I had to rush back and update my review and rating because I made the impulsive choice to rate this masterpiece too quickly without letting it sink in. Last night, I was consumed by thoughts of the Alchemist, which burrowed deep into my mind. I scrutinized every aspect of it, and it unmistakably deserves a solid 5-Star rating, if not more! My friends had raved about it being the best book of 2025, and now I finally grasp what they meant. This book stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me and made me reflect on so many things. SenLinYu is nothing short of a genius. She gifted her readers with the entire experience in one massive volume. Yes, it spans nearly 1100 pages, but that’s far superior to being fragmented across three volumes, leaving us in suspense for the next installment. Think of each section as a unique book in a series if that helps. Sure, part 1 might feel a bit disorienting and flood you with questions, introducing you to the Helena and Kaine Ferron at their most vulnerable, and you might initially find Ferron despicable. But as part 1 unfolds, Helena begins to recall her memories, and in part 2, we delve back into the past, reconnecting with Helena and eventually Kaine, unveiling their backstories. It’s at this point that you truly begin to understand each character and their hurdles. Part 3 thrusts you back into the present, allowing you to see everything with fresh perspectives. The author could have opted for a linear chronology, but I believe such an approach wouldn’t have done justice to the profound impact this narrative delivers. I know I’ll carry this book with me for years to come.

Original Review: Wow! What a powerful way to kick off the year! I found myself grappling with the decision of whether to give this a 4 or a breathtaking 5-star rating, but in the end, I leaned towards a 4-star because I was SO close to returning it to my TBR pile. The beginning had me feeling lost and bewildered. I was torn between pushing forward or setting it aside for another time. Ultimately, I pressed on for two compelling reasons: first, my bookish friends had faced similar struggles and urged me to persevere, assuring me it would blossom in Part 2. Secondly, I was already too captivated, despite the confusion swirling around me. I knew that if I set it down, it would gnaw at me, leaving me anxious about what unfolded next. And oh, how thrilled I am that I did! The momentum picked up for me just before part 2, though that was nearly 300 pages in! With a hefty tome exceeding 1,000 pages, be prepared for an epic journey. When it strikes, it strikes hard! Leading up to my reading experience, everyone flagged its dark themes, and while it indeed had its shadowy moments, at its core, it’s a profound love story. Both Helena and Kaine are willing to sacrifice everything for each other’s safety—two souls standing at opposite ends of existence; one who gives life and one who takes it, yet their hearts interweave with such depth. This was a genuine work of art that challenges you to ponder: what would you be willing to overlook for true love? Would you forgive all their past transgressions if it meant saving their soul?

BOOK 1 OF 2026📚

ALCHEMISED

BY: SenLinYu

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese