Alchemy of Souls

Season 1 (10/10): The first season is a really good season, probably the best historical/fanatasy drama I have ever seen. The storyline is just really unique and pulls you in fairly quickly. The balance between comedy, romance and action is just perfect. The characters are all really charismatic and interesting. You get to see many different stories develop through the characters and you grow to love most of them. My favorite thing about this series are the visuals. The whole series is just like eye-candy. I could honestly watch this series just because of the visually pleasing scenes. The graphics are amazing as well. And the soundtrack really just pulls it all together.

Season 2 (7.5/10): The second season continued with the great visuals, but something just felt a little off compared to the first season. The first episode in this season was a great starter, but episodes 2-7 weren't honestly that interesting. I feel like the story only started to take off in episodes 8-10. Don't get me wrong, the second season was still decent, but it just didn't live up to the same standard as the first one.

I watch parts 1 and 2 back to back. Like many, I was disappointed by the last two episodes of part one. That was simply because I wanted a happy story resolution. The writers could easily have done that but logically expanded the story to its next logical step. If I had to wait a season between parts, I would have been devastated. Fortunately I didn't have to do that, going straight to the second part. I was tremendously rewarded.

In total, there's 30 episodes, each running up to an hour and a half. That is a massive amount of story!!!

I'll keep it short. This series, even when viewed as a dub, is one of the best, if not the best (depending on the day) televised programs that I have ever been privileged to watch. The writing was incredibly well done. The world building was intricately developed. The acting was top notch. The production and music was excellent.

I can't recommend this more highly. Absolutely superb.

Squid Game, Tomorrow, Kingdom, Uncanny Counter, Sweet Home, All Of Us Are Dead, Hellbound, Arthdal Chronicles, Hotel del Luna, Yumi's Cells..

And the list goes on...

I am an avid kdrama fan and I love to watch the evolution Korean tv shows is having. They keep pushing their limits and they are giving us truly amazing jewels with the fictional dramas.

Im very used to historical dramas ( Sageuk) and I thought Alchemy of souls would be similar but with a touch of magic added to the mix ( something like Lovers of the Red Sky) but how wrong I was!

This is a completely new magical universe creating new order of things and a world of fantasy ( although somehow women still were the prostitutes/gisaengs here, and all the students and soldiers were male but I won't complain a lot)

I deeply enjoyed how well written the characters are, the layers and depth of each is just outstanding, needing to mention specially the crown prince (Shin Seung-ho ) whose constant internal struggle is just amazing to watch, he seemed the typical villain who is only mean and stubborn and is but was such a big surprise to getting to know him and seeing how he is so much more! I can't wait what comes next in the 2nd season.

Why you should watch it? This has no clichés and no predictable events, a very original script ( even the love confessions aren't typical here!), fantastic photography, special effects, costumes, fight choreography... and it has a lot of funny moments! This drama has so many genres you won't be able to get bored!

The music is good mixing some korean typical songs with some familiar elements that will remind you to Harry Potter and even Game of Thrones.

Chemistry of the main characters is great ( all the couples in general) And there's is only one dead fish kiss! Only one!! ( kdrama enthusiasts will understand what i mean)

Go and watch it if you haven't and start the countdown for December and the 2nd season!!

This review is based on the first 8 episodes as of now. I really hope it continues this way till the very end.

It is a fantasy world that will feel utterly real to you. The plot , storyline, characters, direction, comedic timing, visuals , costumes, CGI , acting .. everything is just perfect.

The only other fantasy story I loved this much was Harry Potter. The two are totally different in terms of story but they both are phenomenal works of art.

The plot and character growth is absolutely brilliant. There has been a lot of thought put into every character. You'll find yourself caring for all the supporting characters as well.

The male lead is charming, bold, funny and somewhat adorably childish at times. I also love his costumes. You'll find him dressed in magnificent shades of blue that are a treat to the eyes. I find myself constantly admiring the costumes and hair styles of the two leads.

I love shows with a strong female characters and this one does not disappoint. The female lead can hold her own in the show. She is smart, pursues what she wants with a reckless boldness and is utterly refreshing to watch. I don't think anyone else could have done a better job than Jung So Min.

Another thing I love about this show is how beautifully and effortlessly it changes from serious to funny within the blink of an eye. The background music and sound effects are perfect. I find myself laughing out loud in many places.

All supporting characters are amazing too.

The action and CGI is equally good. It keeps you on edge. One day I was literally banging on the table in front of me.. I was so excited ;)

It is a series I can rewatch multiple times because it is so entertaining.

If you haven't started this one yet, do yourself a favor- watch it.

You won't regret!

Oh this series, I am in love with this. After long long time a Kdrama to get me hooked.

The best thing of this show is How interesting the character of Lee Jae - Wook's is. I mean you expect typical historical/ Joeson character but no, he is completely different with great comic timing and seriousness when its needed.

His flirting scenes with Mu Deok is so subtle.

One more thing to add here, apart from the good CGI and different story, is that unlike every other historical show there is no rush to make lead couple fall in love immediately. Its new take on historical show. They hate, they curse, they fight, there are moments between them. I like it.

Last but not the least, the female lead - Jung So Min's character is very strongly built and it is not getting faded in the course of romance. Loving it.

A little spoiler which is not spoiler at all - It is very funny to watch that everytime she wants to help him she puts both of them in danger.