Harry Potter has inspired numerous fan fictions, including one that has now become its own book and has captivated many readers. Although the novel was only recently published, a movie is already in the works.
What book is it about? On September 23, 2025, the novel “Alchemised” by a U.S. author who goes by the name SenLinYu was released. The book attracted a lot of attention even before its publication, partly because it has roots in the Harry Potter universe.
Initially, the story was a fan fiction that narrated the love between Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. As is often the case in such tales, the relationship was forbidden and the story correspondingly dark. J.K. Rowling herself wrote a romance that she now regrets.
“Alchemised” has diverged significantly from Harry Potter in its final form and now features original characters. However, the story remains dark and oppressive.
From Hermione to Helena
What is the book about? The novel is set in a bleak world that has undergone a war. Helena Marino was part of the resistance but was captured. She eventually meets Kaine Ferron, who takes her to his estate and confines her there. The reason: He wants to penetrate Helena’s mind, thanks to “alchemical violence,” as stated in the blurb from the German publisher Ullstein.
The young woman hides even more secrets concerning the resistance. Gradually, she begins to question her role during the war as she slowly approaches Kaine. This leads to a “dark fantasy with an epic love story”.
How is the book received? When asked about the readership, the idea and the finished novel have found some favor. On Goodreads, over 30,000 users rate it with 4.61 out of 5 stars. User Angie summarizes her opinion as follows:
“Heart-wrenching. Devastating. Shocking. This macabre story will break your heart, rip it from your chest, and haunt you long after the last page. Prepare to be destroyed.”
What sounds dramatic is also reflected in other reviews from enthusiastic readers. It is often emphasized how harsh the story is. In the review by 3DJuegos, it is highlighted that the book can be very brutal at times, especially in its depiction of Helena’s suffering.
In contrast to many other criticisms, however, 3DJuegos notes that this brutality becomes exhausting over time – as bloody scenes repeat and are therefore repetitive. The book induces actual torment in the reader, daring to do things that even George R.R. Martin did not write in Game of Thrones. This perhaps includes the infamous Red Wedding.
The story of “Alchemised” is overall well-constructed, particularly the second half of the 1,232 (!) pages is noted to be better.
What’s next for the book? Even before its release, the novel was highly anticipated by many fans. But Hollywood was also looking forward to the release. Legendary bought the film rights even before the book was published for approximately 2.5 million euros. On one hand, that’s a hefty price, but on the other hand, it’s unusual for film rights to be acquired before a book even hits the shelves.
When we can expect to see the film adaptation in theaters is still uncertain. However, it will likely take some time, as production is probably still at the very beginning. What do you think about it? Have you read “Alchemised”? Feel free to let us know in the comments. Dark Romance is a genre that continues to thrive: Young people are reading more again, but experts criticize Gen Z’s choice of books
