A slow burn romantasy that tackles class wars rebellion and betrayal.

Book Stats:
📖: 480 pages
Genre: Romantasy
Publisher: Saga Press
Format: Physical ARC
Series: Book 1/2. Currently slated as a duology

Themes:
🪓 : Class wars
🪓 : Miners rights
🪓 : Rebellion

Tropes:
💗: He Falls First
💗: Slow Burn romance
💗: Friends to Enemies to Lovers

🥵: Spice: 🌶️
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.

Short Synopsis:
After meeting as children and discovering a massive government secret, Nina and Patrick are separated by class and circumstance. Thrusted together as adults on opposite sides of the coin, Nina must decide who she's loyal to. And how far she's willing to go for love.

General Thoughts:
The first book in this duology definitely captured my attention. I enjoyed the pacing and the overall way the plot twists were introduced throughout the story. I personally did not see every plot twist coming within the novel and I liked that it wasn't completely predictable for me.

The premise of the book itself was interesting and unique. I haven't read any fantasy book series where it involved a miners aspect. I like how it turned real life issues into something interesting, and provocative to read.

Unfortunately, the romance aspect did fall a little flat for me. I personally didn't feel any overwhelming chemistry between our MMC and FMC. The FMC was a little flat for me and I didn't feel overly endeared towards our male counterpart. That is absolutely a me problem though, and not necessarily a detriment to the book. Others might find it more captivating.

In conclusion, I found this start to a duology to be worth so look if you're looking for a quick easy read that doesn't require too much in the way of brain power. It worked for me as a light romantic read in between thicker, more dense fantasy books. I'll definitely be reading the second novel.

Disclaimer: I read this book via physical ARC from Saga Press. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

First, a huge thank you to everyone participating in granting me this ARC.
Honestly, it's hard to get my thoughts straight as this was one of my best reads of the year.
While the topic is well-known - class warfare and revolution, it was such fresh take of it. I could same about the other major topics - family, loyalty, war (specifically, what is acceptable and is it really done for the greater good), fate, and love.
The twists actually floored me and even though I was a bit frustrated about the length of the first one, it set book two so well and I am eager to see the development of the consequences for a long while.
The writing and the romance were impeccable as well. I am glad that it wasn't anything like the fated mates trope and instead it was about fate bringing people together at difficult times. I also loved that it wasn't "spicey" for the sake of it and relied on yearning and connection which to me is always more effective and touching.
This is one of the very few occasions where I liked the MMC more and is truly one of my favourite ones to date (competent and strong without being cringey at any point) and the FMC to me is the one who has a lot more growing up to do.
I hope the next installment comes as soon as possible because the cliffhanger hurt and like I mentioned, the set up has so much potential for both outside and inside threats and emotional developments.

I really loved this. This is my first book by her and wow. How absolutely unique. I loved the storyline, the characters, the romance!! This is a must read for romantasy lovers.

Wow…what an ending! I started this book without realizing it was part of a duology. Though I went in knowing only the basic description, I began to suspect the story wouldn't be fully resolved as I approached the conclusion. This captivating tale weaves together magic, love, betrayal, secrets, class war and rebellion.

The opening chapters hooked me immediately and never let go. I loved watching Patrick and Nina's initial meeting and the development of their bond, one that remains strong even years later. Patrick embodies the perfect morally gray male lead, sometimes doing questionable things for what he believes is the greater good. Nina shines as a strong female character caught between two worlds. The chemistry between Nina and Patrick leaps off the pages, leaving me wanting more. I'm eager to see where the next book takes us and how everything turns out.

“How did we get here?”

I’m wondering the same thing after finishing this book.

I’m not sure if I can get a coherent thought out. Stacey, how dare you. I’m flabbergasted, I’m heartbroken, I’m sending you my therapy bill, and I’m absolutely obsessed.

Thank you so much to Saga Press, the author, and NetGalley.

5 stars. There's a reason why A Forbidden Alchemy has such a high rating on Goodreads, and that's because the book is incredible. I don't think there's a single thing about this book that I would change or could criticize. As far as romantasy goes, this is one of the best I've ever read (think Six of Crows or Divine Rivals good). And in my opinion, A Forbidden Alchemy should be a serious contender for book of the year. The magic system is unique, and one that I haven't read before. The character depictions were so realistic and compelling that I WISH I was a member of the Colson family. I certainly felt like I was there with them. And as far as the romance itself, I'd be hard pressed to find a couple that I ever rooted harder for. Truly, I ACHED for Patrick and Nina to be together, and part of the reason why I read this book so slowly was because I was nervous about how things would play out for them in the end. Like, had actual anxiety over it. Truly, I think McEwan and Saga should make readers aware about potential changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to this book. Because that ending... THAT ENDING. How am I supposed to wait for book 2? Nothing in this book was predictable. Nothing in this book felt run of the mill. And honestly, books like this are why I love reading.

Truly, getting an ARC of A Forbidden Alchemy has turned out to be one of the best things I was gifted in 2025, and one of the worst. I'm blessed for being able to read something that is absolute and pure perfection earlier than the release, but now I have to wait even longer for book 2. But in all honesty, thank you so much to Saga and McEwan for the complimentary copy. I loved this so much that I've purchased additional special edition copies for my shelf.

First off, a HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Saga Press, and Stacey McEwan  for this amazing book!  I could not stop reading!

I never thought a Hunger Games dystopian fantasy mixed with Peaky Blinders would work, but man oh man did this work!!! I was seriously hooked from the beginning and could not put it down! The story is so well paced and flowed and moved so well. I always love a dual POV especially in fantasy and this was no different. Getting to see things from both Nina and Patrick’s perspectives really gave us the full scope of the book.

The found family that Nina found in the Coulson’s was so touching and heartfelt. You truly saw that she wanted to be part of the Kenton Hill community. But the heart of this story was Patrick and Nina. We all love a morally gray MMC and Patrick is just that! But his fierce devotion to his town and his family is what makes him an amazing character. Nina is strong and stubborn, but a bit beaten down. Patrick brings her back to life in such a beautiful way.

There were twists and turns in this books that I was not prepared for. Also, that ending! I am definitely going to reading this next book.

Thank you again to NetGalley, the publishers and Stacey for the opportunity to read it. I loved this book so much.

Peaky blinders x fantasy? ✅
Swoony slow-burn romance? ✅
Unique world and magic system? ✅
A bit of academia plot line? ✅
Rebellion against a disenfranchised system? ✅
Plot twists, anxiety, stress, and an ending that will leave you gasping? ✅

Yea, it checks out. Just read it! One of the best romantasies I've ever read (as someone who doesn't read a ton of romantasy because I'm admittedly picky!)

Thank you so much Saga Press for the ARC!

A FORBIDDEN ALCHEMY - STACEY MCEWAN

I've been having a slow start to my reading this month, but THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING. I am absolutely blown away, and I can't wait to read so much more of Stacey McEwan's writing.

The title of A Forbidden Alchemy refers to many things: the magic which is forbidden for certain societal classes, a forbidden romance, a forbidden resistance. When it comes to vibes, think Peaky Blinders and Six of Crows, but with a romantasy treatment and plenty of beautiful elemental magic.

The worldbuilding is excellent too, and the plot mainly revolves around a violent class war between the Crafters (non-magical) and the Artisans (magical) as well as the ongoing connection between Nina and Patrick, who first meet when they're 12.

I hung on every word, and having first misunderstood that this book was a standalone, I genuinely have no idea how I'm going to be able to wait for book #2!

Thank you to Stacey McEwan, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Release date: 1 July 2025

Review score: 5/5

TWs: injury detail, s*xual content, d*ath

cool premise, but didn't really work for me? i found the characters flat at points, especially Patrick, who boiled down quite easily. i also found the plot holes hard to get through. 3 stars. tysm for the arc.

The story of Nina and Patrick is a story of life-long love in a time of immense hardship/war. This book drew me in right away. The magic system being elemental was really neat. The corruption of those in charge felt, unfortunately, easy to believe and relate to. I loved the Kenton Hill community and how everyone there looked out for each other. Patrick carried way too much weight on his shoulders for one person but he was loyal to those he loved. I didn’t realize this book wasn’t a standalone so now I get to look forward to the next one. This was a great read!

Thank you to Saga Press for the ARC, this was absolutely fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!

This book had some of my favorite characters that I’ve read about this year. Nina and Patrick are so complex and thought out, I really understood each of their motivations and needed to know what was going to happen next because I needed them to be okay. Both of them are morally grey but in the name of their cause. Patrick is absolutely a top tier book boyfriend and I loved that we had dual POV so I could be in his head too.

I’m a HUGE fan of authors who can actually tackle class warfare and disparity and this book did such an amazing job. The backdrop of the world’s magic system played into the classism among the characters. It wasn’t a new take on the idea that we need to eat the rich, but it was SO interesting and I ate it up.

This book had twist upon twist but they were sprinkled throughout the book (even though there was more at the end) that I didn’t want to put this down. I truly feel like I was trying to hold myself back from finishing it because we were supposed to take the month to buddy read it 😂

The ending was DEVASTATING and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment 😭 a million thank yous to Saga Press again 🤍

I had no idea what I was getting into when I began A Forbidden Alchemy, but by book’s end I was overloaded with so many conflicting emotions. Heartache, panic, urgency, as well as longing, swoons, and exhilaration. This book consumed me and its ending left me desperately yearning for its sequel. I am locked in, I am all in, I am never letting this book go.

Nina and Patrick meet as children when they are readying to discover their potential magic to potentially enter an academy (excitedly for one, reluctantly for the other). Instead they discover a life-alternating secret that paves for the way the years to come. Nina becomes an Earth Charmer in Artisan school, escaping her harsh upbringing. Patrick returns home to his Craftsman family, where physical strength serves to keep the mines, and thus the city, going. But there is revolution brewing. Two factions rise, Craftsman and Artisan, and Nina will find herself at its center, in a tug-of-war of power she desperately tries to escape to avoid choosing sides...until the side chooses her.

Oh Nina and Patrick. You both have my everything. My heart, my pride, and my hope you will find a path forward, even if you have to forge it yourselves. Both characters are excellent leads. It’s easy to sympathize with their respective stances. Nina does not want to choose a side, because she sees both sides full of violence. Patrick believes there can be no compromise, only ensuring the right leaders take control for the betterment of all people, not just the high society. They are full of resolve and conviction. However, neither are without their shortcomings, which definitely left me at times worried my hair would prematurely gray. I wanted to scream through the pages that they speak up, to trust each other, to not turn away from this and that! And this isn’t meant as a fault to the work, this demonstrates how engaged I became to these amazing characters. I wanted to actively participate in this tale and find ways to protect our leads and their fragile, slow-building romance. I wanted to nurture them and steer Nina and Patrick on the presumed right course. But these are beautifully constructed characters that feel ever so tangible, and with that comes complexity, vulnerability, and faults. The flaws in character elevate how relatable they are, their mistakes allow growth, their missteps allow lessons learned. It makes Nina and Patrick feel all the more real. And that further serves to elevate the already high stakes in plot. There is danger and it feels imminent and consequential, and all you long for is that our leads take care to tread lightly.

Then there’s the romance. Oh what a gorgeous slow burn! It’s so delicately built, so fragile that you know a turn of the page could bring its end. And if there’s one thing you don’t want from this romance, it’s for it to end. Nina and Patrick beautifully balance one another, they complement one another, and they challenge one another. Patrick gives Nina perspective she was blind to, and Nina gives Patrick hope. Hope there can be a different route, hope there can be a home to return to. I fully embraced this romance. It’s so, so lovely…and so angsty, and still, so hopeful.

There are twists and turns along the way and when they arrive, they arrive with tremendous impact. None felt out of place, each had me slapping my forehead wondering how I didn’t anticipate it sooner! It is all so perfectly placed in an already fantastically paced tale. I became unbreakably engaged on every level with this story.

I could gush about this book all day and night. I want to discuss the intricate world-building, I want to swoon over its delicate romance, I want to advocate for my fave girl (that’s you Nina!), I want, I want, I want it all.

I entered this book with small curiosity, which ignited into continuously heightened fascination, and left me with an all-devouring obsession. Impressed does not cover how taken I am with A Forbidden Alchemy.

Thank you so kindly to the Saga Says Influencer Program and NetGalley for this gorgeous advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for this ARC.

The dual timeline aspect was wonderful and I NEEDED those POV jumps. YES.

Great pacing and that tension?! The tension with the storyline and the romance, was so well balanced. I was stressing and clinging on to the edge of my seat with those last couple of chapters.

The cover includes the line "an impossible choice" and goodness did it deliver. Emotionally charged and explosive. The social expectations and personal moral values clashing with self preservation is a pressure so keenly felt in this book. So much so, I am left aching.

I CANNOT wait to have this on my shelf. I eagerly await the next book!!

Thank you@sagapressbooks #sagasayscrew for my #gifted books!!!
Alerting all romantasy lovers! A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan@staceymcewanbooks is my new fantasy obsession! Pre-order, place a Libby hold, Simon Audio influences use your June credit, (you get the idea) ...

Blurb: A slow-burn romantasy duology traces a fated pair who stumble upon a world-changing secret in youth and are catapulted into a violent class war in adulthood, finding each other amidst love, loss, and devasting betrayals.

The vibes: a magical academy/training, brewing revolution, gangster worker union versus elite, she is a rare Earth charmer and he leads the revolution, morally grey MMC (I kid you not, he is giving Thomas f*cking Shelby vibes/Peaky Blinders and I am obsessed), enemies to lovers, secret agendas, and so much dang longing (finger twitches, and sharp breaths).

The slow burn build up was amazing, and I was kicking my feet when these two collided for the first time (that dance!). You need this one- coming out
July 1st!

Oh man, I sure did enjoy this book, the depths of these characters, the plot twists!!! Good lord! I am ready for the next book please Stacey :)

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the opportunity to read this eARC!

All Nina has ever wanted was to escape her small mining town and become an Artisan in the glittering Belavere City. Each 12 year old is tested to determine their fate.. Artisan or Craftsman. Nina discovers a secret during her ceremony that changes her fate, and the fate of her nation.

Such an interesting read, there is romance but also complex politics and class warfare. So many twists - a few I could see coming, others had my jaw on the floor. They all kept me turning the page, and I read this in no time. I’m already desperate for book 2!

This book has a dual POV with Nina and a craftsman - Patrick. It tells their story of meeting as children and the outcomes of the paths they have chosen on that fateful day as 12 year olds.

Thank you so much to @sagapressbooks for providing me this ARC for review! A Forbidden Alchemy will be available July 1st!

A Forbidden Alchemy was SUCH A FUN book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed taking my time with it. Nina and Patrick are our MC's who both start out at 12 years old from "Crafter" towns which are the people without magic. They travel to see if they have magic in their veins once they drink the idium thus making them "Artisan's". However, while waiting for their turn to consume the idium, they discover that you're not born WITH magic, but rather CHOSEN. Somehow word gets out and rumors start threatening a civil war between the Crafters and Artisan's. Nina goes on the run for a long seven years until she's officially captured by the other side. There is so much tension, twists/turns, unique magic system in play that you're never bored reading. A Forbidden Alchemy was my first book by Stacey McEwan and it definitely won't be my last.

Thank you Netgalley and Saga Press for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is literally everything I want in a book. Everything. From the start of how they came to be who they were, what shaped them, finding each other again, all of it. The vibes are exquisite. Cannot wait for book 2. This unique magic system and gaslamp/peaky blinders feel is exactly what I needed. Stacey is a genius and I love her.

This didn’t work for me but here is why I think it might just be your next favorite romantasy…

What’s to love…
- Peaky Blinders vibes
- interesting + unique world
- morally gray characters
- twisty
- dual POV (1st POV for the FMC and 3rd POV for the MMC)
- rebellion + political intrigue
- Grade A+ banter

I see the appeal here, I fully understand the hype and why people are absolutely loving this.

That said I really struggled to get past a few aspects.

What I didn’t love…
- World-building didn’t feel fleshed out enough. It was SUCH a cool concept and honestly I really wanted more here.
- The prose, for me this can really have an impact on my enjoyment of a book. This felt very heavy on the tell and not nearly enough show.
- For me the MMC was over the top, I could not see the appeal. I do think LOTS of ppl will love him though
- One of my biggest pet peeves is when adult books start off with young characters. I know it was setting the stage for the rest of the book here, I truly understand the purpose but I would have rather had a much shorter prologue give me the backstory. I’m aware this is fully a me problem and not really a book problem.
- While most will find the twists and turns fun - I found them overly predictable.