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!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
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thank you to inkyard press, kylie lee baker, and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
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i am in my ✨backlog era✨. and by that i mean i’m reading all the ARCs that i either started but missed the release for and needed to move on, or wasn’t able to start at all. the scarlet alchemist was unfortunately the victim of my overzealous netgalley requesting and GOD, i’m so mad at myself for that. i’ll file it under one of my life’s biggest regrets because it was FANTASTIC.

this is the first book by kylie lee baker that i’ve ever read and now i’m so tempted to go back and read the other books she’s written because i fell in love with her writing style.

the scarlet alchemist is about fan zilan, who lives in tang dynasty china and longs to rise above the life she’s been born into. since she’s only half han chinese, she’s often looked down upon by others. add in the fact that she’s a woman in those times, and it’s even more so. she has a talent for alchemy, which is much more along the lines of fullmetal alchemist, if you’re familiar with it, but instead of alchemy circles, they use stones as a conduit. she’s doing illegal resurrection alchemy for the money it provides her family, with the help of her cousins, when someone approaches her. that someone being the CROWN PRINCE OF CHINA. he says he needs someone to resurrect him and will pay an exorbitant amount of money for her to do it. only he’s not dead yet. but apparently, he believes he will be soon. so she does what any sane (???) person does when the crown prince of your country shows up in front of you and asks you to uproot your life and move to the capital to be able to resurrect him in case he does actually die. i mean, he’s the crown prince, what is she gonna say? no? yeah. because that’s exactly what she does. she essentially tells him to piss off because she has plans already to become a royal alchemist and work for the empress and nothing will stand in her way of that. we love a girlie who has goals.

a few weeks later, she goes to the first of several exams, where they all look down on her for both the previously mentioned reasons, but of course, she does what she does best and moves onto the next round in the competition with her siblings moving onto the next scholar exam as well, both in the capital.

she makes it to the capital, where she sees a lot of strange things, like monsters in the palace, people with any relation to the royal family dropping like flies, and she begins to wonder if THIS was what the crown prince was talking about. as she becomes closer to him, she witnesses the things he’s talking about firsthand, and she decides she’s going to figure out what’s going on.

the story was so, completely engaging and i quickly became obsessed with it when i started reading. like i said earlier, i very much regretted waiting so long to read it because now that i’ve finished it, i realized i could’ve enjoyed this so much sooner.

i fell in love with the characters, and i love how to a point, zilan was kinda merciless. she told people how it was and had no sympathy for anyone who wasn’t already important to her… except for a certain crown prince that is unnaturally attached to her. and the prince? li hong? he’s so babygirl. like the babygirlest of babygirls to ever babygirl. i loved him so much. he was so sweet and kind and just tries so hard to help zilan even if he’s naive and goes about it the wrong way. wenshu and yufei were also amazing and hilarious, completely the chaotic sibling characters that everyone loves and constantly picking on each other as siblings do. or at least that’s what i’ve been told; i don’t have any.

i also really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this, finding out what’s going on and where the monsters are coming from and what they are. i’ve always loved mystery plots in any kind of book, and this one delivered completely. i was constantly surprised by one reveal or another, and i was annotating my book with things i thought could be clues. i was just having the best time haha.

i really, really loved this book, and if you’re a fan of fantasy, the show/manga fullmetal alchemist, romantic and mystery subplots, and chinese period dramas, i think you’ll love it, too.

once again, thank you to inkyard press and kylie lee baker for this amazing story! the sequel, the blood orchid, comes out october 22, 2024. i’ll be very eagerly awaiting 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.

I’m almost hesitant to recommend The Scarlet Alchemist, not because it’s a bad book, but because it’s a fantastic book, but the sequel doesn’t come out until (it’s estimated) October. I gobbled this book up in one sitting and now I have to sit and wait pathetically to find out what happens next.


The story is set in a version of historical China where alchemists have figured out the key to immortality. The wealthy eat a special variety of gold that the alchemists make which prevents them from aging–you can still be killed though, as your body is not impervious to injury. As a result the wealthy sequester themselves in their homes, avoiding possible accidents or injury, and prolong their lives as long as possible.

The poor and working class have no access to this special gold, making the divide between classes even more apparent. The heroine of the novel, Zilan, is part of that working class which is barely scraping by. Her father was a White man and her mother Chinese, making her biracial and therefore viewed as inferior. Both her parents are dead, and she lives with her aunt and uncle and two cousins, who took her in even though they can barely feed themselves.

Zilan’s father came to China to study alchemy, and in his notes she’s found the secret to resurrecting the dead–an act that’s extremely forbidden. She performs this in secret, earning extra money to help her family, but her real goal is to pass the test to become a royal alchemist, earning herself a position in the royal court and enough money to send back home.

Zilan and her cousins travel to the capital where she will take the alchemist’s exam while they take exams to become royal scholars. Once they arrive, they realize something odd is happening in and around the royal court. People are being found torn to death as if by wild animals, and once Zilan passes her test (using her wits, as she never received formal training) she realizes the role of royal alchemist is not what she imagined.


Added to this is the fact that the Immortal Empress’s son and heir seeks Zilan out. He has heard rumors that she can resurrect people, and he’s been facing assassination attempts that make him believe his life is about to end.

I loved this book because it has so many elements–Byzantine court politics, mystery, romance (between Zilan and the prince) and high magic fantasy–and they all blend together seamlessly. Each element enhances the entire story, like adding the perfect blend of spices to a dish.

The prince has lived a pampered existence, and while he’s smart and aware of what’s really going on at court, he needs Zilan’s magic and grit to help him survive. The romance here is very much a “rescuing the princess,” but gender flipped. The prince is also kind and very gentle, something Zilan doesn’t have a lot of experience with.

There’s also a lot of world building and detail around the magic system that made the setting feel incredibly real and nuanced. I’ve also never read a book where the magic system was based on alchemy, so it was fun getting something brand new to me.

The pacing of the book is also excellent, and by the time the court intrigue picks up, things are rolling along at a speed that makes this book super hard to put down.

If you needed another reason to read this book, Zilan has to create life in one of her exams and manages to make a duckling named Durian. Because alchemy produces equal parts good and evil, he is sometimes a naughty duckling. I would die for Durian.

Although the main conflict is resolved, there’s definitely an element of a cliffhanger here and the next book is scheduled to come out late in 2024. Literally that is the only reason I would hold off on reading this book. The Scarlet Alchemist gave me a mega book hangover, and now I can’t wait for the sequel to come out.

firstly, this cover is gorgeous which is what hooked me, also the title is so badass. this book was a bit darker and gory than i expected. i’m not too fond of competition plot in books though lmao. i find that it’s a common theme in asian YA books.

the middle part dragged a bit, but it picked up toward the end. the romance was alright, but it could've used more buildup. really loved the magic system though. the plot was a little predictable, especially with the romance. and the main character's impulsiveness made things a bit too obvious, making the story a bit meh until the end.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book!

Literally from the first page I was hooked with the story, characters and historical and fantastical world building. From the first few pages I immediately knew The Scarlet Alchemist could become a new favourite book of mine.

The Scarlet Alchemist follows Zilan, a girl who dreams of becoming a royal alchemist. Joining her cousins on their quest to become royal scholars, Zilan finds herself among the royal court uncovering political plots and schemes. When the Prince appears, knowing of Zilan's ability to resurrect the dead, she discovers things are not as they seem.

I absolutely loved the world-building in this book. Zilan's home town? The royal palace? I could imagine every place and I felt transported into the story. I loved seeing the home life and relations between Zilan and her cousins and their secret resurrection business. The resurrections brought another element to the book including a rock based alchemy system that I really enjoyed reading about.

The characters made this book. Wenshu and Yufei's banter with Zilan made me laugh out loud. Each character has their distinct personality and there was never a dull moment with them. Two other characters I loved was the Prince and the duck, Durian. The entire scene at the pond with the ducks made me cackle out loud.

The only criticism I have is with the side characters, the alchemists. They clearly were a big part of Zilan's life and yet we never learned more about them than their titles (the moon alchemist being an exception here). The ending would've hit harder if we got to know the alchemists a little better.

Speaking of endings though, this book was plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. My mouth hung open wide at some points with the thought: "That did not just happen??" at the forefront. I cannot wait for book two, I desperately need to talk over this ending with someone!

ACTUAL RATING: 4.8 STARS

This was a good YA fantasy novel, with an interesting plot!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher