Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation. An exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates that market it to the world’s elites in the form of sand, a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more.

Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor’s edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city―and the paths of their lives―will be irrevocably transformed.

The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates’ brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off across opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war.

Red City by Marie Lu is powerful and evocative. It is emotionally charged and scintillating, cutting through each character as they face off in a gang-like conflict using alchemy and transformation. And at every step of the way, the reader questions if either Ari or Sam will survive. If they do survive, will they do it with their souls intact?  

The language is lyrical but it is the relationship between Ari and Sam that haunted me, as at every turn, they are pulled back and forth between their loyalty to their syndicates and each other. It is heartbreaking, especially when truths are revealed and how much each has circled the other throughout their lives. The ending is compelling, with loose threads for each, leaving questions for a sequel. 

If you love powerful and evocative stories, novels with magic and gangs, this novel might be for you. It will break your heart a thousand fold but you will find yourself drowning in the emotional story. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 transformations. 

MacMillan Publishing

Marie Lu website