Alchemised: Breathe Through the Story
Dreamin’ Review written by CDT teletherapist, Jamie Fiorucci, LMSW, CCATP
I recently finished Alchemised by SenLinYu, and if I could reach beyond the dictionary for the right word, I’d simply say: “Woofta.” What a weight to carry through a story.
Before diving into the book itself, I want to share a bit about how I find my next read, or listen. I’m someone who loves to wander. Airports, bookstores, libraries, these are my treasure grounds. I like to browse the shelves slowly, taking in what’s current, what’s trending, what’s sitting quietly waiting to be discovered. Yes, I absolutely judge a book by its cover. The style, the title, the artwork, they all have to resonate. I give myself time in that space, letting my intuition guide me, almost like a quiet inner signal nudging me toward something meant just for me.
That’s exactly how I found Alchemised at Read My Lips Bookstore in Marquette, MI. It was placed lovingly on the top shelf, right in the center of the new releases section. It felt intentional, like it wanted to be seen. And it worked.
The cover stopped me. Dark, gothic, layered with cobwebs and shadow. A grand mansion with lights glowing from within. And there, a woman in a striking red dress, small against the vast, looming darkness. That contrast pulled me in immediately. Alchemy and fantasy fiction are very much my thing, so I thought, this looks very interesting indeed.
Still, I hesitated. I could sense the heaviness, the dark fantasy, the gothic tones, the promise of romance intertwined with difficult, weighty themes. I wondered if I was ready for that kind of journey.
Instead of reading it traditionally, I chose the audiobook. Thirty-six hours of it.
What followed was an intense experience: warring factions, complicated relationships, destruction, corruption, devastation. And yet, just like the cover hinted, there were fragments of light scattered throughout. Small, powerful moments the author offered like breath between storms. I found myself clinging to those moments. Drawing strength from them.
The darkness required endurance. The light required presence.
Fiction often mirrors our world, past and present. The age-old tension between good and evil continues to surface, both in stories and in reality. And as I listened, I couldn’t help but reflect on how closely this narrative echoed the uncertainty and conflict we see in today’s world. The question remains the same: what is right, what is wrong, and who decides?
In times like these, seeking light isn’t just comforting, it feels necessary. For our minds, our bodies, our nervous systems.
One of the main characters, Helena, is often reminded of something simple yet profound: breathe.
That message stayed with me.
To move through conflict, whether internal or external, we must learn to regulate ourselves. Breath is the foundation of that. It is life itself.
One of the techniques I often share in yoga and with therapy clients is circular breathing. It’s simple, grounding, and powerful.
Using your dominant hand, imagine a line running from the base of your pelvis to the tip of your chin. Place your hand at the base of your pelvis and slowly guide it upward as you inhale deeply. Let the breath rise with your hand. Then, as you exhale, move your hand outward in a circular motion, bringing it back down to the base of your pelvis.
Inhale again. Repeat the circle.
This visualization helps deepen the breath and encourages a full release on the exhale. You can purse your lips like you’re gently deflating a balloon to control the out-breath, or simply open your mouth and sigh it out with a soft “haaaa.” There’s no single right way, only what feels right for you.
Breathing, like reading, is an experience. It asks you to be present.
Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you.
And if you’ve never been to Read My Lips Bookstore, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a new read, or even a new experience, try this: wander. Pause. Listen. Engage your senses. Let something find you.
(For the record, I did purchase a different book that day, I just chose to experience Alchemised through listening instead.)
To all the readers and dreamers, thank you for your time.
In this moment, breathing together,
Jamie 🖤🕯️🖤
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice. Reading this blog does not create a therapist–client relationship with Caught Dreamin’ Therapy or any of its providers.
If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please contact a licensed professional in your area. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. In Michigan, you can also reach the 24/7 Crisis & Access Line at 988.