This one is a bit tough for me. I was intrigued by the Hunger Games-esque choosing of the children to become Artisans or Craftsmen. I enjoyed Nina and Patrick's banter, even as 12 year olds with different ambitions and views of the world. The struggle I had with this was the rest of the first third of the book. I found it superrrrr slow, so much so that I debated putting it down. But I pushed through, and once Nina ended up in Kenton and the rest of the story started coming together, it began to pick up and spark my interest again. I've heard this has Peaky Blinders vibes, but I've never watched the show - it did remind me of Six of Crows, which I just finished a few weeks ago. Patrick gives off major Kaz Brekker vibes *chef's kiss* I enjoyed the twist about how Nina ends up in Kenton and the turmoil that she goes through as she has to decide between her concern for her mother and the relationship she's developing with Patrick. I was thoroughly annoyed by Theo (Tamlin from ACOTAR vibes for sure), but I liked his redemption arc(?) at the end and I think it will make for an interesting love triangle in the next book.

Thanks so much to Simon & Shuster Canada for the e-arc and giving me the opportunity to read this before it releases on June 30th!

4.5⭐️ WowWowWow! Dystopian romantasy meets Peaky Blinders!!! I need to get a physical copy for my shelf, because this was great!

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 ↴

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ THE BANTER between the FMC (Nina) and the MMC (Patrick) was A+++!!! That alone had me hooked tbh! I read this book SO fast - literally devoured it!

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ Patrick Colson gives MAJOR Thomas Shelby vibes and I am LIVINGGGGG for it!! Even characters call him “Patty” (like “Tommy”) and it had me smiling hehe. I literally just pictured him as Cillian Murphy the whole time not going to lie!

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ Despite LOVINGGG Patrick…. I think my fav character has to be Donny! He had me literally laughing like a gremlin at 2am (me: 👹)!

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ The twists in plot were intriguing and exciting! There were a couple things I could have predicted but that didn’t bother me (makes me feel kinda proud of myself lol)

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ The real life / realistic political and power struggles were intriguing to read about, I liked the way the author portrayed and handled the stakes and issues.

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 ↴

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ This is very much a “telling” type of story in the way that it flows and information is given to the reader. This didn’t effect my reading experience, but I think it’s something to note for others.

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ The beginning did confuse me a little bit in terms of timeline and the jumps, but going into it knowing there are two major timelines (before / the past and then the present) with time jumps in the first little bit could help.

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ One thing that stuck out to me that I couldn’t stop thinking about was, despite Nina and Patrick’s obvious pull towards each other (both past and present), their dynamic was portrayed as if they were childhood friends for like their whole childhood whereas they literally only knew each other for like half a day…. So that kinda was confusing for their present day relationship.

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ I did find myself kind of getting annoyed with Nina at times… She felt almost too naïve / easily persuaded at times which had me wanting to punch a wall or something.

╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ I wish there was more world building and maybe even some more insight on the magic system, but hopefully we’ll get more in the next book!

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next book!!! That ending left me NEEDING moreeeee!!! 🩷💜💙 Thank you to Simon & Schuster CA for this e-arc opportunity!

—

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 ↴
Star: 4.5⭐️/5
Spice: 1.5🌶️/5
Emotion: 2💧/5

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ↴
🩷 Historical Dystopian Romantasy
💜 Dual POV in First & Third Person
💙 Peaky Blinders Vibe
🩷 Unique Elemental Magic System
💜 Slow Burn
💙 Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🩷 Found Family
💜 Political Intrigue
💙 Secrets and Betrayals
🩷 Class War & Rebellions

Okay, now I know I’m not the only one to feel this way, because I did in fact buddy read this book, but - WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME. I’m sorry, that was aggressive but really, this book tossed me out the back of the car, backed up, ran me over and drove away while I admired how pretty the car was. I loved it, was emotionally destroyed and may never actually recover from the turmoil I have been put through but still am DESPERATE for the next book. Send emotional support please, is there a support group being formed, because I would like to apply.

4.25 stars!

This book definitely gave Peaky Blinders vibes. I thought the world and magic were really unique. It kind of reminded men of House of Bane and Blood. I listened to the audiobook as well which was produced very well. I loved the accents for both the male and female narrators. The FMC did kinda piss me off a little bit but I loved the MMC. I think this a great example or a romantasy book for beginners. I am definitely interested to see what book 2 has in store.

𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘆 by Stacey McEwan

This was a book I heard great things about, preordered, and then was approved for an e-arc. The first chapters I was HOOKED - hunger games vibes with some divergence vibes and basically just obsessed.

I think I set myself up for unrealistic expectations during a time where my life has basically exploded. I couldn’t find time to read it at a regular “immersive” pace so I never really got sucked in.

I can see why people love it, and I can see why people may not. For me, I think it was a matter of not going in the direction I expected that made it feel like it dragged on with no excitement. I feel like instead of “district 12” vibes I felt in the beginning it began to feel like a western and I HATE westerns. (I do not think this is honestly a fair representation but it was just the setting my head created based on the language and imagery).

I know this should be about a 4 star read, but I just can’t rate it that way based on my enjoyment levels at this time in my life so I’m going to not rate it. I do think if you love fantasy with corrupt politics, rebellion, magic systems and high stakes this will be highly enjoyable!

Thank you so much to @simonschusterca for the e-arc #netgalley 🩷

Book review: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: romantasy series
Themes: class war, magic, political control
📖 Read if you like: The Hunger Games, Powerless, Heartless Hunter

This slow burn romance of secrets and lies features two kids from the brink who met unexpectedly and forever changed each others’ lives. Nina Harrow has always dreamed of wielding elemental magic and entering the dazzling world of Belavere City as an Artisan. Patrick Colson on the other hand is from a proud Craftsmen family, whose mines keep the idium flowing in a city he is keen to return to. One searches for escape from a harsh reality, and the other wants to change it through a revolution. When the two stumble upon the secrets of the capital and their hold on magic, each will carry the burden into a new future.

As the years pass, the miners union finally gains traction igniting a revolution against the Elite Artisans that have a hold on power and resources while the Craftsmen are forced to labour relentlessly and send their goods away. Haunted by her hidden origins, Nina is hesitant to use her rare magic against the miners and goes into hiding once the war starts. Now thrown into the role of rebel leader, it is Patrick that finds her and attempts to sway her to the cause. As sparks fly and new ideas and possibilities are presented, both will have to choose between loyalty and love.

It is a story of betrayal and heartache. The relentless loss and brutality of war with a heroine who wants to stay on the side of life and has thus chosen neutrality. Having Patrick as a passionate and driven contrast formed an interesting point of discourse. These opposites were perfect for each other and yet complex in their own rites. Theo completed a love triangle that bridged the past and the present, the glittering world with a dusty reality.

I liked the concept of an underground world and elemental magic as the source of social hierarchy in this class war. The opposite attract slow-burn romance was one that really grew on me and the town was one I would have enjoyed living in. Full of heart and found family, the cast of supporting characters really did have the damaged charm of The Peaky Blinders, while highlighting the inevitability of a life under ground.

I found the set up a little too matter of fact, so it took some time to start caring about the characters. Their motivations and dynamics needed to be better flushed out, and I thought parts in the storyline that were needed for continuation didn’t make sense within the context of the power structure. For example, Nina caring so much for an abandoned mother as to do something she was opposed to for years, or that an earth charmer could not close an access tunnel at a critical moment thereby stopping troop access and preventing further loss of life. There was a few too many of these obviously contrived moments to create tension and portend disaster that I found myself wishing for a different angle rather than obvious betrayal. That being said, it ended with a twist that will lead the trio into another landscape entirely with new dangers and an uncertain future. I think this will continue to be an interesting story.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC!

A very slow burn romantasy that tackles class wars, rebellion, enemies to lovers and betrayal. Absolutely amazing, honestly I have no words. I cant wait for two book because that ending left me wanting more

Thank you so much Simon & Schuster Canada for the free digital ARC for an honest review.

Excuse me, Did I just read one of my favorite books of the year so far ?!

Holy Freaking Shit ! That book was everything!!! I have no words and my heart is floating somewhere in 1000 pieces !

First, I absolutely loved the beginning. The meeting between the two when they were twelve. I was hooked on that.

Then, it got a little bit slow, but we needed that to fully immerse ourselves into the world and to feel her conflicted feelings over the war and everything.

But THEN, when she meets Patrick Colson, This is where the true magic happens!

The Banter, the chemistry, the love between those two. The feeling of the Found Family ! That was perfection.

And then, BAM the cliffhanger of cliffhangers and I'll be hanging somewhere waiting for the next book.

Read this if you love :

✨ Magic ;
✨ Love Triangle ;
✨ Epic Banter ;
✨ Found Family;
✨ Strong and brilliant FMC ;
✨ Morally grey MMC.

Thank you for the ARC. This was the first book by Stacey that I have read. But I must admit I was blown away. The world is masterfully crafted and the magic system is amazing. As you read, you see everything in your mind, almost like a movie. Main characters are complex and so painfully human. You go trough every emotion with them, you cheer for them, you cry for them. Tension and longing is so palpable, it reminded me of my own at times. Camaraderie and family love is so real, you can simply feel it. Cannot wait for more. Probably will start The Ledge tomorrow, lol!

I will admit, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book! I went into it blind except knowing that it was more of a wartime magical realm with a slow burn romance… and I was obsessed!



This book was everything I didn’t know I wanted it to be. It was easy to follow the world and the history, as well as the war politics and drama. I felt like the whole context was so original; I’ve never read a story like this. I also loved the magic and the use of alchemy in this book! I loved how it really felt like everything, from the context of the magic as well as the elementals of it was so thought out and really helped create this world that I found so intriguing! I loved the overall context and the peaky blinder vibes this story had, and I loved all the twists and turns that this story had!



One of my highlights about this book was definitely the slow burn romance… this was such a slow burn and it really got me, I loved the tension and their history and everything about Patrick and Nora together. As for the characters, I’m obsessed with Patrick! One of my new fictional crushes I think; I just love his heart and his brain, and I love the love he has for his family as well as Nora. As for Nora, I really enjoyed her as well, but she did slightly annoy me at times. However, I think that was also just some of the miscommunication she did, but I get it and it was for good reason. I also really loved the side characters and how much everyone added to the story!



I will say, I didn’t know this was part of a series and I’m kind of kicking myself because I just feel like I neeed the next book now, especially after how the book ends! I’m so excited to read the second book and see where we left off with this world and characters I fell in love with throughout the story!



5⭐

This was full of twists and betrayals and I never knew what was going to happen. I legitimately don’t know what to do with myself after finishing this. That cliffhanger was rough and it's going to haunt me until I have the second book in my hands.

The chemistry between Nina and Patrick was perfect. Right from the get-go they were drawn to each other and their short-lived childhood friendship evolved into something more when they met again. The banter and the tension between the two of them was top notch. I really enjoyed the side characters as well, especially Donny. Everything he said had me giggling.

I really tried with this one but ultimately put it down. The beginning reading about children was difficult for me, felt very YA, sort of Harry Potter esque. But oh well!

I AM VERY MAD AT THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK!!!! Why Stacey WHY.
That being said this was such a good read for me. Peaky Blinders but with magic?! Are you joking?!
I liked the time hopping back and forth and the sneaky qualities to both our main characters. There’s twists, there’s turns, and there’s all kinds of trust issues
The tension? Impeccable
The magic? Unique
The political aspect? Intriguing

I’m gonna need book 2 like immediately

I had such an amazing time reading this book. From the very start, the plot and the characters gripped me. I loved the looks back in time we got of the MCs. Nina and Patrick’s chemistry sparked right off the page! I had to actually force myself to slow down and really absorb everything, I was so invested in the story I had to know what happened next, but the writing was so rich I did not want to miss a thing! I had so many amazing quotes that I loved.

A Forbidden Alchemy gave me all the emotions, from laughing out loud to blushing to anger to crying. The twists were fantastic - some I did not see coming, others I guessed at but still hit perfectly. The ending has left me in shambles…. I need the next book because I just don’t know how to move on. This has been one of my favourite books to recommend and is definitely a contender for top read of the year. I highly enjoyed it, and I think you will too!

Hands down, this is one of my favorite books of the year! This series could end up being one of my top favourites, ever.

The mix of the academia setting at the beginning, and Peaky Blinders vibes as the story progressed was an unexpected but SO satisfying combination. The mafia elements brought tension to so many scenes and added to the already high stakes, I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book! Tons of tension, but in the best way. Everyone’s loyalty was in question, and the twist and turns kept on coming!

Now let’s talk characters! Both Nina and Patrick were very well developed, and from the start I felt extremely invested in their journey. When we meet them Nina is the studious one determined to stay away from home, change her stars and make something of herself and Patrick is her opposite, determined to return to his family and everything he’s always known. Patrick Colson though😍 He was giving major Thomas Shelby energy, and I loved every second of him! Even the side characters were dynamic and interesting, making the whole experience even more memorable.

I had an advanced ebook copy for this, but the second I finished I ordered a physical copy. I know this one will stick with me for a long time, and that ending?! Stacey, I need book 2 yesterday😅

**Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Saga Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.**

Well now that I’ve finished “A Forbidden Alchemy” I think it’s time to start a petition for @staceymcewanbooks @simonschusterca and @sagapressbooks to bring about a rapid release schedule so we can have book two in, say, three to six months?!

To be fair, I was warned.  And really, I should know better than to start a duology before the final book is out so of course, I read this first book just before release day. Too late now, can’t take it back so now I sit with a book hangover, twiddling my thumbs as I wait for the release of book two. Sigh. It’s a long wait… which again, brings me back to that petition….

This romantic fantasy (elemental magic and  alchemy) boasts characters that feel like real people with real lives who are just trying to do their best as either a crafter or an artisan.  But here’s the catch, the artisans wield power and tend towards lives of more while the crafters are the grunt labourers who live in treacherous poverty conditions.

Because I don’t want to give any spoilers, there’s not much that I can say except that you should read this book.  It has a love story that you’ll root for, morally grey characters, a cause that is both divided and dangerous, a brilliant magic system, compelling characters, questionable morals, a corrupt government, and found family that you can’t help but want on your side, even if they’re rough around the edges.

#aforbiddenalchemy is a must read for romance fans who love magic.  Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada and @netgalley for the complimentary advance ebook.  This is a book that needs to have a home on my shelves.  #staceymcewan is officially an auto-buy author.

⚒️ This one is about Nina, who is part of the working class in a fantasy world that’s divided into haves and have-nots (Artisans and Crafters, respectively). At a young age, Nina is sent to The Big City TM to be tested for magical potential. There, she meets fellow child of the proletariat, Patrick, and they hit it off, but soon they’re separated: Nina to be trained as an earthbender and Patrick back home to the mines… except Patrick is now armed with the knowledge that the upper class is responsible for keeping the working class down, and he wants to do something about it. 💜

⚒️ Oh wow, do these two go through it. Patrick has his hands full running a local racket on a small scale but also running the revolution while its leader is in custody. I definitely felt the Peaky Blinders vibes the most in Patrick’s POV chapters. It seems incredibly unfair that the working class should have to go into the mines, with no other choice, especially with the amount of deadly disasters that occur. The disparity is ramped up when we learn that there is no way out of that life, only the illusion of a chance. Although the main government is a “big bad”, there are plenty of innocent civilians being pulled into the conflict on both sides and that’s a huge problem for Nina who has ties to both sides. This big question for me through the majority of the book is how long Nina could put off picking a side, because it seemed inevitable that she would have to eventually. Her attraction to Patrick was instantaneous but a the same time this was a sloooow burn. 🔥 This one had so many twists and turns and I am absolutely sat. I need the next one now!!

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copy! Would you accept a kidney for an ARC of the next book?

🎧 I checked out the audiobook for this one and it was really good! It’s dual narration so one actor performs the FMC chapters and another does the MMC chapters. The “crafter” accents were passable. The narration was very clear and there was no distortion up to 2-3x speed.

🫖 I paired this book with lavender cream tea from Murchie’s. At one point in the book, Nina and Patrick go to a tea house for tea and lavender cake. To me it was one of the first times that Patrick showed his feelings for Nina, noticing that she was tired and making them stop to eat. I ate up the times when the kind of scary gangster-coded MMC was a soft marshmallow for his FMC.

4.5 stars. Loved the Peaky Blinders vibe and the storyline of Patrick and Nina sealing their fates together. I devoured the first 60% of this book then it got a bit slow but picked up again. It was incredibly well written. Not to mention that cliffhanger was jaw dropping, I can't wait for the next book

Wow I didn't know I needed this book in my life but here we are. I absolutely loved this book. If you like fantasy romance, this is the next big thing. Or should be. I will say it was a little slow to get into it. The characters start at age 12, and the first couple of chapters is setting up the world, magic system and political issues. But once time went on and the characters got to 25 ... I couldn't put it down!

The magic system felt unique. This also felt historically real? It was dark and gritty. If you like Peaky Blinder vibes, Industrial revolution, the dark and grit of poor miner towns versus the rich upper class... then this one is for you!! I desperately need book two so badly!

An Enchanting Mix of Magic, Mystery, and Forbidden Romance

A Forbidden Alchemy was my first read by Stacey McEwan, and I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I got pulled into this world. From the very first chapter, McEwan sets the tone for a dark, magical tale that doesn't shy away from exploring morally grey choices, and I was here for it.

The world-building is rich without being overwhelming. Alchemy is more than a gimmick here; it’s woven into the politics, the power dynamics, and even the relationships. The forbidden romance element gave the story that delicious tension I crave in fantasy, and the chemistry between the main characters felt earned, not rushed.

That being said, I did find the pacing in the middle to lag slightly. There were moments I wished things would move along a bit quicker, especially during the more info-heavy scenes. But the ending made up for it with a satisfying twist that has me eager to read the next book.

Overall, if you're into dark academia vibes, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a heroine who's flawed but fiercely determined, A Forbidden Alchemy is worth picking up.