Nina and Patrick are two kids from the Brink when they meet in the capital for their year’s syphoning, where children are given idium to awaken their potential as Artisans or Crafters. They discover a reality shattering secret – artisans aren’t born but chosen by a corrupt system. Nina takes a new path studying her craft at the prestigious school, while Patrick goes back to his miner town, but tumultuous circumstances will bring them back together.

Out of all fantasy books that claim to replicate the world of Six of Crows, I think A Forbidden Alchemy is actually the one to achieve it. This book will find its audience between the streets of Katterdam and the brutality of Peaky Blinders. The inspiration is clear, however standing on its own magical system. Artisans and Crafters, surviving the tyranny of a government ruled by power and greed.

I was hooked on the atmosphere of this book from the start. I loved the setting and ambience of Kenton Hill. The world building, while minimal, was very intriguing, not over complicated but definitely focusing on the characters. Patrick is broody but caring, obviously modeled on Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, I found that this correlation made the character really jump off the page. Nina is driven by her mother’s dream to be more than the circumstances they were born into. Pursuing artisanship was her main goal in life but she didn’t plan on Patrick Colson to derail everything she worked for.

Patrick Colson can do no wrong. He knows how to compliment a woman. IYKYK. Nina and Pat’s connection had spark in the beginning but grew to a sizzling flame. I really enjoyed the pacing when we start with the characters at 12 years old to when they reconnect at 25. It painted a great picture overall.

Kudos to the author for building an interesting, tense, and nerve wracking, and maybe slightly upsetting-and-how come it’s a cliffhanger?! story.

Thank you to Saga Press for the gifted ARC #sagasayscrew 🖤

Pub date: July 1, 2025

Title: A Forbidden Alchemy
Author: Stacey McEwan
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Magic, Science Fiction
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️