i do wonder how kaine felt re his hair and eyes turning silver. he already is consumed by self loathing and clearly sees himself as some sort of unlovable freak as a result of bennet’s experiments in addition to his abrasive personality (which no doubt is a result of childhood and war trauma) as well as his powers as a vivimancer and animancer (tho i think he’s accepted this part of himself mostly until after the war when he has to use them on helena), it does make me wonder if he’s accepted his new appearance or if that just adds to his general feeling of alienation.
So I've read Alchemised (without knowing it was Manacled, yes I live under a rock).
My thoughts (spoilers ahead):
- hate the Eternal Flame, the religious extremism got so bad at some points, I thought I would rather join the Necromancers. But I do get that it's the "lesser evil" and it's great that it's nuanced so much that the "good guys" are not inherently perfect and sooooo flawless, I think that makes it good writing, to find nuance and make you think about the greys between black and white
- I really thought one of them - either Helena or Kaine is going to die, great stress, great work at keeping me up on my feet, not knowing what happens and thinking how it will go wrong this time. I was SO SURE one of them will die, I was a little disappointed when they both survived (yes, there's something wrong with me, I know)
- the first part was really difficult to read, still can't understand why. I didn't feel drawn to the characters, didn't really want to follow the story and thought I might give up, but then the second part arrived AND I WAS HOOKED. The second part was the most interesting part for me, I would have been happy just with that second part and nothing else. I guess I just like when there's a lot of unknowing for the future, but I guess I just don't feel for epilogues where everything is nicely tied off and sent away, I like when books leave some mystery and wondering what the future might hold.
- the child Enid - I feel like it has a potential for part 2, not that it needs it, but I feel like she's a bomb waiting to blow and it might be interesting to see. I know we all want happy ever after and the New Paladia to be good and great but we know that doesn't usually work so it would be interesting to see how it would break this time and I think Enid would be key here. Maybe she turns evil? Who knows.
I might add some more thoughts to this, but overall I liked it, I give it 4/5. It has a reread possibility, and cool mechanics, would be interesting to see additional pieces from this world. I think this has a lot of potential, but not sure if a new magic craze is needed.
Totally underrated: but I love the scene where Kaine takes Helena to meet Amaris; it’s another moment where we get a glimpse of who he really is, plus it’s a completely adorable scene to read.
☀️🗡 "Lila had been considered a once-in-a-lifetime talent as a combat alchemist. She'd joined the crusades of the Eternal Flame at fifteen, travelling the continent, investigating rumours of necromancy. Her life had revolved around becoming a paladin and serving the Principate. People used to call Lila the embodiment of Lumithia, the warrior goddess of alchemy." 🗡☀️
Lila Bayard from Alchemised written by @senlinyu @senlinyuwrites
