A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
When I started The Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But by the time I finished the first few chapters, I was completely invested. This book is a rich blend of fantasy, rebellion, class struggle and coming-of-age wonder. It weaves all these elements into a magical world that somehow still feels familiar, especially if you’ve ever lived in a place where opportunities are based on where you were born, not who you are.
Rebellion and Class Struggle
Set in the fictional continent of Belavere Trench, the story follows 12-year-old Nina Harrow, a determined, sharp-tongued girl from a struggling mining town called Scurry. In Belavere, society is split into two major groups — the Craftsmen, who do all the hard labour and live rough lives, and the Artisans, who are gifted with magical abilities and live in privilege. At 12, every child drinks a sacred, magical substance called idium to see if they will be granted magical powers. If the magic takes, they become Artisans and attend the prestigious National Artisan School. If not, they return home as Craftsmen, stuck in the same cycle of hardship as their parents.
Nina’s life is already hard. Her father is broken and bitter from working in the mines, and her mother is long gone. But Nina is different. She dreams of becoming more, not because she wants to be rich or famous, but because she believes she was made for something bigger. She believes her mind, her creativity and her grit are worth more than the world gives her credit for. When she finally travels to Belavere City for the Siphoning Ceremony, she meets Patrick, a boy from another struggling town who seems full of anger and sarcasm. But together, their friendship begins to grow messy and, complicated as it is, gives the story its heart.
A Layered, Emotional Read
The writing in The Forbidden Alchemy is smart and immersive. Stacey McEwan doesn’t just describe a magical world; she builds one that feels alive. The tension between the classes, the sacred rituals, the towering buildings of the Artisan City, the power of the mysterious blue stone called terranium, and even the silent rebellion that brews beneath the surface — they all feel real and layered. I especially loved how the author used small, everyday details — coal dust, handmade skirts, tightly packed trains — to ground the fantasy in reality.
The dialogue between characters is witty, emotional and often laugh-out-loud funny. Nina and Patrick’s banter made me smile a lot. Their different worldviews create conflict, but it’s also what pushes them to grow. Patrick doesn’t believe in the system, while Nina wants to make something of herself within it. That contrast made for powerful moments, especially when they each had to confront their own fears, dreams and pride.
Fantasy with Heart and Depth
What really stood out to me was the theme of choosing your own path, even when the world is trying to choose for you. That hit home. Having been raised in a country like Nigeria, where many young people grow up being told what they can or can’t become, Nina’s fight to define herself was something I felt in my chest.
This book is for anyone who enjoys fantasy with meaning. If you liked The Gilded Ones, An Ember in the Ashes, or even Legendborn, you’ll enjoy this. It’s ideal for YA readers, fantasy lovers, and people who enjoy a slow-burn story with depth, heart and social commentary. There’s magic, yes, but there’s also fire, grit, hunger, and the courage to challenge what’s “forbidden.”
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. Stacey McEwan has created a world I don’t want to leave just yet.
About Stacey McEwan:
Stacey McEwan is the best-selling author of fantasy romance. Her books have been translated into four languages. Her high school English teacher once called her writing “above year level standard” and she took it far too seriously. Stacey received a bachelor’s degree in education in 2012 and was a school teacher for eleven years. She is a content creator on multiple platforms, including Tiktok and Instagram. Stacey first published after book lovers of the internet encouraged her to share her story ideas. She was born and raised on the Gold Coast, Australia, and still resides in her hometown with her husband, two children and one questionable dog.
