Bestselling Author and BookTok Star Stacey McEwan to Publish New Romantasy Duology (Exclusive)

'A Forbidden Alchemy,' the first of McEwan’s new novels, is set to publish next year

Author Stacey McEwan Author Stacey McEwan
Stacey McEwan. Photo:

Courtesy of Stacey McEwan

Mark your calendars, romantasy fans — there is more from author Stacey McEwan coming your way.

Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced that they acquired the rights to the Australian TikToker’s two-book romantic fantasy series, PEOPLE can exclusively announce. The first novel, titled A Forbidden Alchemy, is expected to hit shelves next year.

A Forbidden Alchemy
is set in a world that is divided between the Artisans, who hold magic which allows them to control elements and matter, and the Craftsmen, known for their physical strength.

Nina and Patrick are childhood friends who are tested for their Artisan abilities when they’re young. During that test, however, the two uncover a harrowing secret about their society and its magic. When a Craftsmen revolution begins years later, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. Complications only ensure when Nina, an elite Artisan, is unexpectedly reunited with Patrick, who is now part of the rebellion. 

The duology, per a release shared with PEOPLE, combines the author’s love of period dramas, magic systems and World War I history.

THE GLACIAN TRILOGY (Ledge; Chasm; Valley) by Stacey McEwan THE GLACIAN TRILOGY (Ledge; Chasm; Valley) by Stacey McEwan
The covers of McEwan's 'Glacian Trilogy'.

Penguin Random House

“I wanted to write a story that evoked the romance of Bridgerton, the magic of Shadow and Bone, and the atmosphere of Peaky Blinders,” McEwan says.

The author currently has over 350,000 followers on TikTok, where she rose to prominence for her book reviews and short skits about the romantasy genre. She has also previously published the bestselling fantasy series The Glacian Trilogy, including novels Ledge (2022), Chasm (2023) and Valley, forthcoming in September 2024.

Editor Amara Hoshijo says that the McEwan’s latest book “fulfills every promise of a fated—or perhaps ill-fated—first love, class divides and the sacrifices we make in the name of progress.”

“We are absolutely thrilled for Stacey’s new duology to make a big splash in the romantasy scene where she’s built her community,” Hoshijo adds.

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A Forbidden Alchemy
is set to publish in fall 2025.

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