The Scarlet Alchemist is a fast paced, dark ya fantasy, that I would recommend over and over again. This book was beautifully written and I never found a dull moment or felt bored. I loved the take they had on alchemy it was very different then any other fantasy’s book I have read in the past that was about the subject. I love retellings and imaginings of past Chinese and Chinese customs and this book did not disappoint. I would reread this book that’s how much I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the tests and trials the main character went through to prove herself. She proved herself to her enemies and naysayers and also her self. The story was also gory which I was not expecting but it was a nice surprise I enjoyed very much.I also liked how the author brought in realism to the story like racism, classism and of course the infamous sexism. I also enjoyed the Cantonese and mandarin words that were sprinkled in throughout the story . I like seeing that in Chinese inspired novels. I loved this book it was interesting til the end and I highly recommend it to everyone.