#patrick colson

Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review

✩⛏️⚗️Review:

A gripping, slow burn romantasy that won’t let you come up for air. 

“A Forbidden Alchemy” 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 “Peaky Blinders” and “Six of Crows” 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 bear—that the siphoning ceremonies are fixed to ensure that high society families remain the only class with magic—and the war waged by Craftsmen when the truth comes to light. I read each page with bated breath as I navigated McEwan’s plot twists and her characters’ devastating betrayals. 

The romantic elements in “A Forbidden Alchemy” are what make this story so magical! I loved alternating between Nina and Patrick’s 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 apart…and 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! 

Thank you Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review.

✩🖋️🪨Review:

A propulsive, nail-biting sequel!

“A Forsaken Prophecy” picks up where the previous installment leaves off, following Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson as they set off in search of an infinite supply of idiom that will determine the course of the war.

With Nina’s ruinous betrayal creating a rift between them, tensions are high as she and Patrick try to figure out a way to move forward. McEwan cleverly uses the circumstances of their temporary partnership as a way to test their self-control. The yearning intensifies with each stolen glance and lingering touch, creating an irresistible “will they, won’t they” dynamic that keeps the pages turning. But love is not enough, and, despite Patrick’s initial hesitance, the two work towards rebuilding the trust between them. Their story, while far from over, is heart-achingly beautiful. 

The multiple perspectives allow for readers to explore different regions of the trench alongside Nina and Patrick while staying abreast of what is happening in Kenton Hill through Donny’s point-of-view. I particularly enjoyed further immersing myself in the world of Belavere in reading excerpts from ‘The Stewards Testaments’ at the end of certain chapters. The long-lost myths shed light on the country’s history and how it differs vastly from the version embraced by the House of Lords. McEwan juxtaposes the two different accounts to convey that those in power often rewrite history for their own gain. As the truth unfolds, shocking revelations are made just in time for the explosive ending. McEwan truly outdoes herself and will leave fans clamoring for more!