Even from the prologue, "The Scarlet Alchemist" by Kylie Lee Baker draws you into a mystery that needs to be answered. Needing to make ends meet, Zilan isften forced to go against her own wishes to make a living and support her family as she pursues her goal of becoming a court alchemist who could easily support her family. However, she is not a pushover and stands up for herself despite having to use her alchemy in less than pleasant ways. An interesting contradiction that I look forward to seeing as she continues on her journey as an alchemist. Though first she has to deal with taxes first with her cousins. Besides, what could go wrong when you practice with life alchemy that is punishable by death?