Forbidden Alchemy – McEwan Stacey (2025)

Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson are only twelve when they are taken from their impoverished mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to be tested for magical abilities. Nina dreams of becoming an Artisan, a powerful elemental mage serving the city's grand ambitions, while Patrick only wants to return to his family of Craftsmen in the mines. Together, they uncover a devastating secret: Artisans are not born, but chosen. They part ways, with Patrick returning home and Nina becoming one of the rarest and most coveted types of Artisan. Years later, when a Craftsman revolution erupts, Nina is captured by Patrick's rebel group, and he needs her help with a mission that could turn the conflict against Belavere City. She reluctantly joins him while struggling with the sparks between them. When her first love reappears and asks her to betray Patrick for the Artisans, Nina must make an impossible choice that will determine the fate of their world. This slow-burn romantasy duology combines elemental magic, found family, political intrigue, class conflict, secrets, morally complex characters, love, loss and devastating betrayal.