Title: A Forbidden AlchemyAuthor: Stacey McEwan
Series: The Artisan Trilogy #1
Pages: 480
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Saga Press
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:
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.
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I absolutely loved this read, and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Just for the banter alone, I’d give it 10 stars because it is perfection.
From the very first page of this book, I was hooked. There’s something about the author’s writing that just pulled me in, and I found myself binge-reading the book, unwilling to put it down. The characters, the unique dystopian world, the magic, the brewing war, the massive secrets that change everything, THE ROMANCE!! OMG THAT ENDING!! It was all sooo good, and I have a feeling I’ll be gushing about this one for a while.
The story follows Nina and Patrick, who first met at the age of twelve while being tested for their magical potential. Together, they uncover a secret about the magic before they go their separate ways. Years later, Nina and Patrick are on opposite sides of a war when Nina is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Nina, Patrick, and Patrick’s friends and followers are all layered and compelling characters. I like the strong found family vibes and the feeling of unity that they have. Nina is great – emotionally layered, intelligent, and discerning- she shows so much growth. And Patrick is just fabulous and everything I love in a MMC, and the subtle way he shows his feelings made me melt.
There is a bit of a love triangle, but not really (if that makes sense). There is one clear romance, and it is beyond swoon-worthy! And the banter! Brilliant. The dialogue is quick and fun, funny at times, and layered.
I can’t recommend A Forbidden Alchemy enough, especially to readers who like dystopian romantasy. Is that a thing? Because it’s my new favorite thing!
Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
“It was one thing to be down, and quite another to dig yourself a grave.”
Stacey McEwan lives in Queensland, Australia with her husband and two children. She is a teacher by day, writer by night.
Your enthusiasm for this one is so infectious, it’s definitely made me want to pick it up as soon as possible. Especially as it sounds like it nails each area really well rather than focusing on the romance alone but it’s still strong enough to make you swoon 😍
Yes! It was such a good read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did if you get a chance to read it!