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Alchemised

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Alchemised

By: SenLinYu
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

***The record-breaking debut and instant Sunday Times Bestseller***


In a world ruled by necromancers, a woman with missing memories threatens the dark order that keeps her captive - and the man sent to break her. Gothic in tone, epic in scope - this debut is destined to become a modern classic.

Once a promising alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner – of war and of her own fractured mind. The Resistance is crushed, her allies dead, her abilities suppressed.

The world she knew is gone.

Paladia’s corrupt guild families and their necromancer overlords, aided by vile undead creatures now rule - and hold Helena captive.

Resistance records claim she was a healer of little importance. Yet, Helena’s inexplicable memory loss makes her enemies wonder: Is she truly insignificant, or do her missing memories conceal the Resistance’s final secret?

To uncover the truth, Helena is delivered into the hands of the High Reeve – Paladia’s most feared and merciless necromancer.

Trapped on his crumbling estate, she must fight to protect what remains of herself and unearth the secrets buried in her mind, her prison, and her captor . . . whatever the cost.

‘A work of quite staggering ambition. Detailed world-building, intricate plot, Gothic claustrophobia, wraps the readers in its dark embrace’ Daily Mail

‘A superb dark fantasy novel set in a war torn world of black magic and alchemy’ Sun

© Forest Rain Inc 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Action & Adventure Best of 2025 Dark Fantasy Editors Select Epic Fantasy Magic Emotionally Gripping Scary Necromancy War Magic Users

Critic reviews

A work of quite staggering ambition. Detailed world-building, intricate plot, Gothic claustrophobia, wraps the readers in its dark embrace
Very readable
A superb dark fantasy novel set in a war torn world of black magic and alchemy
All stars
Most relevant
I knew nothing about this author or the origins of the book but was swayed by all the 5* reviews and the 'instant best seller' tag line. I've tried, but it's impossible to follow this book, I think the only people who are rating this 5 stars must be obsessives of the original fanfic (which I've since read about). It's not well written, the world is confusing and to be honest I can't see the draw. Give it a miss if you are coming to it brand new like I did.

Emperor's new clothes

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Loved it and the story. How the writers has captured grief, loneliness and how the society, leaders and “friends" treated her before and after is beyond my words. Thank you for the beautiful work.

The feeling I am sated with I sad but also so happy for the ending.

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Love this book, it is as good as Manacled. Love the magic system, it is quite unique. ❤

As good as Manacled!

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my first book i read that has no movie yet, i enjoyed my time with it, but first part was too long with unnecessary repetitive details. second is sooo good and strong with imagination, science fiction, and alchemy. strong female lead. her flaws are human not stupid for the sake of the plot.
the story can be seen as influenced by actual real events of historical wars.

long pasted, could have been shorter to give stronger impact. but overall, enjoyed it.

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Alchemised isn’t just a book , it’s a new religion and SenLin you are such a goddess for putting together such a masterpiece! Excruciatingly and painfully beautiful. 10/10

Alchemised -a new religion

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