A Forbidden Alchemy

Written by Stacey McEwan

Narrated by Billie Fulford-Brown and Joshua Riley

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 1, 2025
• ISBN: 9781668119020

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. 

Reviews for A Forbidden Alchemy

[kaliwren03 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That cliff hanger? Are you so serious right now, I need the next one like yesterday ??

[Rian K · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE. Just so you’re forewarned.

This is a really solid romantasy set in the Wild West. Not the best narration for me personally as Patrick’s POV was the epitome of the gruff manly man who keeps manly man secrets and Nina’s could be one the whiney side.

It’s not enough to stop me from continuing.