Woooooowwwwww, the ending?!?! What?????

This book had me HOOKED! The plot twists, the characters, the magic, the development. Everything about it was done so well.

I couldn't help but find this reminiscent of many existing books/shows/movies (Arcane, The Hunger Games [the love triangle aspect], Peaky Blinders) in a lot of the tropes throughout the book, but it was so extremely unique at the same time.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book - what a ride it was!

And with so many questions left unanswered!!!! I can't wait for the next instalment!

This was romantasy with grit — rich in longing, tension, and class-fuelled rebellion. The chemistry between Nina and Patrick is magnetic, their shared past adding depth to every glance and argument. One chapter where they shut the world out and simply exist together felt indulgent, tender, and rare — a moment of softness in a story otherwise laced with danger. McEwan’s writing hits hard, balancing sharp political commentary with slow-burn romance that aches in all the right places. Fans of The Crimson Moth’s cat-and-mouse energy will devour this.

This was a much anticipated release for me. Marketed as a slow burn romantasy with fated pairs, A Forbidden Alchemy promised an emotional, magical journey that unfortunately didn’t quite hit the mark. While there were aspects I enjoyed, I ultimately closed the final page feeling a bit underwhelmed.

The book starts strong, with intriguing character and plot foundations that piqued my curiosity. McEwan clearly put effort into world building early on, and I was invested. However, the pacing faltered in the middle. Much of it felt like filler content with only occasional gripping moments sprinkled throughout. Things began to pick up again closer to the end, only for that momentum to be lost with a conclusion that felt rushed and flat. A stronger cliffhanger could have easily elevated the final chapters, leaving me desperate for book two, but instead, it left me lukewarm.

I also struggled with the structure of the alternating character chapters. The FMC’s chapters felt immersive, written in a distinct first person POV, but the MMC’s chapters came across as though I was being told the story through someone else's lens rather than experiencing it. This created a disconnect between the two voices that impacted the flow.

The romance, which was meant to be central to the story’s fated pair premise, felt underdeveloped. There was only one significant romantic moment, arriving well into the final quarter of the book. There was real potential for emotional depth between the FMC and MMC, as well as tension and complexity with her previous love interest, but it was left largely unexplored.

The magic system had promise, particularly around the water and earth charmers, but other magic types lacked depth. The world hinted at other magic types, with breadcrumbs scattered here and there, but they were too short or spaced out to feel impactful or memorable. A deeper dive into the magical framework, would have added richness, however I suspect we will see this in future instalments.

It’s clear this book leans more toward character driven storytelling, and while that can be a strength, I personally would have liked to see more consistency in the rebellion plotline and political tension coming through. As it stands, it reads more like a young adult fantasy than the richer romantasy I had been expecting.

That said, A Forbidden Alchemy had a solid foundation, and there’s still potential for this trilogy to grow into something memorable. While it fell short for me, I recognise that others may connect more deeply with its tone and pacing. I’m hopeful that the sequel delivers more impact, depth, and romantic payoff.

This for me was a 3.5 star read.

I am very much in the minority here which I am strangely enough happy about because I am a huge fan of Stacey McEwan and really liked her Ledge series but this one kinda fell flat for me.

It started off interesting with the history and had an different magic system but by halfway through this book I just wanted to finish it. It also somehow felt rushed, despite nothing really happening and being 480 pages? Also I am never one for insta-love and yeah ok, you met for a day back when you were 12 but now that you are in your mid 20s, you're pretty much ready to declare your undying love to each other after a week. Nope, no thank you. This was not what I signed up.

This does end on a whopper of a cliffhanger as is Stacey's style, but I am not sure whether I will come back for book 2.

Yes I had the NetGalley ARC but I wanted to buy the actual book too 🤣🫣 so I started reading the ARC then finished off with the actual book because I was a little slow. I’d been so excited for this one, I loved the Glacian Trilogy. This book is really different from that series obviously, but I really did enjoy it. I felt at times it was a touch slow going, then something would happen to get me hooked again. I’m trying to think of a way of saying what it’s about without spoilers! Nina and Patrick meet when they are kids when they are being tested for their magical abilities, or lack thereof. They discover a secret about this process that shapes their future and potentially sets them against each other later in life when they meet again.
I enjoyed the way this was written, it was very clever but surprisingly easy to get a grip of the ins and outs of their magic system. Not too much romance in this romantasy, which I prefer, it’s a slow burn but definitely takes a back seat for most of the book.
Definitely looking forward to the second one!
Thankyou to NetGalley, Stacey and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A Forbidden Alchemy surprised me—in the best way. I came for the angst and elemental magic and stayed for the social gut punch.

🔮 Mining-town setting.
🔮 Morally gray characters.
🔮 Romance so tender it stings.

If romantic fantasy ever whispered sweet nothings like, “By the way, systemic inequality is real,” A Forbidden Alchemy would be leading the charge. Stacey <b>delivered</b> something that was equal parts aching romance and unflinching social commentary - and it doesn’t pull any punches.

Forget sweeping castles and glittering gowns. This story digs deep into a mining town riddled with hardship, class divides, and exploitation. The setting is grim, the characters are gloriously flawed - calloused hands, sharp minds, and tender loyalties - and the backdrop of systemic oppression is eerily resonant.

But amid all that grit, love gleams like a strike of gold - the romantic tension does not soften the edges. Themes of manipulation, power, privilege, and class warfare are entwined with yearning and stolen moments of tenderness. It’s a compelling balance: emotionally charged without being saccharine, socially aware without losing narrative momentum.

Patrick Colson has major Thomas Shelby energy, right down to the deadpan wit and haunting stare. My brain refused to picture anyone else, and honestly? It worked.

It is written I would say, exactly how Stacey is on her social media, brimming with banter that feels sharp, real, and refreshingly unpretentious.

A Forbidden Alchemy is a gritty, romantic, socially incisive fantasy that deserves to be on your TBR.

Thank you to Stacey, Simon & Schuster AU, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC.

*4.5 stars*

*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for providing a digital copy to review*

If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders and Six of Crows, you will greatly enjoy this world, especially the MMC Patrick Colson. He’s what you get when you cross Kaz Brekker with Tommy Shelby, and he’s amazing.

Let’s, of course, not forget the FMC, Nina. As a child, she made a life-changing decision that has haunted her ever since. She’s an Artisan and has the rare ability to manipulate the earth, making her very valuable in the war between the artisans and the crafters. I thought the magic system was very interesting and liked how it was present in the background, with the characters and relationships being the main focus.

I felt so immersed in the story and invested in the relationships between the characters. I loved Patrick’s brothers (especially Donny) as well as Polly & Theo, whom Nina has known since school. I loved the slow build-up of Nina & Patrick’s relationship, and we get both of their POVs so we can see both sides.

There are a few omg revelations that really make you reevaluate a character. I enjoyed constantly questioning what the characters were going to do next and how they would manage it.

The ending left me with so many questions and theories, and I can’t wait for the next book.

This is going to be filled with incoherent gushing.

I knew within the first 25% that I was going to be obsessed with this book. In fact, I was so confident I would love it that I abandoned my Netgalley copy to go and by a physical copy.

I have no regrets. No matter how much emotional damage this book caused me.

This fantasy romance is the perfect blend of things I love: interesting magic system with elemental variants! A world at war. Complex very driven by their own goals making incredibly difficult decisions. Good world building. Peaky Blinders vibes (an excellent comp title!!), but if the gang was leading a full-scale rebellion against the ruling class. Excellent tension and conflict between characters.

It’s gritty and morally grey and high stakes and twisty with the perfect balance of tension and romance and and aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

TL;DR: I bloody love this book. I love these characters. I need book 2. And I hate myself for not picking up a Stacey McEwan book sooner.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC for my honest review.

I don’t know where to start with this review, I have many conflicting feelings.

If I could use one word to describe this book? It would be lukewarm.

I find that with books I much rather when an author trusts us to come to conclusions and shows us little breadcrumbs here and there throughout the story to pick up. This does not do that. This is very tell not show.

I felt the time jumps after the first initial testing unnecessary and would have been better to show in minor flashbacks, i think it would have been a lot more interesting if it had started with her capture.

Patrick and Nina acted like they were childhood friends who knew each other for 10 years and not barely half a day.

Theo, would have been better if he was remotely likeable. He kept showing up at random, it gave me whiplash.

The town and all the townspeople and what Patrick had accomplished was amazing and so beautiful, I really loved the family dynamic and Patrick himself was a gem.

Nina was a naive, hopeless little fool and while I did admire some parts… other times I just wanted to smack her.

I would have liked a lot more information on the magic system as well, it felt there was a lot left unsaid and a missed opportunity to show us how the magic works.

It also has probably the worst lines I have read in a book so far this year and was the one strike against dear Patrick’s name… “hoped you’d whine like that, too.”

Regardless of the tepid nature of my feelings, I am really interested to see where this goes and I will be picking up book two.

This was just really mediocre.

Firstly, the structure of this book really impacted my enjoyment. The first 100 or so pages were all backstory and felt like an extended prologue. If the book had started from when they were adults and included the backstory within the story - as flashbacks etc - I think it would have been so much more compelling and entertaining.

I liked the idea of this book, and the story was fine albeit very predictable and safe. Everything just kinda fell flat, it all felt very bland and surface level. Especially the FMC, she hardly had any personality at all. She didn't make any decisions and the story was just happening around her.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia & Stacey McEwan for this read!

This book immediately got me and I just knew it was what I needed. I love the idea of rising up against powers and this book not only had that, but had various divisions of communities AND magic thrown in. There is some great world building, strong characters, romance & heart racing moments. THAT ENDING! You are cruel to leave me like this Stacey haha - I NEED Book 2 now!!

I actually purchased this book while I was half way through because I just loved it. I've already told multiple people to pick it up and it's definitely one of my favourites this year!

4.5/5

"𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆," 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒇𝒕. 𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒓. 𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒎𝒆.”

I don’t even know what to say. A Forbidden Alchemy left me speechless, it is one of the most unique fantasy books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Set in a dystopian fantasy world that is fractured into two classes; the powerless and the powerful, those with magic, and those without. In this world the elite thrive in their ivory tower, while the rest toil in mines.

What transpires is a story that begins with two children from the brink, Nina who wants nothing more than to escape her father and the slums, and Patrick who could think of nothing worse than becoming a “swank”. A chance encounter during the ceremony that decides their fates sets them on a path that could bring the whole institution down. Years later they find themselves on opposing sides of a brewing rebellion, hearts are broken, loyalties are tested, betrayals cut deep and every choice carries a cost.

I was so immersed in this story, think Peaky Blinders vibes with a truly unique elemental magic system, rebels who will set the world on fire to bring down an empire, a morally grey MMC and a gritty FMC caught between both with impossible choices to make. When they are reacquainted as adults, it’s the kind of slow burn love story that really hurts; two people who are pulled toward each other by something they can’t name, while hiding secrets that will tear them apart.

I adored everything about this book, I seriously had trouble putting this one down. The plots sure were twisting, and kept me engaged the whole ride, it was utterly addictive in the best way. Patrick has cemented himself as one of my favourite book boyfriends ever. All I can say is after that ending, my heart better be put back together by the next book!

TLDR: read it, it’s amazing!

A Forbidden Alchemy is the kind of book that brands itself onto your heart and refuses to fade. Weeks after finishing it, I still catch myself thinking about Nina and Patrick - about their world, their heartbreak and the exquisite tension woven through every page. From the gritty beginnings in their crumbling towns to the glimmering cruelty of Belavere, Stacey McEwan crafts a sharp and immersive exploration of power, privilege and identity. The magic system is both rich and terrifying and the slow-burn romance threaded into the class rebellion makes for a story that’s as emotionally gutting as it is thought provoking.

Nina and Patrick are unforgettable. Their history, their longing, their pain - it all pulses just beneath the surface. Nina’s transformation into a hardened yet deeply vulnerable woman is masterfully done, while Patrick’s brooding quietness had me fully undone. Their moments together - stolen glances, loaded conversations, the devastating almosts - are some of the most intensely charged scenes I’ve read in a long time. And the banter? Absolutely devastating in the best way.

But this story is so much more than a romance. It’s a slow, simmering rebellion, a dismantling of illusion and a commentary on power and choice. Every twist in the second half left me breathless, and by the time I reached the ending, I was wrecked in the most satisfying way. The writing is elegant, the characters unforgettable and the emotion relentless. A Forbidden Alchemy isn’t just a book you read - it’s one that consumes you. I’m not being dramatic when I say: it ruined me. And I loved every second of it.

A Forbidden Alchemy is an explosive, emotionally rich, utterly addictive series opener that cements Stacey McEwan as a force in fantasy fiction. From page one, I was hooked — and by the final chapter, I was frantically Googling how to give more than five stars on Goodreads. It's that good.

Set in a gritty, "Peaky Blinders meets Panem" world, this story blends high-stakes tension, class rebellion, forbidden magic, and devastating romance into a narrative that’s equal parts cinematic and soul-wrecking. We follow Nina and Patrick — two teens who stumble upon a world-shattering secret in their youth, only to be thrust back into each other's orbit thirteen years later, with even more to lose (and more they’re not saying).

The chemistry? Palpable. The plot? Razor sharp. The betrayals? Deeply McEwan™.
The writing itself is phenomenal — lyrical, immersive, and charged with emotional depth. McEwan somehow gives us both grit and grace, making this world feel as dangerous as it is dazzling.

Stacey, your mind is a magical, twisted wonder. This is your best work yet — the pacing, the pain, the passion... perfection. I already need book two and a full-blown TV adaptation.

A fantasy thrown in with a delicious romance in this peaky blinders meets hunger games, dual pov, he falls first from the start with a lust to never forget her. Stacey! What are you doing to us?

In this brutal fantasy, you'll get fated paths, forbidden love, betrayal, fight scenes that will leave you gripping for more and this is just the first book!

I can't wait to see what's next in the alchemist series 😍

Holy shiz, this was epic. Dual POV, twisty, deliciousness.

I will say that I definitely found this to be less romantasy and more a political fantasy with a romantic sub-plot.

Peaky Blinders in a Hunger Games-esque setting with a magic system that reminded me of the chefs kiss that is Sanderson's Mistborn series mashed with Avatar: The Last Airbender and Shadow and Bone. There was nothing about this book that I didn't love.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Scheuster Australia for an advanced copy.

“I wanted and wanted and wanted but had learned to ignore it. Hiding was safe.”

Well… what can I say! I really enjoyed this book. I went into it blind (as I do with most books) and it did not let me down!

When two 12 year olds meet for the first time at a siphoning ceremony, it’s the first and last time they should meet. But, 13 years later, they meet again, and on different sides of the war…

This story is full of political intrigue. One side against another. The artisans; rich, privileged, full of magic and controlling of the entire continent. The craftsman; poor, living in poverty and supplying the Artisan capital. A story depicting the privileged vs the oppressed. I think this story is very significant in today’s society and sends a powerful message in the underdogs fighting back.

I adored the magic system & the characters are written so well. Nina’s magic is cool! She is an absolute badass. She is fierce and fights heavily to ensure casualties are minimal. Patrick is truly morally grey. As Sam would say “He’s bad to those who’re bad. No idea if that makes him good, though.”

I thought the world building was done really well. I was so invested and immersed in the world. The descriptions of Kenton Hill in particular, are absolutely fantastic!

This is such a raw and emotional book, filled with twists, turns and an ending that will have your screaming through the book at Stacey. Never mind “who did this to you”… it’s more like “did Stacey really just do that to us…”

I would check the trigger warnings! There are some heavy topics, but ultimately this is a fantastic read! Cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster & NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this book!

The true strength of A Forbidden Alchemy lies in its fantastic world-building. The intricate magic system, the stark class divide, and the morally grey rebellion storyline were compelling and kept me thoroughly engaged. This is a story that shines when it leans into its political intrigue and high-stakes conflict.

Where the novel didn't fully connect with me was in the execution of the romance. While marketed as a romantasy, it felt more like a political fantasy with a romantic subplot. The emotional connections, particularly in the central relationship, felt underdeveloped due to rushed moments and a lack of depth. A significant factor here was the main character's consistent reliance on deception. While character flaws are essential, the repeated refusal to communicate honestly became a point of frustration and, for me, undermined the believability of the romantic bond.

Despite these criticisms, the overall plot is incredibly intriguing. The book concludes on a cruel and abrupt cliffhanger that has absolutely ensured I will be picking up the sequel as soon as it's available. Stacey McEwan has successfully hooked me for the continuation of the series.

A sincere thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

🔥 Book Review – Forbidden Alchemy 🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here we go!

We follow Nina and Pat as they accidentally uncover the country’s darkest secret and from that second on everything shifts. It’s not just a “wrong place, wrong time” situation… it’s a “what if you suddenly held the key to burn down the entire system” kinda deal. The choices they are forced to make. That fork-in-the-road moment had my chest tight.
You could feel Nina's soul splinter between who she was and who she was becoming.

And the dual POV? Chef’s kiss. Getting to crawl inside Pat’s head as he carried the weight of leading his brothers, defending his town, and playing hero and villain. It added so much depth and turmoil to this MMC. I fully imagined him as Thomas Shelby (and his brothers were basically the rest of the Peaky Blinders crew in my head), with that perfect blend of calculated chaos, loyalty, and pain. The man oozes morally grey leader energy. He’s doing the wrong things for the right reasons and I ate that shit up leaving no crumbs.

Nina, though… she gave me serious Katniss Everdeen energy. She didn’t set out to be a symbol of rebellion, she just wanted out. A better life. But the world chewed her up and spit her out as a weapon, and watching her transformation was both tragic and empowering.

The plot? Twisty as hell. I thought I had a few threads figured out. I was confident. This book came in with a steel chair of a twist and knocked me sideways WWE style. The secrets, the betrayals, the political games? Delicious.

Tropes :
✨ Childhood lovers
🔥 War & rebellion
💔 Slow burn angst
⏳ Historical dystopian vibes
🫢 Secrets & betrayals around every damn corner
🏠 Found family

I gasped. I yelled “WHAT?!” more than once. And when I closed the final page, I just sat there, stunned, whispering “damn you stacey.”

This story was a rebellion wrapped in heartbreak, built on the backs of people who dared to dream of freedom. If you love books that make you feel like you’ve survived a war with the characters—Forbidden Alchemy needs to be on your shelf yesterday!

Stacey McEwan really knows how to tear your heart out in the best way. Forbidden Alchemy gave me everything I love: slow-burn romantasy, messy emotions, and just the right amount of tension between love and loyalty. The ultimate vice in a good Romantasy.

The world was solid, the stakes felt real, and the whole alchemy system was super clever. I flew through it and wasn’t ready to let go of these characters by the end.

“Sometimes survival looks a lot like surrender.”
This one hurt my heart

🧪 Slow-burn romance
🧪 Found family
🧪 Magic & alchemy
🧪 Forbidden secrets
🧪 Class divide
🧪 Second chances
.