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."

Alchemy, Attitude, and A+ Banter

I absolutely loved A Forbidden Alchemist! The character development was incredible—each one felt real, layered, and easy to connect with. What really stood out to me was the banter between them—it was clever, witty, and added so much charm and emotional depth to the story. Stace McEwan has a gift for making you laugh one moment and ache the next. I can't wait to read more from this series!

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT

Five stars easily for the female narrator. No notes.

3.5 stars for the male narrator - he spoke too slowly (had to speed it way up), when reading the narrative, but he did a great job with the dialogue and the different character voices.

The story itself was interesting and unique, and the pacing was well done. I was never bored or counting down the minutes to the next chapter. I thought the world building was expertly crafted, the magic element is very cool, and there is plenty of emotional twists and turns to keep you glued to your seat.

I cannot wait for book 2!

Characters and plot

6 stars if I could! Peaky blinders meets fantasy. LOVED every second of it. The audible version made it 100000% better. You could feel the emotion. I can’t wait for book 2

loved it!

I'm not much for fantasy but I like a good adventure. I needed something to get into after finishing the Discovery of Witches series and this was a great story. can't wait for the next one!

Prepare for emotional damage

This is a great story, it's a dystopian setting with a unique magic system. There's dual POV, found family, tension and slow burn🔥

The story starts of with the main characters meeting when they're 12 and learning that what they've known about their magic system is a lie. With that revelation, they each make their choices and part ways, it isn't until many years later that they meet again as adults caught up in a revolution.