We love a good duology ender. The Blood Orchid takes everything I loved from The Scarlet Alchemist and only continues these threads. It’s a thrilling conclusion with a great ending. Keep reading this book review of The Blood Orchid for my full thoughts.
Summary
Since Zilan entered the world of royal alchemists, she has learned that alchemy comes at a price. She has lost loved ones in her search for broader justice against the evil Empress and all she wants now is to find some way to bring them back. Resurrection is her specialty, after all.
In search of the myth of Penglai Island, where it’s rumored life can be fully restored, Zilan starts a new adventure. But when old threats come back to haunt her and the path to Penglai Island means facing down unpredictable, sometimes dangerous, alchemists, she wonders just how high of a price she may be willing to pay.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Blood Orchid reels from the consequences of The Scarlet Alchemist. Reeling from her discovery, and the bloodshed at the end, Zilan is trying to figure out her next move. What follows is a twisty story about figuring out what powers we have, and should have. Zilan has made so many sacrifices. She’s kept giving up the things she love and being forced to recoup her losses. In The Blood Orchid Zilan’s story explores destiny and power. It explores unlikely alliances, revenge and retribution, and the power of love.
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In a world so quick to villainize us, to use us as weapons, what mark will we leave on the world? What will we do with the power we have? We always think we have given all we have, only to find out we haven’t scratched the surface. In The Blood Orchid it’s a legacy made of blood. The ending made me gasp in the best way! This duology is easily one of my favorite YA fantasy duologies! We love the chaotic sibling energy!
Find The Blood Orchid on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.