If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders and have ever wondered what it would be like if you added magic, this Romantasy is for you!

I loved the way this story unfolded. Set in a world where there are haves (artisans) and have nots (charmers), there is political intrigue, manipulation and even a little rebellion all wound around a central enemies to lovers story. We pick up following the main characters in their youth, and watch as they essentially stumble their way into discovering a secret the government has been hiding for years. It’s then a jump forward to catch up with our MCs in adulthood and understanding what the decisions they made earlier have done for them. We delve deeper into the lore and world building as the story advances and it just gets better and better.

This story had twists and turns everywhere! I found myself constantly wondering about the motivations of all the characters. I loved the multi POVs and the subtle hints along the way about the true machinations happening right in front of our noses! I did not see the identity of the alchemist coming, but also have so many questions after having it revealed.

I’m absolutely looking forward to the conclusion of this story in book 2! I’d like to pass along a massive thank you to the author, Stacey McEwan and the team at Saga Press for the opportunity to read this as an eARC via NetGalley!

A forbidden alchemy by @staceymcewanbooks explores wealth discrepancy the differences between the 1% and the rest of us in such a unique yet soul-crushing way. There are artisans, the elite, and then there are craftsman, the workers. What defines their differences is magic.

I have never read a magic system like this before, it's completely unique. People have magic, but they must drink a liquid that can only be extracted from the earth by an Alchemist, an incredibly rare type of artisan.

Nina is a lowly craftsman. But on her 12th birthday, just like everyone else, she is given an elixir to discover if she is an artisan hiding in plain sight. When she overhears a conversation not meant for her, she is faced with a choice to BECOME an artisan. It's her lifelong dream.

Nina is discovered to be an earth charmer and makes a her way through magic cool the top of her class. She's on the path of highest success, everything she's ever dreamed of. Until the starving, neglected, abused craftsman organize and attack the artisan capital. Her entire life changes and she must choose a side.

A huge thank you to @sagapressbooks and @amara.books for this beautiful arc! It was such a good read and I am forever a fan of Stacey McEwan. I'll have her baby any day! 😉

I absolutely loved this read, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Just for the banter alone, I’d give it 10 stars because it is perfection.

From the very first page of this book, I was hooked. There’s something about the author’s writing that just pulled me in, and I found myself binge-reading the book, unwilling to put it down. The characters, the unique dystopian world, the magic, the brewing war, the massive secrets that change everything, THE ROMANCE!! OMG THAT ENDING!! It was all sooo good, and I have a feeling I’ll be gushing about this one for a while.

The story follows Nina and Patrick, who first met at the age of twelve while being tested for their magical potential. Together, they uncover a secret about the magic before they go their separate ways. Years later, Nina and Patrick are on opposite sides of a war when Nina is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Nina, Patrick, and Patrick’s friends and followers are all layered and compelling characters. I like the strong found family vibes and the feeling of unity that they have. Nina is great – emotionally layered, intelligent, and discerning- she shows so much growth. And Patrick is just fabulous and everything I love in a MMC, and the subtle way he shows his feelings made me melt.

There is a bit of a love triangle, but not really (if that makes sense). There is one clear romance, and it is beyond swoon-worthy! And the banter! Brilliant. The dialogue is quick and fun, funny at times, and layered.

I can’t recommend this enough, especially to readers who like dystopian romantasy. Is that a thing? Because it’s my new favorite thing!

Special thanks to Saga Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Everyone needs to know that this was easily and immediately a 5 ⭐️ read for me. I am now in anguish because I desperately need to know what happens next. I have to sit with my thoughts tonight and then I will be back to write the full review this book deserves. Stacey, well done! 👏🏼

Full review:

I cannot begin this review without first thanking NetGalley and Saga Press, WITH MY WHOLE CHEST, for giving me the chance to read this ARC and share my honest review. How do I even put my thoughts about this book into words?

This story is beautifully written. Stacey. GURL! That glorious mind of yours has created something breathtaking because I. BE. GASPING!
👁️ 👄 👁️

I swooned, giggled, cussed, and screamed throughout this journey. I had repeated outbursts of “OMG,” “I knew it!!,” “Shut. Up.” and “NOOOO!” erupting from my body and disturbing the peace of my household.
To put it simply: I really loved this book.

If you like:
•Magic systems
•Peaky Blinders gangster vibes
•Rebels vs. tyrannical government
•MMC with a hard exterior for everyone but her
•A smart and fiery FMC
•Found family
•Twists galore
•Betrayal (it’s on sight with a certain someone in the next book. You know who you are!)
•Banter that just flows
•A touch of jealousy
•A delicious slow burn

…then you will eat this right up!

Pros:
The writing style and world-building are top notch. My mind easily painted pictures of all the different places described. I felt fully immersed, especially in Kenton Hill.

The side characters were so much fun to get to know! They never stole the focus, but they held attention and added depth to the story. I easily became attached to multiple characters—I’m looking at you, Donny, Tess, and somehow Theo (gasp?!).

The puzzle pieces of this story start to come together in a very satisfying way. Did I predict a handful of things that were going to happen? Yes, but I think that’s exactly what Stacey wanted. The things I did predict, I was guessing maybe a chapter or two before the reveal, so it felt like things were intentionally leading up to that point. But holy 💩 was I surprised by so many other twists that happened!

The romance was *chef’s kiss*. It adds beauty to the storyline but doesn’t overshadow the plot.

Cons:
If I must name something, I would probably say the beginning of the story feels a tad slow. For anyone quick to give up on a book, they might not make it to the juicy parts. However, I know how important the world building and backstory are in fantasy novels, so it did not phase me. Everything leading up to Nina’s arrival in Kenton Hill helps us understand her world, where she came from, and how she’s been shaped over the years since she and Patrick first met.

A Forbidden Alchemy is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of 2025! I preordered my hard copy before I even got approval for the ARC, and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands.

That ending though? Pulled the rug right out from under me. I am unwell. I do not know how I will survive waiting for Stacey to finish the next book. I am desperate, feral, pleading to know what will happen next! Consider me in a book slump for the foreseeable future.

Quotes/Highlights I Loved:
“I intend to put the rest of these boys to shame and spoil you for anyone else.”

And wasn’t that the true evil of war? That it didn’t have the decency to strip the humanity of those we killed?

“Look somewhere else, Nina. I’m only so strong.”

Ugh I knew the end would be the worst and it really was...the second book needs to come out ASAP!!

A Forbidden Alchemy is the first in a new trilogy from Stacey McEwan and this book is amazing! McEwan writes characters so well and even with a huge cast, the reader gets to see well developed, nuanced personalities. Each character is unique and I loved every single one(maybe not Theo but he's very interesting and doesn't always do what you think he'll do!). The world building is excellent and I cannot wait to see more in the books to come!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Our main characters are Nina and Patrick. Both from mining towns, they meet at the age of 12 at a ceremony to determine if any of the children in their age group have god blessed abilities. They uncover secrets that the lords and rulers of the land are keeping during their brief friendship. Flash forward 13 years with Nina and Patrick meeting again in the wake of that secret and how it shaped their lives.

This book gives old Southie Boston meets, gaslamp mining town vibes. I loved the old mobster feels mixed with morally grey motives. The banter throughout the story was top notch. I could read the dialogue between Patrick and Nina all day and never get bored of it! The magic in this story is unique in that to active their magic and continue to access it they need to ingest a special tonic that is lined and curated.

Although the story here shines through, the chemistry between Nina and Patrick is amazing. I feel to deeply for them, what they have been through, what they are going through and and so anxious to see where they are heading.

This is a 10/10, infinity star read that you don’t want to miss.

I tried several times to get into this book, but just couldn't get into the narrative. It just didn't hold my interest.
This book was just Sooo painfully slow that I just couldn't take it anymore. Plus, the switching from past to present is disorienting. And throws the reader off at times. I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

"A Forbidden Alchemy" is my first Stacey McEwan book and I really enjoyed it! It has "Divine Rivals" vibes, so if you enjoyed that book, I think you will enjoy this as well, although I think this book is heavier on the magic! Nina is the FMC, and she is strong, funny and brave. I loved the sexual tension between her and the MMC Patrick. He is a bit cocky but you can't help but love him. Both of them are caught in an impossible situation on opposite sides of a war. This ends on quite the cliffhanger, so be prepared for that!

I highly recommend checking this out when it releases on July 1st! Thank you to saga press and netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc!

Definitely pick this up if you like
✨ Magic schools
✨ Slow Burn Romance
✨ Banter and Tension
✨ Morally gray MMC... x2?
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Big jaw dropping plot twists
✨ Betrayals
✨ War
✨ Found Family
✨ Multiple POV
✨ Time jumps (12 to late 20's)

Y'all this book. WOW! It has taken me some time to gather my thoughts on it. The very beginning sucked me in. It was so fast paced and action filled. It was just so different than a lot of the romantasy out there. I loved the idea that a potion either makes you magical or not and you never know if you will be an artisan or stay in the slums forever. Except there is a twist... I'm not saying anything about that twist or the 1,000 other twists thrown at you for the purpose of this review it will stay spoiler free since this book has yet to be released.

But buckle up because this is a roller coaster. Speaking of the twists. 1,000 is definitely an exaggeration but there are several very well done twists. I am type A personality and very analytical so I almost ALWAYS figure out what is going to happen. I am a tough reviewer because of this. I have maybe 5 books ever that have totally shocked me (looking at you Metal Slinger) but this one was successful. Every time I thought I knew. I had no idea.

There is slow and I do mean slow burn romance. Spice was well done. I would rate the 🌶️ as a 2 ish. Some vivid details but it's definitely not the main focus of the book.

There is betrayal. Multiple betrayals and so.many.secrets. The way this had my jaw dropping. Then the ending. OMG the ending. I need book 2. I can't believe I have to wait so long to know what happens.

I fully expect this to be booktok's newest obsession when it comes out. It is definitely one of my top reads so far in 2025. I have 3 copies of it already preordered and I can't wait for book 2! Praying I get that arc too so I can find out what happens as quickly as possible.

An unfortunate DNF. Rating this based on what I did read, which wasn't too much. I have been on a streak of exciting romantasy books and signed up for this one as I grow more adventurous. Unfortunately, this one was very confusing for me in terms of worldbuilding and setting the stage for the story. I set it aside for a few weeks but did not feel a strong need to return to it. The pitch worked though! Perhaps someone with more patience will enjoy.

🔮 I devoured this book. Forbidden Alchemy is everything I want in a romantasy- rich worldbuilding, elemental magic, a corrupt system built on lies, a class war ready to explode, and a slow-burn romance that hurts in the best way.
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Nina and Patrick grow up in a world where drinking a vial of Idium determines your entire future. If you awaken magic, you become an elite Artisan. If not? You stay a lowly Crafter, working the mines. But what happens when the whole system is flawed and they find out the truth too soon?
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Years later, they’re both involved in the revolution (can’t say in what capacity- 🤐!) She’s haunted by what she’s lost. He is gritty and loyal, with serious “touch her and die” energy. And when fate throws them together again… the tension is electric.
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This book blends magic, rebellion, betrayal, and major emotional angst. Dual POV. Found family. Political intrigue. Secrets. Cliffhanger. And a mining village backdrop that somehow makes everything feel even more intense.
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If you’re into class wars, forbidden love, and morally grey rebels who fall first and fall hard,add this to your TBR immediately. Releases July 1st and I need the sequel ASAP.
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Rounding up to 5 stars if I’m rating with my heart 🤍 thank you @sagapressbooks and @staceymcewanbooks @netgalley for the ARC! #sagasayscrew
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#ForbiddenAlchemy #romantasy #bookreview #patrickandnina #foundfamily #classwarfiction #romantasybooks #elementalmagic #mustread2025 #sagapressbooks #slowburnromance #bookishreview #morallygrey #dualPOV #magicandmayhem #touchheranddie #upcomingrelease #bookrecs #newromantasy #magicsystemgoals #favoritereads

I am going to do my best to gush about this book without spoiling it because I could talk about it for hours! There is so much to love and obsess over in Stacey's A Forbidden Alchemy that it's hard to know where to start.

I absolutely love the premise of this book. There's magic, there's a dystopian society, there's a revolution, and there are characters who are just waiting to steal your heart. The magic feels familiar as there are artisans who can manipulate the elements while there are others who can create, build, and communicate across distances; however, how the magic manifests is completely unique. Because of this, the world building is easily understood which leaves more room for readers to fall in love with the characters and theorize about the plot.

I cannot talk about this book without expressing my love for our main characters. Nina is absolutely flawed which makes her not only relatable but allows for readers to have the space to grow right along with her. We see the dilemmas and gray area she's faced with which gives us insight to the decisions she has to make. And even if you don't agree with her decisions, you ultimately understand them. And Patrick? Well, Patrick is everything I love in a MMC. He is determined, loyal, and, when he has to be, morally grey. And although he has secrets, we know that he keeps them for the purpose of protecting those he loves.

There is also a supporting cast of characters whose lives are irrevocably intertwined with our main characters and the overall plot. You'll find yourself attached to them just as much as Nina and Patrick and hope to see all of them in the rest of the series.

Stacey McEwan has created a world full of intrigue, loyalty, passion, magic, and betrayal. You will be absolutely feral for Patrick Colson and be left staring at the wall when you read that last sentence.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!

This book felt SO unique... was it Historical Fiction? Peaky Blinders FanFiction? Dystopian? Fantasy? How about IT WAS EVERYTHING!!!

*Standing ovation* to Stacey McEwan for this fantastic book! Truly one of my TOP reads this year! As a Peaky Blinders FANATIC this book was eeeeeeverything! I had no idea I needed a Peaky Blinders vibes book or a Thomas Shelby coded MMC until now 😂

But beyond that: the story, the characters, the teeeeeeension 🤤, I was invested immediately and enthralled with every turn of the page! LOVED IT SO MUCH! And can’t wait to see where this story goes!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️.5/5

This book is everything!!!! I loved how unique and refreshing this book felt. The Peaky Blinders feel (doing a rewatch immediately, now), the magic system, the world Stacey has built, all add up to a truly fantastic book!

Patrick Colson is everything and I will be taking no criticism of him at this time. NONE. He is perfect and must be protected at all costs. I loved our side characters, specifically the other Colson brothers (shout out to Mama Tess, too). Love our characters!!!

Overall, I had an absolute BLAST reading this book and I’m already salivating for book 2.

Thank you to the author and Saga Press for the opportunity to read in advance!!!❤️❤️

A stunning new novel that follows Nina, a Crafter girl who dreams of more, and Patrick, a Crafter boy who wants nothing more than to stay with his family. Their meeting and the secret they uncover launches a war, with Nina becoming an Artisan, wielding powerful earth magic, and Patrick returning home with secrets and rebellion.

Beautifully constructed, the world feels rich and lived in. I love the divide between the magical and non-magical halves of society, and how the author details the tensions and deep-seated prejudices built into the world.

After war breaks out, Nina goes into hiding - as the only earth charmer in over 100 years she is a valuable weapon for both sides, something she has no interest in - until she is captured by the rebel Miner’s Union. Brought in to carve an underground route to the capitol to rescue captured members of the Union, Nina is unexpectedly reunited with Patrick, now the de facto leader of the Union.

The tension between Nina and Patrick is very well done; it felt both believable and made the reader want to root for them. The author introduces a previous love interest, Theodore, and ups the ante with the dislike between Theodore and Patrick, and Theodore’s lingering feelings for Nina.

The author introduces a twist about 2/3rds of the way through the book that ratchets the stakes up. I was dreading the consequences of the reveal and it made me almost afraid to keep reading - a masterclass in twist placement. I loved the ending, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. Definitely recommend!

This is the first book in a new romantasy duology, offering a slow-burn romance between two fated characters who uncover a powerful secret and become entangled in a brutal class conflict. The story begins with Nina and Patrick as 12-year-olds undergoing magical testing. Years later, they reunite on opposite sides of a rebellion, creating a dynamic that shifts from friends to enemies to lovers. A light love triangle adds emotional depth.

The setting blends industrial, western, and Six of Crows vibes, with an original magic system and plenty of plot twists. While the beginning may feel slow, the second half picks up significantly, ending on a major cliffhanger. The author lays a strong foundation for the sequel.

This wasn't my favorite book from Stacey, mainly due to a heavy info-dump early on around world-building and the magic system, which made the beginning feel slow and hard to get into. The shifts between past and present timelines also felt a bit jarring. It wasn’t until I hit the halfway point that the story truly pulled me in, but didn’t end up capturing my attention like her previous books.
That said, I think this book would be ideal for readers who prefer plot-driven, dystopian fantasy with a historical twist.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holy hell. This book had me in a chokehold the ENTIRE TIME. Stacey McEwan, the writer you are.

I almost NEVER come across a book so well crafted anymore, but if this book was an exam score, it would be an A+ with about 5 points of extra credit tacked on. The humor, the heart, the dialogue, the depth of characterization, the pacing, the command of language and plot? All 10/10. There is not one single aspect of this novel that strikes me as less than absolute perfection, except for one, and it's very small:

Occasionally, the POV would switch from 1st person to 3rd person in the middle of a paragraph and back again. As an English teacher, I took note, but truly, nothing else comes close to tainting this absolute masterpiece. I'm not awaiting the sequel with bated breath, and off to check out the rest of McEwan's works.

11/10.

What an incredible world and story that's been created here! I ate up every aspect of the books - the world, politics, the magic system...I loved the Peaky Blinders vibe too!
Love a good slow burn too. I really enjoyed this book!

I don't know how I'm supposed to just live my life when thoughts of this book are consuming me. It's a good thing I don't share walls with anyone, because otherwise I would have surely had concerned neighbors knocking on my door and asking why I was shouting so much. The answer is this book.
The twists and turns. The action and drama. The tension!
I was losing sleep because I just HAD to read another chapter. Then I would finally force myself to put the book down for the night and still lose sleep, because I couldn't stop thinking about these characters and what was going to happen to them next.
The setting is interesting and unique with so many different elements making up its history. It feels dystopian yet historical. It's fantasy yet so very rooted in truth.
Then there are the characters. Vibrant and flawed, you never know what exactly they're thinking even when you're reading their point of view. They surprised me at every turn, and yet I couldn't help but believe everything. These characters are struggling with heavy decisions, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what they chose.
And to tie it all up, the end of the book ripped my heart out and ground it beneath the heel of a very heavy boot.
If you like being emotionally devastated, this will be an easy 5 stars for you too.

This book took me by surprise, in a good way. The world and the characters were compelling right away, while a bit reminiscent of Hunger Games, the element of personal magic was unique and offers a lot of interesting plot twists and turns. The romance was compelling, very light on spice, for those that prefer world building and slow burn - this is perfect. The writing style of including characters' rumination outwardly and their dialogue was a compelling device for building suspense and understanding. A great tell for me: I immediately looked to see if there was another one in the works. Overall - I really enjoyed and would recommend.