<i>dnf'ed. This book has a interesting premise, and blurb. But the book wasn't for me and I really struggling to get into it. I may try again another time. Thank you NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton & Kylie Lee Baker for sending this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this book. The story was engaging, the magic system compelling, and the characters had great chemistry. Excited to see what the sequel will bring.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

i want to cry because the premise of this book and the cover is soooo good, but it did not work for me. The characters were quite boring to me, and could not move past of how it felt all too modern>?! the plot is all over the place, makes no sense and the writing style wasn't up to par. there were some good parts about it, but cannot spoil it. rounded up to 3 stars

"The Scarlet Alchemist" by Kylie Lee Baker is a spellbinding tale that marries the allure of dark fantasy with the irresistible tension of enemies-to-lovers romance. Set in a world where alchemy and magic intertwine, this novel captivates from the first page with its blend of intrigue, betrayal, and smoldering chemistry.

At its heart, the story follows Selene, a skilled alchemist haunted by her family's tragic past and driven by a thirst for revenge. Her path collides with that of Valerius, a formidable and enigmatic figure with his own agenda and a history entwined with hers. Their initial animosity simmers with unspoken desire as they navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and magical power struggles.

Baker's narrative prowess shines through her evocative prose, painting a vivid tapestry of a world where ancient secrets and deadly ambitions lurk behind every shadow. From the sprawling halls of decadent courts to the forbidden depths of alchemical laboratories, the author crafts a setting that feels both atmospheric and immersive.

Central to the novel's allure is the complex relationship between Selene and Valerius. Their dynamic evolves from adversaries forced into uneasy alliances to reluctant partners entangled in a web of mutual attraction and mistrust. As they confront shared enemies and confront their own vulnerabilities, their journey becomes a captivating exploration of loyalty, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, each adding layers of depth to the story with their own motivations and hidden agendas. From loyal allies to cunning foes, every interaction propels the plot forward, keeping readers on edge as alliances shift and betrayals unfold.

"The Scarlet Alchemist" is not merely a tale of magic and romance; it delves into themes of sacrifice, identity, and the consequences of wielding power. Selene's quest for justice is fraught with moral dilemmas, forcing her to confront the darker aspects of her own nature and the high cost of vengeance.

Overall, Kylie Lee Baker has crafted a mesmerizing debut that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and intricate romance alike. "The Scarlet Alchemist" is a testament to the author's skill in weaving together a gripping narrative filled with suspense, passion, and unforgettable characters. With its dazzling blend of magic and romance, this novel promises an exhilarating journey into a world where danger and desire collide with spellbinding results.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for this review.

Apologies for my delay, I’ve had a very hectic few months.

But I really enjoyed this book. The magic system was integral and well developed, and most importantly incredibly interesting. The characters were easy to get invested in. The pacing was good, and the courtly intrigues well crafted.

Overall, I’m very excited to see where this story continues in the sequel! Really loved this one.

We are halfway through the year and this might be my favorite book I´ve read so far in 2024.
I want to kick myself for not reading it sooner, but now you will not hear me shut up about this amazing fantasy novel.
I loved every bit of it. The characters, the setting, the MAGIC SYSTEM, the PLOT TWISTS had me pick up my jaw off the floor.
I can´t wait to see what the sequel will bring.
Highly HIGHLY recommend!

OMG this was so great! The vibes were immaculate, the plot was incredible and so well paced, the characters were fascinating and the dynamics between each were also so well-written. Baker fleshed out each of them and they felt like actual humans, people you could meet and get coffee with. I'm so excited to get my hands on the sequel. 4.5 stars

WHY DID I SLEEP ON THIS BOOK?!
I've loved Kylie Lee Baker's other books and should've jumped on this because of course it would be good but you know what, I wasn't prepared. The world-building, the characters, the dark moments, the alchemy, and the pacing are all executed perfectly. Baker has a knack for putting you in to her stories and I felt like I was right there alongside these characters. If you've been looking for historical fantasy, look no further, this is the one for you.

4.25 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC of The Scarlet Alchemist.
I really enjoyed reading this book.

I loved this immersive fantasy based on an alternate version of the Tang Dynasty in China. The world building was so intricate and intriguing. It was kind of a slow build kind of book, but the second half was full of twists and action. I can’t wait for the sequel!

( Apologies for the delayed review, I tried to review it months ago but I guess it never went through!)

I read this super fast and really liked the story. I'm not sure about the ending but it's obviously going to have a sequel so looking forward to seeing how this is pulled back. The romance wasn't for me. Again it'll be interesting how this is continued. It felt a bit "insta-love" and not so convincing.

"I read a book recently and the author has a great talent for writing in a way that immerses the reader in the story. The characters and the plot are so well-developed that I felt like I was going on an adventure with them. I also appreciated how the author didn't hold back in telling the story. It felt like they put everything they had into developing the characters, plot, and world-building, which left me feeling highly satisfied.

The story was set in an alternate view of the Tang dynasty and revolved around the drama surrounding the royal family. The element of blood/death alchemy created a high-stakes atmosphere that worked perfectly with the tone of the story. It was a great read for the autumn season. The characters were also wonderfully flawed and relatable.

Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and am eagerly looking forward to the continuation of the series!"lso wonderfully flawed and relatable.

I received a free copy from Netgalley all opinions are my own

The cover is just so damn gorgeous!
I also love asian books. So it was a given that I would want to read this book, eventhough I didn't actually read the plot synopsis lol.

This book is seriously so good. I was pulled in from the start.

I didn't care to much about the characters and the romance was meh, but the plot was honestly good enough for me to not care!
I didn't really fully understand how the rich can eat gold and pearls. I didn't really understand the alchemy aspect either but it was still pretty cool.

I really liked this book, I also really liked the audio narrator.
And I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel!

A great new fantasy read with interesting magic, suspense, and adventure. The Scarlet Alchemist is set in a richly detailed world with a strong contrast between the country and city. It has great leading characters that are intriguing and have you easily wanting to follow along with their journey and know more about their past. There are themes of family bonds, identity, personal growth, resurrection, and so much more. It had me captivated and turning the pages fast to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed The Scarlet Alchemist and would recommend it!

This book was AMAZING. I was blown away by how great this was. Also, THE DUCK!? Obsessed. I love the speed of this plot, and how it all felt so seamless. I need the sequel! So glad to have the Netgalley to read early

The Scarlet Alchemist is a unique tale, with an engaging magic system and distinct characters. If you love your fantasy reads with historical inspiration and royal intrigue.

Oh , this book was a wild ride. The scarlet alchemist crafts a story set in an alternate Tang dynasty, where our female main character Zilan travels to the country’s capital to be a royal alchemist but soon she becomes entangled in dark royal secrets and politics, making her realize that being a royal alchemist isn't as she had initially imagined.

I loved the vivid and immersive writing. The necromancy and alchemy parts are well explained. It’s dark and quite bloody I would say. ( bodies are chopped oop -)

It’s hilarious , the characters are funny and perfectly fleshed out to be relatable. There’s romance but I’d say it’s a subplot as it doesn’t overshadow the plot. There’s a strong theme of family in these books and it’s nice to watch Zilan waddle through her feelings of being adopted and what it means in that timeline.

This book surprised me in so many ways and just when I thought the ending was going to be a basic predictable ending , the author drops a lovely twist that leaves you desperately wanting for the next book.

P.S. From the start of the book, I noticed similarities between our trio (Zilan and her siblings) and the trio Venka, Rin, and Kitay from "The Poppy War." Later, I read the author's note and discovered that she drew inspiration from "The Poppy War," which I found cute.

First book from Kylie Lee Baker and won’t be my last. Fantastic writing that was so vivid that I felt I was part of this story. The plot was so well done and this book had me hooked from start to finish. Things aren’t easy for Zilan as she tries to become a royal alchemist and I think the way this story was told was just so good and full of amazing descriptions.

I was very excited to receive an e-arc of this book! I kept seeing such great reviews about it which really made me want to read it, despite it being slightly outside of my normal style of books.

I really enjoyed the writing style within this book and being able to step into another culture I knew almost nothing about and being able to fully enjoy the experience and contexts presented within the book. The story was well paced and fluid, east to understand and enjoy, but fully compelling at the same time.

One of the main lures of this story for me was the magic surrounding alchemy, I have read books with this being part of the magic system and really enjoyed them, but this was a fresh take that really drove the story forward.

Overall, I loved the action and drama within this story, the characters were complex and interesting in their own ways, and the darker elements of the story really added a depth that I loved!

Living in an impoverished Chinese village, Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, gaining wealth, respect and her family’s approval. While preparing for the examinations, she earns her living by practising the forbidden form of alchemy- resurrections. Her fame spreads wide as the unlikely customer approaches her- the Crown Prince who fears assassinations...

Scarlet Alchemist quickly became one of my favourite reads. The author created a detailed world based on a historical period but altered by alchemical inventions. We explore a divided society where the rich eat gold to prolong their lives while the poorest starve. Zilan is fiercely determined to advance on the social ladder and improve life for herself and her family despite being halted on every step by prejudiced officials. This book contains many secrets, intrigues and fascinating descriptions of the alchemical processes. The storyline is captivating, and I could not stop reading. Also, the two main characters are incredible! Zilan is resourceful and transgresses many boundaries to achieve her goals, while the Crown Prince is a slightly spoiled but immensely kind boy. I loved seeing their worlds and personalities collide.

Once again, the ending of the first book in a new series left me desperate for book two.