The author excelled at integrating meaningful setting descriptions and worldbuilding throughout the read. Details ranging from various cultures, factions, politics, mythology, and magic were woven throughout the pages to create an immersive and colorful setting. I quite liked the alchemy included and the information that we learned about the stones and their uses. The historical notes included in the back of the book were helpful and informative, and I liked seeing how the author used history to inspire this book and its world.

Another thing the author does well is writing a well-rounded, morally grey protagonist. I enjoyed the varied motivations of the characters, their goals, and their morals, and how well these were incorporated into the plot, though mostly just for the MC and a couple of the secondary characters. I did want a bit more from some of the secondary characters, as many of them felt like they solely existed to support the protagonist rather than feeling like real people.

This is set up for a second book, and while some things were resolved, the ending certainly counts as a cliffhanger. I definitely recommend this work if you enjoy YA fantasy, though you might still like this read even if YA isn’t your typical go-to genre. My thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book, but I didn't quite love it. There was something about it that just didn't click with me the way that I wanted it too.

I think part of it was because it seemed a little like a clone. The world building was complex, yet didn't fully explain things in my opinion. And it just didn't seem like it was as unique as I wanted it to be.

The characters were flawed, and I couldn't help but to really hate some of the ones that I think I was supposed to love. The instalove in this was also a little.... bleh.... to me, but wasn't enough for me to hate the book as a whole.

All this is to say that I still think that it was worth the read and will read the next one in the series as well! Though I have critiques, it was still a good book.

3.5 rounded up!

This was a stunning read, with a magic system that I couldn’t get enough of. The writing was beautiful and the world building was magical.

This author’s Keeper of the Night series captivated me, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of the first book in her new series.

Zilan dreams of escaping her impoverished village in southern China to become a royal alchemist and provide for her family. She may lack formal training, but she has the talent and ability. Unfortunately, she faces biased judges and bully competitors at her imperial exams. But Zilan is determined and stubborn and finally achieves her dream. It’s just not exactly what she expected. Dangerous political maneuverings are afoot with the Emperor ill and out of the public eye and the Empress trying to change the line of succession. The Crown Prince seeks Zilan’s help as he deals with numerous assassination attempts.

It’s not a spoiler to say the Empress is the antagonist in this story, and she’s a doozy. With her political aspirations and other despicable actions I won’t spoil, she’s easy to hate. She even reminded me a bit of Delores Umbridge. The prince won me over as soon as I knew he treated the palace ducks like his pets. He has plans to make the kingdom a better place, but first he needs to do something about the Empress.

Zilan is likable and flawed with a gray tinge. She has some truly iconic moments near the end and makes surprising choices – but I was behind her a thousand percent. I like the direction the story is headed, and the sequel will be one of my most anticipated reads next year (hoping that’s when it’s released!).

With an immersive world, vivid imagery, and incredibly high stakes, this novel kept me on the edge of my seat.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This book is a mashup of historical fiction and fantasy. It has an interesting magic system based on alchemy and historical alchemical practices. If you have read Baker's previous works, they are geared toward the young adult reader, however there are some dark themes and her work is not devoid of gore and violence. There is also a bit of a horror element to this much like there was with The Keeper of Night. There is a bit of a romance element, but it wasn't front and center and I didn't really feel the chemistry between the love interests.

This follows Fan Zilan, an aspiring alchemist from poor family and a poor village. Zilan was adopted by her aunt and uncle and she wants nothing more than to become a Royal Alchemist to send money home to support them and help them rise from poverty. She and her two cousins who she thinks of as her siblings, must travel to the city of Chang'an and take their civil service exams in the hopes of rising to a higher station and sending money home to their parents. Her cousins want to become scholars and Zilan who is self-taught wants to learn everything she can from the other alchemists. Upon arriving in the city they quickly learn that they can't trust anyone and that something strange is afoot at the palace.

I thought the characters were very immature at times. Zilan was insecure and reckless, then guilty about the outcomes. The Crown Prince, Hong, is also quite immature despite being next in line to be emperor and constantly in danger. I think younger readers will connect with these characters a lot more than I did. The world building was very well done and Baker did a great job on that front describing the alchemy and the monsters. There was quite a bit of court intrigue and she did a good job painting the picture of what was going on inside and outside the palace.

This does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger, which sets us up for book two nicely. I do feel that we got closure for the most part with the storyline for book one, but this does leave us with some open questions on where the empire is headed and what Zilan will do next. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues to write more books in the future. I can't wait to see what this author releases in the future.

The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker was a weird one... at first I didn't like it, then I did, and then WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING???? I.... absolutely have no words. That was a trip for sure.

We follow Zilan who dreams of saving her family from a life of poverty. She possesses not only street smarts but also the ability to raise the dead so while extremely disadvantaged from others with formal education, she aims to complete the Imperial exams to declare her as a royal alchemist. Thus begins a story full of political games, monsters, and the undead.

What didn't I like about it:
- The love interest is a giant himbo. While not as infuriating as other himbos I've encountered before I personally dislike incompetent characters for the sake of comic relief.
- The story really wasn't interesting til about 75% of the way through.
- The ending. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT??? Bruh.

What did I like about it:
- Strong, smart, badass FMCs who have big dreams and an even bigger desire to stab everyone that gets in her way
- Dark, full of monsters and court politics in this alternate Tang Dynasty China
- The ending. HELLO?!?!?! Again - WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT??? I wasn't planning on reading the sequel tbh but now I absolutely HAVE to.

You know that TikTok audio -- SICK. AND. TWISTED.
Ugh, I'm still screaming.

Kylie Lee Baker's The Scarlet Alchemist is a riveting blend of fantasy, intrigue, and emotional depth that captivates from the first page. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined ancient China, the story follows Zilan, a young woman with grand aspirations to become a royal alchemist. Zilan's journey from her impoverished village to the grandeur of the capital is not just physical; it's a journey of self-discovery, brimming with challenges and wonders.

One of the book's most impressive elements is its intricate depiction of alchemy. Baker's imagination shines in her exploration of this mystical science, particularly the illegal practice of resurrecting the dead. This aspect of the story is tragic and fascinating, offering fertile ground for exploring themes of life, death, and the ethical dilemmas that come with such power. The internal workings of this magical system are thoughtfully crafted, adding a layer of realism to the fantastical elements.

The novel truly excels in portraying the imperial court's political machinations. As Zilan gets entangled in the dangerous games of the royal family, the story takes thrilling twists and turns. Baker skillfully weaves a narrative where the line between friend and foe is constantly blurred, keeping the reader on edge. A looming assassination attempt and the Crown Prince's involvement in Zilan's life adds a gripping political dimension to the plot.

What sets The Scarlet Alchemist apart is its emotional depth. Zilan is an easy protagonist to root for – her struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The elements of body horror and the moral implications of her alchemical abilities add a poignant layer to her character development.

The Scarlet Alchemist is fascinating, offering a fresh take on alchemical magic within a beautifully crafted world. It's a must-read for fantasy fans and those intrigued by the darker aspects of magic and power. Baker has crafted a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, making The Scarlet Alchemist a memorable addition to the genre.

Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing an e-Arc of The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker for my review.

The Scarlet Alchemist offers a captivating magic system that immediately draws readers into a world of enchantment and mystery. The intricate details of the magical elements showcase the author's creativity and imagination. However, the novel falls short in terms of pacing, making it a challenging read. The plot seems to stagger at times, disrupting the flow of the narrative and hindering the overall engagement. Additionally, the writing style might not appeal to everyone, as it lacks a certain fluidity that could enhance the overall reading experience. Despite the compelling magic system, the uneven pacing and writing style may leave some readers wanting more from The Scarlet Alchemist.

It was SO GOOD! I need more people to read this, so I have someone to talk about it with. Best believe it'll be going on a spotlight easel at work once our copy comes in!!

Zilan wants only two things - to protect those she loves and to become a Royal Alchemist. Abandoned by her father, then orphaned when her mother passes away, Zilan is taken in and raised by her aunt and uncle. Her first foray into necromancy (alchemy) is when she saves her cousins after they die due to a plague that sweeps through their village. Realizing she has some potential, she hones her craft and uses it to help supplement her family's income. As she comes of age, her reputation starts to spread and she sets her sights on the imperial palace. However, achieving one goal will put the other at risk. The deeper she gets pulled into the palace's secrets, the more danger she finds herself surrounded by, because beautiful monsters stalk these royal halls. Trapped between the family she resurrected so she wouldn't be alone, a good-hearted but spineless prince, and a nearly immortal empress hell bent on destroying everything, Zilan must find the strength and cunning to forge her own future.

The first in a new duology by Kylie Lee Baker, this book is perfect for fans of Joan He's Strike the Zither, Judy I. Lin's A Magic Steeped in Poison, and June Hur's The Red Palace.

Zilan is an amazing character! I don't think Ms. Baker could've written a more REAL and complex protagonist. She's resilient in the face of racism and sexism and abuse by males of higher authority. Her sheer determination to survive the alchemy trials is inspiring. But this isn't to say that she doesn't have self doubts or insecurities. She absolutely fears abandonment on a guttural level. She waffles between being angry her father left, but also holds dear the memory of him speaking in his foreign tongue. She doesn't believe that she's as strong or smart as her cousins and sees herself as a burden to them. However, it's these very dueling emotions that ultimately become her driving force.

PS: I'm loving this trend of princesses saving the princes! Sure, sure, the Crown Prince was trapped by his responsibilities and he also didn't really try to fight what was happening until the end. So I'm super curious if there will be any changes when Zilan finds him again. (IYKYK!)

The world building in The Scarlet Alchemist is immaculate. The magic system, Death road, the harsh contrast between the poor and the rich - everything had such detail that the world and everything in it felt real. The necromantic alchemy was so interesting and played such a pivotal role through the story that I must note that the descriptions of the dead are equally, if not more, vivid and specific which gave the scenes life (ha!), but also a goriness and level of body horror I hadn't expected, but thoroughly enjoyed.

The overarching plot also really propelled the story. Though the book started slow, it builds the world well before launching into a plot that is all go-go-go after the 25% mark. Then there's no stopping. Watching Zilan do her exams especially was so interesting - again, digging into the world building and seeing what's possible through the magic system - and everything beyond it kept my interest piqued. While I don't know how I feel about the end of this installment, I'm so curious to see what book 2 has in store for us.

And that brings me to the characters. Until her exams, I honestly felt like I didn't get to know Zilan, let alone her siblings. It was like all the effort went into the world, and the characters got what was left. Yufei and Wenshu kind of just remain the same through the book - Yufei is a stubborn, pretty girl who loves to eat; Wenshu is a nerdy scholar, who protects his siblings. That's all they are for the whole book, even to the very end, and that was kind of sad, especially given the stakes. I couldn't buy into the ending because I didn't feel like I cared and knew them in the same way Zilan clearly did.

In contrast, I feel like Zilan, after she leaves for her exams, starts to find herself away from her cousins. We get to understand her motivations and see her personality start to shine. Even Hong we get to know slightly better than her cousins, though he's also kind of one-note. Their relationship is a bit insta-lovey, but I appreciated Hong's constant concern around consent and ensuring he doesn't abuse his princely power over her, as well as their move from strangers, to friends, to partners in crime, to possibly maybe lovers. Even though the declarations were a bit grand by the end, I understood the admiration they had for each other.

All in all, this book was an adventure. Full of magic and Zilan's gritty determination, The Scarlet Alchemist sets the stakes high and leaves you wanting more. I'm definitely not done with the world that was created here, so that's the biggest draw for me to come back for book 2. I'm so curious as to the heights Zilan will take her alchemy to next!

TW: death, gore, blood, murder, sexism, fire/fire injury, injury detail, racism, sexual harassment, self-harm, classism, bullying, animal death (not dog); mentions death of a parent, death of a child, vomit, kidnapping

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.

There was much to enjoy in this book, especially the variety in the characters and the compelling nature of alchemy as a magic system. I was a bit disappointed by the pacing of the writing though. Large and imposing obstacles were presented and then overcome so swiftly it became hard to take the stakes seriously. The political machinations felt as though they WANTED to be the main focus of the narrative, but the story doesn't balance Zilan's personal investment with the severity of the world around her very well.

Good story, subpar execution.

This book is absolutely full of surprises. Just when you think you have your bearings, Baker knocks you off your feet with revelation after revelation. On top of the multi-layered plot, the prose is beautiful. Its visceral and engaging. Additionally, Baker's characters are so well-crafted.

There is gruesomeness and gore in this novel, so be prepared! That being said, the book is packed with emotional discoveries and heart-pounding challenges. The different settings are painted well, mostly with dark colors that hide so many shadows ready to pop out at the reader. There's polish and shine as well as grittiness and menace.

If there is a book two, I would be so excited. It ends mostly wrapped up and with a nugget of hope, but I want more! While I haven't read the author's previous novels, they've definitely bumped up my TBR list. This is a stunning novel.

Orphaned Zilan is a resurrection alchemist in a poor part of southern China, being raised by her aunt and uncle, and living with her two cousins. The three teens more or less earn all of the money for their family, but they all desire to take the royal exams with the hope of escaping poverty. The story really takes off when Zilan gets to the royal palace and gets entwined in a conspiracy involving the royal family. Magic, murders, plot twists, and a little romance make this a worthwhile read. Not knowing Chinese history, I didn’t realize that this was set in an alternate Tang Dynasty until I was finished with the book, but that didn’t make a difference in my enjoyment of the tale.

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed the Scarlett Alchemist. I have read a good many YA fantasy stories lately where a reluctant FMC has special powers and much go compete/ find/ learn how to use them. I was prepared for a pretty formulaic story with some romance thrown in, because there always has to be romance now, right? You can see I was feeling pretty cynical.

Instead I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was engaged from beginning to end. The plot was far more than what I expected and the main character is super interesting and well developed. The Alchemy is also well handled and complex enough to really get my attention, both during the competition and after. This is everything a good competition plot fantasy should be, but also far more, There was a lot I didn't see coming which was also surprising.

This was a 4.5 read for me. I highly recommend. This stands out from many of the fantasy novels I have read recently.
Thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for access to an eARC in exchange for this honest review

Zilan lives in a poor village and has been surviving on what she has earned from her alchemy, resurrection included. However, she wants to become a royal alchemist to provide more for her family, but in order to become one, she has to venture to the capital for the imperial exams.

Known for resurrections but noting that they are also illegal, the Crown Prince himself reaches out for her assistance because of an assassination attempt he suspects on him. When she spends her time at the capital and succeeds in passing the exams, she begins to learn that maybe being a royal alchemist is much more than what she would want to handle. With dangerous political games in the royal family she ends up getting involved in, her life is on the line along with the Crown Prince's life.

Throughout the story, the intertwining of secrets and twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the unexpected ending left a lasting impression. I particularly appreciated the immersive portrayal of Chinese culture and traditions, providing me with a deeper connection to the setting and the characters.

This book served as a nice introduction to Chinese literature. I enjoyed this and I'm glad to have read this!

I recommend it!

It's not often I'm left feeling speechless at the end of a book but just... wow. What a ride this novel was and how I loved every page of it. The alchemy system immediately drew me in, I'm so impressed at how simple and easy to follow it was while still having enough behind it that I was always excited to learn something more.

I loved the characters, and especially loved how well the author navigated the complexities of their relationships. Their miscommunications and conflicts felt so natural. I'm so used to cringing and getting frustrated with characters when their misunderstandings feel contrived to add drama, but Baker does such a great job letting you know and understand the flaws and insecurities of her characters to where you can immediately understand how and why their conversations sometimes fall apart.

I'm definitely looking forward to more in this world, and wherever else the author wants to take me after.

overall rating: 4/5 stars

this was my first book by kylie lee baker and my GOD was it good. I don't even know how to describe this one. i have heard rumors about how she writes her female main characters, but i was not expecting zilan to be such an unhinged and absolutely ruthless person. the world building and story rooted in chinese culture (tang dynasty) was interesting to read, and the edition of death alchemy--and alchemy in general--kept me up until 2am. oh the dangers of reading with a kindle, and i mean that. if you buy an e-copy of this be prepared to go to work with dark circles down to your toes because you will not be able to put this down.

read if you like...
~dark fantasy
~absolutely UNHINGED female main characters
~books based in history
~lots of action
~morally grey main characters
~a little bit of a romantic subplot

*a HUGE thank you to kylie lee baker, inkyard press and netgally for providing me with an arc of this to review*

Thank you to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn't influence my review. This was a great read!
The tropes include: court intrigue, cinnamon roll MC, feisty FMC,
I liked the romance, but it could've been better. However, the plot was entrancing. I was immersed in the story and the plot. The FMC struggled through so much but persevered in the end, and I am looking forward to the second book (which there should be, as the ending was a cliffhanger). I will publish my review on instagram in a couple of days when I'm not as busy with college.

4.5 ⭐
1 🌶

This was amazing! It has to be one of the best fantasy books I've read this year. The world building was great and easy to understand. The writing was smooth and I could not put the book down. There were twists and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. There was romance, nothing too steamy, but had me shipping the two from beginning to end.

The setting is an alternate Tang dynasty, where the alchemist had found a way to extend the life of whoever can afford to eat alchemical gold. Zilan is a biracial poor orphan living with her aunt, uncle and two cousins. She is able to do what many cannot. She can resurrect the dead, with some limitations. She has a dream to travel to the main city and become a royal alchemist, with her cousins as scholars. But she gets involved in the Crown Prince, as he went to her for help evading the assassination attempts.

The relationship with Zilan and her cousins was such a pleasure to read about. I grew up pretty close to my cousins to the point that we see each other as siblings, even know as adults. It was beautiful to see the support they had with one another and the absolute love they had.

There is a love story which is a slow burn and forbidden. He is a prince and she's a poor biracial orphan which is looked down upon. But that is not the biggest thing keeping them apart. I love how they are both so different but they helped each other grow and changed their way of thinking.

Overall, this was a nearly perfect book. And the cliffhanger was perfect, I'm counting down until the next book is out.


Thank you to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.