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vicerry's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
benita's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is the third YA fantasy in the mix for my book club this year (we read two books a month), and it's definitely my favorite.
I love Baker's writing. She doesn't dumb it down for YA, and the world-building is rich and well thought out. The characters show their age at times but it's expected, not idiotic. I enjoyed this world of ancient China infused with secretive alchemy and gold-eating elite with an evil empress.
I love Baker's writing. She doesn't dumb it down for YA, and the world-building is rich and well thought out. The characters show their age at times but it's expected, not idiotic. I enjoyed this world of ancient China infused with secretive alchemy and gold-eating elite with an evil empress.
hwerle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
alsahm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
everyone quiet I'm gonna be thinking about this for weeks
noemi1010's review against another edition
3.0
Zilan is half Chinese and half foreigner. Raised by her uncle and aunt, she has always dreamed to become a royal alchemist. So when she passes the tests in Guangzhou, she goes with her cousins, who aim to become officers, to the capital to try for the final exams. Although the journey is long, Zilan and her cousins are one step closer to reach their dreams. But when they think they are finally there, the truth will change their world and shatter their dreams. Especially for Zilan. She needs to decide what she stands for and who are the people important to her because the empress will not let her go.
I enjoyed Zilan's story—how she grew in book 1 and how she is slowly getting to know more about herself and what she is capable of. The story takes place in ancient China where alchemists are real and people can extend their lives by consuming gold. Zilan is ready to become one of the best alchemists in the kingdom and put her resurrection skills in the past, but the people in the capital won't let her—nor the empress, not the crown prince. I especially liked the relationship Zilan had with her cousins, while I wasn't a fan of the crown prince. He seemed pretty useless until the end. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I'm still debating if I like it or not. What happens made sense, but it's pretty weird at the same time.
I enjoyed Zilan's story—how she grew in book 1 and how she is slowly getting to know more about herself and what she is capable of. The story takes place in ancient China where alchemists are real and people can extend their lives by consuming gold. Zilan is ready to become one of the best alchemists in the kingdom and put her resurrection skills in the past, but the people in the capital won't let her—nor the empress, not the crown prince. I especially liked the relationship Zilan had with her cousins, while I wasn't a fan of the crown prince. He seemed pretty useless until the end. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I'm still debating if I like it or not. What happens made sense, but it's pretty weird at the same time.
kim_breckwoldt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elioozx's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
a_very_average_reader's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
currantcat's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
spunglass's review against another edition
4.0
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the digital ARC of 'The Scarlet Alchemist' by Kylie Lee Baker.
I am a sucker for Historical Fiction, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to this book to begin with. After reading I definitely want to learn more about the actual time period and dynasty this was based on.
I've also always been fascinated with learning about early alchemy, and the mystical twist with alchemy was a fantastic, and enjoyable concept.
Following the intrigue in the Royal Court with Zilan was a ride. I loved following the progression of the relationship with her cousins, as well as the Prince... which is why I am already eagerly awaiting book 2 due to that cliffhanger we were left with.
This is definitely something that would appeal to both those that enjoy Historical Fiction, and those that enjoy Fantasy. I can see my students reading something like this.
4/5
I am a sucker for Historical Fiction, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to this book to begin with. After reading I definitely want to learn more about the actual time period and dynasty this was based on.
I've also always been fascinated with learning about early alchemy, and the mystical twist with alchemy was a fantastic, and enjoyable concept.
Following the intrigue in the Royal Court with Zilan was a ride. I loved following the progression of the relationship with her cousins, as well as the Prince... which is why I am already eagerly awaiting book 2 due to that cliffhanger we were left with.
This is definitely something that would appeal to both those that enjoy Historical Fiction, and those that enjoy Fantasy. I can see my students reading something like this.
4/5