Alchemised
Sep 2025 · Sold by Del Rey
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217 reviews
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About this ebook
In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past.
“What is it you think you’re protecting in that brain of yours? The war is over. Holdfast is dead. The Eternal Flame extinguished. There’s no one left for you to save.”
Once a promising alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner—of war and of her own mind. Her Resistance friends and allies have been brutally murdered, her abilities suppressed, and the world she knew destroyed.
In the aftermath of a long war, Paladia’s new ruling class of corrupt guild families and depraved necromancers, whose vile undead creatures helped bring about their victory, holds Helena captive.
According to Resistance records, she was a healer of little importance within their ranks. But Helena has inexplicable memory loss of the months leading up to her capture, making her enemies wonder: Is she truly as insignificant as she appears, or are her lost memories hiding some vital piece of the Resistance’s final gambit?
To uncover the memories buried deep within her mind, Helena is sent to the High Reeve, one of the most powerful and ruthless necromancers in this new world. Trapped on his crumbling estate, Helena’s fight—to protect her lost history and to preserve the last remaining shreds of her former self—is just beginning. For her prison and captor have secrets of their own . . . secrets Helena must unearth, whatever the cost.
“What is it you think you’re protecting in that brain of yours? The war is over. Holdfast is dead. The Eternal Flame extinguished. There’s no one left for you to save.”
Once a promising alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner—of war and of her own mind. Her Resistance friends and allies have been brutally murdered, her abilities suppressed, and the world she knew destroyed.
In the aftermath of a long war, Paladia’s new ruling class of corrupt guild families and depraved necromancers, whose vile undead creatures helped bring about their victory, holds Helena captive.
According to Resistance records, she was a healer of little importance within their ranks. But Helena has inexplicable memory loss of the months leading up to her capture, making her enemies wonder: Is she truly as insignificant as she appears, or are her lost memories hiding some vital piece of the Resistance’s final gambit?
To uncover the memories buried deep within her mind, Helena is sent to the High Reeve, one of the most powerful and ruthless necromancers in this new world. Trapped on his crumbling estate, Helena’s fight—to protect her lost history and to preserve the last remaining shreds of her former self—is just beginning. For her prison and captor have secrets of their own . . . secrets Helena must unearth, whatever the cost.
In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past.
“What is it you think you’re protecting in that brain of yours? The war is over. Holdfast is dead. T...
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Ratings and reviews
217 reviews
KJ
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July 26, 2026
This is not what I was expecting from a fantasy novel. Seems more like a psychological thriller with fantasy elements? Regardless, I was definitely disappointed. As I was reading, I kept feeling like world building was lacking. After I finished the book, there were many things about the plot and methodology of the magic that were bothering me so I decided to Google it. Then, to my surprise, I found out that this book was originally a HP fanfic. Then it all made sense why the world building seemed insufficient - in fanfic there is no need for world building because the world is already made in preexisting literature. All in all, it was a little interesting, but mostly disappointing as a supposed fantasy novel.
Katie Clarke
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March 13, 2026
Warning: Explicit descriptions of rape, murder, torture, and every other atrocity you can think of. Be aware before starting. I was invested right away and 1000 pages only took me a few days. The novel is dark, it is disgusting and disturbing, but it was also an amazing read. I couldn't put it down. The "love story" is more about two extremely broken people clinging to each other to survive the unimaginable, than a romance. The main characters relationship is very problematic, but it is believable because of the world and suffering they have survived. The word building, magic system, and lore is top notch. I know it started as a HP and Handmaids tale fan fic, but it's been expertly developed into it's own story and I was honestly impressed how rarely I was reminded of HP. If I wasn't aware of the connection before hand I wouldn't have seen it.
Rebecca Kneipp
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November 15, 2025
Beautifully written with an immersive story that throws some twists into the classic enemies to lovers plot. Unique world building that stays fairly logical and engaging with not too many overly convenient plot pushers. The characters stay consistent with their personalities and motivations. This is a great read if you are looking for a dark, body horror romance with tropes that aren't too excessive. it's gross in places, but not excessively, and the grossness brings realism to a fantasy setting. The character's motivations and development stay (broadly) true to real human psychology. I could put it down, but I didn't want to! 5 stars for ingenuity, descriptions, believable romance, believable character motivation and progression, and length. Definitely a diversion worth the money
About the author
SenLinYu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alchemised. They grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied classical liberal arts and culture. They started writing in the Notes app of their phone during their baby’s nap time. Their work has now been published internationally in twenty languages. They live in Portland, Oregon, with their family.
SenLinYu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alchemised. They grew up in the Pacific Northwest and studied classical liberal arts and culture. They started writing in the Notes app of their phone during their baby’s nap time. Their work has now been published internationally in twenty ...
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