I’ve been feral for this book since it was announced and somehow it STILL exceeded my expectations?? Getting my hands on an advanced copy felt like winning the literary lottery, and I am *eternally grateful* to have devoured this masterpiece before the masses. A Forbidden Alchemy absolutely devoured me. Stacey McEwan has somehow outdone herself, delivering a world so rich, magic so twisted, and characters so *agonisingly good* that I am now spiritually bound to this story forever.

The magic system? Utterly unique, deliciously dark, and the kind of intricate world-building that makes my *story-obsessed brain short-circuit*. The banter? Top tier. And don’t even get me started on Patrick! Morally grey, sharp-tongued, secretly soft? I am not okay. The plot twists? Ruthless. Gut-punching. I still haven't emotionally recovered. They had me gasping and yelling and flipping pages like a gremlin.

Stacey’s writing is so rich and immersive I felt like I was living in the story. 5 chaotic, unhinged, deeply obsessed stars.

✨1 stars ✨

“You know exactly why we started this fight…You’re just too scared to join it.”

First off, thank you to Simon and Schuster for allowing me an e-arc of this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What to expect in this
* Revolution
* Slow burn
* Missions
* Betrayals
* Class systems
* Magical abilities

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me personally. I just really couldn’t get stuck into it and found a few things that I don’t personally like.

The book has alternating POVs and usually I love this but in this case the changes from first to third person perspective made it a bit difficult for me to feel emerged into the story.

I also wasn’t too big of a fan of Patrick, I think his character was a bit forced at some points. Though I did enjoy his part in the revolution.

I definitely see how this can be loved by many. I think that it just wasn’t for me. As always, if the book intrigues you I believe you should always try it.

Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
(adventurous challenging emotional informative mysterious reflective tense fast-paced)

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25 STARS

A Forbidden Alchemy is perfect for anyone looking for an early 1900's vibe but with magic and romance!

This was an incredibly unique story that just felt so different to everything that has been coming out in the recent months. It had a very compelling storyline of crafters vs artisans that made this world seem more real and help add so much tension between Nina and Patrick and their relationship.

What I loved most about this is that I felt that everything was sustainable without the romance propelling the story forward and if that element were to be remove this would still be and amazing read.

Thank you to Stacey McEwan, Simon & Schuster (Australia) and NetGalley for a copy of an ARC.

From the first page, A Forbidden Alchemy had me completely hooked. Stacey McEwan has crafted a world that feels both vividly magical and painfully real, where the line between power and exploitation is razor-thin.

Set in a divided society of magical Artisans and physically skilled Craftsmen, the book introduces a rich elemental magic system that’s easy to understand but full of nuance. I loved how seamlessly the world-building wove into the characters’ lives—it felt like every part of the story had purpose.

But what really made this book unforgettable for me was the relationship between Nina and Patrick. Their connection spans years, beginning with innocent sparks in childhood and slowly building into a complicated, intense slow-burn romance. They’re torn apart by the brutal system around them, and yet the tension when they reunite? Absolutely electric. You can feel the weight of their choices and regrets in every scene.

The themes of injustice, loyalty, and resistance against a corrupt elite gave the story real depth. It has a softer romantic pull that felt unique to McEwan’s voice. There were moments that made me ache, and others that had me cheering out loud.

This isn’t just a romantasy—it’s a rebellion wrapped in longing and laced with magic. I already can’t wait for the sequel.

✨ Rating: 5/5
Perfect for fans of emotional world-building, elemental magic, and enemies-to-lovers tension that cuts deep.

Well, this might be my first 5 star review for 2025 and my God is it well deserved.

I was hooked from the very start (gave major Hunger Games vibes), and the world building was incredibly interesting.

The banter between the characters (especially the side characters) was absolutely top notch! Not forced or cringy, and it made me LOVE them all so much it hurt!
The MMC is quickly becoming one of my faves. Think Tommy Shelby from Peeky Blinders - just as sexy, just as bat-shit crazy and even more possessive - SWOON!

Found family was everything in this one. It is one of my most adored tropes and it was done beautifully here. The tough love, teasing banter, unyielding support and unending devotion to each other was my emotional undoing. Have tissues ready, and maybe a pillow because that plot-twist ending will have you needing to scream into something.

I know I've loved this book because even after finishing it I don't want to leave their world. I NEED their story to continue. It's all I think about and now I'm in a slump. Thanks a lot Stacey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC to read ad review

*rubs hands together"
...a new Stacey MCEwan book?
This should be good....and it is.

The Glacian Series is heads and shoulders above the standard fantomance on my shelf and ^thank the baby cheeses^ A Forbidden Alchemy is set up for another cracking story arc.

I loved this atmospheric world with a really interesting elemental magic system that feeds a shitty class divide teetering on a tipping point. Our characters, Nina and Patrick have a complex history and I enjoyed the time jumps used to establish the history of the relationship.

All the tension was tensioning, the twisties and the turnies were hectic and I didn't trust anyone. All while I was slowly falling for the tortured morally grey love interest.

Yeah... Stacey McEwan does all this interweaving so well I just kept turning the page.
Until the cliffhanger.

Then I cursed Stacey.

And I curse the next 12 months I have to wait until the next book.

With thanks to Stacey McEwan for the blood pressure, Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to read A Forbidden Alchemy before publication.

I’m obsessed with this book! What you think would be the biggest plot twist hits you right at the beginning of the book. From there, you’re pulled through the story with the effects of this discovery unravelling. It’s marketed as a mix of Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders—at first, I wasn’t sure that fit, but I did start to see the inspiration from them. While the vibes and tone is similar, this book still stands completely on its own as something unique and honestly quite brilliant.
The narrative spans a long timeframe, it weaves past and present in a way that makes a lot of sense to the story and helps you understand character motivations. Even when I guessed some of the plot points, they still landed with so much depth and emotion it still felt like a new revelation. Stacey has masterfully intertwined the timelines to keep you hooked, invested, and always slightly on edge, much like what it would be like living in a world with active conflicts.
Despite the tension and dread (lol sounds dramatic but its there just slightly the whole time), there are moments of real beauty and connection. Stacey has built a world you fall in love with, only to by the end...... um actually thats probably a spoilers so........
I actually finished the book sobbing, only to burst out laughing at the last line of the acknowledgments. Oh she clearly knew exactly what she was doing and how to give us poor readers the most impact.
I am excited to learn that there will be an audiobook version upon release and I will be listening the DAY it comes out! I need more Belavere in my life. I must admit I had already preordered both the standard and special editions of this book before I even knew I would receive the digital ARC, just based on how much I loved Stacey’s Glacian Trilogy, and I’m so glad I trusted my gut on this one. I can’t wait to reread it and force anyone who will listen to read it to!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Forbidden Alchemy is incredible!

I enjoyed Stacey McEwan’s Glacian trilogy and was excited to see what she did next but this book was way better than even my highest expectations.

What I loved in particular:
- Nina and Patrick. They make a really charming couple and I loved that their relationship was based on jokes and dares, some from as way back as when they were 12, rather than insta lust.
- the peaky blinders vibe of Colson and sons. The brothers gang and their formidable matriarch were intertwined so well with the fantasy setting.

Pair all this with a cool magic system that reminded me a little of the one in Mistborn and you have a really great read!

This should be the next series that everyone is obsessed with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this early as an ARC.

“When Artisans restrained their magic in the presence of their medium, it was a kind of starvation. That was how I felt now. Starved. How long had it been since I’d feasted?”

It’s not often that I read a book that I feel is truly unique, but A Forbidden Alchemy is like nothing I’ve read before. The magic system was so different and to refreshing to read. The characters are multi-layered and complex and it meant that I never felt bored reading.

“You’re too beautiful to be real,” he said suddenly, softly. With my ear pressed to his chest, I could feel the words, too. “There’s your compliment.”

Patrick and Nina are going to live in my head until the next book. I’m obsessed with them both.

This book kept me engaged and guessing the whole way through, with twists and heartbreak galore. Stacey really outdid herself with this one. Loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster/Atria Australia for this E-arc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5 🌶️🌶️2/5

Tropes:
⛏️ Slow Burn
⛏️ Secret Identities
⛏️ Found Family

I fear Stacey McEwan ate with this one, what a book.
There were twists, turns, rebellion, secret identities (OMG), it was utter perfection, and I couldn't put it down.

Patrick? the man that you are... morally grey, peaky blinders vibes and so smitten with Nina, Nina? such a strong fmc and so underestimated despite how powerful she is. I absolutely loved her and every interaction between her and Patty, I really hope we get another book soon.

Magic system? STUNNING and I really enjoyed the way the class system was explored throughout this book and the role Nina plays in challenging it. Stacey McEwan I was unaware of your game and will be buying your entire catalogue.

“Bury us all”.
“A canary sang”.

A big thank you to Netgalley & Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC.

Consider me buried alive🪦 That’s how many plot twists got piled on top of me during the last few chapters! 💀

“You will sink this tunnel. Bury us all.”

In world divided by power your destiny is determined by a vial of Idium. Upon consumption your blood is imbued with elemental magic deeming you a prized Artisans or you remain the same, a less than Crafter.

In a world divided by power, your destiny is determined by a single vial of Idium. Drink it, and your blood could awaken elemental magic, marking you as a prized Artisan. But if nothing happens? You remain unchanged, a lower class Crafter.

But what if Idium isn’t distributed equally?

Our two main characters Patrick & Nina uncover this brutal corruption & find themselves on opposite sides of a class war, Artisans vs Crafters.

Patrick leads the Crafters revolution, imagine Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders 🙌🏼 Morally grey but fiercely loyal to his family & town. I was swooning during his chapter POV’s.

“He’s bad to those who’re bad. No idea if that makes him good, though.”

Nina who is a powerful Artisan finds herself constantly pulled between both sides of the war but the biggest pull is towards Patrick. Hello banter, tension & possession 🔥

“Trust me, darlin’, he’s always lookin’ at you, even when you think he’s not.”

This book is for you if you love
>Elemental Magic
>Political Intrigue / Class war
>Secret identities
>Multi POV
>Found family
>Tension & slow burn
>Betrayal & Plot twists that leave you emotionally unwell

“We’re stuck between two guns now…That’s all there is to it.”

Thank you NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for the E-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I will be racing to buy a physical copy on release day!

Okay first of all, what on earth was that cliffhanger, holllllllllllly hell.

A Forbidden Alchemy is a super slow burn romantasy, following Nina and Patrick on their very different journeys from childhood to adulthood. They meet at a young age and each follow opposite callings until they find their way back to each other under pressured and complicated circumstances. Patrick puts the grey in 'morally grey' and Nina is a total badass in her own right.

The world building in this book is exceptional, Stacey McEwan pulls out all the tricks for effective scene setting. The magic system is well developed too, and is quite unique. There were so many twists in this book that it kept me on my toes for the entire read. I saw some coming, but most really threw me.

A Forbidden Alchemy has all the good things:
- Banter (perfection!)
- Secrets and betrayal
- Class rebellion
- Variety of different magics
- Dual POV
- Fated pair
- MORALLY GREY MMC

The story ends on a cliffhanger which pretty much destroyed me, and I am beyond desperate to find out what happens in Nina and Patrick's next chapter.

((((My only con is that I personally struggled with the switch between first person and third person based on which POV it was, but that's a me issue.))))

No notes, obsessed & will be thinking about the events and the characters in this book for forever and a day! All of the stars for this phenomenal read by Stacey McEwan that gave amazing Peaky blinders x grishaverse vibes and an ending that had me literally wanting to hurl my kindle across the room, because it was just that heart wrenchingly good!
The chemistry between Nina and Patrick was so tangible ❤️‍🔥 and they are definitely now on my list of favourites. The stage has really been set for the follow ups and I can’t wait for book 2 to be published! Instant pre order 🫶
If you love tension, banter, romance, a unique magic system, plot twists, high stakes and morally grey characters then A Forbidden Alchemy might just be for you.

Thank you Stacey McEwan, Simone & Schuster Aus and NetGalley for the eARC.

Stacey, what was the ending!?!
I need more. I devoured it in under 24 hours and I could not put this down.

The magic system was well thought out with Crafters and Artisans. Children at the age of 12 are taken to the main city to be tested for their abilities. Except Nine and Pat discover that the artisans aren't born they're chosen. Crafters being the ones to mine precious minerals and ores and the artisans (the richer ones) to use their abilities to shape and create beautiful things from minerals and can also have unique abilities such as fire welding, Water and Earth manipulation. But the most valued ability is to be an alchemist.

I absolutely loved Pat. Hands down could be THE new book boyfriend. He's kind, sets boundaries but also knows how to treat a women.
The morally grey nature of the characters in this book and their overall development is incredible.
The yearning and found family in this book is nice and makes me smile.

I feel so betrayed by some of the twists in this book as well as the cliffhanger of an ending. And having to wait for the next book is going to kill me.

This has everything you'd want. High stakes, unique magic system, politics, yearning, found family, secrets and morally grey characters.

For the fans of Avatar the last Airbender, Peaky Blinders, SOC and the Hunger Games.

don't even know where to start I'm still in freak out mode over the last few chapters.
Patrick is such a closed off man but also a brutal one € and when he finally opens up to our FMC Nina it leaves you with your jaw on the floor, like we all had ideas in our head of what was kinda going on then we definitely didn't knowing what we now know!!! And Nina is such a strong smart woman doing what she can to get to where she needs to go.
This is a very slow burn, but even without that it's a great story line and twists and the banter was really great.
I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 and for our minds to make up ideas and than for Stacey to just destroy them with better twists haha.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, I think that I devoured it in 3 days is enough said but in case it isn't

Tropes: Class Wars, Oppressive Government, Unique Magic System, Enemies to Lovers, Hidden Identity, Love Triangle, He Falls First, Banter, Multifaceted FMC

I think it would be easier to start with what I didn't like;
The ending, Stacey, WTF was that?

What I did like; The setting wasn't one I would usually read, but I ended up really loving it and how seamlessly the old world glamour of society contrasted the terrors of the mines, and entwined with the magic system. The concept of craftsman vs artisans was meticulously hashed out.

If you read Stacey's "Glacian Trilogy" and are yearning for the found family/banter vibes, A Forbidden Alchemy will bring with it the comfort of familiarity without being in any realm "same-same".

If you haven't and want to fill some time before A Forbidden Alchemy's release date: I strongly recommend hunting out the series.

I will definitely be waiting to get my hands on my preordered physical copy, and definitely see it being a favourite to re-read, with Patrick most likely becoming
"the" next book boyfriend.

A huge thank you to Stacey, who sent the link to an ARC on the off chance my request didn't get accepted, and to Simon & Schuster (AU) for accepting the request.

Another addicting read by Stacey, she’s outdone herself with this one. I was addicted to the story from the first page and couldn’t put it down!