Kistal’s Reviews > Alchemised > Status Update
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Reading this for the 4th time this year. I can’t find another book to scratch this Alchemised itch. Might as well read it again. 😩
— Sep 16, 2026 06:57PM
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Kistal
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“Why don’t you die?” There was no point in being coy. She wanted to kill him; they both knew it.
His lips curved into an insincere smile. “Prior commitments, I’m afraid.”
Iykyk 😩😭
— Sep 26, 2026 01:02AM
His lips curved into an insincere smile. “Prior commitments, I’m afraid.”
Iykyk 😩😭
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Denise
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Sep 16, 2026 07:51PM
If you loved this book (I did), then you may love The Poet Empress by Shen Tao. Its Asian inspired light fantasy with a very dark story. Its Excellent, and by a debut author .
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Denise wrote: "If you loved this book (I did), then you may love The Poet Empress by Shen Tao. Its Asian inspired light fantasy with a very dark story. Its Excellent, and by a debut author ."Thanks for the recommendation. It certainly looks intriguing, but it doesn’t quite match the Alchemised-like story I’m seeking. There are specific elements from Alchemised that I’m particularly drawn to, and it’s not limited to a specific genre. It’s more character-specific, thematic, and situational. The only books that came close to capturing those elements from Alchemised for me this year, in terms of evoking similar emotions, were ‘Fervor’ by Meg Smitherman and ‘Rose in Chains’ by Julie Soto. I read ‘Rose in Chains’ twice this year.
Yes, it isn't exactly the same, but a great read nonetheless. I've always liked your taste in reading, so I follow you 😉. Hubby tried to read Alchemised, but hated Helena's "victim" attitude. I, however, was drawn in. Just goes to show that even tho Hubs and I like the same kinds of reads, we don't always align. I'll look into the other 2 books you mentioned. 🥰
Denise wrote: "Yes, it isn't exactly the same, but a great read nonetheless. I've always liked your taste in reading, so I follow you 😉. Hubby tried to read Alchemized, but hated Helena's 'victim' attitude. I, ho..."Considering Helena endured sexual assault, emotional manipulation, and abuse in every conceivable way, I think she earned her “victim attitude.” Also, did he read the entire book? Did he only read Act One? I’m not sure how he could have that assessment of Helena if he read Acts Two and Three. Was he expecting a Break the Chains revolution like Darrow from Red Rising? Alchemised is a much more grounded, realistic look at the aftermath of war, trauma and the human psyche.
Like, would he say this about a male character who is a POW and suffering from PTSD? 😤
As you can see, I have beef with your husband now 😭😅
Oh, I agree with you. Tried to get him to finish the book (he read past Act 1). It just wasn't for him. But he did love her writing. 🤷🏻♀️