Alchemised update! DNF or keep going?
Hiiiii! For those of you who have read Alchemised, please tell me your thoughts on this book. I’ve already spent over four days reading this brick of a book, I’m on page 567 out of like a 1000 pgs (omg!!) and I keep waiting for the moment for me to become hooked and it has yet to happen! (don’t come after me)😳😬😬😬 what should I do? I honestly feel very confused, I don’t get the plot, and it’s sooo longggg! I feel like I’m dragging my way through this. I’ve been going back and forth between the physical book and the audiobook.
It sucks because I reeeaaally wanted to like this one and really thought that I would like it but I’m not exactly the biggest fantasy reader either, not to mention, dark fantasy, so perhaps this book was always going to be a lost cause for me.
Let me know your thoughts! I so badly want to power through and reach the end, but is it even worth it?
If the ending is crazy, I may easily be influenced to keep going😬🫢
Reading a massive dark fantasy like Alchemised can definitely be daunting, especially when you’re more accustomed to other genres. I’ve been in the same boat—juggling between the physical book and audiobook, hoping the story clicks at some point. Sometimes, pacing and complexity in dark fantasy can make early sections feel slow or confusing. One thing that helped me was breaking down the reading into smaller, manageable chunks instead of pushing through long sessions. It allowed me to absorb the dense plot points better and reduced the feeling of dragging through the pages. Also, engaging with other readers is invaluable. Forums, book groups, or social media threads can provide different perspectives that might clarify confusing plot elements. Many readers mentioned that while Alchemised’s world-building and character depth take time to build up, the payoff toward the ending is often intense and rewarding. If you’re not already, trying an audiobook can sometimes vividly bring the story to life, especially with skilled narrators. But if that’s also not enough to keep you hooked, it’s okay to consider DNFing. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore, and it’s perfectly valid to move on to something better suited to your tastes. Lastly, if you do decide to power through, keep an eye out for key turning points or plot reveals—which often appear past the halfway mark—that might make it all worthwhile. If the ending is as crazy and impactful as some readers have suggested, it could justify the slog. Either way, trust your reading instincts and enjoy your journey with Alchemised however it feels right.