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A Forbidden Alchemy (The Artisan Trilogy)
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.
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.
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Community Reviews
Wow, I finished the book a couple of hours ago and I still can’t believe it. That ending completely wrecked me. I just sat there trying to process everything..the twists, the heartbreak, and the fact that we have to wait for book two after that.
This story took me on such a ride. I’ve never read a romantasy with world-building done this well. From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn in. Everything felt vivid, alive, and real. The characters were written with so much depth and purpose, and I could picture every scene like I was right there with them.
What I also loved was how the book quietly showed the difference between privilege and survival. You could really feel that divide between people born into power and those just trying to make it through. It wasn’t forced or in your face, it was just there, shaping everything that happened. It gave the story this raw edge beneath all the magic.
The twists and turns were wild. Some I sensed coming, but others completely blindsided me. Even by the end, I’m still not sure what really happened between Nina and Patrick and that uncertainty is driving me crazy in the best way. Their love story wasn’t cheesy or overdone; it felt raw, human, and heartbreakingly real.
If I had one small critique, it’s that because the story is told in first person, a few of the big revelations felt sudden, especially when we thought we knew everything going on inside Nina’s head. But honestly, that made the shock hit even harder.
This book was pure magic for me - emotional, intense, and totally immersive. I’m still catching my breath… and counting the days until book two.
It was a good easy read. I didnt think the brother would be the alchemist. And i figured at 80% through that this wouldnt be a stand alone.
I am pissed that this book was drawn for book club and I regret that I was the one that recommended it…….. IM OBSESSED! And you’re telling me I have to wait a WHOLE YEAR for book 2? Absolutely rude!
This is probably my favorite read of the year. While it falls under romantasy, it didn’t follow the popular trends like dragons and shadow daddies. It is set in a world where you are either blue collar (mainly mining) or artisan (to have magical powers). To come into their magical powers they go through a ceremony controlled by the government, which obviously means it’s rigged.
We follow Nina and Jack, two kids from the outskirts that take matters into their own hands, take two separate paths but still meet in the end.
This book is full of adventure, longing, lust, deception, Touch her and you die, betrayal. The banter is on point, the dialogue feels natural, and the characters are lovable!
I am sooooo excited for the next book. Dare I say I have another book boyfriend?
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