Alchemised by SenLinYu

My first official DNF. I couldn't get into it. And I really tried. I renew it through Libby twice, and I managed to get about 700 pages in (the Libby version, that's essentially halfway through). I was lost. There was WAAAYYY too much backstory for this, I was still unsure if the whole premise and plot of the book. I gave it my best effort, but I can honestly say I truly did not like it and I really felt like I wasted my time.

#didnotfinish #dnf #bookgirly

4/11 Edited to

... Read moreAs someone who tried really hard to get into 'Alchemised,' I've been thinking a lot about why it didn't click for me, especially when so many others seem to love its unique vibe. When I first saw the cover – that shadowy castle, the ornate gate, and the small figure in a red cloak – I was immediately drawn to its dark, gothic aesthetic. It really promised a deep fantasy or mystery genre experience. And that's often what I look for! Many people search for 'Alchemised aesthetic' or 'SenLinYu dark fantasy aesthetic,' and I totally get why. The concept of the book, from what I gathered, certainly delivers on that eerie, atmospheric feel. But sometimes, even the most captivating visuals can't carry a story if the narrative itself doesn't resonate. For me, the 'resonance alchemised' was lost amidst what felt like an endless amount of backstory. I kept asking myself, 'Is this a young adult (YA) fantasy, or something more mature?' The 'alchemised age rating' is a question I think many readers might have, especially with its complex world-building. Trying to figure out if 'is alchemised ya' is tricky when the plot is so dense. I often check 'alchemised goodreads' reviews, and it’s fascinating to see the split. Some readers absolutely adore the intricate world and character developments, even mentioning specific elements or characters like 'hevgoss in alchemised' as a highlight. Others, like me, found it a challenge to navigate. It just goes to show how subjective reading can be. While I respect SenLinYu's ambition, I personally found the pacing and the sheer volume of information overwhelming. I was constantly trying to piece together the world instead of immersing myself in the characters' journeys. I even looked for 'alchemised review nyt' hoping for more clarity, but ultimately, my personal experience led me to my DNF decision. Perhaps if I had more time to dedicate purely to understanding every nuance, or if I hadn't been reading it through Libby with renewal limits, my experience might have been different. But for those wondering if 'Alchemised' is for them, especially if you prefer a more straightforward plot or struggle with extensive flashbacks and world-building dumps, my advice would be to approach it with caution. While its eerie aesthetic is undeniable and truly captivating, make sure you're ready for a deep dive into a very intricate narrative. It's truly a shame when a book with such a promising dark fantasy aesthetic doesn't quite click, but sometimes, a DNF is just what you need to make space for reads that truly 'resonate' with you.