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alex 💫 is Currently Reading

alex 💫 is currently reading

Alchemised

by SenLinYu (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading

Reading for the 3rd time

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alex 💫 said: " I HAVE A LOT TO SAY IM SORRY

okay… bear with me… is this a 5 star in terms of QUALITY? no. but if you asked me to rank my top books based on quality vs my top books based on MY enjoyment of them, those would be two different lists!

i’d say there’s two I HAVE A LOT TO SAY IM SORRY

okay… bear with me… is this a 5 star in terms of QUALITY? no. but if you asked me to rank my top books based on quality vs my top books based on MY enjoyment of them, those would be two different lists!

i’d say there’s two main problems with this book— a) the first 150 pages are just a massive info dump & b) it is very clearly originated from a fanfiction in that it isn’t structured like a traditional novel in the slightest

THAT BEING SAID! because the book is so long, i was able to forgive those first 150 pages of confusion & boredom bc the 900 other pages had me captivated. and because i read a lot of fanfiction, the fanfiction format didn’t bother me, but i can see it being a barrier for people who aren’t well versed in fanfic & are expecting a traditionally published novel format

the third problem isn’t a problem with the book itself but with the marketing.. which was just ATROCIOUS! i think marketing this book as a romantasy does it a huge disservice. it is a war novel. period. sure, the relationship is a core component and it ultimately revolves around their tragic love story, but a ROMANCE? no. not at all

BUT.. i loved this.. i think the criticism about this book romanticizing SA is from people who either a) haven’t read it or b) were already influenced by hearing others complain about it, because imo, like helena says, they are BOTH victims, and there was absolutely zero scenes where it was framed as anything other than horrific for everyone involved

now onto the good things.. this book was heartbreaking. like i was truly ACHING with how badly i wanted helena & kaine to have a happy ending. it was just hit after hit after hit. the way part 2 completely changes how you perceive part 1 was just… damn. i already want to read part 1 again just to see it through new eyes

HELENA!! i loved her. adored her. kaine i understand you. she went through so much and fought like hell for every second of it and everyone was so UNGRATEFUL!! i was worried she’d feel too hermione but my perspective of her (like most things) completely changed after part 2. SHE WAS A NON ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE ETERNAL FLAME AND DID NOT FIGHT

i won’t even get into kaine but he was everything… he is hymn to virgil by hozier in human form.. just a living walking tragedy.. PRIOR COMMITMENTS IM AFRAID

anyway this book definitely won’t be for everyone but it was for ME!! shortest 1000+ pages of my life. i’m so glad i picked it back up again i can’t believe i ever dnf’ed it ...more "

progress:

(page 62 of 1030)
— 23 hours, 57 min ago

Jan 30, 2026 09:11PM · see review