I loved A Forbidden Alchemy! This book is a perfect mix of magic, romance, and rebellion, set in a beautifully crafted world.

The story follows Nina and Patrick, two young people from mining towns who find themselves caught in the dangerous, high-society world of Belavere City. As they uncover secrets about their world, their relationship is tested, creating a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotion.

Stacey McEwan does an amazing job blending fantasy with real-world themes like power and privilege. The Victorian-inspired setting, mixed with magic and intrigue, reminded me of Peaky Blinders meets the Grishaverse.

If you love books with rich world-building, slow-burn romance, and high stakes, A Forbidden Alchemy is a must-read!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to Stacey McEwan, Saga Press, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

If you enjoy magic, romance, suspense, twists and turns, and rooting for the underdog: this book is for you. For me, it was a 13/10. The characters are amazing, the plot is fantastic, and the cliffhanger ending has wrecked me. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens next to Nina, Patrick, and crew.

4.5 stars. my blood pressure is going to need at least 6 hours to lower after that ending. HOW HOW HOW am I supposed to wait to find out more?! the most impressive thing was the writing of the dialect from Kenton Hill. Kudos to Stacey because I could hear the words in my head. I loved the magic system and the entire plot. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Unreal. Cannot wait for more!

Stacey, I love you. I might need to curl up in a ball on the floor and rock back-and-forth until I have information about the release for book two, but I love you.

This book is a low-fantasy romance set during wartime. Think Peaky Blinders but with more romance and a little magic. I could have highlighted everything the MMC said to the FMC, he's that good. I loved this book so much that I'm dying to see fan art, but it's not out yet, so I have to wait! Please do yourself a favor and read this one.

THIS. BOOK.

Peaky Blinders meets the Grishaverse? Yes please.

When Nina and Patrick are just 12 years old, they're sent to the capital city to determine their future. Will they be Crafters like their fathers, people without magic who become the laborers of the nation? Or will they be Artisans, those with magic abilities fueled by idium? Well, how about first they accidentally start a revolution? Yeah, okay it's that one.

Years later, Nina is on the run from the capital and the House of Lords, determined to not become a weapon in the war that stemmed from what happened when they were just 12. Patrick finds her and asks for her help - but she doesn't want to be a weapon for his side either. Sprinkle in the fact that she is the one that got away for Patrick, and you've got slow-burn romance with high stakes.

I'm begging everyone to read this. And also for Stacey to give us the next book ASAP. This is easy-to-consume fantasy, with a complete world that's also somewhat familiar and I wasn't fighting for my life trying to picture it. The magic system is unique and is seamlessly written into every aspect of the story. Need to dig a tunnel? No problem, the earth charmer can do it. Need to get rid of some water? The water charmer has you covered. These magic elements coupled with weapons we're familiar with like swords and guns in a battle scene? Loved it.

The slow burn did its thing here. There was alllll the delicious tension. Longing stares, brushes of fingers, hands gently guiding on her waist?? I eat it up every time.

The end of this book left me confused, angry, and wanting more, which are all the marks of a spectacular read for me. 5 stars, need the next one NOW (even though this one does not release until July).

As a huge fan of Stacey McEwan's LEDGE trilogy, I had high hopes for this one and was SO IMPRESSED. She's definitley a new favorite author and I can't wait for the sequels!

Thank you to NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.