeping from them completely flips their worlds and lives upside down.

Stacey I’m mad at you for that ending, but love you for your writing and world building! I cannot wait for the next book! And obviously now need to read your entire back catalog!

Thank you NetGalley, Saga Press and Stacey McEwan for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am beyond speechless. I picked this up because I heard nothing but praise for it on Reddit. Knowing nothing other than it falling into my favorite genre - romantasy. And let me tell you, I am SO GLAD that was all I knew. So I’m going to try and make this review as spoiler-free as possible.

Guys. This is one of my top 3 reads of 2025. Just hands down, incredible writing, incredible pacing, fully 3-dimensional characters. Stacey McEwan is now a must buy for me. I pre-ordered the book after reading this.

———- MILD SPOILERS BELOW this point!!! ————-
.
.
.

Imagine a world divided between those magically gifted and those without. Only that if you’re without magic, you live a cruel life mining iridium - a mineral that gifts some humans different magical abilities. I imagined something like the setting in Arcane, where Artisans live in beautiful, safe sectors of the world, while the Crafters live in a dilapidated hell hole.

Nina Harrow is from the brink (dilapidated hell hole). To ensure equality- all children are given a small dose of iridium - to see if they have magic. This ritual ensures that all children are given a chance at a better life. Those who have magic get to go to an elite school for Artisans (those magically gifted).

Romance: 5 stars
There’s so much slow-burning yearning here, it’s insane. But what raises up a notch is that there are two incredible bachelors - each pining for Nina.

Tropes:
- Love Triangle (done EXTREMELY well. I don’t know who I’m rooting for).
- Dystopia - between the haves and the have-nots. I quickly imagined the setting in Arcane for this.
- Magical realism
- Academia (slightly touched upon)
- So many twists - even when you think they’re done, there are more!
- Slow-burn

Overall, I highly recommend this for those who enjoy a good balance between romance, fantasy, and plot. Also recommend if you enjoy a well-written, unpredictable story. This is probably in my top 10 favorite books of all time.

Thank you to NetGalley and SagaPress and Stacey for this eARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was a great romantic fantasy. I felt that McEwan did an incredible job with world building in this book. The magic system was also fascinating. I also found the plot to be thoroughly enjoyable. The sheer number of twists and reveals that happened in this book left me mind blown. I appreciated that these elements were just as good if not better than the romance aspect of the book. I was in the mood for a great fantasy that still brought some heat and this definitely checked those boxes. I also found both the FMC and MMC to be incredibly interesting. I’m all in for a morally grey man but I especially enjoyed that they originally met in their youth only to find themselves (maybe?) on opposite sites of a revolution. I thought the audiobook was really well done. I love when multiple narrators are used to voice different characters, so it was already a win for that alone. The narrators’ performances were captivating and kept me fully immersed in the story. The narration was clear, easy to understand, and brought the emotions to keep it from feeling flat. Overall, this was a great read, and I can’t wait for the next book.

This book completely wrecked me in the best way. From the gritty, atmospheric worldbuilding to the gut-punch emotional stakes, A Forbidden Alchemy is a stunning start to what promises to be a phenomenal series. Imagine Peaky Blinders meets An Ember in the Ashes with a twist of elemental magic and a forbidden love that hurts in all the right ways.

The world is so intricately built—mining towns, elite magical schools, class tensions boiling over into rebellion—and the magic system? Gorgeously crafted. It’s both mysterious and grounded, steeped in political consequence and personal cost.

Nina was such a compelling protagonist: stubborn, strong, and deeply haunted. I loved how the early scenes let me truly feel her before launching us into the escalating chaos. And Patrick? My entire heart. Their shared history, the tension, the betrayals, the choices. It all hit so hard. I’m still reeling.

The time jumps were masterfully done, flowing with purpose and weight. And the pacing? Pitch-perfect. I never felt lost or rushed, just fully immersed in this world where magic and morality are deeply entangled.

I need the sequel now. I need closure. I need more pain. I’m officially obsessed with Stacey McEwan and will be devouring her entire backlist while I count the days until book two.

This book consumed me from the start. We start with Nina and Patrick age 12 as they are called into the city to be sorted as an Artisan (those who can produce magic after consuming Idium) or Crafter (those who can’t produce magic). Though they have similar backgrounds, both being poor children of miners, they have different dreams. Nina wishes to stay in the city and will do whatever necessary to do it. Patrick just wants to go back home to his parents and brothers. While in the city and before they are sorted, they discover a secret the government has been keeping from everybody. The two part ways and must decide what they must do with this knowledge.

The next few chapters consist of glimpses of Nina’s six years in school. Sometimes, I get frustrated with time jumps like these, but Stacey did a great job at making it seamless. I also loved that reading Nina’s 1st person POV, especially the early chapters, felt very much like she was telling the story. I don’t often notice whether a book is written in 1st or 3rd person, so when I notice, it tends to be when it’s done very well. You can feel Nina’s sorrow and regret as she reminds readers and herself that she was a child.

The tension between Nina and Patrick is so delicious. I loved every single minute of them together.

I hope in the sequel we get to see more of Nina’s inventive mind. I loved the skirt she made when she was 12, but then we never really saw anything like that from her again. Hopefully, spending more time with the Colsons will help draw that inventive side out again.

Definitely the must read fantasy of the summer! Don’t miss out on this book full of love, betrayal, and magic!

A Forbidden Alchemy is a high-stakes fantasy with a wonderful slow-burn romance.

Nina Harrow is a young girl from a mining town with high hopes of being something more. At age 12, she is brought to the capital to test her for any magical ability. There, she meets a young boy, Patrick, from another mining family. When waiting for their turn, they uncover a dangerous secret about Idium, the magical substance used to separate the Artisans and the Crafters. Nina is invited to the Academy to study her magic, and Patrick heads home. But political and class tensions rise, and war soon breaks out between the House of Lords in the capital city and the Miners' Union in the towns. Many years pass, and Nina finds herself running away from the House and their expectations of her, and right into Patrick, her old friend, who now leads the miners in their revolution. Nina has to choose between the Artisans who have magic like her and are loyal to the house, and the Craftsmen of the towns, fighting for their rights.

Wow, this book! Reading the synopsis, I knew this was right up my alley, and I absolutely loved it! There are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting, and I also loved the character and relationship development between Nina and Patrick. The story is told primarily in Nina's POV, but we also have a few chapters from Patrick's perspective as well. The story also moves through time, from when they meet at age 12, to several years later when they are around 25. Nina is a bit of a reluctant hero - she has strong and unique magic, which makes her a valuable asset. She is also between the world of the Artisans and their high society, and the hardworking miners in the towns. She realizes that in trying to remain neutral, she is more vulnerable. Patrick has strong Tommy Shelby gangster vibes - he is a true morally grey character, has no qualms about using violence when necessary, but also does his best to protect his family and his town. I liked seeing their relationship rekindle and grow. We also have some pretty great side characters - Theo and Polly, Artisans who find themselves assisting the Miners, and the rest of Patrick's family and crew in Kenton. There is a strong found family element in this book. But we are also in the midst of a war, and loyalties are tested. The ending left me gasping, and I am so ready for the next book in this series!

Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and to Saga Press for an advanced copy of this amazing book! All opinions are my own.

Stacey McEwan:
1. How dare you?
2. This book absolutely wrecked me—in the best way.

Twists, betrayals, conspiracies, morally grey characters, and a magic system that’s actually cool? Sign me up. From page one, I was hooked, and it never let go. The writing is witty, the reveals are shocking (but make sense!), and the world feels like Peaky Blinders meets alchemy—which I'm SAT FOR!

I loved the childhood flashbacks and really wish we got more of her post-school years, but what we do get is gold and I can't wait to see where her story goes in book 2!

The found family element completely broke me—so warm, so painful, so perfect. And the romance? Painfully yearning and 100% worth the emotional devastation.

At the start, I was nervous this was not going to be for me - I don't particularly love this 'era' or vibe of this era. (think peaky blinders) and I was hesitant.

I got to around the 43% mark and was ready to put it down..HOWEVER. I had a 5 hour appointment where I had nothing to do but sit, and said whatever I'll attempt this since I committed. I hit roughly 47% and SPED through, and finished the entire thing in one sitting.

Important to note nothing was wrong and it wasn't BAD prior, it was purely a personal issue with the 'era'. However after that % the story, the plot and characters jumped off the page and I forgot what was giving me pause. I loved it, some of the twists were like ah, yes makes sense but others had me in public with my jaw open.

I loved this, I loved the magic I loved the characters and the plot. I can't wait for book 2.

Thank you for writing and letting me review this early!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan is a mixed third and first person dual-POV fantasy romance. As children, Nina and Patrick met on the way to the Artisan School to see if they can pass a test to be granted magic and help them escape a life of labor mining the material needed to create more magic. When Nina takes a vial of this concentrated material, she becomes an earth Charmer and her dreams come true while Patrick leaves to return home. When they meet again years later, Patrick is running the Mining Union in his father’s absence and is heading a revolution to bring the Lords down and Nina is caught in the middle.

There’s a lot of very cool things that are happening on the page. This is a fairly stripped down Romantasy that allows the handful of worldbuilding details to breathe and be explored more fully. Nina and Patrick coming from mining towns and how it impacts their world view yet Patrick wanted nothing to do with the Lords and wanted to come home while Nina wanted to stay and that causes their separation is compelling on its own. It’s ramped up by acknowledging the dangers of mining as an industry, the psychological impact it has on miners and their families, and how poverty is a cycle that is incredibly difficult to escape and adds so much more to the world and themes. Even the references to how this kind of stress can contribute to domestic abuse and addiction and the cyclical nature of it all that exists in a community helped make the world feel real and flawed and yet it is easy to understand why Nina wants to escape and Patrick wants to save it.

Patrick and Nina’s sexual tension is very obvious the moment they meet each other again after years apart. The two never really forgot each other despite their time apart and finding other partners (Patrick sleeping with many nameless women while Nina formed a relationship for more than a year with another Charmer named Theodore) and there is unfinished business between them even if they were two young to understand what their initial feelings as children could become. Patrick is a lot more open about his desire for Nina but he also has a lot more self-control and he holds back a lot until Nina goads him far enough to finally act on those feelings. I was definitely here for it.

This is both enemies-to-lovers and not. Nina and Patrick are definitely on opposite sides of this issue and they have irreconcilable differences because of it as Patrick holds Nina hostage and makes her help his cause, but Nina is also never really the Mining Union’s enemy no matter what. She is a daughter of the mines, just from a different town. She understands it and where Patrick is coming from even if she disagrees with the methods. What makes it even more complicated are the reveals that happen throughout the book and add layers that show everyone is keeping secrets but Nina and Patrick are, at their core, really on the same side even if they are different views of how to get there.

Content warning for mentions of domestic abuse and sexual assault

I would recommend this to fans of Romantasy that takes the time to explore the implications of the worldbuilding and readers looking for a fantasy romance with a lot of sexual tension

4.5 stars

This is Stacey’s best work yet! It has a unique magic system, a class war/rebellion, an amazing cast of characters, and so many twists and turns. I definitely felt the Peaky Blinders vibes and I freaking loved Patrick - a blue eyed, morally grey rebel leader with a strong northern accent? Yes please. Actually I’m obsessed with his whole family and if anything happens to them I will riot!

Nina was such a great FMC - after growing up in a poor miner’s town, she becomes the first earth charmer in a hundred years and her power is extremely sought after by the corrupt artisan government. I absolutely loved following her connection to Patrick from the time they met as kids to being reunited 13 years later.

I took off half a star because it did take some getting into and I found myself reading slower than usual at times, but once it got going I didn’t want to stop! The ending was wild and I already can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️

I haven’t been this enamored with a book in a long time—I truly could not put it down. If not for adult responsibilities, I would’ve devoured it in one sitting. That’s how good this book is. The world-building was vivid and immersive, and the transitions between chapters were seamless.

This was my first read by Stacey McEwan, and I can confidently say she’s now an automatic-buy author for me. Her writing style is unique and completely captivating from the start. And just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is going, she hits you with a twist that knocks the wind out of you. The plot twists were genuinely unexpected, and the emotional punches packed a freaking punch.
You’ll also find yourself falling in love with the side characters, especially Donny, who stole a piece of my heart. This is a brilliant, high-stakes start to a new fantasy series that blends magic, rebellion, and romance with expert precision.

A Forbidden Alchemy is a strong contender for my top read of 2025 and an absolute must-read for fans of romantasy. And that cliffhanger? I’m counting the days until book two.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and Stacey McEwan for the gifted E-ARC copy.

JAW ON THE FLOOR.

Twists. Turns. I’m obsessed. I need more!!!!!

Peaky blinders vibes from MMC.

Slow burn; betrayal. Magic. Tension. Banter.

I loved this book. Such a unique story and magic system. It gripped me right from the beginning.

The world building was easy to follow and the pacing of this book was fast, which I appreciate. The twists, conspiracies and betrayals kept me on the edge of my seat.

I loved all the characters, the MMC was perfection and I loved our strong FMC. We also got a found family which is one of my favorites in a book.

The ending has me REELING! I’m going to need book two asap.

Thank you Saga Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it absolutely lived up to my expectations! This had so many twists, I am still reeling from the ending. This was absolutely stunning and I loved every second of it. The banter was fantastic and I loved the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers arc. Patrick is my new favorite MMC! This has a very unique magic system and a cast full of morally gray, found family characters. The twists kept me guessing all the way to the end. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC!

Every year, children from around the country are taken to Belavere City to be tested for magical ability. Those who pass become valued Artisans, and those who don’t are returned to their poor mining towns as Craftsmen. Nina and Patrick meet during testing and discover a powerful secret: Artisans are made, not born. The test is a ruse. The two part ways only to encounter one another more than a decade later during a Craftsman revolution– and on opposite sides.

I was not a fan of Ledge, so I went into this with low expectations and was absolutely blown away. I encounter so few romantasies that aren’t just a boring checklist of tropes– there’s a story here and complex human relationships. There are also stellar plot twists, and the tension (both romantic and other) is spectacular. I was on the edge of my seat.

Is it perfect? I could quibble about a few things, like the handwavy magic system and the kind of awkward time jumps, but the rest of the book easily outweighs those.

Be forewarned: this is the first book in what I assume will be a duology or a trilogy, and there is an absolutely criminal cliffhanger.

Forbidden Alchemy is an emotionally rich and addictive read that blends romance, mystery, and just the right amount of angst. Nina and Patrick’s story is full of intensity, slow-burn chemistry, and moments that tug at your heart. Their connection felt raw and real, making it impossible to put the book down. I’m completely hooked and can’t wait to see what unfolds in book two! Save Kenton Hill!

This was absolutely fantastic. Nina and Patrick had no idea what they'd started when they were twelve, and now years later, they're finally in the same place again. She worries that he doesn't recognize her, but of course he does, and she has far bigger problems to be concerned with.

As Patrick works to keep his town safe, he falls fast and hard for Nina, who is also falling herself. Their choices to fight for the people, to fight for each other, are heartbreaking and so, so real. I was totally shocked at the betrayal at the end, and I couldn't stop going, but it ended way too soon! I can't wait for the next book!

Absolute MUST READ!
Slowburn Romantasy with the YEARNING!! 🔥🔥

I truly feel like this is one of the best
Romantasy books this year!
It’s original, fresh, addicting, magical and FILLED with so many twists!! 😆

Easy to read and very easy to obsess over!
I cannot wait for more!!!!! This book is fabulous✨

Thank you so much for this arc!!!!

<i><blockquote>"And wasn't that the true evil of war? That it didn't have the decency to strip the humanity of those we killed?"</blockquote></i>

This book was just... WOW. I am having trouble finding the words to describe this book and do it the justice it deserves. This is my first book by Stacey McEwan and after reading this one, I am excited to check out more of her works. I went into this one knowing nothing, I didn't even remember reading the synopsis. That is the way you should go into this book too because the ride it takes you on is so worth it!

A Forbidden Alchemy begins with following Nina Harrow, who lives in a "brink town". She comes from a family of Crafters, but has dreams of being an Artisan. All children at the age of 12 years travel to Belavere City, to be tested to see if they are a Craftsmen or an Artisan. This is where she meets Patrick Colson. Together they learn that things are not as they seem.

The book takes off right away. There are secrets, twists, and schemes that you will not see coming! One of my favorite things about this is the way Stacey McEwan does her time jumps. Even though this book takes place over 10+ years, there isn't a lull nor does it ever drag. The plot was just so well crafted, it will suck you in without you even realizing it. But the romance!!!! The romance will keep you giggling, kicking your feet. The stuff Patrick said to Nina would make any girl fold.

While reading, I kept thinking that Patrick Colson was giving Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders vibes. I am so glad I got the vibes because in the Acknowledgements the author said she took inspiration from Peaky Blinders. She nailed it! I love Peaky Blinders so I am always down to read books inspired by the show. Patrick took me by surprise because he was the perfect morally grey character and I was not expecting that. I thought he was going to be like every other romantasy MMC, but he was not. He was the perfect blend of sweet and mean, without needing that "tortured hero" background most morally grey MMC's have. Here is a little example of some of the things he says to Nina, "I intend to put the rest of these boys to shame and spoil you for anyone else."

The side characters, especially Donny, kept me so entertained while reading. I really hope that the next book includes more scenes with them. I loathe the ending of this book solely because the next book isn't out. My jaw dropped when I read the last chapter. I literally had to sit and stare at the wall to wrap my mind around that cliffhanger. I am still in shock about the ending of this book. Be warned you will also yearn for the next book after finishing this one.

Overall, I loved reading A Forbidden Alchemy so much. I will be continuing this series, how could I not with that ending! I strongly recommend giving this book a chance, I promise you will fall in love too.

Final rating: 4.5 stars ✨

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan.