The Blood Orchid Series: The Scarlet Alchemist #2 Published by Harlequin on October 22, 2024
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Diversity & Multicultural, Young Adult Fiction / Family / Siblings, Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
Pages: 400
Find the Author: Website, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram
Goodreads
Whatever power you think you have is an illusion.
Whatever your dreams are, they belong to me.
And wherever you run, I am already there waiting for you.Since Zilan entered the world of royal alchemists, she has learned firsthand that alchemy comes at a price. She has lost her family and her beloved prince in her search for justice against the evil Empress. All Zilan wants now is to find some way to bring them back. Resurrection is her specialty, after all.
In search of Penglai Island, where the infamous myth says life can be fully restored, Zilan starts a new adventure. But Penglai Island has been kept well hidden by a group of unpredictable, and often dangerous, alchemists. Uncovering the secret means challenging some of the most powerful alchemists to ever live. And when old threats come back to haunt Zilan, she will have to decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice to save her loved ones—and the practice of alchemy that has long defined her and the world around her.
This gripping duology closer by the acclaimed author of The Keeper of Night is not to be missed!
Review:
The Blood Orchid was everything I could have ever wanted in a sequel. The story starts with a bang, taking you straight back into Zilan’s adventures as she tries to find the mythical Penglai Island, the source of alchemy and a place where life can be restored to what it was. But this journey comes with its challenges and dangers. With enemies at every corner and a kingdom in disarray, Zilan faces a lot. And she deals with it by being determined and pushing through, no matter the setback. Her character arc and development throughout the two books were incredible, and the ending she gets is perfect. The exploration of alchemy as a magic system is very creative. The world-building is just as captivating as it was in Book 1. Even if you read Book 1 a while ago, it is pretty easy to grasp. In terms of the pacing, the action starts from Chapter 1 and doesn’t slow down one bit. I have always been a fan of Kylie Lee Baker’s writing, and this book was no different; the writing was incredible, gripping, and immersive. The Blood Orchid offers a very satisfying conclusion to what has been a series full of adventure, magic, resurrection. With great characters, a world inspired by historical China, and an alchemical magic system reminiscent of Fullmetal Alchemist, this is a genuinely riveting duology. I appreciate that the author included an in-depth author note at the end of the book about Penglai Island.
About Kylie Lee Baker
Kylie 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.
