A Forbidden Alchemy

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About The Book

This stunning slow-burn romantasy follows a fated pair who uncover a world-changing secret and are thrust into a violent class war, navigating love, loss, and devastating betrayals.

Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson are twelve years old when they are whisked away from the shadows of their disenfranchised mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass Belavere’s test will become Artisans, wielders of powerful elemental magic destined to fulfill the city’s grand ambitions. For Nina, the Artisan School symbolizes a dream and an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick yearns to return to his Craftsman family, whose extraordinary physical strength serves the idium mines keeping the city alive.

And then they uncover a devastating truth: Artisans aren’t born, they’re chosen. They part ways on very different paths, leaving them to carry the burden of this secret alone.

In the years that follow, a Craftsman revolution ignites, thrusting Nina and Patrick into opposing factions of a brewing war. Now an elite Artisan with the very rare talent for charming earth, Nina has turned her back on the fight, haunted by the loss of her found family. But fate intervenes when she is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. Despite the years and conflict that separates them, Patrick hasn’t forgotten Nina. He desperately seeks her help for a mission that could shift the tides against Belavere City. Reluctantly, she agrees, battling the sparks flying between them. But when Nina’s first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the sake of the Artisans, Nina faces an impossible choice that could alter the fate of their world.

Appearances

JUL 22
7:00PM
In Person

In conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer.

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The Ripped Bodice
218 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
JUL 23
6:00PM
In Person

Stacey McEwan in conversation with Devin Ford.

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Barnes & Noble Colonial
2418 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
JUL 24
12:00PM
In Person

Stacey McEwan in conversation with Kaylie Smith.

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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (Grand 12 & 13)
333 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
JUL 26
7:00PM
In Person

Stacey McEwan in conversation with Kaven Hirning.

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Book People
603 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
JUL 28
7:00PM
In Person

Stacey McEwan Q&A and book signing at Third Place Books.

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Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way Northeast
#A200
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
JUL 29
6:30PM
In Person

Stacey McEwan in Conversation with Rebecca Robinson.

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Florence Moore Auditorium in Menlo College
1000 El Camino Real
Atherton, CA 94027

About The Author

Supplied by the author
Stacey McEwan

Stacey McEwan is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Glacian Trilogy. Her debut fantasy romance novel, Ledge, has been published in several languages. Stacey received a bachelor’s degree in education in 2012 and was a classroom 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. 

Series by the Author

Product Details

  • Publisher: S&S/Saga Press (July 1, 2025)
  • Length: 480 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781668076200

Raves and Reviews

“This book is a pressure-corked vial crafted with the perfect romantic tension and pure gangster-style grit. I was ready to be buried beneath the mines that Stacey McEwan created. This story has mettle, raw heart, and inescapable magnetism. I loved every single chapter.”

 

Raven Kennedy, NYT bestselling author

“Stacey McEwan once again delivers a high-stakes fantasy that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat, but squeezes your heart until it bleeds.”

Amber V. Nicole, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Book of Azrael

“I’m never going to shut up about this book. An epic, breath-of-fresh-air romantasy. A feat of genius magic system and banter so feet-kicking good you’ll need breaks to scream. McEwan’s writing is the kind that leaves you staring at the wall wondering how you’ll go on waiting for the next installment. A Forbidden Alchemy is the romantasy book you’ll never get over.”

Hannah Nicole Maehrer, New York Times bestselling author of Assistant to the Villain

"Stacey McEwan's writing has a way of drawing you in and never letting go. A Forbidden Alchemy was no exception, and I found myself gripped by these pages, following the tale of Nina and Patrick and rooting for them every step of the way. I loved the secrets, the tension, and the burning chemistry. Romantasy lovers need to add this one to their TBR."

Nisha J. Tuli, internationally bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"[A] unique romantasy that seamlessly blends genres...[and] will resonate with readers who have enjoyed McEwan’s previous series and books such as Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals."

 

Library Journal (starred review)

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More books in this series: The Artisan Trilogy

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