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The Scarlet Alchemist #2
The Blood Orchid
Since Zilan entered the world of royal alchemists, she has learned that alchemy comes at a price. She has lost loved ones in her search for broader justice against the evil Empress and all she wants now is to find some way to bring them back. Resurrection is her specialty, after all.
In search of the myth of Penglai Island, where it’s rumored life can be fully restored, Zilan starts a new adventure. But when old threats come back to haunt her and the path to Penglai Island means facing down unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, alchemists, she wonders just how high of a price she may be willing to pay.
In search of the myth of Penglai Island, where it’s rumored life can be fully restored, Zilan starts a new adventure. But when old threats come back to haunt her and the path to Penglai Island means facing down unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, alchemists, she wonders just how high of a price she may be willing to pay.
384 pages, ebook
First published October 22, 2024
134 people are currently reading
8558 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Lee Baker
14 books1,940 followersKylie Lee Baker grew up in Boston and has since lived in Atlanta, Salamanca, and Seoul. Her work is informed by her heritage (Japanese, Chinese, & Irish) as well as her experiences living abroad as both a student and teacher. She has a BA in creative writing and Spanish from Emory University and is pursuing a master of library and information science degree at Simmons University. In her free time, she plays the cello, watches horror movies, and bakes too many cookies. The Keeper of Night is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
January 22, 2025
this is an interesting book to rate because it doesnt necessarily feel like the second half of a story, but rather a companion novel.
another reader described this sequel as a compilation of side quests and i completely agree. but that doesnt mean it ruined the story for me. in fact, i thought breaking the narrative up into different events made everything feel more fast-paced and exciting, even if it didnt feel like a continuation of one overall, cohesive plot like a traditional sequel.
so, because of the nature of the storyline, some readers may not exactly be pleased with this if they are expecting/wanting a sequel that matches the narrative and tone of the first book. but i enjoyed the characters, the ‘treasure hunt’-esque vibe, and pacing (and also because it made it easier to follow without having done a reread of ‘the scarlet alchemist’).
↠ 3.5 stars
another reader described this sequel as a compilation of side quests and i completely agree. but that doesnt mean it ruined the story for me. in fact, i thought breaking the narrative up into different events made everything feel more fast-paced and exciting, even if it didnt feel like a continuation of one overall, cohesive plot like a traditional sequel.
so, because of the nature of the storyline, some readers may not exactly be pleased with this if they are expecting/wanting a sequel that matches the narrative and tone of the first book. but i enjoyed the characters, the ‘treasure hunt’-esque vibe, and pacing (and also because it made it easier to follow without having done a reread of ‘the scarlet alchemist’).
↠ 3.5 stars
December 31, 2024
3.75 Stars! 🌟 Okay, let’s talk about The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker because OH. MY. GOSH. HONG IS ALIVE! Yep, you read that right. I thought my heart had been ripped out and stomped on, but Kylie was like, “Psych, here’s your happy ending!” And let me tell you, that twist made me scream, cry, and laugh like a lunatic. 🥹
That being said… I have to admit, The Scarlet Alchemist still owns my heart. This one felt slower, like the romance took a long nap, and I was left yelling, “HELLO?! Anyone there?!” But seeing these characters fight tooth and nail for their happiness? Worth an extra star, hands down.
Tropes and Chaos Galore:
✧ Resurrection Shenanigans 🧪
✧ Journey to a Mythical Island 🏝️
✧ Sibling Dynamics (Supportive AND Chaotic!) 💕
✧ Family Bonds > Everything 💞
✧ Slow-Burn Romance (like, glacially slow) 🔥
✧ Villain Redemption Arc (mixed feelings...) 😒
✧ Quests Full of Danger and Betrayal 🗺️
✧ High-Stakes Alchemy Experiments 🧙♀️
✧ Iconic Demon Duck Sidekick 🦆 (Durian is LIFE!)
What Slayed:
✧ DURIAAAAN! This chaotic little demon duck stole the show. Can someone PLEASE give him a spin-off? 🦆✨
✧ Wenshu = Best Brother Ever. Protective, supportive, and ready to burn the world down for his sister. We love a sibling who actually shows up! 👏
✧ Tang Dynasty Reimagining: Dark, grimy, magical—an absolute chef’s kiss world. 🌌
✧ Adventure Vibes: Necromancy, betrayals, unhinged alchemists—it’s chaos, and I couldn’t stop flipping pages. 📖
✧ The Ending: For a hot minute, I thought this book was going to emotionally wreck me, but Kylie came through with a satisfying (and tear-inducing) finale. 🖤
What Missed the Mark:
✧ Romance? Where?! Zilan and Hong were FIRE in the first book, and here? It felt like they were chilling in two separate stories. 😭
✧ The Draggy Bits: Some parts meandered, and I found myself checking how much was left (oops).
✧ Villain Redemption Arc: Meh. Not every baddie needs saving, you know? 🤷♀️
Still, this duology deserves WAY more love! If you’re into dark alchemy, sibling chaos, and necromancy adventures, RUN to pick this series up. While it didn’t hit quite as hard as The Scarlet Alchemist, it wrapped things up beautifully, and I’m still over here swooning over the Tang Dynasty magic. 🖤✨
Content Warnings (CW):
- Violence
- Death and necromancy
- Betrayal
- Graphic descriptions of alchemy and experiments
- Themes of grief and loss
That being said… I have to admit, The Scarlet Alchemist still owns my heart. This one felt slower, like the romance took a long nap, and I was left yelling, “HELLO?! Anyone there?!” But seeing these characters fight tooth and nail for their happiness? Worth an extra star, hands down.
Tropes and Chaos Galore:
✧ Resurrection Shenanigans 🧪
✧ Journey to a Mythical Island 🏝️
✧ Sibling Dynamics (Supportive AND Chaotic!) 💕
✧ Family Bonds > Everything 💞
✧ Slow-Burn Romance (like, glacially slow) 🔥
✧ Villain Redemption Arc (mixed feelings...) 😒
✧ Quests Full of Danger and Betrayal 🗺️
✧ High-Stakes Alchemy Experiments 🧙♀️
✧ Iconic Demon Duck Sidekick 🦆 (Durian is LIFE!)
What Slayed:
✧ DURIAAAAN! This chaotic little demon duck stole the show. Can someone PLEASE give him a spin-off? 🦆✨
✧ Wenshu = Best Brother Ever. Protective, supportive, and ready to burn the world down for his sister. We love a sibling who actually shows up! 👏
✧ Tang Dynasty Reimagining: Dark, grimy, magical—an absolute chef’s kiss world. 🌌
✧ Adventure Vibes: Necromancy, betrayals, unhinged alchemists—it’s chaos, and I couldn’t stop flipping pages. 📖
✧ The Ending: For a hot minute, I thought this book was going to emotionally wreck me, but Kylie came through with a satisfying (and tear-inducing) finale. 🖤
What Missed the Mark:
✧ Romance? Where?! Zilan and Hong were FIRE in the first book, and here? It felt like they were chilling in two separate stories. 😭
✧ The Draggy Bits: Some parts meandered, and I found myself checking how much was left (oops).
✧ Villain Redemption Arc: Meh. Not every baddie needs saving, you know? 🤷♀️
Still, this duology deserves WAY more love! If you’re into dark alchemy, sibling chaos, and necromancy adventures, RUN to pick this series up. While it didn’t hit quite as hard as The Scarlet Alchemist, it wrapped things up beautifully, and I’m still over here swooning over the Tang Dynasty magic. 🖤✨
Content Warnings (CW):
- Violence
- Death and necromancy
- Betrayal
- Graphic descriptions of alchemy and experiments
- Themes of grief and loss
Want to read
October 5, 2024Edit: omg we're getting this in less than three weeks🤭🤭😯
This cover???🥺🫂🤭🩷😍 And I have to wait a year??😭😭
This cover???🥺🫂🤭🩷😍 And I have to wait a year??😭😭
July 1, 2025
The vibes were very Scooby Doo gang goes on an adventure to find a magical island and encounter hijinks along the way. The last 25% was pretty good though.
Not as engrossing as the first book imo, but it'll do.
Not as engrossing as the first book imo, but it'll do.
December 28, 2024
4⭐️ | TikTok | IG |
That dang duck Durian is my favorite. He needs his own little book.
The second and final installment in The Scarlett Alchemist duology. I despise book summaries that give spoilers for the previous books in the series so I’ll keep it brief. Go read The Scarlet Alchemist, then dive right into the nonstop adventure that is The Blood Orchid.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, I devoured The Scarlet Alchemist and couldn’t wait to dive into The Blood Orchid.
What I loved…
- a quest - I LOVE quests!
- Durian 🦆 he is the star of the show and I am so glad he made a reappearance
- Wenshu is a awesome brother - it is such a treat to read a book where the FMC has the support of a man than is not the love interest.
- Overall the importance of family really shined in this book
- The vibes in this book are just as elite as the first book. Think: a little gross, a lot of necromancy, amazing alchemy and a very cool reimagining of Tang Dynasty.
- excellent side characters, both ones you love to love and love to hate
- quite a few shocking reveals that had me not wanting to put down the book.
What I didn’t love…
- The second book featured a lot less romance, and while the relationships within The Blood Orchid were wonderful to read about I really missed the Zilan and Hong dynamic.
- The prose felt a little choppy in this one, The Scarlet Alchemist did such a wonderful job at showing vs telling with descriptive imagery, and in comparison The Blood Orchid felt like I was being told how these characters felt rather than show.
Overall this was an very enjoyable read.
One more thing I didn’t love but potentially a minor spoiler that is not specific but could be considered a spoiler if you’re sensitive to them…
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
That dang duck Durian is my favorite. He needs his own little book.
The second and final installment in The Scarlett Alchemist duology. I despise book summaries that give spoilers for the previous books in the series so I’ll keep it brief. Go read The Scarlet Alchemist, then dive right into the nonstop adventure that is The Blood Orchid.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, I devoured The Scarlet Alchemist and couldn’t wait to dive into The Blood Orchid.
What I loved…
- a quest - I LOVE quests!
- Durian 🦆 he is the star of the show and I am so glad he made a reappearance
- Wenshu is a awesome brother - it is such a treat to read a book where the FMC has the support of a man than is not the love interest.
- Overall the importance of family really shined in this book
- The vibes in this book are just as elite as the first book. Think: a little gross, a lot of necromancy, amazing alchemy and a very cool reimagining of Tang Dynasty.
- excellent side characters, both ones you love to love and love to hate
- quite a few shocking reveals that had me not wanting to put down the book.
What I didn’t love…
- The second book featured a lot less romance, and while the relationships within The Blood Orchid were wonderful to read about I really missed the Zilan and Hong dynamic.
- The prose felt a little choppy in this one, The Scarlet Alchemist did such a wonderful job at showing vs telling with descriptive imagery, and in comparison The Blood Orchid felt like I was being told how these characters felt rather than show.
Overall this was an very enjoyable read.
One more thing I didn’t love but potentially a minor spoiler that is not specific but could be considered a spoiler if you’re sensitive to them…
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Want to read
November 22, 2023 *sobbing cause i have to wait an entire year for this*
October 10, 2024
Aaaaaaaaaaaa, I flew through this book much like the first one, and have no idea what to do with myself now. One of my ultimate favourite duologies is done, do I just sit and stare at a wall until Kylie Lee Baker writes something new??? I guess so.
Based on how the first book ended, I was expecting this one to also start with a bang, and I wasn't disappointed. There's nonstop action (if you thought Zilan would be able to get some rest, you thought wrong), all the way until the last page. The pacing is a bit slower though, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
There's a bigger focus on family than romance, which makes sense since the majority of the book is Zilan and Wenshu travelling around the world, trying to save it. It feels a bit chaotic in parts, but I think it adds to the charm of this series.
While reading this, I was never sure who would make it out alive, or who would stay un-resurrected, to be more precise. Near the very end, I couldn't stop myself from crying, but Baker fixed it and then I felt like laughing. Phew.
I badly wanted a happy ending, but all I'm gonna say is that what we got is satisfactory okay!! Take that as you will.
A certain Zheng Sili got an unexpected redemption arc as well. It made me think that it's good I read the first book last year, because now I'm more willing to forgive him! I don't think I would've if I'd read these back to back. I do like how he is with Durian though.
AND DURIAN! THE EVIL DUCK! He gets them out of trouble more than once, he's the bestest (I know it's not a word, shush) best animal companion that anyone could ever ask for, I'd love to feed him some non-grapes. HAH.
If I had to pick a favourite chapter, it would be the last one. Just because it kept me guessing until the final few pages, now that's art.
The one thing I wish we saw, was Zheng Sili and Yufei getting together. When they met, I saw that pairing crystal clear in my mind, they would've been perfect together. But we can't always get what we want *cough* unless if we get a follow up novella *cough*.
Anyway, STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES AND GO READ IT NOW FOR ULTIMATE JOY, AMAZING CHARACTERS, A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT STORYLINE, A GRIPPING WRITING STYLE AND CUTE DUCKS!!! There's even historical notes at the end, what more could you want? Please read it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Based on how the first book ended, I was expecting this one to also start with a bang, and I wasn't disappointed. There's nonstop action (if you thought Zilan would be able to get some rest, you thought wrong), all the way until the last page. The pacing is a bit slower though, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
There's a bigger focus on family than romance, which makes sense since the majority of the book is Zilan and Wenshu travelling around the world, trying to save it. It feels a bit chaotic in parts, but I think it adds to the charm of this series.
While reading this, I was never sure who would make it out alive, or who would stay un-resurrected, to be more precise. Near the very end, I couldn't stop myself from crying, but Baker fixed it and then I felt like laughing. Phew.
I badly wanted a happy ending, but all I'm gonna say is that what we got is satisfactory okay!! Take that as you will.
A certain Zheng Sili got an unexpected redemption arc as well. It made me think that it's good I read the first book last year, because now I'm more willing to forgive him! I don't think I would've if I'd read these back to back. I do like how he is with Durian though.
AND DURIAN! THE EVIL DUCK! He gets them out of trouble more than once, he's the bestest (I know it's not a word, shush) best animal companion that anyone could ever ask for, I'd love to feed him some non-grapes. HAH.
If I had to pick a favourite chapter, it would be the last one. Just because it kept me guessing until the final few pages, now that's art.
The one thing I wish we saw, was Zheng Sili and Yufei getting together. When they met, I saw that pairing crystal clear in my mind, they would've been perfect together. But we can't always get what we want *cough* unless if we get a follow up novella *cough*.
Anyway, STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES AND GO READ IT NOW FOR ULTIMATE JOY, AMAZING CHARACTERS, A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT STORYLINE, A GRIPPING WRITING STYLE AND CUTE DUCKS!!! There's even historical notes at the end, what more could you want? Please read it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
August 11, 2025
read on:
(20.01.25.)
↪ ★★★★.25 yearning stars
❝ anyone can have a pretty face, but the most beautiful things are the most fleeting. if we lived in a world of perpetual sunsets and cherry blossoms, they would become common and their colors would soon look dull. but for the evanescent moments that i exist, i am the most beautiful thing anyone has ever seen.❞
i. | preface.
i was so so scared this wouldn't be as good as the first one, but i was proved wrong! if you're into dark alchemy, sibling chaos, phenomenal adventures and adorable romances, go and SPRINT to pick this duology up!! the conclusion to the duology might have not ended in the most perfect way, but that doesn't make it any less of a book. it's just that the scarlet alchemist definitely hits harder omg
ii. | overall thoughts.
not much to say honestly. love how the plot progresses almost immediately!! it did feel like going through a bunch of side quests with zilan and her siblings PLUS ZHENG LISI (surprise appearance?????) but i enjoyed it all, nonetheless. the romance made me so sad bcs zilan and hong were FIREEEE ❤️🔥❤️🔥 in the first book but bcs of the circumstances here, their story felt detached. the ending was totally deserved and im really satisfied with how the story turned out and how there was no loose end left untied!! DURIAN WAS SUCH A MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK??? honestly, he slayed. some people really have to learn loyalty from a freaking demon duck.
iii. | quotes.
here we gooo, not that many this time lol
❝ if saving him is madness, then i lost my mind long ago.❞
❝ she is the first bright light of morning that slices across the horizon, peeling it open. she is my empress.❞
❝ "have you apologized?" i said.
he smirked. "for loving you too enthusiastically?"
i punched his arm. "try again."
he winced. "okay, yes, you're right of course. i apologize for . but seeing as i now know you would have , am i forgiven?"
i did my best to glare at him, but it was no use. it was like glaring at a baby duck.❞
❝ if we get out of this alive, i'll buy you a drink," he said. "but if i melt myself to death because of you, i'm haunting you forever."
"if we die, i'll buy you a drink in hell."❞
❝ "you're trying to get him back, are you? you seem the type."
"the type?"
"the type who doesn't leave anyone behind."❞
❝ maybe the key to eternal life was never gold, or youth, or an island free of pain and suffering, but just the dream of tomorrow that can never be extinguished, a hope that endures even when its leaves are wilted, purple petals unfurling without fail in the morning sun.❞
xx
almas
─────────────────── 𝜗𝜚 ───────────────────
pre-review.
TOO. DAMN. GOOD. i need a spin-off or something bcs that ending (although complete) left me in pieces 💔 4.25 stars !!
pre-read.
I'M CONTINUING THIS DUOLOGY FOR LI HONG. PLEASE RETURN TO US 🫶
꒰🥀꒱ the blood orchid by kylie lee baker
↪ ★★★★.25 yearning stars
❝ anyone can have a pretty face, but the most beautiful things are the most fleeting. if we lived in a world of perpetual sunsets and cherry blossoms, they would become common and their colors would soon look dull. but for the evanescent moments that i exist, i am the most beautiful thing anyone has ever seen.❞
i. | preface.
i was so so scared this wouldn't be as good as the first one, but i was proved wrong! if you're into dark alchemy, sibling chaos, phenomenal adventures and adorable romances, go and SPRINT to pick this duology up!! the conclusion to the duology might have not ended in the most perfect way, but that doesn't make it any less of a book. it's just that the scarlet alchemist definitely hits harder omg
ii. | overall thoughts.
not much to say honestly. love how the plot progresses almost immediately!! it did feel like going through a bunch of side quests with zilan and her siblings PLUS ZHENG LISI (surprise appearance?????) but i enjoyed it all, nonetheless. the romance made me so sad bcs zilan and hong were FIREEEE ❤️🔥❤️🔥 in the first book but bcs of the circumstances here, their story felt detached. the ending was totally deserved and im really satisfied with how the story turned out and how there was no loose end left untied!! DURIAN WAS SUCH A MAIN CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK??? honestly, he slayed. some people really have to learn loyalty from a freaking demon duck.
iii. | quotes.
here we gooo, not that many this time lol
❝ if saving him is madness, then i lost my mind long ago.❞
❝ she is the first bright light of morning that slices across the horizon, peeling it open. she is my empress.❞
❝ "have you apologized?" i said.
he smirked. "for loving you too enthusiastically?"
i punched his arm. "try again."
he winced. "okay, yes, you're right of course. i apologize for . but seeing as i now know you would have , am i forgiven?"
i did my best to glare at him, but it was no use. it was like glaring at a baby duck.❞
❝ if we get out of this alive, i'll buy you a drink," he said. "but if i melt myself to death because of you, i'm haunting you forever."
"if we die, i'll buy you a drink in hell."❞
❝ "you're trying to get him back, are you? you seem the type."
"the type?"
"the type who doesn't leave anyone behind."❞
❝ maybe the key to eternal life was never gold, or youth, or an island free of pain and suffering, but just the dream of tomorrow that can never be extinguished, a hope that endures even when its leaves are wilted, purple petals unfurling without fail in the morning sun.❞
xx
almas
─────────────────── 𝜗𝜚 ───────────────────
pre-review.
TOO. DAMN. GOOD. i need a spin-off or something bcs that ending (although complete) left me in pieces 💔 4.25 stars !!
pre-read.
I'M CONTINUING THIS DUOLOGY FOR LI HONG. PLEASE RETURN TO US 🫶
October 10, 2024
This is a hard review to write. While I definitely enjoyed reading this book, it didn’t feel quite like the Scarlet Alchemist. There’s a bigger focus on fantasy and ambience, which is fine. But I was expecting more of that darkness that made the first book so great. I think it also didn’t help that the romance wasn’t a main plot element. I missed Hong because he’s just so different from all the other love interests in YA.
I received an ARC via NetGalley, but I also bought and listened to the audiobook. All my opinions are my own.
I received an ARC via NetGalley, but I also bought and listened to the audiobook. All my opinions are my own.
Want to read
March 21, 2024OH MY GOD MY EYES. MY EYES. THE COVER. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL, I HAVE TEARS. WE HAVE A TITLE TOO OMGSHSHSH
February 9, 2025
ITS ON NETGALLEY RAHHHH
October 29, 2024
3.5/5 stars
while i quite enjoy my experience of reading this, i feel like halfway through, we're kinda losing the plot...
while i quite enjoy my experience of reading this, i feel like halfway through, we're kinda losing the plot...
June 30, 2025
Audiobook (11 hours) narrated by Natalie Naudus
The narration and audio are flawless.
Great historical fiction fantasy, follows in line with the first book as far as story and writing.
I will be seeking out more by Kylie Lee Baker.
The narration and audio are flawless.
Great historical fiction fantasy, follows in line with the first book as far as story and writing.
I will be seeking out more by Kylie Lee Baker.
Want to read
December 6, 2024WDYM I NEED TO WAIT A YEAR FOR THIS BOOK?? GIVE IT TO ME RN😭😭😭😭
Want to read
April 30, 2024we got the arc
June 17, 2024
Satisfying end to this duology. The pacing was slow for me, especially the second half. Overall, I liked reading this series and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2025
a perfect duology for fans of full metal alchemist!
January 6, 2025
I absolutely inhaled this 🎧 like a bowl of fresh grapes at a summer picnic.
TBH, this level of world building is phenomenal.
It’s alchemy + lands of the living and the dead + alternative history. It’s got crazy good family dynamics, a smart AF FMC and a magical duck (just, uh don’t eat the eggs it produces.) Did I mentioned sweet sibling and romance love?
Really, how this duology has less than 7K reviews baffles me. Don’t sleep on Lee Baker.
If you low-key loved The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, like me, this feels like a distant, younger cousin.
Highly recommend to my YA reader friends- this raises the bar of expectations.
4.25
TBH, this level of world building is phenomenal.
It’s alchemy + lands of the living and the dead + alternative history. It’s got crazy good family dynamics, a smart AF FMC and a magical duck (just, uh don’t eat the eggs it produces.) Did I mentioned sweet sibling and romance love?
Really, how this duology has less than 7K reviews baffles me. Don’t sleep on Lee Baker.
If you low-key loved The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, like me, this feels like a distant, younger cousin.
Highly recommend to my YA reader friends- this raises the bar of expectations.
4.25
August 10, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this arc.
Zilan, not okay with what’s happened and not being able to let go of the people she’s lost. Goes on a journey alongside her brother to Penglai island to bring back their souls to the living land. But finding the island and getting there, and the threat of an old enemy looming in the air makes achieving her goal a challenge, if not impossible.
Zilan was as resilient as ever. An unrelenting force, despite her constant struggle with self-doubt. Seeing the arc of her story come to the conclusion it did felt satisfying. The siblings bond was explored more in this installment. Kylie painted a very realistic relationship between the three siblings and the way they impact each other's lives and decisions.
The scarlet alchemist stays true to its name in the sequel, by diving into more alchemy, the magic and the history behind it. If anything the blood orchid is bloodier, messier, action filled and more chaotic than its predecessor. A journey filled with ups and downs, with excepted and unexpected danger at every turn.
—————
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got an ARC!!!!
Zilan, not okay with what’s happened and not being able to let go of the people she’s lost. Goes on a journey alongside her brother to Penglai island to bring back their souls to the living land. But finding the island and getting there, and the threat of an old enemy looming in the air makes achieving her goal a challenge, if not impossible.
Zilan was as resilient as ever. An unrelenting force, despite her constant struggle with self-doubt. Seeing the arc of her story come to the conclusion it did felt satisfying. The siblings bond was explored more in this installment. Kylie painted a very realistic relationship between the three siblings and the way they impact each other's lives and decisions.
The scarlet alchemist stays true to its name in the sequel, by diving into more alchemy, the magic and the history behind it. If anything the blood orchid is bloodier, messier, action filled and more chaotic than its predecessor. A journey filled with ups and downs, with excepted and unexpected danger at every turn.
—————
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got an ARC!!!!
November 18, 2024
The Blood Orchid was just as riveting and exciting as the Scarlet Alchemist. It's fabulous end to a great story. I truly loved these two books. Fan Zilan is a wonderful female main character whose tough and resilient but also highly empathetic. She's definitely a standout heroine.
In this sequel to The Scarlet Alchemist we see Fan Zilan go on a grand adventure to discover Penglai Island in the hopes of resurrecting her beau and others. Along the way she must again battle the evil Empress Wu. Joining Fan Zilan on this adventure is her brother Wenshu, her sister Yufei, rival alchemist Zheng Sili and of course, most importantly...Durian, the alchemy duck Zilan created in the first book. This book was so wild. I loved every moment of it. Wenshu and Zheng Sili in particular have such good chemistry with each other and Zilan. Everyone plays off each other so well, the dialogue is fun and fluid. There are so many moments that are funny, as well as deep, poignant, and action packed. Really this book has it all.
I can't rave about this duology enough, it's exciting, unique, interesting, and a lot of fun. I really loved the characters, especially Fan Zilan. If you're looking for a strong but empathetic female lead than Zilan's story is worth checking out. She definitely ranks high on my list of amazing heroines. Joining her is an equally loveable well-rounded cast that make this story memorable. If you love strong fmc's, a well-rounded supporting cast, cute animal sidekicks, fantasy, and historical fiction then this duology needs to be your next read.
In this sequel to The Scarlet Alchemist we see Fan Zilan go on a grand adventure to discover Penglai Island in the hopes of resurrecting her beau and others. Along the way she must again battle the evil Empress Wu. Joining Fan Zilan on this adventure is her brother Wenshu, her sister Yufei, rival alchemist Zheng Sili and of course, most importantly...Durian, the alchemy duck Zilan created in the first book. This book was so wild. I loved every moment of it. Wenshu and Zheng Sili in particular have such good chemistry with each other and Zilan. Everyone plays off each other so well, the dialogue is fun and fluid. There are so many moments that are funny, as well as deep, poignant, and action packed. Really this book has it all.
I can't rave about this duology enough, it's exciting, unique, interesting, and a lot of fun. I really loved the characters, especially Fan Zilan. If you're looking for a strong but empathetic female lead than Zilan's story is worth checking out. She definitely ranks high on my list of amazing heroines. Joining her is an equally loveable well-rounded cast that make this story memorable. If you love strong fmc's, a well-rounded supporting cast, cute animal sidekicks, fantasy, and historical fiction then this duology needs to be your next read.
December 29, 2024
when i read the scarlet alchemist in 2023, it literally changed my life and made me re-evaluate everything, i'm not even joking. i stopped reading published fiction despite tearing through books as a kid, but found most fiction books to not be my liking as a child and often gravitated towards classics like white fang, beowulf, and pride & prejudice. this is really important to the review because i feel like nothing will quite articulate how meaningful and well-written i found this book to be without explaining the sentimentality this series has for me.
since i primarily read classics or pseudo-classics growing up, i stopped reading fiction once i ran out of books i liked, and stuck to fanfic throughout my teenage years and now into my adulthood. i would brush up on books from time to time if it was popular enough for me to hear about it, but generally i wasn't a reader anymore and just consumed internet offerings instead. this book changed that completely in 2023, and now it's 2024, and this is the last book i've read in my reading challenge of 100 books. that is way more books than i have ever read in the past 5 years combined. and when i read scarlet alchemist, it wasn't a slow month's read-through, it was an instant one day read where i stayed up until the sun was shining at 8 in the morning, tears pouring down my face, completely gutwrenched by the most amazing fiction i've read in years. and that's the feeling everyone as a reader chases: for that one good read that you sink your hours into, that lets you get lost, that hooks into your soul and spills out the secrets you kept there.
scarlet alchemist was different because it not only wrote like a melody, like a song tucked humming under your tongue, but also had the most insane concept i had ever read, and took such an unhinged approach into raw, dark territory that made the story believable and also painfully beautiful. i was terrified after i finished it, since i did notice the first book's ending was a bit rushed, so i was horrified by the idea that maybe i'd find book 2 to be a disappointment, but i was only impressed, and it far exceeded my expectations. just like from the first page of scarlet alchemist, i was once again ensnared from page one of blood orchid.
there's something really special about this series. the main character is never written to be 'strong' just to be strong, she has an authenticity as a protagonist where she just is strong organically, and you can understand her if you've lived akin to her: fighting for your life, for your dreams, with blood and teeth and rage. you'd tear apart the world for your visions. and in book two, she is just as compelling, even when soured by her grief. it was well-written and perfectly done, meshing her characterization with the impact of what had happened to her in the end of book one.
i also have to admit that hong has completely re-wired my brain chemistry. i used to really not like guys like him both in real life and in fiction but he literally became the stepping stone for me to actually loving men like that with all my heart. he's someone so special and it's so rare to see a male love interest written to not only have such tangible flaws, but also to be cowardly and unskilled, which is even rarer than being flawed. his strengths lie not in his physicality but in his nature, in his kindness, and it is what makes him so wonderful for the protagonist.
i loved all the details we got about zilan's father in this book. i loved, loved, loved how zilan's story arc was concluded: the way she goes from merchant daughter, who considers herself rotten and unwanted, to finally seeing herself as someone deserving and empress-like by the end, in a way that is entirely her own and not as a result of someone else's manipulation.
this book could have easily been mishandled by another author, especially with the whole 'adventure to the island' plot. it could've been so boring and so text-dumpy, but it wasn't. it was really fun and intense the whole way through, just like the first one was, but definitely not as dark, maybe more introspective and desperate instead.
the only thing i will say is that i'm surprised and a disappointed we didn't get more content of hong and zilan. especially with the 'epilogue' esque chapter where it's written from hong's pov, i genuinely wish we had gotten something longer and more tangible instead of the vague abstractions we got of their relationship and 'happy ever after' post-story. i feel like these two were such a central part of the story in the way they affected each other and kept each other going through hardships, it felt a bit tacked-on instead of lovingly concluded. honestly, if we got any novellas after this, i'd eat it up.
but besides that, i have to say i just loved blood orchid. so much time has passed between the me in 2023 who cried over scarlet alchemist, and the me now who feels a tender heart as i close the physical copy of the book and set it on my now-spilling bookshelf, something i didn't even have a year ago. i owe a lot of my dreams as a writer to this book, as it served as the catalyst for both my uptick in reading and my path towards being a writer. in many ways, this review is a thank you and a loving acknowledgement of that. thank you for this series, i'm honored to have the hardcovers of both novels on my shelf. i can't wait to see what other stories kylie lee baker will create.
since i primarily read classics or pseudo-classics growing up, i stopped reading fiction once i ran out of books i liked, and stuck to fanfic throughout my teenage years and now into my adulthood. i would brush up on books from time to time if it was popular enough for me to hear about it, but generally i wasn't a reader anymore and just consumed internet offerings instead. this book changed that completely in 2023, and now it's 2024, and this is the last book i've read in my reading challenge of 100 books. that is way more books than i have ever read in the past 5 years combined. and when i read scarlet alchemist, it wasn't a slow month's read-through, it was an instant one day read where i stayed up until the sun was shining at 8 in the morning, tears pouring down my face, completely gutwrenched by the most amazing fiction i've read in years. and that's the feeling everyone as a reader chases: for that one good read that you sink your hours into, that lets you get lost, that hooks into your soul and spills out the secrets you kept there.
scarlet alchemist was different because it not only wrote like a melody, like a song tucked humming under your tongue, but also had the most insane concept i had ever read, and took such an unhinged approach into raw, dark territory that made the story believable and also painfully beautiful. i was terrified after i finished it, since i did notice the first book's ending was a bit rushed, so i was horrified by the idea that maybe i'd find book 2 to be a disappointment, but i was only impressed, and it far exceeded my expectations. just like from the first page of scarlet alchemist, i was once again ensnared from page one of blood orchid.
there's something really special about this series. the main character is never written to be 'strong' just to be strong, she has an authenticity as a protagonist where she just is strong organically, and you can understand her if you've lived akin to her: fighting for your life, for your dreams, with blood and teeth and rage. you'd tear apart the world for your visions. and in book two, she is just as compelling, even when soured by her grief. it was well-written and perfectly done, meshing her characterization with the impact of what had happened to her in the end of book one.
i also have to admit that hong has completely re-wired my brain chemistry. i used to really not like guys like him both in real life and in fiction but he literally became the stepping stone for me to actually loving men like that with all my heart. he's someone so special and it's so rare to see a male love interest written to not only have such tangible flaws, but also to be cowardly and unskilled, which is even rarer than being flawed. his strengths lie not in his physicality but in his nature, in his kindness, and it is what makes him so wonderful for the protagonist.
i loved all the details we got about zilan's father in this book. i loved, loved, loved how zilan's story arc was concluded: the way she goes from merchant daughter, who considers herself rotten and unwanted, to finally seeing herself as someone deserving and empress-like by the end, in a way that is entirely her own and not as a result of someone else's manipulation.
this book could have easily been mishandled by another author, especially with the whole 'adventure to the island' plot. it could've been so boring and so text-dumpy, but it wasn't. it was really fun and intense the whole way through, just like the first one was, but definitely not as dark, maybe more introspective and desperate instead.
the only thing i will say is that i'm surprised and a disappointed we didn't get more content of hong and zilan. especially with the 'epilogue' esque chapter where it's written from hong's pov, i genuinely wish we had gotten something longer and more tangible instead of the vague abstractions we got of their relationship and 'happy ever after' post-story. i feel like these two were such a central part of the story in the way they affected each other and kept each other going through hardships, it felt a bit tacked-on instead of lovingly concluded. honestly, if we got any novellas after this, i'd eat it up.
but besides that, i have to say i just loved blood orchid. so much time has passed between the me in 2023 who cried over scarlet alchemist, and the me now who feels a tender heart as i close the physical copy of the book and set it on my now-spilling bookshelf, something i didn't even have a year ago. i owe a lot of my dreams as a writer to this book, as it served as the catalyst for both my uptick in reading and my path towards being a writer. in many ways, this review is a thank you and a loving acknowledgement of that. thank you for this series, i'm honored to have the hardcovers of both novels on my shelf. i can't wait to see what other stories kylie lee baker will create.
December 31, 2024
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑫 𝑰𝑻
I waited a year for this sequel and it was well worth the wait!!
I will say, in the first half of the book, things felt a little redundant as 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 is trying to gather as much info as she can on 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙞 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 while the 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 keeps showing up unannounced and trying to literally ruin everything 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 and 𝙒𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙪 are working towards.
But besides the 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 showing up around every damn corner, 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 shows us time and time again why she is the baddest bitch out there and comes up with solutions to every problem they face. The fate of China (and the lives of her and her family) rests on her shoulders and her ability to find 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙞 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙.
Such an amazing read - packed with action, comedy, and internal struggles that 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 must overcome in order to save herself and everyone she loves.
𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑫 𝑰𝑻
I waited a year for this sequel and it was well worth the wait!!
I will say, in the first half of the book, things felt a little redundant as 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 is trying to gather as much info as she can on 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙞 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 while the 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 keeps showing up unannounced and trying to literally ruin everything 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 and 𝙒𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙪 are working towards.
But besides the 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 showing up around every damn corner, 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 shows us time and time again why she is the baddest bitch out there and comes up with solutions to every problem they face. The fate of China (and the lives of her and her family) rests on her shoulders and her ability to find 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙞 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙.
Such an amazing read - packed with action, comedy, and internal struggles that 𝙕𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣 must overcome in order to save herself and everyone she loves.
December 25, 2024
I was worried the second part wouldn’t be as good as the first, but in the end, I really liked it!
I laughed and even cried a little.
I love adventures with challenges like the ones they went through.
I laughed and even cried a little.
I love adventures with challenges like the ones they went through.
June 6, 2025
man i liked it but not as much as book 1 - i also felt like we were going in a different direction than we did
June 25, 2025
I was going to give this book 3 stars, but honestly, I ended up reading it for so long that I just stopped caring. And I can't rate a book higher than 2 stars if it fails to make me feel anything.
First of all, the book really feels like a TV series. I'm still not sure if that's a good or bad thing. There’s a lot of action—almost too much. Every chapter has something going on. The main plot follows Zilan and her brother Wenshu (later Zheng Sili joins them) searching for Penglai Island, but of course, everything is not that simple.
Some things really disappointed me. One of them was the direction the author took with alchemy. I didn’t like that Zilan could just travel to the other world (the river) and by using her intension she could meet the souls of different people. I would accept that, if this book was more about magic, but it’s about alchemy, which in the first book was presented more like a science with its own rules. In this one, it felt like new rules and concepts were thrown in randomly just to serve the plot.
Another letdown was the romance. I understand this book isn’t focused on romantic relationships, but Zilan’s whole reason for seeking Penglai Island was to save Li Hong, the person she loves. And I think, the author failed to make it emotionally engaging. I honestly didn’t care whether Zilan saved him or not.
In fact, I actually felt more chemistry between Zilan and Zheng Sili. It had that enemies-to-lovers vibe, and Zheng Sili turned out to be the best part of the story for me. I really enjoyed his character development.
So if you’re starting this book hoping to see more of Li Hong, you’ll probably be disappointed —he and Zilan are separated for most of the story.
And finally, the thing that REALLY bothered me the entire time: why all the drama when Zilan could have just resurrected her brother in another body and bring the prince back in his own? She literally says in the book, "I supposed I could always resurrect Wenshu into another body." So why didn’t she do that from the beginning?! She kept saying she was afraid Li Hong’s soul might disappear, but even so, she didn’t take the obvious steps to save him!!! That felt like a huge and frustrating plot hole to me—and it’s the main reason why the book let me down.
The ending felt dry, too.
In my review of the first book, I said that with a slightly different ending, it could’ve been a perfect standalone. The sequel didn’t change my mind—in fact, it just confirmed that even more.
First of all, the book really feels like a TV series. I'm still not sure if that's a good or bad thing. There’s a lot of action—almost too much. Every chapter has something going on. The main plot follows Zilan and her brother Wenshu (later Zheng Sili joins them) searching for Penglai Island, but of course, everything is not that simple.
Some things really disappointed me. One of them was the direction the author took with alchemy. I didn’t like that Zilan could just travel to the other world (the river) and by using her intension she could meet the souls of different people. I would accept that, if this book was more about magic, but it’s about alchemy, which in the first book was presented more like a science with its own rules. In this one, it felt like new rules and concepts were thrown in randomly just to serve the plot.
Another letdown was the romance. I understand this book isn’t focused on romantic relationships, but Zilan’s whole reason for seeking Penglai Island was to save Li Hong, the person she loves. And I think, the author failed to make it emotionally engaging. I honestly didn’t care whether Zilan saved him or not.
In fact, I actually felt more chemistry between Zilan and Zheng Sili. It had that enemies-to-lovers vibe, and Zheng Sili turned out to be the best part of the story for me. I really enjoyed his character development.
So if you’re starting this book hoping to see more of Li Hong, you’ll probably be disappointed —he and Zilan are separated for most of the story.
And finally, the thing that REALLY bothered me the entire time: why all the drama when Zilan could have just resurrected her brother in another body and bring the prince back in his own? She literally says in the book, "I supposed I could always resurrect Wenshu into another body." So why didn’t she do that from the beginning?! She kept saying she was afraid Li Hong’s soul might disappear, but even so, she didn’t take the obvious steps to save him!!! That felt like a huge and frustrating plot hole to me—and it’s the main reason why the book let me down.
The ending felt dry, too.
In my review of the first book, I said that with a slightly different ending, it could’ve been a perfect standalone. The sequel didn’t change my mind—in fact, it just confirmed that even more.
Read
July 20, 2024tl;dr
A tightly-paced conclusion to the duology with plenty of lore spark the imagination. Don't go in expecting a lot of romance.
Thoughts
Considering how the first book ended, I was really curious to see how this one would go. The previous book in the series was visceral and bloody and terrifying, and this book wastes no time dropping into the same space. And honestly, that's probably what saved it for me. The last book hit me in all the right spots because I love a tournament arc. Sadly, it turns out I do not love a collect-em-all arc, and this plot definitely focuses on collecting the Important Things to get to the end goal. But I stuck with it because Zilan and the Empress are just so great to watch together. They're both cunning and relentless rivals who leave destruction in their wake as they fight, with a surprising amount of intimacy woven into their narrative. It's the most intimacy we get as the romance is practically a footnote at this point. I liked the focus on the main plot, but anyone hoping for more romantic moments like the first book might be let down. This book had to move fast to tie up all the threads from the first book, and move fast it does. A couple reveals come through magical means that feel a bit convenient, but the ending wraps everything up nicely. Overall, a duology recommended for anyone who wants something steeped in Chinese lore with an unforgiving villain and a heroine who's equally brutal.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A tightly-paced conclusion to the duology with plenty of lore spark the imagination. Don't go in expecting a lot of romance.
Thoughts
Considering how the first book ended, I was really curious to see how this one would go. The previous book in the series was visceral and bloody and terrifying, and this book wastes no time dropping into the same space. And honestly, that's probably what saved it for me. The last book hit me in all the right spots because I love a tournament arc. Sadly, it turns out I do not love a collect-em-all arc, and this plot definitely focuses on collecting the Important Things to get to the end goal. But I stuck with it because Zilan and the Empress are just so great to watch together. They're both cunning and relentless rivals who leave destruction in their wake as they fight, with a surprising amount of intimacy woven into their narrative. It's the most intimacy we get as the romance is practically a footnote at this point. I liked the focus on the main plot, but anyone hoping for more romantic moments like the first book might be let down. This book had to move fast to tie up all the threads from the first book, and move fast it does. A couple reveals come through magical means that feel a bit convenient, but the ending wraps everything up nicely. Overall, a duology recommended for anyone who wants something steeped in Chinese lore with an unforgiving villain and a heroine who's equally brutal.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
January 20, 2025
2.5 ✨ wat in de fever dream was dit. het eerste deel, the scarlet alchemist, was zo unhinged en bomvol met actie, maar dat maakte het verhaal leuk en spannend en mindblowing. deel 2 was NOG meer unhinged met NOG meer actie (teveel) waardoor het verhaal ongeloofwaardig en niet te volgen werd. de characters in dit boek hebben de afgelopen 400 pagina’s al 5 levens geleefd. erg jammer :((
November 14, 2024
I'm glad I was able to immediately continue in The Blood Orchid after finishing The Scarlet Alchemist. I read this in one sitting, my eyes glued to the page, because I absolutely NEEDED to know what would happen. This is again a super twisty story that doesn't hold back at all, but it's also filled with so much heart. I came to love these characters so much.
January 13, 2025
Well, I was scared that this wouldn't be as good as the first and I was very, very happy to be proven wrong!! Definitelyy lived up to the first one.
December 12, 2025
4.25
while i definitely preferred the first book, this was still a very strong sequel. i enjoyed how this book maintained some of that darker tone and atmosphere from the first book. i’m actually sad at the thought of parting with these characters that i’ve grown to love so much (i think that’s partially why i’ve been avoiding picking it up). i’ve learned that i really enjoy klb’s prose, the worlds she builds, and the characters that she creates, so i’m excited to read more of her books (i already have a copy of *bat eater*, which i’ll be getting to soon).
while i definitely preferred the first book, this was still a very strong sequel. i enjoyed how this book maintained some of that darker tone and atmosphere from the first book. i’m actually sad at the thought of parting with these characters that i’ve grown to love so much (i think that’s partially why i’ve been avoiding picking it up). i’ve learned that i really enjoy klb’s prose, the worlds she builds, and the characters that she creates, so i’m excited to read more of her books (i already have a copy of *bat eater*, which i’ll be getting to soon).
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