I absolutely love this book. I have read the debut series from this author, and I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to meet her when she released this book and this book is her best work yet!

This book follows Zilan who wants to escape her poor life to become a Royal Alchemist. After studying and working hard and having a disadvantage to all the other alchemist, she sets her sights on completing the alchemy exam and fulfilling her dream.

However, dreams are not always what they seem to be and Zilan finds out very quickly that there are monsters all around her. A story of forbidden love, family secrets, personal growth, and discovering truths the story is entertaining from beginning to end.

I was really surprised on how much blood and gore was in this book considering it is marketed as a young adult so please have that mindset going into it. I personally loved it and it felt so raw and real and goes to show that life, even in books, have losses and devastation that you can’t come back from. Unless you have the power of an alchemist… then maybe the laws of life can be bent a little!

I definitely felt like this book needed just a little more romance to really build up that feeling of love between The two love interest in this book. But I like how the romance did not take away from the plot fantasy and political intrigue of the story. Yes this book has a sprinkle of historical fiction. But this author takes a lot of liberties in creating her own world from some historical facts which means that a lot of what happens in the book is not actually historically accurate which I felt just made it more fun and enjoyable.

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker is a gripping fantasy that seamlessly blends magic, alchemy, and intricate world-building. Following Zilan, a talented alchemist seeking revenge, she navigates a world full of political intrigue and moral gray areas and grapples with the consequences of her actions and her desire for justice.

Baker’s world-building is exceptional, with a well-developed alchemical system and a rich political landscape that adds depth to the story. Zilan is a complex protagonist whose internal struggles make her journey compelling, while the supporting characters add layers of mystery and tension.

The pacing expertly balances thrilling action with meaningful character development, while the quiet romance adds new emotions. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and self-discovery are woven throughout, making the story engaging and keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to NetGalley, Inkyard Press, and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

if you’re looking for a fantasy book that has all the energy, excitement, plot twists, and depth of a full on *series* in one book, this is the one for you!!
— It’s set to be a duology but, while we’re waiting for the second book, it can still read like a standalone.

Zilan lives in an impoverished village where she performs highly illegal resurrections to help support her family. We get to follow her through “testing” / competition phase where she tries to prove her way as one of the best alchemists and gain a spot as a royal alchemist, something she’s aspired to her whole life.It blends fantasy with East Asian folklore, where gold can be used to extend life! It is action packed, includes some academia, and a touch of romance that does not overpower the main plot.

If you love books like Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and other books that have competitions, you’ll love this one for that reason. The sneaky skills, deception, lies, and battles keep you turning the pages ☺️

I requested the book because a: the cover was gorgeous and the b: it is an Asian inspired fantasy. While I didn't love it, I did really like it; I will be picking up the sequel. I hope it is as dark as this.

I loved everything about this book! The world building, the characters, and the trials they go through. It was fast paced, engaging and something I hadn’t really read before. Kylie Lee Baker is proving to be a favorite author of mine, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

This Asian inspired historical fantasy is one for the books!
With a well crafted world, fleshed out characters, and a vivid writing style, Kylie Lee Baker has the potential to become a new favorite author.
This book in particular follows a girl with an affinity for alchemy as she navigates trying to provide for her family and royal politics,
This was truly a delight and I would highly recommend checking it out!
I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Well define with plot, characters and story. Love this author work and will always recommend it. I cannot express how much this book made me feel and how great it was

I can't believe Kylie Lee Baker made me this emotional about Beijing roast duck 😭😭

The Scarlet Alchemist is one of those books that sucks you in and doesn't spit you out until you reach the very last page at which point you're left reeling, gasping for air, and desperate for book two because I'm sorry WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? 😩 If you're looking for a captivating page-turner and have a high tolerance for blood and gore (please note the author's extensive list of trigger warnings,) this high-stakes, fast-paced alt-Tang dynasty-inspired dark fantasy is for you.

I'm a huge fan of Asian-inspired historical fantasies, but where most of them tend towards either the dreamy aesthetic or the grand epic, Kylie Lee Baker's fantasy is gritter and a whole lot bloodier. Chloe Gong called it, "visceral to the core," and I can't think of a better description for it. While some development is sacrificed for this primarily plot-driven story, it still manages to hit you, if not in the heart, then in the gut (where you'll be feeling all kinds of gut-level reactions.) The setting is stunningly vivid, the story is captivating, and the characters are distinct. I usually don't love plot-heavy stories (underdevelopment is one of my big bookish pet peeves,) but I didn't have a problem with the fact that The Scarlet Alchemist was on the more plot-centric side of the spectrum. I definitely wouldn't complain if things were a little more developed, but I feel like the story and characters are strong enough to hold their own and, honestly, I was so invested in the story, I didn't care.

My favorite part of the book is definitely the family aspect. I came for the "Umbrella Academy-style siblings," and while the pitch isn't entirely accurate, the sibling dynamic doesn't disappoint. Fan Zilan is a girl who will do anything for her adopted cousins-slash-adopted-siblings, and I love the trio's dysfunctional dynamic. The fact that Zilan's adopted adds an interesting complexity to the dynamic and allows us to explore the ideas of love and family in a unique way.

I'm not gonna lie, the other reason I had The Scarlet Alchemist on my radar is because of the fake concubining, which Kylie Lee Baker describes as "fake dating, but royal" part of the pitch. The romance definitely isn't the focal part of the story; it's light, but it's still enjoyable. I don't know exactly how to categorize it. It's not quite sunshine x grumpy, but it's maybe an immediate cousin or something. Zilan is a prickly protagonist, and Li Hong is endearingly naive. Like you'd think his overly optimistic innocence would be annoying, but he somehow manages to come across as weirdly lovable instead. The banter is great, and there's just something really sweet about seeing two bumbling idiots who are complete opposites fall in love.

The Scarlet Alchemist is a book that's as exciting as it is painful especially because I THOUGHT THIS WAS A STANDALONE 😭😭😭

I really wanted to like this book and there are definitely parts of it that I enjoyed but overall the plot was not well conceived and I desired so much more from it.

Kylie Lee Baker's The Scarlet Alchemist is a vibrant and immersive blend of historical fantasy and East Asian mythology, with a unique and compelling protagonist. Set in a richly detailed world where alchemy and politics intertwine, the story follows Zilan, a girl with a rare and dangerous power, as she navigates the deadly intrigue of the Imperial Court. Baker's writing shines through in her vivid descriptions and the complex, morally gray characters that populate the narrative. While the plot is gripping and full of twists, it sometimes feels a bit overstuffed with details that can slow the pace. However, the book's strengths—its originality, strong world-building, and emotional depth—far outweigh these minor flaws, making it a captivating read. Fans of historical fantasy with a dark edge will find much to love in The Scarlet Alchemist.
This review acknowledges the strengths of the book while also providing a balanced critique, fitting the 4/5 star rating.

Thank you to Inkyard Press for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Zilan’s aunt and uncle have taken her in and raised her as their own amongst her two cousins. She works hard, but dreams of becoming a royal alchemist for The Emperor. She runs a small shop and raises the dead (illegally) in order to make a little extra cash. When she finally gets to take her exams for alchemy, she opens up a world of danger and magic.

Do not skip this book! If you like high-stakes fantasy with huge surprises and a ton of action, you need to read this. I was so frustrated with myself for not picking it up sooner and I have been recommending it to everyone. I loved the characters, the plot moved so fast yet had such intricate details woven throughout. I also loved how the author incorporated some Chinese history but also put her own unique twist on some parts and was very transparent about that!

I listened to this audiobook on Spotify and the character voices were great and it was so engaging. The only perk about my delayed reading of this is that the second book in the series, The Blood Orchid, comes out October 22, 2024. This novel felt like it could have been a stand alone. The ending was beautifully done but there is space for expansion in this universe.

Loved it!

The Scarlet Alchemist introduces readers to Zilan, a biracial young woman in a version of historical China where alchemy holds the secret to immortality. Known in her small town for her rare ability to resurrect the dead, Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to secure a better future for her struggling family. Her journey to the capital, Chang’an, quickly entangles her in the deadly politics of the royal court.

The novel is exceptionally fast-paced, particularly during the alchemist trials, making it an addictive read filled with twists and surprises. However, this rapid pace comes at a cost. The narrative rushes through events, leaving little room for character development outside of Zilan. As a result, other characters, including the Crown Prince, remain underdeveloped, diminishing the emotional impact of the story's many deaths.

Despite these shortcomings, the world-building is rich and immersive. The concept of alchemy-based immortality creates a stark divide between the wealthy and the poor, adding depth to the setting and social dynamics. The magical elements are well-integrated, enhancing the plot without overshadowing the characters' personal struggles.

Zilan's character shines as a determined and resourceful protagonist, making her journey compelling. Her relationship with the Crown Prince, though lacking depth, provides necessary drama and tension. The intricate court politics and mysterious murders add layers of intrigue, keeping readers engaged.

Overall, The Scarlet Alchemist is an enjoyable read with a captivating protagonist and a unique magical system. While it could benefit from a slower pace and more character development, its blend of action, mystery, and fantasy makes it a compelling start to a promising series. Fans of fast-paced fantasy with strong female leads will find much to appreciate.

Having recently discovered Kylie Lee Baker, I can confidently say she is becoming my go-to author, especially of historical fantasy. "The Scarlet Alchemist" is a shining example of her mastery in creating a vivid worlds with lots of adventure, two things I love.

The story’s alternate take on the Tang Dynasty is nothing short of fascinating, filled with royal intrigue and drama that kept me hooked from start to finish. The storytelling is intricate but in the best way, which is evident from the layers in the plot and the world-building. The result is a richly detailed narrative that feels complete and wholly satisfying.

One of the standout elements for me was the magic system, which added a thrilling, high-stakes aspect to the story. It perfectly matched the story's tone and created an atmospheric read. The characters, wonderfully flawed and relatable, were another highlight, making their journeys even more engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for this review.

Apologies for my delay, I’ve had a very hectic few months.

But I really enjoyed this book. The magic system was integral and well developed, and most importantly incredibly interesting. The characters were easy to get invested in. The pacing was good, and the courtly intrigues well crafted.

Overall, I’m very excited to see where this story continues in the sequel! Really loved this one.

Kylie Lee Baker is officially a must-read author for me. After three books read from her, if her name is on the cover then it shall be in my hand soon. Everything I loved about the Night duology is here but in a new form. A fascinating magic system based in alchemy and raising people from the dead, a vivid Asian setting based on Chinese history, and a main character who doesn't quite fit in anywhere but makes sure she carves out a space just for herself anyway. Literally have nothing bad to say about this book and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Ooff, this one packed a punch. Zilan and her family are poor and only barely making it because she’s able to raise the dead on the DL, which is illegal but that just means that only wealthy people can afford it. Like everything else. She’s determined to become a royal alchemist because that’s the only way to save herself and her family, but after working towards this goal since they were children, being poor means that she’s missing the connections and context for the power plays and opportunities everyone else has.

Zilan is mad as hell and determined to figure it out regardless, because surely her talent at alchemy should be enough? There are horrors beyond imagining within the palace walls, however, and soon she’s in the eye of the storm as political intrigue and the machinations of the royal family catch up to her.

This book was a romp, I couldn’t put it down. I wish we could have known more about the Empress and her motivations. Hopefully we’ll get to know her better in the next book. I love an unhinged villain!

Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this story which is set in an alternate Tang Dynasty universe. The book explores what may have happened had the alchemists of long ago had succeeded in their experiments to find immortality. The writing is fast-paced and I look forward to reading the sequel.

I really liked this one. Up from 3.5 stars.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the ARC.

I LOVED this book. From start to end, this was perhaps one of the strongest YA fantasy novels I've read in a long time. Everything about it--the setting, writing, characterization, twists--were fabulously executed and I am absolutely excited to pick up the sequel this fall.

This was my first book by Kylie Lee Baker as I haven't read her earlier books yet and I really enjoyed it. I thought the concept of the world and the roles of the characters was very unique and interesting to read. Per usual with any fantasy book I was lost quite a few times but I feel like the author did a great job of describing everything to help me figure everything out. This was one of few fantasy books where I could actually imagine scenes like a movie in my head and that's always a bonus for me when reading fantasy. I loved the main character and how much growth she had throughout this book and I'm really excited to read the author's other works now.