Hellooooo beautiful book lovers! A few days ago A Forbidden Alchemy was released so it’s the PERFECT time to share my review on this amazing book.
This one is for all my Peaky Blinders girlies and Tommy Shelby lovers YOU. WILL. LOVE. PATRICK.
✔️elemental magic
✔️class war
✔️secrets & betrayal
✔️dual pov
✔️he falls first and hard
✔️dystopian
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
I went into this one pretty much blindly, and what a pleasant surprise it was! It took me a bit to get into at first, but by the 15–20% mark, I was completely invested in Nina and Patrick’s story — and only wanted more.
What is it about?
Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson are twelve years old when they are whisked away from the shadows of their disenfranchised mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass Belavere’s test will become Artisans, wielders of powerful elemental magic destined to fulfill the city’s grand ambitions. For Nina, the Artisan School symbolizes a dream and an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick yearns to return to his Craftsman family, whose extraordinary physical strength serves the idium mines keeping the city alive.
And then they uncover a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen. They part ways on very different paths, leaving them to carry the burden of this secret alone.
In the years that follow, a Craftsman revolution ignites, thrusting Nina and Patrick into opposing factions of a brewing war. Now an elite Artisan with the very rare talent for charming earth, Nina has turned her back on the fight, haunted by the loss of her found family. But fate intervenes when she is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Despite the years and conflict that separates them, Patrick hasn’t forgotten Nina. He desperately seeks her help for a mission that could shift the tides against Belavere City. Reluctantly, she agrees, battling the sparks flying between them. But when Nina’s first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the sake of the Artisans, Nina faces an impossible choice that could alter the fate of their world. (Goodreads)
The secrets, plot twists, and betrayals had me on the edge of my seat. The morally grey, complex characters were constantly faced with difficult decisions. That said, there were definitely times I wanted to shake Nina and yell at her — but I still understood her fear and hesitation. Patrick, was such an amazing character to read. I LOVE HIM.
Also, I have to take a moment to show love and appreciation for Donny — you beautiful ray of sunshine! He added such a fun layer to the story, and his lines always made me smile (and even laugh, sometimes out loud).
The romance element wasn’t super strong, but it was heartfelt. I really felt the inevitability of them — like they were meant to be. I also wouldn’t label this one strictly as fantasy, since the magical elements are pretty minor, but they were still enjoyable. So it’s definitely more dystopian. Honestly, it’s a perfect entry point for fantasy beginners.
That ending made me scream but UGH — SO GOOD. I’m dying to read the sequel!!! Thank you for writing this Stacey!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
love, Lin
