Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review
âŠâď¸âď¸Review:
A gripping, slow burn romantasy that wonât let you come up for air.Â
âA Forbidden Alchemyâ follows Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson after they uncover a world-changing secret and are thrust into a violent class war, navigating love, loss, and devastating betrayals.
McEwan draws inspiration from âPeaky Blindersâ and âSix of Crowsâ to create a version of our world that has been transformed by elemental magic. From page one, I was hooked by the high stakes atmosphere built up by the dangerous secret Nina and Patrick are made to bearâthat the siphoning ceremonies are fixed to ensure that high society families remain the only class with magicâand the war waged by Craftsmen when the truth comes to light. I read each page with bated breath as I navigated McEwanâs plot twists and her charactersâ devastating betrayals.Â
The romantic elements in âA Forbidden Alchemyâ are what make this story so magical! I loved alternating between Nina and Patrickâs perspectives across the span of several years, because it allowed me to gauge how their motivations change over time and connect with them on a deeper level. Their development from friends to enemies to lovers despite the conflict that separates them is paced well and deeply emotional. Just as everything begins to fall into place, however, it all falls apartâŚand that catastrophic cliffhanger is a doozy. Readers will have no choice but to pick up book 2! Stacey, that ending destroyed me and I need you to make it better asap!Â
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