I do not keep up with fanfiction writing but I am aware that it’s out there and some readers obsess over certain subjects. Harry Potter is a favorite and for some reason a Hermione and Draco romantic relationship is featured in a ton. I was about halfway through Part 1 of Alchemised when it struck me that I might be reading a novel that possibly might be about those two characters. I stopped and Googled. Sure enough, Alchemised was originally written as fanfiction and was uber popular. I must’ve been the only person in the universe who hadn’t heard or read the first iteration. SenLinYu, prior to publishing this novel removed all of those references but there were still enough that even I figured it out. Despite, or maybe even because of those similarities I was struggling through the first act. I couldn’t figure out the world, the bond these Helena had for Kaine despite his evil nature, and truly how desperately weak Helena seemed to be portrayed. She did not fit my vision of Hermione and I hate weak female protagonists. There were so many five star reviews for this book that I pushed through my dislike and kept on reading. Boy, am I glad I did.

It was during Part 2 that I was caught like a fish on a hook. Through flashbacks I got a more complete vision of the world this author was building, but also saw that the Helena I saw in Part 1 was a result of mind manipulation. In the past, she had a stronger nature and her magic was interesting and different than everyone around her. Part 2 was where her relationship with Kaine was explained as well. That push and pull of emotions between she and Kaine in Part 1 were explained. I found myself re-thinking each of those scenes from that first act through eyes that saw the true nature of their relationship. It all kind of made sense now! Helena’s weak character in Part 1 was explained through her strong actions in Part 2. Kaine, too, had his nature explained. Yes he was and is more evil and doesn’t regret too many of his actions, his feelings for Helena become his redemption. Their love story was intricately written and very emotional. If you can get through Part 1 the rest of the book totally makes up for having to make yourself read a million pages to get through it.

I’ll leave you with one last note. Why do author’s think that the longer a book the better it will be? This book, in paper, is 1029 pages. On my kindle it was interminable. I truly believe that the story could’ve been written in 1/3 of the finished length. The characters development wouldn’t be affected and the story arc’s could’ve been tightened up making each written page add to the story. Despite that, I enjoyed the book. It was one of those where you finish reading it but it lingers in your mind for a few days as you’re mulling over each small action. I love those types of novels, but because of the length of this one I probably will not go back for a revisit. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

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