Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan had me hooked with an interesting magic system, plenty of intrigue, and enough secrets, rebellion and questionable decision-making to keep me happily turning pages.

I really liked the class divide between the Artisans and the Crafters because those scales are very obviously NOT balanced. The Artisans definitely won the magical privilege lottery, while the Crafters appear to have received a participation certificate and a lifetime supply of oppression. 😂

But what I really appreciated was getting glimpses behind the curtain and discovering that life as an Artisan isn't exactly sunshine, rainbows and unlimited magical privilege either. Sure, the grass might look greener over there... but apparently everyone's lawn is on fire. The rich have clearly won this particular lottery, but surprise—their lives are also a dumpster fire. Just a significantly fancier dumpster fire.

The magic system was probably one of my favourite parts. It felt interesting and different, and I liked discovering more about how the world worked as the story unfolded rather than having everything dumped on me at once. Add in power, privilege, secrets, rebellion and characters making decisions that had me mentally yelling, “Oh, this seems like a TERRIBLE idea... please continue,” and I was thoroughly invested.

And THEN THAT ENDING.

Excuse me, Stacey?!

Apparently she woke up and chose violence because that cliffhanger just leaves you there. No resolution. No emotional support. Just questions and the sudden realisation that BOOK TWO IS NOT CURRENTLY IN YOUR HANDS.

Rude.

Overall, a very solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read and a strong start to the series. It gave me an interesting world, a magic system I want to know more about, complicated characters and enough social inequality to make you want to overthrow a fictional government.

And after that cliffhanger?

Book two. Immediately. Please and thank you