Stacey, what have you done to me?!
This is hands down one of my favourite reads of 2025.

From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The blend of fantasy with gritty Peaky Blinders vibes made for such a captivating and unique reading experience—I genuinely haven’t read anything quite like it.

I absolutely loved the two main characters, Nina and Patrick. Nina, in particular, stood out to me. Following her journey from the age of twelve added so much depth, and I thought the early chapters were perfectly paced to lay the groundwork for the story. It’s easy to understand why Nina would want to escape her life, yet deep down, she’s always the girl from Scurry—and that inner conflict really resonated with me.

Patrick, on the other hand, starts off as a cheeky, charming figure, and when we meet him again, the hardened edge he’s developed makes perfect sense given everything he’s endured. Watching Nina and Patrick reunite and slowly draw out the parts of themselves they’d forgotten was one of my favourite dynamics in the book.

The magic system is another standout. Stacey has created something truly original here—alchemy and elemental magic come together in such a fascinating way. The plot was full of twists and turns that constantly kept me guessing and desperate to keep turning the pages.

And that ending! I’m not okay. I need book two immediately. But as much as it left me reeling, it was also the perfect setup for what’s to come.

I’ve loved Stacey’s previous work, but this one is my new favourite. I’m beyond excited that I preordered it—I need the physical copy in my hands ASAP.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't even know where to start, this book completely blew me away! A Forbidden Alchemy injects fresh life into the romantic fantasy genre in my opinion, it's different to anything I've read in its take on magic and the world in which it takes place.
I haven't seen Peaky Blinders but I see lots of comparisons to this series and honestly, I get it, because Irish gangsters is more or less how the rebels felt to me. The idea that the government controls the supply of idium, which provides magic, and chooses who receives it, is so interesting and I loved the feel of the uprising / rebellion of the Craftsmen. It definitely gives the story that extra layer, it impacts Nina and Patricks's relationship and it gives reason to all the things being kept secret and by extension, the twists and turns in the story.
I love Nina, it would be easy to write her off for her choice to become an Artisan once she finds out the draw is rigged, but her backstory is easy to be sympathetic to. She's strong and capable but knows when to tap out and let others make decisions, which is crucial in her situation as a captive of the enemy.
Patrick might be my new favourite MMC, he is actually perfection. He's not afraid of hard choices, he may have done some bad things but I refuse to acknowledge them. He's hard when he needs to be but soft for Nina. He's down bad, has spent the last 13 years pining for a girl he knew for a day, and honestly, what more could we want in a man?
The plot - I can't say much because I was shocked by most of the twists and turns here, I did not see them coming and a few of them hit me like a freight train. The last few chapters absolutely killed me, I knew it was going to be devastating but WOW. I hope we don't have to wait too long for book 2 because this story will be in the back of my mind until I can find out what's next!

Do yourself a favour and read A Forbidden Alchemy ASAP so we can swoon and scream into the void together! Where do I get a t shirt that says 'Stacey McEwan ripped my heart out and I liked it'?

This book was such a ride! Magic, secrets, war, betrayal and love set in an industrial-revolution style world where Peaky Blinders and The Hunger Games collide.

Nina and Patrick stumble upon Belavere Trench's biggest secret at 12 years old, then go their separate ways with this life-altering knowledge and a choice to make.
Years later they are reunited, their lives and secrets entangled once again - however things have changed since they last saw each other 13 years ago. Nina is a runaway Artisan. Patrick is a morally grey Craftsman gangster leading a revolution. They made their choices all those years ago, and it could just be the downfall of them both.

The found family is brilliant, the side characters are complex and the world building is thorough. The imagery used creates such a clear picture of Belavere and I loved it. Being able to picture book scenes in my head like I'm watching a movie sucks me in and keeps me engrossed the whole way through.

Now that ending... That was just rude, Stacey. RUDE. I hope that your pillow is always warm so you have to get up and write 😂 (I'm kidding, authors are people too and deserve sleep and cool pillows, I'm just impatient).

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster, Atria and Netgalley for the early copy!

This might just be one of the best ARCs I’ve ever received. Stacey McEwan has absolutely blown me away with this book, it’s everything I love in a romantasy. It gave me serious Six of Crows meets Peaky Blinders vibes (which makes perfect sense, since the author has cited them as inspiration).

The world-building is so interesting, a unique elemental magic system where powers are gained by drinking a vial of Idium, with a controlling government deciding who gets access. It leans into dystopian territory, with a political fantasy plot full of betrayal, secrets, and twists I didn’t see coming.

And then there’s the romance. A slow-burn with tension, the kind that simmers under the surface while the main plot keeps you absolutely hooked. I loved that the romance didn’t overshadow the story but added so much depth, especially with Patrick being the one to fall first (and did I mention the yearning!?).

Nina and Patrick are both incredible characters, and I especially loved the dual POV, Nina’s in first person and Patrick’s in third. It sounds like an odd combo, but it works so well here and adds to the overall tone and pacing of the story.

This book had me fully in its grip from start to finish, and I can’t wait to grab a physical copy the second it hits shelves. I'm so glad I’ve now discovered Stacey McEwan, and even better, she's an Aussie author!

I highly, highly recommend picking this one up when it's released. I just don’t think I can put into words how much I loved it, it’s that good.

I am unwell. Stacey is brilliant and everyone should read this book... What. A. Ride.

I don't think I've ever read a book where I've been anxious from start to the end. I had no idea how this was going to play out and the twists and turns KEPT ON COMING. Stacey sucker punches you half way through the damn book (end of Chapter 34) with a twist that will have you screaming and they don't stop there. The chokehold this book had over me. If you love dystopian fantasies then you need to read this. Hands down one of my top reads of the year.

I loved it, give me five more.
*Immediately pre-ordered two copies*

- Dystopian fantasy
- Duology (for now)
- Class war & rebellion
- Government corruption & secrets
- He falls first (and hard)
- Magical haves & have nots
- Dual POV (first person & third person)
- Friends to enemies to lovers to...
- Peaky blinders vibes
- Love triangle
- Twists & turns
- Betrayal
- Morally grey MMC

Spicy Chapters: 48, 49

ARC Book Review: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan

Okay, so hear me out—I started this book thinking “gorgeous cover, sounds fun,” and for the first few chapters I was like “hmm okay, slow burn to slow burn huh?” But then BOOM! I was slapped in the face with banter so elite it could run for public office, and plot twists that had me looking around my living room like someone just told me I’ve been living in a simulation.

We start off with Nina and Patrick, literal baby beans at 12 years old from poor mining towns, standing in line to find out if they’re magical or just poor and screwed. And THEN we discover the entire damn magic system is a rigged mess made to benefit the rich (shocker), and the two of them accidentally ignite a rebellion like, “oops, sorry we overthrew the social order, our bad.” 🤣

Cue a delicious slow burn romance that made me scream internally, and fall head over heels for Patrick, who is now the main tenant in my heart with full rights and privileges. He’s morally gray, broody, witty, and gives off “I’ll destroy the world for you but still make you tea” energy. Nina is a damn QUEEN clever, fiery, vulnerable, and refuses to be anyone’s pawn. I love her so hard I’d fistfight fictional governments for her.

We’ve got:
💥 rebellion & class war
💥 banter so real and sharp I felt personally attacked
💥 jealous moments and love triangle-ish angst
💥 Peaky Blinders meets magic-core vibes
💥 a timeline that spans over a decade so you really grow with the characters
💥 a rich, atmospheric world that feels like Harry Potter met The Magicians Guild and then got drunk and ran off to start a revolution Hunger Games

Also, let’s talk about the writing style for a sec—bless Stacey McEwan’s soul for making a fantasy world that didn’t require me to take notes like it was a university lecture. The writing flowed beautifully—smooth, snappy, and immersive without being overcomplicated. The descriptions were clear and punchy, building a vivid world without dragging it out. No purple prose, no five-paragraph descriptions of a doorknob—just straight to the point in the best way, while still sinking you deep into the story.

Also shout out to the side characters who are all elite. Tess is the prickly mumma bear I didn’t know I needed, Donny is the chaotic bestie I’d happily get arrested with, and Theo?? THEO. Let’s just say I’m confused and intrigued and probably in danger.

And the ending? Oh. My. GOD. That ending ripped out my spine, tap-danced on it, and whispered, “You’ll wait for book 2 and you’ll LIKE IT.” Which is rude. RUDE. Because now I’m emotionally stranded and there’s no ferry back.

If you love the sound of all of this.. then baby A Forbidden Alchemy will own your soul. 10/10 would set my life on fire again just to read it for the first time.

PS: Yes, I do feel like a ninny because it turns out this was a future-tense memory retelling and my brain did NOT catch on immediately. Leave me alone… I eventually got there

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

I adored this book! 😍

I wasn't sure quite what to expect from it, because I found the first few chapters a little slow, which I completely attribute to my mood reading tendencies. I'd just come off reading a couple of contemporary romance books, and I think my brain had to adjust to this type of world building again. However, the stakes just continued to ratchet up until all of a sudden I had been sitting in the same spot for a couple of hours, unaware of anything else going on around me. Suddenly I had only had a few chapters left to go.

I loved the setting and the magic system in this book. It's very much a story driven by politics and class wars, and I thought that the MMC in this book was truly morally grey, but for completely sympathetic reasons. I think Patrick is one of my new favourite MMCs ever, and I just loved how he and Nina were together. The twists actually caught me completely off guard, and the emotional whiplash I'm currently suffering is a total testament to how much I loved this book.

Definitely add to your TBR if you enjoyed the world of Peaky Blinders and you love romantic fantasy books. You will love this one!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Stacey McEwan and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderfully immersive, adventurous fantasy romance. I adore the rich world-building, the intriguing elemental magical system and the high-stakes tension of a society divided by power.

Featuring an expansive timeline – Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson meet at twelve years of age, reconnecting at the age of twenty-five, amid a class war between Crafters and Artisans, when they become torn between love and loyalty.

What to expect -
✨ Immersive writing
✨ Society divided by power
✨ Class war and rebellion
✨ Slow-burn romance
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Morally grey characters
✨ Fabulous found family
✨ Witty banter
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Brutal betrayals

The ending has me desperate to read book 2!

With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy of this intoxicatingly magical story, in exchange for an honest review.

I will be purchasing a physical copy, so that I can read this incredible story again when the second book is released.

this is SUCH. A. GOOD. BOOK. think Peaky Blinders x Six of Crows, but still new & fresh, and you have a Forbidden Alchemy. (Thomas & Grace forever iykyk)

the plot twists genuinely took me by surprise, which is rare for a book to do (this isn’t a bragging thing, I just read a lot of books so can sometimes pick plot twists!) but this one got me??? The worldbuilding was fantastic, the characters were amazing & I did genuinely find myself falling more into this world.

One of my only critiques is that the pacing in the first 20% of the book felt quite odd to me - it jumped around a bit and we rushed through literal years before it finally slowed down and I was able to get into the plot but once I was invested, I was INVESTED.

This comes out at the start of July, and if you like Peaky Blinders with magic thrown into the mix, I fear you might need to pick this one up.

I should have absolutely loved this book, a Romantasy set in a magical academy within a fantasy dystopian world… except that’s not what I found.

I really struggled with the massive time leaps at the beginning of the story which eliminated almost the entire academy years, the part I was most excited for. It meant that I just couldn’t connect with the main characters which is a huge part of my reading enjoyment.

I also found it tricky with the dual POV being in both first and third person taking me out of the story as I flipped perspective,

Usually if I can’t connect with the characters but the world building is top tier I can still enjoy the story, but I also found myself unable to care much about the world, the mining towns, those without magic… I just wasn’t invested.

Unfortunately these elements had such an impact on my experience that I ended up DNFing the book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Stacey McEwan, and Simon & Schuster, for the chance to read this ARC of A Forbidden Alchemy in exchange for my honest review! A Forbidden Alchemy will be released on 1st July 2025 📖

Nina Harrow & Patrick Colson find themselves in Belavere City, for the Siphoning Ceremony to decide their fate - Craftsmen or Artisan. They discover a secret that changes their lives, and the fate of the whole continent.. Nina finds herself at the centre of the conflict between the two factions.

This book absolutely exceeded my expectations and I was immediately hooked into the world of Belavere. I binged this one in 4 days, the plot twists along the way had me eagerly anticipating the next chapter. I’m slowly learning that I’m a sucker for a dystopian, rebellion themed romantasy. I loved that we got a snippet of Patrick & Nina as children, though I wish we got more of Nina’a time in Artisan school + the years immediately following.

TROPES
:
- He Falls First

- Friends ➡️ Enemies ➡️ Lovers


Rating: 4⭐️

I would sell what’s left of my soul to have Patrick Colson call me Darlin’.

I was grieving the end of this book before I was even close to it. I absolutely loved it.
The magic system was incredible. It felt entirely realistic, even reminiscent of today’s world where power and greed are incumbent over the loss of morals and the value of human life.

Nina was fantastic. I loved her wit, the way she hardened herself to survive and never looked back. I can imagine making that same choice as a child only to feel insignificant in the light of the sun.

Patrick’s character was thought out incredibly well for someone we were introduced to and then are thrown at after experiencing Nina’s growth. It’s no surprise he turned out the way he did, haunted by the death of miners and the precipice of mourning every day.

The idea of their relationship being crafted on the innocence that was robbed from them as children was so endearing. Forever branded by the singular event that spiralled them both towards devastation.
Every single plot twist I felt in my stomach waiting for the final betrayal that would push everyone over the edge and I was still heartbroken by the end.
This truly is an impossible love story driven by hopes and dreams instead of lust and desire.

I really loved the gaslight vibes this book and I cannot wait to dive straight back in when book 2 comes. I will be thinking of it every day until then.

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the eARC, this is my honest opinion

I have never read a Stacey McEwan book, but when I watched a video at The Romance Readers Department @simonschusterau event last year where Stacey McEwan was promoting A Forbidden Alchemy, I HAD to read it…and I don’t regret this decision.
This book has helped continue my love of fantasy reading. It was easy to get into and read, I was shocked with every plot twist and the scenes really came to life with every page turn. This book was *chefs kiss* and I need book 2 ASAP.

Imagine two twelve year olds uncovering a world changing secret, triggering class warfare.
A corrupt government in a privileged city of Artisans, a city with a dark underbelly, rife with conspiracy.
Disenfranchised mining towns of impoverished Craftsmen, rebel gangsters in peaked caps, suspenders and waistcoats.
Imagine a raw and gritty world teetering on the knife-edge of revolution.
Now throw in *magic* and mayhem and impossible choices and hold on tight.
I was so immersed in the world Stacey McEwan built I could just about taste the soot and cigarette smoke on my tongue.

This book is plot heavy and truly unique, a high stakes dystopian fantasy where everyone has a hidden agenda. There are strong undercurrents of family ties and obligations, making me question how far I would go for my brother, my father. My mum. The effect of the mines on a person's mental health was written so well and I could feel their weight on my shoulders with each descent into a tunnel.

A spark of friendship between two children that never has a chance to ignite, rekindles years later on either side of a war, and smoulders into something tentative and vulnerable, just waiting to be set alight. Patrick oozes danger and is truly morally grey - in the words of Sam 'He's bad to those who're bad. No idea if that makes him good, though'. Nina is gutsy, direct. Both are good at keeping secrets. The tension between them is thick, the banter is excellent and their little moments of playfulness in amongst the devastation of war were beautifully written.

This wasn't an 'easy' read. The themes sat heavily with me, like soot from the mines on my skin. The gentle love story blossoming throughout it felt delicate, a fragile thread that could be severed at any moment. The political landscape put a fire in my belly, the betrayals had me reeling and the plot twists gave me whiplash.

And that ENDING?? 😩😩 I thought I had more pages. I did not. I am unwell.

I'll be over here in my Scribbler's cranny telling everyone about this book, patiently (impatiently!!) waiting for the next one. It was powerful, emotive, and I highly recommend it.

This story was captivating, excellently paced, and refreshing. When I read fantasy books, I often find it difficult to come across a unique plot. You can imagine my excitement when I started this story and realised it was nothing like anything I’d read before. I was hooked instantly and couldn’t stop thinking about them each time I put the book down.

The setting unfolds in a world adjacent to Peaky Blinders featuring two classes, Crafters and Artisans. Once children turn 12, they’re sent to Belavere City to consume a vial of idium which can turn you into a magical wielder (Artisan) or deem you powerless (Crafter). The chance is up to fate… or is it? When young Nina and Patrick meet at the siphoning ceremony for their turn to consume idium, they stumble across the nation’s greatest secret. 7 years later, the secret has been leaked and war is impending.

The world building was fantastic, with intriguing politics and chaotic twists that had me gasping! I loved our main characters Nina and Patrick. Nina’s powers were unique and I felt my heart pull each time she was caught in the middle. The tension and chemistry between them was very well written and Patty is the definition of he falls first! This man is morally grey, extremely loyal, and won’t hesitate to take a bullet for you. I’m Team Patrick ALL THE WAY. The end will leave you speechless! Take me back to Kenton Hill immediately.

UPCOMING RELEASE: A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan

What can I say, I simply ADORED this!

We first meet our main characters Nina and Patrick as children, as they essentially take their entrance exams for a prestigious school for children who are gifted with varying brands of elemental magic. Admittance to the School for Artisans comes with prestige, status, financial stability, and societal security; whilst rejection ultimately leads to a life of backbreaking, blue-collar work, out in the smaller towns surrounding the city. As we follow our protagonists, we get to peek behind the curtain of each path—be it upholding the values of the government; or leading a rebellion of unionists.

The writing in this was absolutely gorgeous! A richly imagined, Peaky Blinders inspired world; laced with stunning prose and delicious metaphor that truly enveloped me as a reader. I was entranced from the very first chapter, and the pacing remains flawless throughout. A Forbidden Alchemy is one of those rare gems that had me anticipating the end of each day, so that I could settle in for the night with Nina and Tommy Shel—PATRICK, I meant…Patrick.

While this world was so heavily reminiscent of times past, I would be remiss not to note here that this story is such a fresh and exciting take on the Romantasy genre as a whole.

If you love romantasy, cool magic systems, tension, close-knit-found-family vibes, and explorations of inequality, inequity, and political injustice-you are going to love this.

Massive thanks again for the opportunity to read this one early, and woe is me for having to now wait hella long for Book 2! 😎-Mika

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.