A Forbidden Alchemy (The Artisan Trilogy Book 1)

A slow-burn romantasy following Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, who are taken from their mining towns at age twelve to Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass the Artisan School's test become Artisans, wielders of elemental magic. Nina sees the school as an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick longs to return to his Craftsman family, whose physical strength powers the idium mines sustaining the city. When they uncover that Artisans are chosen rather than born, Nina and Patrick part ways, each carrying the secret alone. Years later, a Craftsman revolution erupts, dividing them into opposing factions. Nina, now an elite Artisan with rare earth-charming abilities, has withdrawn from the conflict, grieving her lost found family. Patrick's rebel group captures her, and he asks for her help with a mission that could turn the war against Belavere City. She reluctantly agrees, but when her first love reappears and asks her to betray Patrick for the Artisans' sake, Nina faces a choice with world-altering consequences.