Fast paced fantasy with excellent world building and an intriguing set of characters. I loved the romance and the twists!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I want to start of this review by saying that I started this one while in a pretty big slump, so it definitely took me a bit longer than it usually would’ve to get through this one. Luckily this book was pretty fast paced so I quite literally flew through the second part. (The first 50% of the book took me 7 days, while the last 50% only took me 3 hours 😳)

I’m a very character driven girlie myself, so imagine my absolute delight when the main character Zilan and her love interest were the literal defintion of stabby feral girlfriend and handsome himbo prince. I loved Zilan’s dynamic with her siblings v much, but I couldn’t help being annoyed with some of their decisions on how to act around her. Not to get into spoilery details but I highkey wanted to strangle her brother Wenshu when he made a particular comment towards Zilan.

I was quite literally blown away from all of the plot twists that kept happening. I usually really pride myself on atleast being able to figure out one of the plot twists before they go down but this book was really good at keeping you in the dark until you were in the middle of the twist.

I’m still in mourning at the ending and I’m desperately hoping to see more of Zilan and Hong together in the sequel <3

I have never read historical fantasy before and this book makes me want to read more of this genre. This book was fast paced from the beginning. Loved the premise of the book. I loved learning more about alchemy in fantasy way and how could be used. I really liked all the gory details when it came to the political imbalance. Overall, a wonderful read and will tell other readers about the book. I can’t wait till the next one.

Thanks to netgalley for providing me with this ARC!

This took me on such a journey with Zilan and her cousins, Yufei and Wenshu, and it was a thrilling ride! It was so magical, action packed, and beautifully written! I loved the progression of the characters. I loved ALL the characters. It had me laughing one moment and on the edge of my seat the next, nearly in tears. I got so worried when the story seemed to be going in a completely different direction to where I thought it was going but then the author came full circle and I needn't have worried. I just have to wait until book 2! Waaaah! I loved Zilan's relationship with the royal alchemists and wanted to see more of that. I loved how playful they were which was a pleasant surprise. Zilan and Prince Hong's relationship was slow burn but it was a natural progression from friends to lovers, and I loved the way their relationship blossomed. The Prince was quite weak and selfish in character but he redeems himself and shows how much he cares for others. Zilan was such a strong kick-ass FMC. And so was Yufei. Both Yufei and her brother Wenshu were fantastic characters. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in book 2! There WILL be a book 2, right??

I love this one so much! It was so creative, and so well thought out. My favourite genre is fantasy horror, and thats because of books like this. I devoured it and will definitely read more of this authors work. I litterally was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Ah, 'The Scarlet Alchemist' how you disappointed me..
Initially the book wowed me with a fantastic prologue and beginning, that introduce us to an interesting historical/fantastical world. The dynamics between the main character and her siblings is great and it's fun exploring the big city and its customs with our characters.
Sadly the second half had nothing of what I enjoyed in the first one. The mc stays inside the palace grounds almost all the time, but these don't get explored as she doesn't participate in court life. We don't see the siblings interacting, but also don't get to know new characters. The weakest part though was the romance, the love interest stays flat throughout the whole story. The pacing was also all over the place, hectic and unorganized. Its flimsiness made the ending lose impact and it fails to leave the impression it could have made.
The flaws of the book sadly come to front in the later half and left my really disappointed.

I already had a feeling this was gonna be a 5 star read from the first chapter.

I loved how dark this was, the gruesome details, the violence, all the descriptions. It was so disturbing yet wonderful to read with how amazing Kylie Lee Baker’s writing style is. Her dark writing style is very much up my alley and I was so in awe while reading every sentence.

There were so many intense and action-packed scenes throughout the book and I kept panicking on the edge of my seat because the stakes were so HIGH and I was SCARED for these characters.

I devoured this book so fast!!! The fast-paced plot made me feel like I was reading a 200 paged book instead of 400 pages because the writing was so highly addictive that I couldn’t stop myself from reading. This book literally had me in a chokehold lmao.

There were so many unexpected plot twist/reveals that had me shocked and excited and I loved every direction the story was going.

It’s so rare for me to cry in books but I teared up many times both from joy and sadness. I was not expecting to be this emotionally attached to the characters ESPECIALLY Li Hong. His character had to grow on me but now I just wanna hug him and protect him at all costs.

The romance had to grow on me as well because I wasn’t a big fan of the relationship development. But now I love Hong & Zilan, their dynamic is so sweet and makes me wanna tear up every time I think of them.

I’m genuinely so excited for this book to release in October and I’m already so excited for the sequel to come out!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. But for now, she's trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, practicing an illegal form of alchemy to keep food on the table - resurrecting the dead, for a price. When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country in tasks she'll be lucky to survive, let alone pass. On top of that, her reputation for raising the dead has followed her, and the Crown Prince himself seeks out her help, suspecting a coming assassination attempt. The more Zilan succeeds in her alchemy, the more she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. There are monsters lurking within the palace walls, and it's only a matter of time before they - and secrets of Zilan's past - catch up with her.

Zilan is very ambitious and seen as heartless, but she is incredibly considerate of and dedicated to her family. She only wants what is best for them and is determined so see success for them whilst achieving her goals. I quite liked Zilan and her way of thinking. There’s an anger deep inside her, and mystery seems to shroud her, but she’s hard working and desperate to prove herself - and prove herself she does! Her alchemy abilities are a marvel and far stronger than anyone else’s which was great to read about. I think her journey over the course of the book only strengthened this - especially since she was significantly exposed to the craft and other alchemists - and also her desire to do right for others, even if she doesn’t quite go the right way about it on many occasions.
Hong seems like quite the sweetheart. He’s considerably more reserved and kinder than others in the North, and in the palace. Wanting to be out from under the Empress’ thumb and to once again be safe in his own home, he gravitates towards Zilan and her abilities to stay alive. I do think we could have seen a bit more of Hong in the story - get to know and understand him better. Hopefully we will get to see more of him in the future.

When I saw the synopsis for this book, I just knew I had to give it a try and what a story it is! The plot was sturdy and flowed well, full of twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout. I won’t lie, at times it was a little wordy which felt slightly overwhelming but I pushed on through and I’m glad I did. The characters were interesting to read - especially some of the interactions that went on! I loved this version of alchemy and how it fit into the society that’s been built for this story. Seeing its different uses and the different intentions behind it were very interesting to read. There was minimal romance in this story but I was okay with this. The main focus is Zilan’s story and her abilities as an alchemist and whilst the smidge of romance was nice, it wasn’t a necessity to hold my interest. The ending was the result of a good build up throughout the book. There are a few twists there and it is left a little open at the very end. I won’t lie, I have quite a few questions but hopefully they are answered in the sequel.

Overall, The Scarlet Alchemist is a story that takes you on a whirlwind of an adventure.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day.

4.5 Stars.
This book was enjoyable from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. Zilan was a really unique protagonist, with plenty of depth to her character. While I know the book isn't predominantly focused on the romance, I do wish we saw more of Zilan and the Prince together, or saw more of what Zilan loved about him in her thoughts, because while I thought he was great, Zilan mostly seemed to think he was pretty useless, so her feelings for him seemed to come a bit out of nowhere.
Not knowing much Chinese history, the setting was fascinating, made even more so by the notes explaining the real people the characters were based on!
I'm really looking forward to the next book, and I'll definitely be picking up KLBs previous books in the meantime.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

it has genuinely been a long time since a book has captured my attention like this. like i was excited. i was scared. i was screaming. i was kicking my legs, giggling. kylie lee baker has had my eye for a while, and i am so, so glad that i finally did pick up one of her books. the scarlet alchemist is a book that i absolutely devoured. it's fast paced, with brilliant writing, interesting twists, and characters to fall in love with. zilan is such an unhinged main character i couldn't help but love her. you know those scenes in books when you just wish the mc would just explode with anger and show everyone doubting her and being unfair to her that she's fucking marvelous? that's zilan, down to the bone. it's so satisying to read those scenes of her. and hong! wow, he's kinda pathetic and a big dope, but i still love him anyway. klb i am on my hands and knees that they will be alright and nothing else will happen or else i swear to god. empress wu is an interesting character to me. she's evil and vicious and SMART and not gonna lie i kinda respect that....zilan's cousins were also so fun and loveable and the ending for yufei just kinda made me giggle somehow it's perfect for her. i think some of the twists can be predictable, but it didn't really damper my enjoyment. there wasn't a single dull moment in this book & i was fully entertained all throughout. i can definitely see klb becoming one of my new favorite authors to watch out for.

•YA Fantasy Duology
•Set in alternate Tang Dynasty
•Ancient China
•Political games
•Dark Secrets
•Dragon Boat Festival
•Ordeal & Alchemy

The book is so intriguing and captivating. It’s about Alchemy. Set in ancient China, the FMC is oblivion to some perilous secrets. Her father vanished and her mother died. She became an alchemist. And alchemy is mysterious, secretive and filled with dangers. It has it is own rules like you can not create good without creating evil and people closest to you die in every four years. Alchemy is about drawing the power of the natural world. Though when the Emperor approaches her and offer her to become a royal alchemist, she couldn’t decline and she go to Chang’an but she gets tangled in an imperial exam, political games, and Emperor’s secrets. Also the secrets of dynasty surround her. Until the secrets unveils.

The characters are mysterious and secretive. The FMC felt like she is not kind in the beginning but later she felt broken hearted inside. The ending was so unpredictable and surprising. When the secrets came out, they turned Zilan’s world upside down. The world building is so fascinating where inequality between rich and poor has shown. It was such a thought provoking book.

Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an e-ard of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating:4/5
This was such a fun fantasy! I haven't enjoyed YA fantasy in a while, so this was a true delight!

' The Scarlet Alchemist ' , set in alternate historical China answers the question: What might've happened if alchemists had succeeded in discovering the secret to immortality? This book did not feel info-dumpy for even a single moment, which I truly appreciate. I really liked the magic system, based of ancient Chinese principles of alchemy, which I'd heard of before but didn't know much about.

Zilan is such a great MC! I loved her character and her relationship and banter with her cousins. The writing style is descriptive and gorgeous. The pacing is perfect, and didn't feel like a slog to get through. Be warned, though....the book is quite violent by YA standards. It gets quite descriptive with the blood and gore. For me, it was reminiscent of the poppy war(though much tamer).

The weakest part of the book, and the only part I was disappointed with, was the romance. The prince didn't serve much purpose, unfortunately.... I'd have loved the see the relationship between him and Zilan blossom.

Finally, the last quarter of the book had me in a chokehold, and the last four chapters were TENSE. I can't wait to see how the story progresses in the next installment, and I'm excited for whatever Kylie Lee Baker publishes next!

This the first book I’ve read from this author and I Enjoyed this book. It was immersive and imaginative and the world building was fantastic with a really great magic system. I enjoyed the fast pace of the book once it got going as it does start a bit slow, but stick with it,
It’s funny and witty and I absolutely loved the main character. It’s unlike many other books I’ve read and I read a lot of fantasy. I would highly highly recommend this and I will 100% be adding a physical copy to my collection when this is released

Enjoyed this book. It was immersive and imaginative. Amazing world building, fast paced. Found the main character a bit unlikable at times. I really like books about alchemy and this one has a different take on it. I haven’t read anything from this author before but I will definitely be checking out some more of her work.

This is the first book I've read by Kylie Lee Baker and let me just begin this review with how chapter 30 all the way to chapter 32 made me want to rip my hair out; I was stressed and honestly was still emotionally recovering from the end of chapter 30. How dare you? It was punch after punch after punch?? Give me a break??? I'd be lying if I told you that I never stopped reading and put my kindle down just to say "she did NOT just do that", went back reading the same passage I stopped at, and coming back with the same conclusion that: Yes, she DID that and I did not read it wrong.

Zilan is half Chinese and half foreigner. Raised by her uncle and aunt, she has always dreamed to become a royal alchemist. So when she passes the tests in Guangzhou, she goes with her cousins, who aim to become officers, to the capital to try for the final exams. Although the journey is long, Zilan and her cousins are one step closer to reach their dreams. But when they think they are finally there, the truth will change their world and shatter their dreams. Especially for Zilan. She needs to decide what she stands for and who are the people important to her because the empress will not let her go.

I enjoyed Zilan's story—how she grew in book 1 and how she is slowly getting to know more about herself and what she is capable of. The story takes place in ancient China where alchemists are real and people can extend their lives by consuming gold. Zilan is ready to become one of the best alchemists in the kingdom and put her resurrection skills in the past, but the people in the capital won't let her—nor the empress, not the crown prince. I especially liked the relationship Zilan had with her cousins, while I wasn't a fan of the crown prince. He seemed pretty useless until the end. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I'm still debating if I like it or not. What happens made sense, but it's pretty weird at the same time.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 rounded to 5

This was such a good read. I'll confess I know next to nothing about Chinese history, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy this book because the author does such a fantastic job of explaining things in the context of the story. I never felt like I was getting huge, unnecessary info-dumps and all the facts I was given were presented with the flow of the plot.

While the start is a little slow, the pace picks up very quickly once Zilan and her cousins reach the capital city of Chang'an, and the last 20% of the book moves at a breakneck speed! So much action happens in those last few chapters too, I was whizzing through them wanting to know what would happen.

The magical system based on alchemy is so interesting and not something I've come across in a fantasy book before, so it had me very intrigued.

A couple of moments had me shocked to the point I actually gasped and covered my mouth - and I'm someone who can usually quite accurately predict plot points and reveals before they happen. The Scarlet Alchemist kept me guessing throughout and I desperately need the next book ASAP. I guess I'll have to dig into the author's other works in the meantime.

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH.


the scarlet alchemist offers the reader a rich in details fully described world full of politics,drama, action, intriguing magic, and extremely high stakes.

The characters were so interesting to read about as well, I am always pleasantly surprised to find well written unhinged female characters and Baker delivers them in such a well executed manner in the book.

Through the story the reader is fully immersed due to the beautiful writing. This book was literally addicting, everything I wanted it to be and more and one of my new favourite fantasies.

Excellent story. Lots of action and twists and turns. Well worth reading.

Fantasy story set in China. Great characters. Easy reading

Looking forward to more from Kylie Lee Baker
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC and opportunity to enjoy this wonderful book

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own ☻

Secondly, how does one rate more than 5 stars on this platform?
Because I. Am. Obsessed.

I’ve never dipped into this sub-genre before, and I don’t know whether to be happy or sad that The Scarlet Alchemist was the first that I tried because I don’t know if I’ll ever find another like it again.

Kylie Lee Baker has such a way with words that pulled me so freaking deep into the story I found myself up at 4 am just thinking about the book (after I had put it down and said I’m going to bed at 3 am already) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Her world building is beyond gorgeous and her characters are so so beautifully depicted and so real that Yufei and Wenshu feel like my own family the way they are Zilan’s.

The Prince was the sweetest love interest I’ve read about in YA in such a long time and I’m heartbroken and excited about what’s to come for them in the future.

I’ve been looking for something to get me into fantasy again and I’m so happy that this is what did it because I truly enjoyed all of the alchemy and fantasy elements of the Scarlet Alchemist and if this is the way KLB writes I may have to look into reading her first duology because I truly can’t remember the last time I was engrossed in fantasy like this.

I loved The Scarlet Alchemist so so much, and will be thinking about this book until I read the next one.