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A Forbidden Alchemy

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A Forbidden Alchemy

By: Stacey McEwan
Narrated by: Billie Fulford-Brown, Joshua Riley
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He became the leader of a rebellion. She became the symbol of everything he was fighting against.

As children, Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson uncovered a secret powerful enough to change their world:

Artisans aren't born. They're made.

Years later, that secret has sparked a revolution.

Nina is now one of Belavere's most powerful elemental mages. Patrick has become a rebel leader determined to bring the ruling class to its knees.

When Nina is captured by Patrick's forces, she comes face-to-face with the boy she never forgot—and the man she should now consider her enemy.

Forced into an uneasy alliance, they must navigate dangerous secrets, shifting loyalties, and an attraction neither time nor war has been able to extinguish.

But when Nina is offered a chance to save the world she's sworn to protect, she must decide whether to betray the rebellion—or the only man she's ever truly loved.

Filled with elemental magic, political intrigue, devastating betrayals, and a heart-wrenching slow-burn romance, this epic romantasy is perfect for listeners who love childhood friends-to-lovers, lovers on opposite sides of a war, impossible choices, and unforgettable emotional journeys.

Performed in immersive dual narration by multi-award-winning audiobook narrator Billie Fulford-Brown and acclaimed actor and narrator Joshua Riley (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), this sweeping romantasy brings Nina and Patrick's unforgettable journey to life with extraordinary emotion, tension, and heart.

From Australian BookTok sensation Stacey McEwan comes the first novel in a captivating romantasy series filled with elemental magic, political intrigue, devastating betrayals, and an unforgettable slow-burn romance. Action & Adventure Best of 2025 Editors Select Epic Fantasy Magic
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Continue the series
A Forsaken Prophecy cover art
A Forsaken Prophecy By: Stacey McEwan

Critic Reviews

‘Stacey once again delivers a high stakes fantasy that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but squeezes your heart until it bleeds.’ (Amber V. Nicole, author of The Book of Azrael)
'I’m never going to shut up about this book. An epic breath of fresh air romantasy. A feat of genius magic system and banter so feet kicking good you’ll need breaks to scream. McEwan’s writing is the kind that leaves you staring at the wall wondering how you’ll go on waiting for the next installment. A Forbidden Alchemy is the romantasy book you’ll never get over.' (Hannah Nicole Maehrer, author of Assistant to the Villain)
‘Stacey McEwan’s writing has a way of drawing you in and never letting go. A Forbidden Alchemy was no exception, and I found myself gripped by these pages, following the tale of Nina and Patrick and rooting for them every step of the way. I loved the secrets, the tension and the burning chemistry. Romantasy lovers need to add this one to their TBR.’ (Nisha J. Tuli, author of Trial of the Sun Queen.)
‘This book is a pressure-corked vial crafted with the perfect romantic tension and pure gangster-style grit. I was ready to be buried beneath the mines that Stacey McEwan created. This story has mettle, raw heart and inescapable magnetism. I loved every single chapter.’ (Raven Kennedy, author of Gild.)
'In this world of magic, love, and lust, you simply won't be able to place the bookmark until well into the black of night. McEwan is a powerhouse of Australian genre fiction.'
‘Stacey McEwan creates a rich new world in her newest dystopian series... Expect political intrigue, suspense and romance, plus a few heart-stopping moments.’
All stars
Most relevant
Loved the story, full of tension, I just could not stop listening! Now desperate for part two.

Tension

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This was my first Stacey McEwen book and it just got better and better! Can’t wait for the next one! Couldn’t stop listening

Incredible storyline and writing

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Not my usual fare, but decently enthralling.
Not a huge fan of the constant time skips, there could move been a much deeper look into the world IMO.
But still VERY well done.
The lady narrator is absolutely incredible, the tangible emotion and changes in volume portray levels to the story not in the words themselves.
Masterfully done!

The story itself,
It's not so much about the world, or the war, or even the powers. It's probably more of a romantic novel just lightly touching on fantasy. 5/5

Very well written and read

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No notes. Pure evil and genius. I need the second book immediately. Stacey has done it yet again.

Infinity stars

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Stacey can do no wrong. This was yet another beautifully written story by her and I cannot wait for the next instalment. Literally, I need it right now.

I am not ok

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