Title: The Blood Orchid
Author: Kylie Lee Baker
Number of Pages: 384
Publishing Date: 22 October 2024
Genre: Young-Adult, Sci-Fi, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fiction, Asian Literature
Synopsis:
Since Zilan entered the world of
royal alchemists, she has learned that alchemy comes at a price. She has lost
loved ones in her search for broader justice against the evil Empress and all
she wants now is to find some way to bring them back. Resurrection is her
specialty, after all.
In search of the myth of Penglai Island, where it’s rumored life can be fully restored, Zilan starts a new adventure. But when old threats come back to haunt her and the path to Penglai Island means facing down unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, alchemists, she wonders just how high of a price she may be willing to pay.
Review:
In "The Blood Orchid", Kylie Lee Baker picks up right where The Scarlet Alchemist left, it weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the dark side of alchemy and the true cost of playing with the fundamental forces of life and death. Zilan, a talented and determined royal alchemist, is driven by a personal tragedy that sets her on a perilous quest for resurrection and redemption.
As Zilan navigates the treacherous world of alchemy, she finds herself entangled in a web of old threats, new dangers, and unpredictable allies. Her search for Penglai Island, a fabled haven where life can be fully restored, becomes an all-consuming obsession that challenges her morals, her loyalties, and her very sense of self.
While reading book #1 all I could think about all day long was how Kylie was feeding my Full Metal Alchemist fangirl early teenage self. And then I got the book #2 e-arc on netgalley. As soon as I read the dedication, I screamed out of joy, lol. There was a lot of banter and family moments that made me giggle and kick my feet in the air, and then there was even more betrayal and angst in The Blood Orchid as compared to The Scarlet Alchemist. The duology was completely action packed and is now in my top 5 fantasy duologies. One of the many things that I loved about this book, is the different types of alchemists we got to see who have thrown their morals out in the trash for glory and power.
Kylie's world-building is exceptional, with a richly detailed environment that draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and culture. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Zilan being a particularly compelling protagonist. Her growth and development throughout the story are authentic and satisfying, making her an easy character to root for. The writing is lyrical and evocative, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world of wonder and magic. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of high tension and action expertly interspersed with quieter moments of introspection and character development. Each chapter is like as if it's ending with a cliff hanger, which keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. Every time the reader might start thinking, oh this is the biggest plot twist nothing will top this. And then wham bam yes ma'am, here comes another even bigger and better totally unexpected plot twist, right in your face.
As compared to the book itself the last chapter was lightly written, and the subtilty with which everything was described, oh my God it scratched an itch in my brain so good. "The Blood Orchid" is more than just a fantasy adventure – it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Baker raises important questions about the ethics of alchemy, the consequences of ambition, and the true cost of redemption. Through Zilan's story, we are reminded that even the most well-intentioned pursuits can come at a steep price, and that the line between good and evil is often blurred.
Comments
Post a Comment