Alchemised is a devastating yet beautiful exploration of the human spirit under the weight of conflict, and how the lines between morality and ethics can blur during times of crisis and desperation. The messy reality of war is on full display: propaganda, subterfuge, betrayal, sacrifice, and the small moments of joy and hope that can get you through. The heart of the story, though, is definitely the characters: complex and imperfect, forced into impossible situations, and throughout the story they made me think about what I would do in their shoes. The relationships between the characters also felt raw and honest. They weren’t “storybook” romances or friendships, but connections born out of fear and courage, despair and hope. I felt a connection to the main protagonists in a way I haven’t in a long time, and they’ve stayed with me even weeks after finishing the book. Without giving too much away, the ending is particularly bittersweet, and serves as a reminder that the greatest sacrifices are borne by those who sometimes go unrecorded and unthanked. The story of Alchemised has stayed with me long after I closed the cover, and my only regret is that I won’t ever be able to read it for the first time again.

This book completely consumed me. I fell into it so fast it felt like the world around me just dropped away. The atmosphere is unbelievably rich—dark, claustrophobic, and utterly mesmerising—and Helena’s fragmented memories had me desperate for every scrap of truth. I loved that feeling of not knowing who to trust, of piecing things together alongside her. What surprised me most was how emotionally intense it is. The relationship between Helena and the High Reeve had me on edge the entire time—unnerving, magnetic, and impossible to step back from. It’s the kind of book that wraps around you and refuses to let go. Alchemised felt like being swallowed by a world I didn’t want to leave. Dark fantasy exactly the way I love it: immersive, haunting, and beautifully, painfully human.

This was a book I have been anticipating for a long time and was so happy to finally be able to read it. Its not an easy read by any means but is real and raw and shows the realities of the lengths you have to go to for survival. The characters are so complex and well written I cried so many times in this book yes because its dark and heartbreaking, but also because of the love and sacrifices made throughout. By the end I was sobbing and that last line just killed me please read this book! If you want to read this book I would definitely read the trigger warnings as it gets very intense but its so worth it.