On September 23, 2025, the literary world witnessed the release of Alchemised, a dark fantasy novel by nonbinary author SenLinYu. This debut work marks a significant evolution from their previous fanfiction, Manacled, which gained viral popularity on Archive of Our Own and BookTok. Alchemised reimagines the original narrative into a unique story set in a world of necromancy and alchemy, distancing itself from its fanfiction origins.
What is Alchemised about?
Alchemised follows Helena Marino, a healer with lost memories, as she navigates a war-torn world dominated by necromancy and alchemy. Captured by Kaine, a powerful figure seeking to uncover her past, Helena’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery. The novel delves into themes of identity, power, and the consequences of war, offering readers a rich and immersive experience.
What Age Group is Alchemised Appropriate For?
Alchemised is recommended for mature teen and adult readers, typically ages 16 and up. The novel contains dark fantasy themes, intense emotional content, and depictions of violence that may not be suitable for younger readers. Parents and educators should consider the themes before recommending it to younger audiences.
What is the “Spice Level” of Alchemised?
The novel features romantic and intimate elements that are considered moderate to high in terms of “spice level.” While it does include romance and some explicit scenes, these are woven into the plot and character development rather than being the sole focus. Readers should expect mature content that complements the dark fantasy narrative.
Trigger Warnings for Alchemised
Alchemised contains several intense and potentially triggering themes. Readers should be aware that the novel includes depictions of violence, war, death, trauma, kidnapping, and dark magic. Additionally, there are mature romantic and sexual scenes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Including a trigger warning helps readers make an informed choice and prepares them for the emotional intensity of SenLinYu’s dark fantasy narrative.
Is Alchemised a Harry Potter Story?
Despite its origins as the fanfiction Manacled, which was set in the Harry Potter universe, Alchemised by SenLinYu is not a Harry Potter book. The novel has been fully reimagined into an original dark fantasy story, with new characters, settings, and plotlines that distance it from the wizarding world. While it retains some thematic echoes of the fanfiction—such as complex relationships and power dynamics—it no longer uses Harry Potter characters or locations, standing instead as its own independent story about necromancy, alchemy, and memory in a war-torn world.
From Fanfiction to Published Novel
Fanfiction (Fanfic) FAQ
What is fanfiction?
Fanfiction, often shortened to fanfic, is a type of story written by fans that uses characters, settings, or worlds from an existing work of fiction. These stories are typically created for enjoyment, exploration of “what-if” scenarios, or to continue stories beyond the original material.
Is fanfiction official?
No, fanfiction is not official. It’s created by fans, not by the original authors or copyright holders. It exists outside the commercial or canonical storylines of the original work.Where can I read fanfiction?
There are many online platforms dedicated to fanfiction, including:- Archive of Our Own (AO3) – A nonprofit, fan-run archive.
- FanFiction.net – One of the oldest and largest fanfiction sites.
- Wattpad – A platform for fanfiction as well as original stories. Many stories are also shared in fandom communities on Reddit, Tumblr, or Discord.
Can I write fanfiction?
Absolutely! Anyone can write fanfiction. Most fanfiction communities welcome new writers and provide support and feedback. Many stories start as small experiments and can grow into extensive series.Is fanfiction legal?
Fanfiction exists in a gray area legally. Generally, non-commercial fanfiction is tolerated by authors and publishers, but selling fanfiction without permission can violate copyright laws. Some creators explicitly allow or even encourage fanfiction; others do not.Can I Still Read Manacled?
For readers curious about SenLinYu’s original fanfiction, Manacled, it’s important to note that the story was removed from Archive of Our Own in 2025 to make way for the officially published Alchemised. This means the full original text is no longer legally available online. Some fans may have saved excerpts or shared summaries in forums, but these are unofficial and incomplete. For those who want the story, the best way to experience it now is through Alchemised, which adapts the core narrative into a fully independent novel while retaining the emotional depth and key themes of the original fanfiction.
A Cinematic Future for Alchemised
Where to Find Alchemised
Alchemised is now available in hardcover, e-book, and audiobook formats. Readers can purchase the novel through various retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
Are There Any Special Editions of Alchemised?
Yes! Alchemised is available in multiple formats to suit different reading preferences. Readers can choose the standard hardcover, e-book, or audiobook versions, each offering a complete experience of SenLinYu’s dark fantasy world. While there are currently no limited collector’s editions widely available, some retailers and online platforms occasionally offer signed copies or exclusive bundles, so fans should keep an eye out for special promotions if they want something extra unique.
Sources
SenLinYu. “Alchemised.” Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/alchemised-senlinyu-manacled-rewrite-plot-release-date-details-2025-4.
Them.us. “Harry Potter Fanfiction by Nonbinary Author SenLinYu Turns Into 7-Figure Movie Deal.” https://www.them.us/story/alchemised-harry-potter-fanfiction-senlinyu-movie-deal.
Official Alchemised website. https://alchemisedbook.com.
