2026 Reading Challenge discussion

*Featured Buddy Read*
This buddy read is featured on the homepage and is pinned to the top of the March Buddy Reads folder. Otherwise it works just like every other buddy read!

If you are new to Buddy Reads, check out the sign-up thread for instructions and to sign up for future buddy reads!

You can join in the discussion even if your name isn't on the list!

This thread is to discuss Alchemised by SenLinYu.

Pages: 1030 pages

Length: 1 month (March)

Participants: SarahKat, LinaVer, Luisa, Susan, Odette, Shelby, Rachael, Alison

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

Here are some questions to help get the conversation started! Feel free to look up discussion questions specific to this book or come up with your own. Just make sure any questions that contain spoilers are under spoiler tags.
Discussion questions are not required but may be a fun way to talk about the book and get to know each other!

Prior to starting:
What prompted you to join this buddy read?
Have you read this author before? What do you think of their other books?

Mid-read:
What character or ideas do you relate to the most and why?
Do you have any favorite quotes or scenes?

After reading:
What was enjoyable or not-so-enjoyable about this book?
Did this book change your perception about anything, either within the book (character development) or in real life?

Hi, could I join this Buddy Read? I have this on my TBR and am intimidated by the length (and weight…this book is so Heavy 😉) and would love to have this Buddy Read to help me share my thoughts!

Alison wrote: "Hi, could I join this Buddy Read? I have this on my TBR and am intimidated by the length (and weight…this book is so Heavy 😉) and would love to have this Buddy Read to help me share my thoughts!"

Of course! Welcome Alison!

Hey everyone! I'm excited for this buddy read. I've heard a lot of mixed opinions about this book online, so I am curious to check it out and make my own opinion haha. I'll be starting after the readathon. Can't wait to discuss.

My bookstore had to order more copies. I'm hoping I get one tomorrow night when I'm there.

Has anyone read the fanfiction this is based on? I have not.

My daughter begged me to buy her this book and she has yet to read it because of the length. She also mentioned a certain way it has to be read. Has anyone else heard that?

After asking that question, I googled it. Here's what I found...

Tips for Reading Alchemised:
Expect a Slow Start: Part 1 is intense in world-building, and many readers find the story picks up significantly after page 200 or 50% through, as things start to come together in Part 2.

Alternative Reading Order: For a more chronological understanding on a second read, some fans recommend: Prologue, Part 2, Part 1, Part 3.

Understand the Premise: It is a romantic tragedy involving memory loss, intense magic systems (vivimancy, animancy), and a "horror-esque" tone, designed to be a completely new story.

Take Notes: Due to the dense, original terminology for magic (the word "magic" is rarely used), keeping track of the terms and how they fit together will enhance the experience.

Emotional Weight: Be prepared for a very emotional, long, and sometimes difficult read, say YouTube users.

I have a hard copy of this book. Looking forward to reading and discussing it. As there seems to be a lot of information to take in/keep track of, it may be a slow read for me and may spread it out over the month.

@SarahKat, no, I've not read the fanfic either. But I thought that this book is basically a better edited version of the fanfic. If so, that's enough for me. 😆 I have read other fanfics though and I really like the Dramione ship, enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Not sure how much actual love is going to be in this book, if what Susan writes is true. I'd assume it might be more about obsession.

@Susan, thank you for sharing this, it was very interesting to read. Not sure how I feel about dense world building for 200 pages 🙈 I struggle with that kind of thing. I'm glad at least we have this space to discuss.

@Odette, I'm there with you, haha. I might need to spread it out as well, especially if it's an emotionally heavy read.

I haven't read the fanfic but heard a lot about this. I'm going to start this after the Readathon

@Sarahkat I haven’t read the fanfic…I am kind of going into this blind but understand it is a dark, emotional Dramoine take!

@Susan Thank You for this reading order! I think I will struggle with the slow start but love a good bit of world building!

I am also going to take this slow and it will probably take all month to read! I am going to try to annotate the book which is something I haven’t done a lot of! I did annotate one other book and found it helped me remember things/made the book more impactful for me 😊

I just found a used copy of this for a couple bucks and couldn't leave it behind. Gonna attempt to join in here. She's thiiick! lol

Susan wrote: Understand the Premise: It is a romantic tragedy involving memory loss, intense magic systems (vivimancy, animancy), and a "horror-esque" tone, designed to be a completely new story.
oh this description sold me

Take Notes: Due to the dense, original terminology for magic (the word "magic" is rarely used), keeping track of the terms and how they fit together will enhance the experience.
Nope. I like to suffer though the "huh" moments, enjoy the vibes and hope my brain catches on eventually.

Emotional Weight: Be prepared for a very emotional, long, and sometimes difficult read, say YouTube users.
Perfect.

I have been looking forward to reading this book. I have just started it and about 65 pages in.

I am taking notes of the terminology/magic used, e.g. vivimacy, resonance, transmutation, animacy etc. The book does not contain a glossary of terms, however, explanations are easily found on the internet.

M's suggestion of keeping track of the terms enhanced my initial experience. So far I am enjoying the experience of reading this book and just going with the flow until I get further in.

Tracking of terms came from Susan 😁
I read about 70 pages this morning and hope it comes through Libby soon so I can make some highlights. I found it easy to get into right away.

Hello everyone. :)

I bought this book by the cover.
I didn't know anything about the fanfic and the plot before buying. (I do that a lot, usually it gives me good surprises)

But later, when I was talking to a friend, who is a booktuber, she told me about the hype and the fanfic thing. But that's ok for me.

I will start it today (monday).

I've read the prologue and first two chapters so far. Part of me wishes I didn't know this was originally a fanfic because I'm spending a bit of time working out which characters they are supposed to be. (view spoiler)[Some are quite obvious to figure out, some not so much. (hide spoiler)].
This book is definitely dark. (view spoiler)[There was some really vivid imagery very early on, what Bayard does to his wife, that kinda sets the tone for what's to come (hide spoiler)]. I am not finding the world building dense at the moment; it's actually really intriguing how 'magic' works here

I've read 3 first chapters. Like M and Rachael, I found the book quite easy to get into, even though it is really dark. I'm not usually one for the dark, sad topics or atmospheres, so I find it quite surprising how much I like reading this book so far. I will, however, probably need a light rom-com to read after this, probably. 😆
It's a book of 1000 pages and heavy mood but reads easy and feels captivating, so I am glad about that.

I'm glad to hear it starts off good! I'm still finishing up another chunky book before I start this one.

I've finished the first part last night, because I just couldn't stop reading. My gosh, the things that happen to Helena. 💔 (view spoiler)[I thought my heart is going to stop when that doctor told her she recreated her ability to have kids and that in fact she's going to be tortured that way in order to get pregnant for the enemy... reading through those chapters has been difficult.

For a while there before that it seemed it was going a bit more easily for her ("easy" is not the proper word, given the circumstances, but I can't think of another), even some kind of connection between her and Kaine beginning there. A lot of the (overt) kindness and protectiveness he showed definitely made me think there was history between them, and now that I have read a few chapters in the second part, it makes sense. Even the idea of him being a spy for resistance has crossed my mind. I'm really intrigued how the story is going to go on. (hide spoiler)]

I'm also curious to hear from those of you, who are trying to guess which characters are who (knowing this is a fanfic). I have some ideas of my own, but I'm usually not as good in guessing these things.

I'm up to Chapter 12 so far and enjoying it.
Here's what I know about the characters and their fanfic/original fandom counterparts: (view spoiler)[
Helena = Hermione
Kaine = Draco (Ferron family = Malfoys)
Aurelia = Astoria
Morrough = Voldemort
Luc = Harry
Principate Apollo = Dumbledore
Soren = Ron?
Lila = Ginny?
I think there might be a Snape somewhere but can't figure out who he is (hide spoiler)]

Hi, I'd like to join in. I started Alchemised back at the end of January, only about a hundred or so pages in. But I had to put it aside for challenges, readathons, and life. Now that that's all over, I can take my time and read, I'm back to reading this.

Just seeing it everywhere, and its cover caught my attention. I'm aware that it's supposed to be fanfiction, but trying really, really hard not to compare or think of who each character is supposed to be.

It's very interesting, what Susan has shared about the reading order. I'm glad I have the actual book, instead of audiobook as I often do. It'll be useful if I need to flip back to sections I might be confused about. I'm almost finished with Part One. It's been intriguing so far.

Up to Chapter 24 now. (view spoiler)[I was just thinking I would like a prequel to find out what happened before and then we got part 2 which takes us back four years, mid war. Very interesting that Kaine and Helena have a prior connection... I'm now wondering if Kaine altered her memories and that's why he's stalling getting them back. Can't wait to find out who this Bennet is who keeps being vaguely mentioned
I like the alchemy detail, you can tell the author has done their research (hide spoiler)]

I'm on chapter 45 now, halfway the book.
Rachel, (view spoiler)[unlike you I think Helena altered her memory herself. I think Kaine's reluctant to get the memories back because he does not want to be hurting her, I think he has feelings for her - back from the prior connection. But it will be interesting to see who did that to her after all. (hide spoiler)]
In ch 45 we find out that (view spoiler)[the amulet Helena's been wearing and used to heal Kaine was the proverbial "Sol's blessing stone", the souls of dead people from the first war with Necromancer or whatever. I think the fact that she healed Kaine with it and now he inherently has the collected goodness of those souls or their wish for revenge against Necromancer is going to impact not only him as a person, but also the war. The fact that to Helena the amulet was always warm and she could yield it makes me think she might in the end somehow use Kaine to end the war. I am of course speculating, and I might be thinking in a rather more hopeful way that this dark book might not take... but here's hoping. In one way or the other, I think this is a really significant revelation. Even if for the fact that everything that's ever been said to Helena, all the myths and the Faith she promised to serve, has been a lie. Now she knows that she's been used since the beginning, by everyone, and that will probably influence her decisions. (hide spoiler)]
I really like this book, I didn't even expect to like it this much.

Jenn, glad you can join! And yes, having a physical book is proving to be quite useful, there's so much world building/magic building.

I also find that I really want to discuss everything with you guys, just catch myself opening goodreads to see if anyone posted in the thread 😆 so please excuse me if I'm slightly too much, haha!

I finished reading Part 1. It was a slow read for me, whilst looking up the magic terminology and list of characters. I am not familiar with Manacled, the fan fic, so went into this book with no background.

Towards the end of Part 1, the terminology used and characters became more familiar. Though the story is dark and brutal, enjoying the author's style of writing. It is very descriptive (view spoiler)[the description of house in which Helena is being held makes it feel like an entity itself, (hide spoiler)]but at the same time the author deals very well with difficult issues.

I am getting drawn into this book, especially Helena's story, and her relationship with Kaine Ferron (view spoiler)[Do they have some shared past history, or shared experiences though on different sides of the conflict (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to reading Part 2 and finding out more. Perhaps things will become much clearer, as I chose to read Part 1 first.

With all the odd terms and world building, I've been pleasantly surprised with how readable the book is.

I agree with LinaVer, (view spoiler)[it was rather tough to read the part about the repopulation program. And with who I think Ferron is supposed to be, I was feeling a teensy bit sorry for him as well, being treated as a stud horse (hide spoiler)].

I'm at about Chapter 35. Definitely darker than I anticipated. Thank you, Rachel, for pointing out Part Two takes place (view spoiler)[4 years earlier (hide spoiler)]. I'm not the best at reading chapter titles and tend to go straight for the story itself. Sometimes chapter titles have important information. I had totally missed it and had wondered about the timeline.

Rachel,(view spoiler)[ that's an interesting theory Ferron could have been the one that altered her memories. He does seem skilled enough. And she does not. At least not yet. I'm getting the feeling that Ferron has been training her all along. So there is the possibility that under his mentorship, she will be able to put up that wall (hide spoiler)].

Lina, (view spoiler)[I don't know if I necessarily think Ferron is reluctant to get through to her memories. He's getting tortured and killed regularly for not doing his job, but yes, he wants to do it hurting Helena as minimally as possible. I think he cares for her and can't afford to (hide spoiler)].

Odette, same here. I haven't looked up the terminology but I also came in with no background other than thinking it was a fanfiction of one series.

(read this after reading chapter 54) Jenn, yes, I felt sorry for (view spoiler)[ Kaine also, and that doubled after reading the chaoters in the 50s, where their budding relationship and feelings are described. When I first read the scene of forced r*** and him throwing up after, I only took it to mean that he still had humanity and morals in him, but now it just breaks my heart knowing he loves her, desperately, while he's forced to do that to her, and while she does not remember much, therefore her love for him either. I think the war has put him in such an unfortunate situation, and while that does not excuse all the suffering he caused others, it still makes me feel so sorry for him. There are no winners in war. (hide spoiler)]

Odette, I'm not familiar with Manacled either. Although because this book is so surprisingly good, I kind of want to read the Manacled now also, but I wonder if it would just be the same story? And yeah, things are slowly being revealed in part 2, and part 3 will probably clear everything up. I hope you enjoy part 2 as well!

I’ve just started and I’m still at the beginning — around chapter 3 or so.
It’s dark, and judging by the comments here, it only gets darker.
I was reading last night before going to sleep, and it actually gave me nightmares.

So I probably won’t read it at night anymore, just for the sake of getting a good night’s sleep.

That said, I’m really enjoying it so far, it feels very immersive.
When I bought the book, I didn’t know anything about it; I bought it purely for the cover. Then a friend told me about the fanfiction aspect. Even knowing that, and knowing who it’s about, I’m not seeing any similarities so far.

I’ll try to catch up this weekend (like most people in the comments, I’m pretty far behind).

I've just finished chapter 48. (view spoiler)[I'm really into this story and I love finding out about everything. Kaine is not as villainous as you think while others may be more villainous than first appeared. It's great that this book doesn't shy away from the horrors of war and shows that no one is really the winner. (hide spoiler)]

JennH, it is very readabIe, with great world building and character descriptions at start of Part 2.

I am up to Chapter 27 now (view spoiler)[Helena is supposed to be using Ferron, who offered to spy for the resistance. Though it could appear that he is using her by getting into her mind. Also, it seems to be a strategic balance between three powers. (hide spoiler)]

I am enjoying the experience of reading this book. As I have a physical copy of this book, it is a slow read for me. It is so huge and not as handy to read as a e-book.

Chapter 53. (view spoiler)[I'm enjoying this so much right now I can't put it down. Just dropping in briefly to say I really like Amaris and her bond with Kaine (hide spoiler)]

I need to catch up! I just started this and I'm only on chapter 3. Time to get reading!

I'm behind most of you too! Only on chapter 9.

Even though I didn't read the fanfic, knowing that's where it came from is a little distracting because I keep wondering what spells and plot devices were used in the original as well as who some of the mentioned characters are (like the random name-drops of people captured-- not the super obvious ones).

That being said, I really like the world and magic system in this so far. Delightfully grotesque.

SarahKat, yes I agree knowing it's inspired by a fanfiction is distracting because you're like 'ooh' when you spot a link between them.
It is a slow start but then I found I really got into it. I finished it a couple of days ago

Hello everyone. Last night I finished reading it also. It really surprised me by how much I liked it. I also cannot believe I am going to say this, because I'm someone who likes (view spoiler)[happy endings, this ending kind of felt unsatisfying. 🙈 It's not exactly a happy ending, but it felt significantly lighter than the whole story, so I'm feeling some kind of dissonance. Of course, it makes sense that people move on and pick up the pieces of their lives as best as they can after the war, and it is also what I was rooting for Helena and Kaine. And still I have mixed feelings about it for some reason! (hide spoiler)]

This being a fanfic didn't distract me. From the beginning I told myself to just read it as a standalone book. I noticed some links but not too many. I think the fact that (view spoiler)[ a lot of side characters were not well developed (hide spoiler)] helped me not pay too much attention to who they might be. I am ready to read up here and on reddit about all of the lore now though 🤭 😆

@SarahKat, I like your description "delightfully grotesque".

Can't wait to hear more from you all once you get further into the book 📖 enjoy!

I'm up to Chap 54 and well into Part 2. I am finding this a much easier read than the first part, which it is the lead up to. Did not have to concentrate so much on the magic system terminology. It is brutal, but at times reads like a romantasy. SarahKat. I also like your description "delightfully grotesque".
There is depth to the author's writing, (view spoiler)[in examining strategies used in conflict. Not sure who is trustworthy and what are their motives. Helena is being used and is dispensable. (hide spoiler)].
Will find out more as I read on.

I'm only on Chapter 33, but I'm loving SenLinYu's writing style. I wish I could take time off work and just read all day. Putting it down has been hard.

Just finished chapter 32 and really into it. (view spoiler)[I love that Helena and Ferron have history. It's almost like 2 enemies-to-lovers stories in one. I wonder why Helena doesn't remember. Is it because Ferron did something to her? Or did she do it to herself like they think? If so it's probably more to protect him than anything.

I love that she massaged his hands when waking him up from healing him and he later does the same for her when she's in his home. (hide spoiler)]

SarahKat wrote: "Just finished chapter 32 and really into it. I love that Helena and Ferron have history. It's almost like 2 enemies-to-lovers stories in one. I wonder why Helena doesn't remember. Is it because Fer..."

I'm really enjoying their story in Part 2.

I finished last night. I really enjoyed it. I actually found myself reading slower towards the end simply because I didn't want it to end.

Random disconnected thoughts -
(view spoiler)[I also loved that he massaged her hands like she had done for him.

In the beginning when Helena asked Ferron about being a healer, it struck me that he was being evasive in his answer. So I loved seeing she was the one who taught him.

How it must have been for Ferron to have Helena to not only not remember him but to also hate him. And then to try to make sure she continued to feel this way in order to keep her safe.

It was a bit heart wrenching to have Helena make Ferron promise to love the baby as she would, if anything were to happen to her. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 57: (view spoiler)[I almost wish I had read this in the alternate order Susan posted at the beginning. I find myself going back to try to skim some of the information in Part 1 when characters or connections pop up in Part 2. Like Shiseo. Why is he working with the Undying in Part 1?? I hope he's partnered with Kaine as resistance and not just on their side.

I really don't want to put this down but I have work and kids (argh). I'll also be very sad when this is over. I am very worried for their fate. It seems doomed. Star-crossed lovers and all that.

I was mad at Helena for a bit for being so cold to Kaine after they have sex the first time. She was for sure lying to herself about why she kept seeing him. I'm glad they are at least admitting their feelings at this point and not being stupid. I love Amaris the chimera. (hide spoiler)]

I finished book now. The start was a bit slow for me, but once I got into it really enjoyed the story. Towards the end, just had to keep reading to find out what happens. There was a lot to the story and much to think about. After everything that happened, I found the ending satisfying.

I finished reading this earlier this week while traveling with my daughter. I loved the story and the writing. I'm so glad I finally read this book.

Finished! So good! I'm too lazy to write a full review but I thought about this book every time I wasn't reading it for the past few weeks. I loved the world, the magic, and the main characters. It was so immersive.

Lina, (view spoiler)[I also have mixed feelings about the ending. I liked it a lot but I don't necessarily think we needed Enid going off to school at the end. I'm just glad Amaris made it to the end. (hide spoiler)]

As a slow reader, I just finished part 1.
Seeing how I was already in tears reading those last few chapters in this first section, I'm nervous that the rest of this book is going to be quite devastating.
Enjoying it a lot so far.