The Fake Alchemist, Vol. 1

ニセモノの錬金術師 [Nisemono no Renkinjutsushi] #1

by Jiro Sugiura (Other), Minna Lin (Translator), Umemaru (Illustrator)

Young Paracelsus was never a fighter, so when he’s transported to another world, there’s only one path for him to make a living— alchemy. The problem is, he’s cheating his way through it! Can Paracelsus and his newfound companion, Nora, thrive in this strange new world?

Genres: Manga

Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guy who manages by cheating to become an alchemist acquires two new slaves to help him. Well, OK, one he is going to help and the other will help him with that plus making potions. It was an interesting idea, especially the elf part (though I have seen this same situation before in another manga so it is not that original). It was interesting to read about alchemy/about making potions + how the slave contracts work, however at times it got a bit too wordy and felt more like reading an encyclopaedia (which isn't bad if you are in the mood for that).
And while I did like both the slave girls and get more information on them (well OK mostly on the girl who is able to do things), I didn't like the sex stuff. I get that it is often a thing with slaves, but I think I would have felt way more comfortable had the girl not looked like 13-15. It felt very iffy. And then there is a scene with the elf (though he didn't do anything there, thankfully, but it was still UM no). And yes we don't see much happening, but the suggestion is there + we see her go for him. Nope.

Still unsure if I will continue reading.

[William Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main lead does a good job explaining how his 2 powers work and it seems interesting. Being able to do all alchemy with a cheat sheet that always works sounds to op until it kind of got discussed. Plus the way the 2 leads interact is interesting. I look forward to seeing how the next volume goes! Plus her witchcraft is so cute the lil spirit is so fun.

[Priscilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alors là, je ne comprends pas comment ce manga a pu paraître. C'est malaisant en plus de nous balancer dans un univers et une intrigue de manière très abrupte. On est directement plongé dans un monde dont on ne comprend absolument pas les règles et les scènes de sexe sont juste creepy. Je n'ai vraiment pas aimé, on l'aura compris...

[Noemi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Check out my review on AnimeUKNews:
https://animeuknews.net/2026/02/the-f...

[Figue De · Rating 1 out of 5]

Je ne sais pas quoi pensé de The Fake Alchemist…

Le titre alterne les scènes d’explication très sérieuses et réfléchis sur son univers avec des scènes de fan service assez déconcertante.

Qu’il y ai du sexe (juste suggéré) dans le manga ne me gêne pas, mais on voit tous les fétiches des l’auteurs comme le nez au milieu du visage.

C’est anecdotique, mais comme dans beaucoup d’isekai le fait que le hero vienne d’un autre monde n’a aucune incidence sur l’historie.