A Forbidden Alchemy

By: Stacey McEwan

Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown, Joshua Riley

This stunning slow-burn romantasy follows a fated pair who uncover a world-changing secret and are thrust into a violent class war, navigating love, loss, and devastating betrayals.

Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson are twelve years old when they are whisked away from the shadows of their disenfranchised mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass Belavere’s test will become Artisans, wielders of powerful elemental magic destined to fulfill the city’s grand ambitions. For Nina, the Artisan School symbolizes a dream and an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick yearns to return to his Craftsman family, whose extraordinary physical strength serves the idium mines keeping the city alive.

And then they uncover a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen. They part ways on very different paths, leaving them to carry the burden of this secret alone.

In the years that follow, a Craftsman revolution ignites, thrusting Nina and Patrick into opposing factions of a brewing war. Now an elite Artisan with the very rare talent for charming earth, Nina has turned her back on the fight, haunted by the loss of her found family. But fate intervenes when she is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Despite the years and conflict that separates them, Patrick hasn’t forgotten Nina. He desperately seeks her help for a mission that could shift the tides against Belavere City. Reluctantly, she agrees, battling the sparks flying between them. But when Nina’s first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the sake of the Artisans, Nina faces an impossible choice that could alter the fate of their world.

Critic reviews

"Fulford–Brown delivers a deeply emotional performance, capturing Nina’s strength and vulnerability with nuance and finesse. Riley’s character work and dialogue add dimension and depth to Patrick. Together, the narrators create an immersive experience that enhances the story and deepens its emotional impact."

Two POV with nice plot twist

Loved the two POV story telling. The world building was just enough detail to let your imagination fill in the gaps. I wish the mfc had a less damsel in distress mindset however, her battle with trauma makes her more a more real and relatable character. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

love this author!

Stacey does it again! I loved the Ledge series so I was very excited for this to come out. and it did not disappoint! a new magic system mixed with a peaky blinders feel makes it different than anything I've read before.

Amazing story!

I absolutely love the story and I cannot wait for the next book! The female narrator was amazing, but the male narrator was kind of lackluster and read, at a much slower pace than she did, so it kind of threw off the synchronicity a bit.

Fantastic story

I love this book so much. Definitely fell in love with Patrick and his brothers. Nina is an amazing FMC. Cannot wait for the next one to come out.

Great storyline and lots of twists and turns

Loved the world and characters created by the author, despite being frustrated by some of the choices made by a couple of them! Can’t wait for the next book!