I was lucky enough to get early access to the first book and again for the sequel.

I loved the first one and the second did not disappoint. Very happy Durian made another appearance and all the characters had their own development since the first one which I loved.

I adore the magic system and the fantastic plot. I couldn’t stop reading because I kept wanting to turn to a new page.

There is less romance in this book but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC of this book

What a stunning conclusion to this incredible duology! The Blood Orchid was everything that I could have ever wanted in a sequel. And honestly?? I loved book 1, but I am absolutely obsessed with book 2. The story starts off with a bang, taking you straight back into Zilan’s adventures as she tries to find the mythical Penglai Island, the source of alchemy and a place where life can be restored to what it was. But this journey comes with its own challenges and dangers. With enemies at every corner and a kingdom in disarray, Zilan has a lot facing her. And she deals with it, by being determined and pushing through, no matter the setback. Her character arc and development over the course of two books was absolutely incredible; and the ending she gets is perfect.

I also really enjoyed learning more about alchemy in this book as the story progressed. The world building is just as captivating as it was in book 1. Even if you read book 1 a while ago, it is quite easy to grasp. In terms of the pacing, the action starts from chapter 1 and doesn’t slow down one bit, which I personally enjoyed a ton. I have always been a fan of Kylie Lee Baker’s writing and this book was no different; the writing was incredible, very gripping and very immersive.

The Blood Orchid offers a very satisfying conclusion to what has been a series full of adventure, magic, resurrection. With incredible characters, a world inspired by historical China, and an alchemical magic system reminiscent of Fullmetal Alchemist, this is a truly riveting duology.

After having read The Scarlet Alchemist, I could not wait to read The Blood Orchid. Devoured it in one setting. Loved the duology. Fan Zilan is a complex protagonist but you'll be rooting for her all the way. Beautifully detailed world of an alternate Tang dynasty.

Read this if you enjoy:
✨ #historicalfantasy
✨ Chinese History (Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian)
✨ #strongfemalecharacters
✨ Evil antagonists
✨ Action packed, adventure style plot: collect them all
✨ Minimal Romance
✨ Superb worldbuilding, unique magic system (alchemy)

📚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
In a duology, or in any series for that matter, the second book is always the hardest to write. There are so many variables to consider: how to maintain momentum to ensure readers continue to be interested in the story, ensuring consistency in characterization and plot, and providing a fruitful and satisfying resolution, among others.
#thescarletalchemist is one of my favorite reads of the year and, in my opinion, one of the best #historicalfantasy novels I have ever read. The interesting premise and Kylie Lee Baker’s masterful storytelling left a deep impression on me, and I was really excited to read the sequel. So when I received the ARC for The Blood Orchid, I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

And TBO did not disappoint at all. In fact, I think it surpassed all expectations and is, in my opinion, an even stronger piece compared to TSA. Kylie is a master at managing suspense and tension—I was kept at the edge of my seat, dying to find out what was going to happen next. You can expect excellent pacing in this sequel. Notably, while the first book follows a “tournament” plotline, TBO has more of an “adventure” or “collect-them-all” plot. It is action-packed right from the get-go, and you will find yourself struggling to catch your breath as there are no filler scenes or dialogues.

The worldbuilding remains EXCELLENT. I cannot believe how much more we got to learn about the history and the alchemical system and principles of this fantasy world. If the first book felt more like historical fiction, TBO is definitely more magical and fantastical. As with TSA, Kylie’s understanding of Chinese history and mythology shines through clearly in TBO. Importantly, the writing is so easy to follow and digest that I would highly recommend this series to a reader new to this genre. Also, LOVE DURIAN THE DUCK SO MUCH!!

We meet new characters while learning more about old ones. Two characters left a deep impression. First, Zheng Sili, the unlikely and unexpected ally. His character development is superb, and I am sure fans of TSA will be excited to read more about him. Secondly, Empress Wu Zhao is one of the best villains I’ve ever seen. Her ruthlessness scares me, and her rivalry with our FMC (Zilan) was exciting to witness. For those who were hoping for more romance between the Crown Prince and Zilan, there may be some disappointment, but I, for one, was not. For me, the romantic subplot was minimal even in the first book, and Hong himself was never a prominent character. I love it when romantic plotlines remain an undercurrent in fantasies, allowing the main plot to shine; if I wanted to read a romantasy, I would. In fact, I thought the dynamic and tension between the female protagonist and antagonist were more interesting to read about.

Overall, this is a really strong sequel, and it ties up the duology brilliantly. I can foresee some disappointment regarding the conclusion, but I loved it??? I thought it was a great blend of romance, fantasy, and hope. The final line is perhaps one of my favorites: “Maybe the key to eternal life was never gold, or youth, or an island free of pain and suffering, but just the dream of tomorrow that can never be extinguished, a hope that endures even when its leaves are wilted, purple petals unfurling without fail in the morning sun.”

Unfortunately there was barely any romance in this book.

Hong was pretty useless in the first book but he was cute and endearing, in this book he might as well have just stayed dead.

There was just no real consequences as people could be brought back to life so easily. It was all just too easy.

I still liked Zilan and the ending was sweet but the first book was better.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc.

Zilan, not okay with what’s happened and not being able to let go of the people she’s lost. Goes on a journey alongside her brother to Penglai island to bring back their souls to the living land. But finding the island and getting there, and the threat of an old enemy looming in the air makes achieving her goal a challenge, if not impossible.

Zilan was as resilient as ever. An unrelenting force, despite her constant struggle with self-doubt. Seeing the arc of her story come to the conclusion it did felt satisfying. The siblings bond was explored more in this installment. Kylie painted a very realistic relationship between the three siblings and the way they impact each other's lives and decisions.
The scarlet alchemist stays true to its name in the sequel, by diving into more alchemy, the magic and the history behind it. If anything the blood orchid is bloodier, messier, action filled and more chaotic than its predecessor. A journey filled with ups and downs, with excepted and unexpected danger at every turn.

First of all, many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have a bad habit of waiting very long to pick up sequels, even if I really really loved the first one. I don’t have the best memory, so most of the time I end up forgetting the finer details (and sometimes even more), which always makes it more difficult to get into a sequel and fully enjoy it. SO i’m very grateful that Kylie Lee Baker included a couple of ‘’throwback’’ moments!! It wasn’t exactly an actual full blown recap, but more like a couple of moments where the main character Zilan reflected on stuff that happened in the previous book, which kind of felt like the author nudging the reader and going ‘’you know about this already but let me remind you real quick).

Because of this I was almost immediately drawn back in the fascinating world that Baker created with The Scarlet Alchemist (and it’s sequel!). Without counting the nap breaks I took, I think this only took me around 3 hours to finish? Which is very fast if you consider I did this while working 2 (almost) full days.

While I already loved the first book a lot, I can confidently say I loved The Blood Orchid even more!! Didn’t even realise I missed these characters until we were reunited. While the first novel was more focussed on the romance between Zilan and Hong, this sequel had it’s focus on the family bond between Zilan and her 2 cousin, which I found extremely refreshing to see. while I am a romance driven girlie myself and was in a bit of a withdrawal during this book, the heart wrenching family love definitely made up for it. Idk i’m just a sucker for families unconditionally loving each other, despite of everything going on.

And fear not, if you’re into happy endings, you will not be disappointed with this one. (I was stressing for a small moment though, never play with my heart like that ever again).

4.5/5 stars rounded up to 5 !

3.5-4 stars! An action-forward, family adventure that whisks us towards the finish line, with Zilan at the head of the ship, deadset on resurrecting her loved ones and putting an end to the bloodshed.

The return of old faces and new arcs helped in giving them new life and interest. This time 'round, I was more invested in those characters and the charm they added to the story. The twisty journey to find Penglai Island was, fortunately, not straightforward. The characters' investigating and missteps helped to expand further on the world's fascinating alchemy system.

The blurb's claim of unpredictable, sometimes dangerous alchemists" varies in its mileage. While each new threat was unique, I think they were also somewhat undermined by how Penglai Island's "immortality" worked. They were like if you lit firecrackers right in front of your house and you didn't stand far enough. Loud, close to burning your face off, but brief nonetheless.

I was wondering whether details of Empress Wu Zhao's inspiration was going to come into play, and the way it did delighted me. Hilariously, upon reading my review of TSA, I realised I misnamed Wu Zhao, but was still correct.

For anyone who previously followed along Baker's first duology...you'll be more relieved here. The romance, though firmly seated in the backseat, weaved in and out of the main plot, allowing Li Hong to not fade into plot obscurity and instead have him anchor and guide Zilan in her quest for Penglai Island. We love a helpful love interest.

Finally, Baker's writing sings in her settings (especially the spirit world) and internal narratives. It tingles with every alchemical act Zilan does and scorches with every disastrous reaction. TBO's plot feels less zippy and intricate, but the writing style dances through every plot point with steady steps.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

An epic conclusion to a great series. We pick up right where the first book ends and its go, go, go. I love a quest and these characters are on a non-stop mission. Throughout the journey there’s plenty more alchemy, gore and some new interesting characters. I adore the sibling relationship in this series, this really shines in this book. Another thing that shines is Durian the duck, he is there along for the ride in all his glory. I love how he helps them out. You just have to read to find that out. This book has less romance, definitely more focus is on the adventure and the FMC personal development. I really enjoyed it. Lots of fun. Highly recommend. Who doesn’t love a satisfying conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

A brilliant thrill ride of a sequel to a powerhouse of an outstanding Book One. I loved every moment of this and can't wait to see what happens next.

It was really hard for me to get into this book. There is no recap of book 1, which I loved very much btw, so
I had forgot the details of the end of book 1.
Book 2 was rocky, to say the least. i did not like the whole first half, maybe even more of it, there were just too many dumb coincidences, and things just happened to happen. Also, our simple province girl is not a simple province girl anymore, but she comes off as entitled and I really could barely stand her in this book.
The villain was meh, I found the explanations of the lore and magic system were either convenient, or just not explained enough. I do not think it lives up to the first book.

🌸The Blood Orchid - Kylie Lee Baker 🌸

The Blood Orchid is the sequel to The Scarlet Alchemist. This historial fiction duology is set in the time of Chinese emperors, empresses and alchemy.

I adored the characters and their ongoing development throughout the duology. Durian the duck will forever remain the hero of this book, gaining a laugh out of me when things were getting serious! I found the alchemy throughout the book captivating and loved seeing Zilan honing her skills.

I found the pacing to be a little off and the world building of Penglai Island, dreams and spirit realm a little confusing. That said, The Blood Orchid provided such a satisfying completion to the duology that I can’t complain!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Blood Orchid was a spectacular sequel and finale to the Scarlet Alchemist dulogy. Zilan's journey was fraught with many setbacks and tribulations. The writing is impeccable and filled with tension, together with a villain who is smart, resourceful - leaving Zilan to be wary from every corner. I loved every bit of it and the characters and plot was wonderfully written with beautiful prose.

A unique blend of horror, tension, love and friendship - particularly those around family with an ending that is emotionally well-written and will pull on your heartstrings. The Blood Orchid is one–if not the best ending to a duology I've read with a special magical/alchemic system that is unlike any other.

There were several parts of the novel that completely blew me away. However, I feel that the best part of the novel was the inclusion of a an unlikely ally in another Alchemist whom we met in the Scarlet Alchemist. In TBO, we learn a lot more about Alchemy and secrets and reveals about the practice. There were many scenes in TBO that left me in shock and keeps me on the edge of my seat. In TBO, we meet many other alchemists and some who are unwilling and running toward Zilan, her brother and their ever=faithful duck Durian. Despite fewer scenes with Hong, Baker excels in keeping readers hooked to the page and there was no shortage of twists and surprises.

I can't wait to read Kylie Lee Baker's future books and she is without a doubt, one of the best writers there are in the industry.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for review!

I loved every second of this! If I'm honest, I adored The Scarlet Alchemist and went into The Blood Orchid fully expecting to feel the absence of a few (very key) characters as our FMC embarks on her quest, but that just wasn't the case at all. The introduction - or re-introduction - of a few old friends made this a delight to read. The pacing was fast, the plot action-packed and can we talk about how cute Durian the demon duck is? I flew through this at breakneck speed which is great, because it meant it was everything I'd hoped for, but also terrible because now I have to say goodbye to these characters and let me tell you, tears were shed (happy ones). I will be 100% be recommending this to everyone on release day in October - and picking it up again for a re-read myself.❤️

The Blood Orchid is a brilliant conclusion to a wonderful duology. After the conclusion of The Scarlet Alchemist I was excited to read what happened next and it didn't disappoint. The search for Penglai Island dived into more of the history of the alchemists which was nice to see.

Travelling with Wenshu provided a lot of great banter especially with his current vessel. There was an unexpected return of a character who provided a great contrast between all the characters personalities which made for good comedy!

Everything gets wrapped up nicely in this book and if you enjoyed Zilan's story in the 1st Novel, I highly recommend picking this up. I will be reading Baker's other novels after this unique duology!

Thanks to Netgalley + Hodder & Stoughton for this arc!

🔹⚜️The Blood Orchid ⚜️🔹
- Kylie Lee Baker

⭐️⭐️

The sequel to the Scarlet Alchemist, in the Blood Orchid, we follow Zilan as she picks up the pieces of the disastrous events of the end of the first book and embarks on a pilgrimage to find a renowned site of powerful alchemy.

As in the first book, the concept was so engaging to me and I was intrigued by the magic of the alchemy combined with the time period which created a memorable atmosphere, one that I thought was quite unique in YA fantasy.

However, the gripes I had in the first book mainly carried forth into its sequel; I found the ephemerality of the magic system and the resurrection alchemy difficult to envision. A lot of the book took place on plains inside the mind and I just found this so difficult to imagine. This might be a personal preference though as I prefer concrete, more traditional magic forms - like conjuring fire, reading minds etc. If this evanescence is something you like, then this might be more to your taste than mine.

Additionally, the first book had a clear progressive plot, starting in Zilan’s rural town and moving to the Empress’s court. This book’s pacing felt more meandering, which is something that disengaged me.

With regards to the subplot of romance, I was hoping we might get some development of the Crown Prince’s character and his relationship with Zilan but unfortunately his limited page time restricted this and I was still left wanting more.

I enjoyed seeing the return of Zheng Sili and his banter with Zilan. He was definitely more developed than the caricatured villain figure he made in the first book, which I liked seeing, and his interactions with Wenshu and Zilan were humorous and provided some light relief. The similarities to the Poppy War felt less stark in this book as it really came into its own story and groove.

Overall, I didn’t love this duology. It’s a shame as it had such potential but it felt gimmicky and had strange pacing which wasn’t to my personal taste. I’d recommend if you have a book hangover from the Poppy War and are looking for something similar.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was THE follow up to the first book that we needed, it was well paced and everything was explained in detail.

Zilan honestly is a trooper, she goes through so much this book and so much growth. There are still so many threats on her journey but she has her family and new friends to help along the way but also many enemies to deter her. She does seem very lost this book, she wants to help the kingdom heal and move on from life gold but in setting out on this path she lost the love of her life, the prince.

I was captivated by the history, language and alchemy/magic throughout this story.

<blockquote><b>"You don't even know what you're asking for."
"I'm not asking," I said sharpening one of my iron rings into a spike </blockquote></b>
This book is a total rollercoaster turned sideways in contrast to the first book. New unlikely friendships forged, meets and greets from the dead, and loads of alchemical transformations!

I loved that Zilan continues to be a badass and yet shows more of her vulnerable sides ~(>_<。)＼ Yufei and Wenshu were total smartass sidekicks and wholesome puppies throughout the book and durian the cute demon duckie saves the day!

<spoiler>And it's a happy ending!</spoiler>

First things first - I personally felt this needed to be read directly after finishing the first book, just for consistency in the context as there is not a lot of coherent call back info. The opening is straight into the plot and it's focused on the aftermath happening after the close of the first book.

That being said, once I'd done a little swat up on the tail end of the last book I appreciated that it was straight into the plot and alother the pace was a little different it was a highly enjoyable ride, much like The Scarlet Alchemist was!

Much like the first installment, I liked that this is a slow unravelling of plot breadcrumbs, some predictable, others not. This story's biggest win is the 'baddie', and this is one hell of a baddie!

I wasn't as on board with the 'romantic' element in this installment but its there for those who want that.

Overall solid and enjoyable fast paced read.

A beautifully written and satisfying conclusion to the Scarlett Alchemist duology. Highly recommend both books