4.5 stars

In a land where society is divided into Craftsmen and Artisans (aka those with powers and those who do manual labor), Nina's dream has always been to become an Artisan. On the day of the siphoning (where children learn if they have magic or not), she and another Craftsman boy, uncover a secret that could kill them both. Years later Nina, an Artisan, meets the boy again. His name is Patrick Colson and he is the rebel leader fighting for the rights of his people.

I didn't have any expectations going into this story and it just sucked me in. I could not put this book down. I was emotionally invested, rooting for Nina, Patrick, his family, and the whole town!

Read this if you like imperfect characters, society class war, different magic system, found family and romance.

Vibe:
Young Adult, even though the main characters' ages are in their mid-twenties.

Thank you to NetGalley & The Publisher for allowing me this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Whaaaaaat stop it - what kind of ending was that?? The one major downside to reading ARCs - now I have to wait even longer for the next book to come out!

I thoroughly enjoyed this. What an intense ride this was! At first, this book was giving me major Hunger Games vibes (in a good way), and then completely morphed into something all its own. The book was well written, with interesting characters & twists along the way. Although one of the main twists was guessable for me, it didn't feel cheap. Was I a little disappointed I guessed it? Sure, but did it make for the best plot twist? Also yes. So, fair, lol.

Once I started this, I didn't put it down. I consumed over 50% of the book within one day, and finished it off the next day <s>while at work</s>. I just didn't want to put it down and I have no regrets. The pacing of the book felt perfect. I never felt like it was dragging, or I was waiting around for it to 'get interesting'. Every aspect of the plot had me wanting to know more.

Except I'll be honest, I did want a little more of a love triangle in there (more drama, more conflict in Nina's heart, that type of thing), but that is entirely a me thing and the novel is perfectly fine the way it is lol. Still though. A little extra spice of relationship drama never hurts ;)

I cannot wait for the next book. That cliffhanger was ridiculous and should be illegal. Alright, see you in book 2!

SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!

I've been dying for the same feeling I got with Heartless Hunter and One Dark Window, and I FOUND IT! The writing - gorgeous. The slow burn- painfully and deliciously slow. The world building - fan-freaking-tastic. I AM OBSESSED.

My only complaint is that the second book isn't out ... this book isn't even out yet technically. And I'm desperate for answers. I think this is my favorite Romantasy of the year!!

Let us talk about "A Forbidden Alchemy” by Stacey McEwan.

“Surely there’s more to a life than the sum of one’s creations.”

My. God. Have you ever just picked up a book, stared at it, read the synopsis of the book, and spoke out loud that the read was going to be a good one? This was it. I can’t even begin to describe how I was feeling when I was reading this. The banter, the intrigue, the flow of words and dialogue that made me yearn to hear Nina’s and Patrick’s voices. It was like a movie in mind that never stopped playing. I could see everything and never wanted it to end.

What do you get when you mix a chance of magic with the chance of bettering your life? You hold in your hand a bottle of Idium that could either propel you to greatness or completely change the trajectory of a world. This was the case for our young FMC, Nina Harrow, at the age of twelve. Her chance to become an Artisan and move away from the Brink. To better her life and escape the mouth of the earth. It’s not by chance she meets a sly, smartass boy by the name of Patrick Colson, who doesn’t want a damn thing to do with the Artisans, and wants nothing more to go back to his hometown and follow in the footsteps of his father and older brother who are Crafters. Set to wait their turn on if their life would change, they take it upon themselves to explore and find out more about who and how one becomes an Artisan and another a Crafter.

“You are Nina Clarke. Say it.”

Set in a world where you are born to become who you are based upon where you live, the chance to become better than you are is all in the hands of a chosen few. To Nina and Patrick, they take the chance and make the change, unknowingly subjecting themselves into a clash of violence that will uproot their lives forever. A Revolution has begun and sides must be chosen.

”Gold bloomed behind his eyelids. She tasted like victory. The sum of all he’d ever craved.”

With the slowest of burns, the plot twists, the violent nature of our darkest secrets, Nina and Patrick just dance across the pages, making you want to chase after them to keep up and find out what will happen next.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Stacey McEwan, and Saga Press for the advanced copy for review.

✨ Found Family
✨ Magical Elements
✨ World Building
✨ High Stakes
✨Political Intrigue
✨ He Falls First
✨ Multiple POV
✨Slow Burn

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥.5
Series: Book 1 of ?

Nina and Patrick are two kids from the Brink when they meet in the capital for their year’s syphoning, where children are given idium to awaken their potential as Artisans or Crafters. They discover a reality shattering secret - artisans aren’t born but chosen by a corrupt system. Nina takes a new path studying her craft at the prestigious school, while Patrick goes back to his miner town, but tumultuous circumstances will bring them back together.

Out of all fantasy books that claim to replicate the world of Six of Crows, I think A Forbidden Alchemy is actually the one to achieve it. This book will find its audience between the streets of Katterdam and the brutality of Peaky Blinders. The inspiration is clear, however standing on its own magical system. Artisans and Crafters, surviving the tyranny of a government ruled by power and greed.

I was hooked on the atmosphere of this book from the start. I loved the setting and ambience of Kenton Hill. The world building, while minimal, was very intriguing, not over complicated but definitely focusing on the characters. Patrick is broody but caring, obviously modeled on Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, I found that this correlation made the character really jump off the page. Nina is driven by her mother’s dream to be more than the circumstances they were born into. Pursuing artisanship was her main goal in life but she didn’t plan on Patrick Colson to derail everything she worked for.

Patrick Colson can do no wrong. He knows how to compliment a woman. IYKYK. Nina and Pat’s connection had spark in the beginning but grew to a sizzling flame. I really enjoyed the pacing when we start with the characters at 12 years old to when they reconnect at 25. It painted a great picture overall.

Kudos to the author for building an interesting, tense, and nerve wracking, and maybe slightly upsetting-and-how come it’s a cliffhanger?! story.

Thank you to Saga Press for the gifted ARC #sagasayscrew

Nina and Patrick meet when they are 12 years old, when they, along with all of the other 12 year old kids in are taken to Belavere City to ingest a substance called Idium which will test to see if they possess magic. The results of this test will determine whether they will become an Artisan and train their magic at the Artisan Academy in the city, or go back to their home in the surrounding mining towns and become a Craftsmen. Nina badly wants to escape her life in Scurry and become an artisan, while Patrick wants nothing to do with the artisans, and just wants to return home to his family. The two of them stumble on a long-kept secret that could change everything, and their paths diverge from there - with Nina at the academy and Patrick back home in Kenton Hill. Many years later, a revolution is brewing and when their paths cross again, Patrick needs Nina’s help to turn the tides of war, but it would mean choosing between two sides of herself.

In my head, this had Peaky Blinders vibes with the atmosphere of Divine Rivals and some of the social commentary on higher academics, class, and privilege in Blood Over Bright Haven. Patrick was such a compelling character, intensely hopeful, but willing to do whatever he had to to keep everyone safe. Although Nina stressed me out immensely, I couldn’t help but empathize with her internal struggles and root for her to take a stand. This story explores themes of morality, privilege, loyalty and whether or not you can ever stay truly neutral in war. It pulled a lot of emotion out of me. I fell in love with the town, the found family, and I felt so much dread and anxiety near the end, I had to keep taking breaks. I’m so glad this will be a duology and I’m anxious to know what is in store for Nina, Patrick and Kenton Hill.

Thomas Shelby who?

Oh my gosh this book barely let me take a breath. I felt a near constant sense of impending doom while reading it and I absolutely loved it. If you read to escape but not to relax I would fully recommend this

So much of it felt unique which is tough in the romantasy world these days. The peaky blinders vibes were immaculate. I loved Nina and her battle with morality and what she needs to do

I could not put this down and I am already DESPERATE for book 2

A Forbidden Alchemy left me utterly speechless, one of the best romantasy books I have read so far this year. Stacey has crafted something truly original, a story that stands apart in a crowded genre, with a magnetic pull that immerses you completely in its world and characters.

At the heart of this tale are two lovers bound by fate yet divided by war: Nina Harrow, an artisan Earth Alchemist, and Patrick Colson, the revolutionary leader. Their paths first crossed when they were 12, both were sent to Balavere City to test their magical potential. Fourteen years later, their reunion could change the course of the war IF they can overcome the forces tearing them apart.

This book stole my breath from the first page. The characters are vividly drawn, their struggles deeply compelling, and the prose so fluid that I couldn’t tear myself away. The chemistry between Nina and Patrick is electric! Every glance, every touch simmering with longing so palpable it practically leaps off the page. And Patrick? He’s the kind of man who commands attention, a REALLL man of unwavering desire and determination. 🫦

A Forbidden Alchemy is an intoxicating blend of passion, conflict, and magic. Also highlighting the ugly side of war. Families being ripped apart and children losing their parents due to a greedy government. By the end I was completely distraught and in tears. I devoured every word and am already desperate for the next installment!

THIS WAS SO GOOD!! I haven't read anything by Stacey until this, but I follow her on TikTok, and MY GOODNESS! I will be picking up her other books post-haste! I cannot wait to see where this story goes...

Thank you so much for the eARC, publishers and NetGalley!

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
- Book 1-

4.5/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (spice: 2ish scenes)
2/3🦋 (swoon)

•My Thoughts•
Oh my goodness. This was a wild ride, especially at the end. I really enjoyed the world and the characters. The 1920s vibes with tense dynamics between those with magic and those without (almost class warfare between wealthy and working class-esque) was so interesting and the conflict was well done! I loved set up with the book starting when the MCs were young. The story moved quickly with time jumps until everyone was 25ish (where most of the book takes place) and then included just a few flashbacks for context. I liked our main characters and how their past shaped them. I empathized with Nina and how torn she felt between sides. There’s a slight love triangle which I enjoyed but I had a clear favorite. The magic was a unique combination of elemental magic and alchemy. I was stresssed throughout this one with all the secrets. I was upset with Nina through much of the middle of the book BUT that ending pulled me back in so very much. This is a planned duology and I cannot wait to see where this story takes us! Definitely recommend!

*Opinion: Slow burn musings - I will add that while I agree that this was slow burn as in the tension built up between the MCs through out the book, I felt like their romantic connection was more on the instant side. It absolutely worked though!!

Thanks you so much to Saga Press Books and Stacey McEwan for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️!!!!

WHAT A GREAT READ. The story was interesting, peaky blinders vibes!!! Made me so FREAKING NERVOUS at parts!! And that cliff hanger at the end??? Holy cow. Absolutely insane. It was a very different read from what I am used to but I thought it was great! I hope I don’t have to wait like 2 years for book 2! 😭😅🥹

This was so unique and nuanced. I loved the internal dilemmas the FMC faced and that she didn’t react the way a “typical” fantasy FMC would. It was refreshing to see her struggle with her morality rather than only doing what is “good.”

I also loved how many twists the book had. A few genuinely had my jaw on the floor, so well done to the author! I loved the atmosphere and magic system. It was done incredibly well. I liked the glimpse into the FMCs past because it gave a lot of context to her decisions later on.

As for the romance, it was incredibly well done. While it was definitely instant attraction, it was a medium-burn in terms of their relationship. Watching them learn to trust each other, and figure out how much to divulge to each other was really entertaining.

The only thing I don’t like about this book is that I have to wait a while for book 2, and that cliffhanger was BRUTAL. So well done, and will definitely be a favorite for any Romantasy lover.

Thank you saga press for the chance to read this. Absolutely loved this book. It felt like Harry Potter and hunger games,presented had a baby. So much to unpack will absolutely be picking up a physical copy and rereading for sure.love the mix of fantasy and dystopian and it works so well in this context.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Really enjoyed this one! The worldbuilding is rich, the magic system is unique (Artisans are chosen, not born. Loved that twist), and the tension and complexity between Nina and Patrick kept me hooked. There’s found family, rebellion, emotional stakes, and a bit of a love triangle that actually works. Overall, a solid read.

**ARC review - thank you NetGalley and Saga Press Books for the opportunity!**

Nina and Patrick uncover a big secret when they are only twelve years old. What starts as an opportunity to be blessed with magic derails everything they thought they knew. When they each make a choice with what to do with this knowledge, they find themselves on opposite sides until their paths cross years later. War is coming and who will be left in the end?

I am a FAN of Stacey's work in the Glacian trilogy, so I was ECSTATIC to see a new world through her brilliant eyes! Her prose throughout the story paints an image of a 19th century world where Artisans have magic and Crafters are used to mine the goods they use in their lavish cities. The dual POV helps show the world from all sides - Nina, a miner's daughter who becomes an Artisan; and Patrick, the SWOON WORTHY Crafter who puts his town before himself.

The story had me entranced from the very beginning and it only escalated from there. The twists and turns had me SHOCKED and led up to an intense ending where the cliff's edge will haunt me until the next book has arrived!

Nina Harrow is a compelling character who stands on the line between the Artisans and Crafters. Although she grew up as a Crafter and knows the harsh realities of living in a mining town, can she ever truly escape her routes? How she grapples with her identity and her choices is so relatable because it is MESSY.

And then we have Patrick - THIS MAN YEARNS. He is a Thomas Shelby gangster who is selfless in every aspect of the word, yet is still so soft when it comes to Nina. I love when a MMC simps for his girl, and Patrick may be the number one yearner of 2025. Yes, I made up the word "yearner" - Patrick does funny things to my heart okay??

Stacey again builds an amazing cast of secondary characters, both Artisans and Crafters alike. They all have depth and bring out different aspects of the MCs. The quick wit and banter is coming from all sides and had me laughing out loud!

DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS STORY! You won't regret it =)

The world was quite unique and compelling, which was seamlessly introduced to the reader through the first quarter of the book from the perspective of the child coming of age. It gives the reader a sense of discovery through the FMC's eyes. Main characters are strong, have depth and connection on the page. I thought the FMC's earth magic is interesting and would have liked to see more of her actual magic explored. The cliffhanger is excruciating, but in a good way. One other small note of feedback, there is a moment when the FMC lets slip Patrick's plans in front of the other Artisan's. That felt like a departure from her character, given she is a person who has kept a secret origin of her magic half her life and lived in hiding for the last 7 years. Unless it was necessary for the plot, that moment felt inconsistent.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️/5

Nina and Patrick are 12 year olds from mining towns when they meet in Belavere Trench for the siphon ceremony. They come across something they were never supposed to see that changes the course of Nina's future. Upon Nina's graduation, a war kicks off. Nina and Patrick are about to reconnect on opposite sides of the conflict.

Ok, I'll mention here that this is book one of a series and I really need the next one! I was hooked early on into the story and invested in Nina and Patrick. Give this a read if you enjoy: dystopian worlds with haves and have nots, a unique magic system (element charming), tension from war, and a slower burn.

Thank you to S&S/Saga Press for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 7/1/25. I'll be posting to Instagram closer to publication

This was insanely good. I blew right through it. It’s one of those reads that you don’t even realize you’ve been reading for 2 hours because it’s just so good the time flies right by. Patrick is now one of my absolute favorite love interests. He just gives so much in this book. And Nina is such a tortured little soul like she really just wants the best for everyone and I really had high hopes everything would work out in the end. But that ending? I will be in utter agony until I find out what happens next.

This books twists and turns kept me on my toes the WHOLE book, I don’t know why she had to do me like that but I was SOBBING at the end.
It’s giving Peaky Blinders with elemental magic!!
Things I LOVED about this book:
✨Slow burn
✨Dual POV
✨THE SECRETS
✨THE BETRAYALS

4.5 stars, rounded up

A Forbidden Alchemy, the first book in a fantasy duology, is told from two characters points of view. We meet both at the age of twelve who make a huge discovery and then go their separate ways - Nina attends the Artisan School as she always wanted and Patrick returns to his mining town home. Over a decade later, Nina has completed her training as an earth charmer and has been on the run since a terrible event since then. She is captured and ends up in Patrick’s town where he is part of the opposite side of the revolution. The story pulled me in quickly and I found the magic system and rebellion setting interesting.

I think because I read Stacey McEwan’s The Glacian Trilogy prior, the plot twists and betrayals were not as unexpected for me. It was still enjoyable to be taken on the journey with the politics, romance, relationships, and action.

And that ending! I am so glad this is a duology because I don’t think I could handle another ending like that one. I hope it isn’t too long of a wait for the conclusion.

Thank you Saga Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.