The Scarlet Alchemist

By: Kylie Lee Baker

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"A dark and glittering jewel of a book."—Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison

"Visceral to the core."—Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

New from the author of The Keeper of Night comes a YA fantasy duology set in an alternate Tang Dynasty China, where a poor biracial girl with the ability to raise the dead gets caught up in the dangerous political games of the royal family.

Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. But for now, she’s trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, practicing an illegal form of alchemy to keep food on the table—resurrecting the dead, for a price.

When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country in tasks she’ll be lucky to survive, let alone pass. On top of that, her reputation for raising the dead has followed her to the capital, and the Crown Prince himself seeks out her help, suspecting a coming assassination attempt.

The more Zilan succeeds in her alchemy, the more she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. There are monsters lurking within the palace walls, and it’s only a matter of time before they—and secrets of Zilan’s past—catch up with her.

Don’t miss the Keeper of Night duology!

The Keeper of Night

The Empress of Time

©2023 Kylie Lee Baker (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

critically underated

if your looking for a gem this is it. Totally something I could read in one sitting

Interesting twists and turns that kept me coming back for more

I wish there was a continuation of this story !! Great story, great narration. Overall 5/5

Well Executed Plot Twists

Love Kylie Lee Baker’s writing. While her main characters are a bit frustrating at times, it’s because she beautifully captures the mind of a young person attempting to make life changing decisions. Her world building is top tier and I cannot wait for the next book in October!

Full Blood Alchemist

Enjoyable and well performed tale. I was recommended this because someone said it was like The Apothecary Dairies, but the vibes and the way the world works reminds me much more of Full Metal Alchemist. Doesn't take anything away from the story, doesn't feel like a copy, if anything could almost be in the same world!

Beautiful prose

This is a beautiful book. Raw and detailed . Loved it. The narration was great. I will go back and read more from this author, for sure.

great story

this was a great story. it kept me guessing how things would turn out in the end. is like to read more Scarlet Alchemist adventures

Loved it!

Can. It wait for the sequel! This book had me on edge! Love the drama, crazy story line, the fire in zilan! I loved the narrator especially when she did the empresses and the moon alchemist voices !😊

can not wait for book 2!

great story! loved the historical notations. wonderful narration. fun characters. highly recommend. looking forward to book 2

Exciting, Funny, and Bloody

This was my first Kylie Lee Baker novel, and I had so much reading it. The characters were well fleshed out, and the ducks, the ducks! Who could’ve anticipated ducks in a book about alchemy and necromancy? I cannot wait to check out the author’s other works. Also, the narration was excellent.