Ledge, McEwan’s debut novel, was one the my first review copies and a book I loved. I have some nostalgic fondness not only for the story but also the opportunity to read it in advance. As soon as Stacey announced her new work, I was very excited, and I was certainly not disappointed.
Forbidden Alchemy opens with two young teens travelling to the prosperous Belavere City to be tested for magical abilities. Nina, an optimistic young girl desperate to escape her mining hometown. Alternatively we meet Patrick, also travelling from his mining hometown but he is insistent on returning home at the end of the day. The pair have a funny conversation but end up involved in a life changing event. The pair find themselves in the store room for the ever important element that reveals these abilities but discover that it’s all a lie, and individuals are chosen. Nina is revealed as an earth charmer, the only one whereas Patrick takes this news as an opportunity to return to his family. Nina’s identity changes and she is enrolled in the Artisan School.
Years later, Nina and her fellow students suspect times are changing. With rebels gaining significant influence and the students possibly being used as weapons in this possible war. Before long, the rebels reach the school, detonating a bomb that kills many. Nina uses this as her chance to escape. After being hunted down by the artisans and the rebels, Nina is taken to Farrow Hill, and reunites with Patrick, now the leader of the rebels.
What ensues is a wild ride of twists, turns, chemistry, romance and even more twists. In true McEwan fashion, the book ends on a huge cliffhanger but in all honesty I expected this. The same happened with Ledge and once you expect it, waiting for a sequel isn’t a terrible hardship. I enjoyed the combination of genuine hardworking people just trying to survive day by day with the prosperous people with life changing abilities. Seeing the effects of mining on a community hit close to home. Being Welsh, you get used to Welsh history of the mining industry and the struggles people faced. You could see in this book that if the mining work wasn’t done, then survival became difficult. The fear and risks faced each day had to be put aside in order to either further their cause or simply earn a living for the community. It was nice reading something with a unique plot and setting as well. I never knew what to expect in this story, but Stacey is very good at writing stories like this.
I am so excited to see what comes next for Patrick, Nina and the rest of the characters in A Forbidden Alchemy!
Thank you for the eARC!

Everything I love in a romantasy .... The tension between Nina and Patrick was chefs kiss!
The magic system and the whole world building is different to all the books out currently which is a breath of fresh air.
I tend to know where the book is going however I didn't and I loved that, I didn't see the twists or turns coming. I can not wait until book 2 comes out! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

One of my favourite books of 2025 !!

I adore the Victorian/ Steampunk vibes that this world conjured in my mind- such a unique magical system and world within a genre that sometimes feels so oversaturated these days.

I did not see the twists and turns coming! The plot was beautifully crafted with every detail, both big and small, being purposefully curated.

Nina was a wonderful FMC- wanting to strive for a bigger purpose in life, but being thrust into unfortunate circumstances. I love following a softer FMC, who may not be a warrior, but is a powerful magic wielder.

Patrick is a top tier MMC, and the relationship between him and Nina was incredible to watch unfold- such a sweet dynamic despite the backdrop of this world and the plot.

I am now impatiently awaiting the sequel!

Okay well you know I’m picking this up because Stacey McEwan is not only hilarious but writes some cracking fantasy and this did not disappoint.

I was worried initially if it was going to follow a very typical child is invited for initiation and learns powers etc but it was far from that. In A Forbidden Alchemy children are invited at the age of 12 to drink a liquid which reveals powers. Those children are trained and then used within society and regarded as a higher class.

A child from the Scurry finds a way to get in and so begins the start of secrets, a rebellion, lost loves, twists and turns.

This was very much a cliff hanger and had a lot of miscommunication which was annoying but damn she writes a great slow build romance and the spice is on fire!

Looking forward to the next! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Stacey McEwan for this series in exchange for an honest review.

A Forbidden Alchemy was an excellent example of fantasy romance done right. I absolutely loved the plot, there’s political unrest, alchemy magic and all done in a gas-lamp era. The world-building is rich and immersive. I loved it from the start where our main characters meet as children. Their actions at this young age had this snowball effect throughout that felt like a wild ride. The timeline then moves on to some of the academy years, I was yearning for more here and would have happily read a whole book about those years. Alas we only got some snippets but a lot more was to come. There are high stakes, dramatic scenes, impressive use of magic and rebellion. I would say the romance is a sub-plot, that’s not to say it wasn’t something I absolutely invested in. I loved how messy it was, how real it felt and the chemistry. I cannot wait for the next in the series, the ending was everything I was hoping for. The stakes remain high, who do we trust and what will become of these beloved characters! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

4.5 stars rounded up.

A Forbidden Alchemy follows Nina and Patrick, children from mining families who meet as twelve year olds about to be tested for magical abilities. However, they discover that Artisans - powerful elemental mages - aren’t born, but chosen. Armed with this knowledge, Nina finds her place as one of the rarest types of Artisan, while Patrick returns home to his family of Craftsmen in the mines. When a Craftsman revolution ignites years later, Nina is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. He needs her help for a mission that could shift the tides in the war. She reluctantly agrees to aid him, battling the sparks between them. But when Nina’s first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the Artisans, she faces an impossible choice that will determine the fate of their world. 

This book gripped me from the start! The alchemical magic system was fascinating, and the worldbuilding was well done. I found the plot very compelling, and the story was perfectly paced. There was a great mix of political intrigue, action, and romance, and the stakes were high. I’ve seen this book described as a mix of Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders, and I would say it definitely gives those vibes!

To me, this book was more on the fantasy side with a subplot of romance, which is exactly how I like my fantasy books! Patrick and Nina’s romance was a delicious slow burn, full of tension and yearning. I was a little worried there would be a love triangle as Nina’s first love is mentioned in the blurb, but I’m happy to report there wasn’t a love triangle at all!

There were some jaw-dropping twists that I didn’t see coming, as well as secrets that the characters were hiding that made me squirm! The ending was exciting but also devastating. I need the sequel right now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

THIS BOOK?! Phenomenal, inject it into me, give me more immediately 🥵😭🥹

We had:

✨Magic
💪War
☑️Morally Grey Characters
⌚️High Stakes
🏡Peaky Blinders-Esque
🐭Secrets and Lies

McEwan excels in this book. She creates an intense, engaging world filled with tension, gripping plot lines and characters I was screaming through the book at.

The pacing was done expertly and I was squealing at many a point. Like holy shit, this was great (and the brief moments of spice were worth the wait🥵)

So so so excited for book 2!!

Huge thankyou to Simon Scheuster for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

A Forbidden Alchemy

Yes! The way I devoured this book- it was utterly incredible. Lush writing, descriptive without being too flowery, I was addicted from the very beginning.

Set in a world full of disparity between the non- magical Crafters, miners who live each day in fear, toiling for the Artisans - who wield their magic, power and excess like breathing.

The despair is palpable, and the heartbreak and fear felt almost visceral.

I loved the FMC Nina and Patrick the MMC is just perfection. The story weaves us effortlessly from their chance meeting as 12 years olds to finding themselves on opposite sides of a war which could break everything.

The twists and turns, betrayal and hope left me breathless and ahh that ending!!

It had a peaky blinders, steam punky vibes which I was totally here for and has been one of my favourite reads of the year!

Thank you to Simon and Shuster UK And NetGalley for the arc for review

✔️elemental magic
✔️class war
✔️secrets & betrayal
✔️dual pov
✔️he falls first and hard
✔️dystopian

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75

I went into this one pretty much blindly, and what a pleasant surprise it was! It took me a bit to get into at first, but by the 15–20% mark, I was completely invested in Nina and Patrick's story — and only wanted more.

The secrets, plot twists, and betrayals had me on the edge of my seat. The morally grey, complex characters were constantly faced with difficult decisions. That said, there were definitely times I wanted to shake Nina and yell at her — but I still understood her fear and hesitation. Patrick, was such an amazing character to read. I LOVE HIM.

Also, I have to take a moment to show love and appreciation for Donny — you beautiful ray of sunshine! He added such a fun layer to the story, and his lines always made me smile (and even laugh, sometimes out loud).

The romance element wasn’t super strong, but it was heartfelt. I really felt the inevitability of them — like they were meant to be. I also wouldn’t label this one strictly as fantasy, since the magical elements are pretty minor, but they were still enjoyable. So it's definitely more dystopian. Honestly, it’s a perfect entry point for fantasy beginners.

That ending made me scream but UGH — SO GOOD. I’m dying to read the sequel!!! Thank you for writing this Stacy!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

“Artisan and Crafter. Not a destiny, but a choice. It seemed an easy one to make.”

🧪 Hidden Identity
✨ Slow Burn
🧪 Twists that will make you Gasp!
✨ Elemental Magic
🧪 High Fantasy Inspired by Victorian England

“I’d read poetry that had described romance as being a descent into madness. A kind of precursor to pain.”

If you are looking for a book that will completely destroy you (in the best way) this is it. This is the one. I was drawn in right from the first page and this story didn’t let me go the whole way through, I finished it at 3am and I fear I may never get over this book.

A Forbidden Alchemy has everything you could possible need in a Romantasy. Set in a high fantasy world inspired by Victorian England, think Peaky Blinders but with magic (and if that doesn’t convince you to read Stacey McEwans masterpiece, I don’t know what will), the people of this world are split into Artisans and Crafters and it is this divide and corruption that sparks a revolution.

“God help him, but Patrick enjoyed it. The challenge. The prickling aggression.”

Nina and Patrick. These two. I just can’t get enough. You know those characters that just… bounce off each other. They have the best banter I have read in a book in such a long time, the most tension filled scenes that will quite literally have you on the edge of your seat as you wonder if this will be the time they cave. Which is exactly what I want in a slow burn romance.

“Sometimes I can’t tell if he’s as good as he is bad.”

“He’s bad to those who’re bad. No idea if that makes him good, though.”

Between the class war and the incredible chemistry between these two main characters who are both stuck on opposing sides but are willing to fight for each other. You are definitely not lacking for anything in this story. You will genuinely never know what is going to happen next and I LOVE that.

“I suppose I needn’t worry. You’ll just flay them within an inch of their lives if they come too close.”
“Ah,” Patrick said, dropping my hand. “So you do understand.”

Oh Patty. What can I say. I love him. There are very few lines he wouldn’t cross to protect those he cares about or who rely on him. He commands respect, I swear all he has to do was walk into a room and I was swooning while reading. He is a man with presence, that is for sure. McEwan has done such an incredible job with her characters, I couldn’t ask for more depth.

“I felt as though I understood it then—the toll paid to keep a place like Kenton Hill safe. To keep it aboveground and functioning. What wouldn’t one do, to preserve something so invaluable?”

And then we have Nina. She is fierce, and so strong. An FMC who can hold her own in incredibly dangerous situations but is also so vulnerable and raw. She truly made for the best FMC. She is constantly being torn between two sides where both want to use her and her magic as a weapon. I loved following her story as she was slowly pulled more and more towards Patrick and realised what might just be worth fighting for.

“And wasn’t that the true evil of war? That it didn’t have the decency to strip the humanity of those we killed?”

If you can’t tell, I think it’s safe to say I loved absolutely everything about A Forbidden Alchemy. All of its twists and turns (of which there were many) even when they shattered my heart and left me gasping at 3am. I am so glad I picked up this book, I was so ready for this adventure.

“You’ve got a mind of your own. Don’t let those fuckers take it.”

A Forbidden Alchemy is another fantastic story by Stacey McEwan. I loved The Glacian trilogy, so I was really excited to get my hands on her next book. I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy, and now the only downside is having to wait so long for the conclusion of the duology.

This romantasy is such a fun read. From the great cast of characters to the unique magic system and the found family themes—not to mention the romance—there’s something here for everyone.

Nina and Patrick are so well written. Stacey has a real talent for making her characters feel relatable and human, so you can’t help but root for them and feel personally invested in their journey. They’re both far from perfect, but their flaws are what make the story so engaging.

I honestly can’t wait for book two and all the reveals to come. That twist completely caught me off guard, and I’m so excited to see where Stacey takes us next.

A land divided by the haves and the have-nots. A simple draft of magical liquid determines who gains access to magic and power and who remains in the lower, hard-working and dangerous mining/crafting industries.

Young Nina may be seen as a social climber, someone dissatisfied with her lot in life. She sees herself as a go-getter, someone striving to make something of herself and she is determined not to go into the Mines like her father. Meeting a young Patrick during their selection exam leads to learning an explosive secret that could shock the general population to their core!

But a decade or so later will Nina and Patrick be able to safely deliver their people out of a rebellion or will they lead them further into strife?

Nina is a great FMC - she is fiercely independent, intelligent and cunning when she needs to be. She also has a real vulnerable streak and her need for family shines through. Patrick is the embodiment of morally grey - he'll happily do the murky deed if it means his people are safe. I loved learning more about the Union and untwisting all the lies, half-truths and political shenanigans that were underway.

There were a couple of scenes where I just had to stop, ponder, take a breath and then move on. Patrick and Nina have some enemies that are willing to do just about anything to keep the status quo and I'm not quite sure how they're getting out of the jam they have found themselves in! There are more than a few slimy characters that you will rejoice in detesting with your entire being and a few that you really hope come to their senses! I think possibly my favourite side character is Patrick's brother Donny - he is funny, endearing, and irritating, lol

A slow-burn rebellion with sexual tension, secrets, and just a bit too much page time 🫠

Okay listen… I did enjoy this book. But also?? It felt like I ran a marathon with no finish line in sight 😭 like girlie was dragging a little by the end. That said, I was ✨emotionally invested✨ in Nina and Patrick from the jump.

It starts with magic tests, small-town trauma, and a secret that could literally break their world:
“Artisans are not born, but chosen.”
👀 well damn.

Nina's got big dreams. Patrick just wants to go home. And then years later, BOOM — she’s an on-the-run earth charmer and he’s leading a rebellion and still feral for her.
“You're a bad influence on me, Nina Harrow.”
sir. say it again but slower 🫣

Let’s talk characters:
🔸 Nina– tough, sarcastic, ✨earth magic baddie✨. Loved her grit.
🔸 Patrick – chaotic rebel daddy with a soft heart. Honestly? He had no business being that attractive with his banter.
🔸 Gunner & Donny – ICONIC. Especially Donny, who had no filter and stole every scene.
🔸 Theo – sorry but the ick was strong. That man tested my patience every chapter he appeared 😵‍💫

And the chemistryyyy. The tension??? Chef’s kiss. Their banter made me kick my feet and scream into the void:
“Did you ever think of leaving?”
“No.”
“And did you ever think of me?”
😩💔 goodbye I am deceased.

Their little flirty-warrior moments?? 10/10:
“You say that like it isn't exactly what I'd like to do.”
“You're so confident that you could get me in bed just like that?”
“Didn't say anythin’ about a bed, now did I?”
SIR. GO TO JAIL. (or my house 🫢)

But fr, this book had heart too. The class war vibes, the betrayal, the grief, the found family themes — all hit hard. And this quote?? OUCH:
“Ma used to say that my mind was big and it made the outside small. 'Girls like us,' she'd say. 'We're made for bigger places, you hear me.’”
like please, Stacey, why are you punching me in the soul?!

That said… the pacing? Wobbly. It got loooong, and a few plot points felt repetitive or too drawn out. I kept checking how many pages were left like 👀 c’mon now. Just needed a tighter edit.

But the dialogue?? Banger after banger:
“You dropped your skirt in front of me once, Nina Harrow. By all means, do it again.”
“You disappoint me,” he said happily. “That deserved a closed fist.”
I’m sorry, he’s insane and I love him.

Final thoughts:
🪨 Earth magic + rebellion = cool world
🖤 Enemies-ish to lovers = gimme more
📉 Slightly too long = lost steam
🔥 Patrick = carried this story on his big broad rebel shoulders

So yeah. 3.5 stars. I liked it. Didn’t love it. But also?? Patrick can ruin my life and I’ll say thank you.
“He heard her laughter, and he thought its sound could end a war.”
Honestly, same. Except I’d end my war if he just whispered “say the word, darlin', and I'll carry you up those stairs.”
😩🙈

Thanks so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 ⭐️ Great concept and well written!

Solid book but I’m a bit torn on how I feel about this one! Perhaps the themes weren’t for me, but the ending has me intrigued to continue so let’s see…

🍃⛏️🍃⛏️
Premise:
Nina has grown up in a poverty stricken mining town, but has the opportunity to change her fate. At the age of 12, all children are given the opportunity to take Idium, a god given formula that gives a lucky few extraordinary abilities, changing them into the elite Artisans.

Whilst Nina is determined to become an Artisan, at the ceremony, she meets another mining town boy, Patrick, who is determined to return home. But years later, they will be reunited, in the midst of a rebellion…

🍃⛏️🍃⛏️

The world and the magic is easy enough to wrap your head around and was really well executed. I’d be intrigued to hear more about the god, Idia though…

And I always love a corrupt government and rebellion plot. But I think midway through the book, it went a bit too ‘small town’ for me. I could definitely see this being a good book for small town romance readers that want to read romantasy. And it had a fun selection of smaller characters to build up the atmosphere.

And for the main characters. Nina is a solid headstrong FMC, with a lot of bite! And Patrick definitely grew on me (I especially loved him at the end!). His vibe kind of gives Peaky Blinders… 👀 and I weirdly love/hate Theo. I never know what will happen next with him, which is entertaining even if he annoys me with most of his actions 😂

Whilst I wasn’t entirely sure midway through the book, I really liked the twists and the ending, and am intrigued what happens next. So will continue.

Nina & Patrick
Elemental Magic
Political Intrigue/Class War
Secret Identities
Tension & Slow Burn

Omg the plot twists and turns in this one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!!

I really enjoyed this! I love the unique magic system and I love the depth to the MCs!

Ahhh what an ending!!! I need book 2 now please!!

A Forbidden Alchemy is the first book in a new romantasy series. I loved the combination of the industry-heavy world with the elemental/material-based magic, and I raced through the book to see if my plot suspicions were correct. Patrick was the star of the show here for me, plus his hardened but loving family, and I spent a lot of the time mentally shouting "TELL HIM!" at Nina. Oh Nina.

It has a definite cliffhanger going into the next book, and although I guessed some of the twists in this book, book two seems like it's going to be unpredictable! The set up there at the end was frantic and exciting and I can't wait to see what comes next in the story.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

ALL THE STARS!!! Whoever described this as Peaky Blinders meets Six of Crows was spot on! The vibe is vibing and, honestly, it felt very original and the writing was so immersive, I forced myself to slow down towards the end because I did not want to leave the Kenton Hill.
I will not reveal too much as I genuinely don't want to ruin your reading experience but my take is that the world building and magic system were unique and masterfully delivered. It was easy to follow yet I was given enough information to be able to picture everything in my head clearly and a testament to Stacey McEwan's talent is the fact that the book felt very cinematic, I loved being in this world!
Then we have the characters. There is so much character development and main and side characters were brilliantly fleshed out. Patrick absolutely stole my heart, he is everything I want in a MMC and more (he even quit smoking, I mean...!!!). My favourite side characters were Tess and Donny, loved them!
The pace is great and at no point did I feel bored. I could not put the book down, I was thinking about the story when I was not reading it and the last 20%, wow, action picked up, the plot twists kept twisting and I had a mini panic attack when at 94% or so I could just not fathom how this is going to end. The cliffhanger is BRUTAL, I can't lie. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until the next book is out. I do believe thought that Stacey has a very good idea of where she wants to take this story and I'm so excited to see what happens next, it feels like it's going to be epic.
The romance is slow to develop and this is not a book that will tick the chilli rating if that's what you're looking for. I really like my spice but I will admit, as the story progressed, I felt like I didn't need it, honestly! The yearning, the angst! Stacey did such a great job at making me feel all the feels and being emotionally invested, I actually think the way the intimate moments were portrayed were very true to the vein of the writing and the overall vibe. You will find me here, waiting (not so patiently) for the next book!
I immensely enjoyed this one, it is such a beautiful book. Thank you to Stacey McEwan, Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 SIX. STARS. PERIOD.
I just finished A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan, and I’m not okay. Imagine The Last Airbender vibes but with an Earthbender x Peaky Blinders x GOD-TIER Romantasy twist and you might be halfway prepared. MAYBE. Because this book? It wrecked me in the best way possible. 😮‍💨🔥

From page one, I was GONE. This story grips your soul and drags you headfirst through an emotional, cinematic, high-stakes whirlwind. The past, the pain, the passion, the way the FMC and MMC crash back into each other is SO addictive, I couldn’t put it down. I was kicking my feet, gasping out loud, and full-on squealing like an unhinged piglet. 🐷💗 (No shame!!)

Let’s talk Patrick.
✨ Morally grey
✨ Mob King Vibes
✨ Darkly funny
✨ Secretly soft for her
A literal walking contradiction, and I ate up every crumb. He’s moody perfection with a gooey cinnamon roll center, and yes, he has OFFICIALLY claimed top spot on my book boyfriend list. My heart!! 💔

And that ending??
I AM UNWELL. I’m deep in a book hangover that’s so real, so raw, I’m basically wandering around like a ghost begging for the sequel. 🫠📖

If you're into high-stakes tension, slow-burn heat, unforgettable characters, and stories that live rent-free in your head... run, don’t walk. This book will ruin you, in the best possible way. 💥

You’ve been warned.
✨ #ReadItNow ✨

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (athenafreyag on Instagram)

I couldn't put it down and I couldn't stop thinking about it while I read this. I can't even stop thinking about them now! They sucked me into this story, this world, with these characters, and I don't want to get out!!

We follow both Nina's and Patrick's povs, and I love it so much when we get chapters from both main characters. The story starts when Nina and Patrick are children, when they stumble upon a cellar with idium crates. Idium is the substance that gives people their magic (but how that magic manifests itself is different for each person, i.e. they have affinities). They had been told that bloodlines regulate who has magic and who doesn't, but Nina and Patrick discover it's been a huge lie and manipulation from the governing body. It turns out that Nina becomes an earth charmer and gets enrolled at the academy, whereas Patrick disappears.

All Nina ever dreamed is to become an Artisan (person with magic) and leave her life behind. Her father is a poor alcoholic, and all she's ever wanted was to escape that life like her mother did. But life at the academy wasn't rosy, either. We see Nina grapple with life at the school. She must hide her true identity, and she must perform well. She's constantly looking over her shoulder. She is a miner's daughter, after all. She has seen what miners go through, whereas everybody else at the academy comes from a noble family, for the most part. The author portrays class division as well as Nina being torn so well. Nina is smart and powerful, but she's never felt like she belonged anywhere.

Patrick is a leader first and foremost. The rebellion and his town depend on him. He makes the tough choices and brutal decisions. He sees a way through even at the darkest of situations. Even though he has a family with brothers and a mother, he also feels quite alone. Leadership, after all, is a lonely position. He only trusts his family, but he wants to trust Nina. He wants to let her in. I really liked how morally ambiguous he is because one, he has good intentions, and yet, he does bad things for those good intentions. He is the character who does what must be done, morality be damned. AND HE HAS A DOG!!!

The tension and angst in this book are UNREAL!!! Wow, how they bicker and argue and negotiate with each other. Their chemistry is off the charts!!!!

I also liked the entire character ensemble. Each character brings something different to the story, making it more nuanced. We have characters with PTSD, some of whom cope with alcohol, we have ambitious characters, we have some loyal and dedicated ones, and we have some who just want to survive. SECRETS AND PLOT TWISTS EVERYWHERE! I kept gasping, and my eyes left my eye sockets at some of these reveals.

The worldbuilding was really refreshing and cool. I mean, get elemental powers from a substance that needs to be handled by an Alchemist and we only have 3 of them?! Miners who try to find that substance and are poor and traumatized because of it? Artisans with their fancy powers far away from those miners? I was fascinated by the worldbuilding! Even though books with elemental powers is nothing new, how the author brought out those powers is definitely new and original. I've never read anything like this.

10/10 character development
10/10 romance
10/10 worldbuilding
10/10 plot
10/10 obsessive read

This is a story about doing what's right, about having to make tough choices, and most of all, about choosing for yourself in a world bent on choosing for you. This is one of my top reads of the year! Now I want to go and see what other books this author has written because holy moly, I became a fan for life.

This book is the July romantasy pick for an American monthly book box company, and I am renewing with joy!!

I was excited to read this book as it sounded like everything I usually enjoy. However, although it started ok and ended pretty good, the middle was meh. I struggled to stick with the book - although glad I did in the end - but hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did!

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