A world with magic, which when used could either save you or get you killed, is rocked by a pervasive network of secrets, profit, and blackmail in Diamond City by Francesca Flores.

After being orphaned at a young age as a result of the kingdom's crusade against blood magic, Aina Solís had learned how to survive living on the streets. A chance meeting with a man when she was twelve took her off the streets and began her training to become a skilled assassin with a blade. When provided an opportunity for the most lucrative, yet dangerous, job of her career, Aina accepts, believing this will be her opportunity to finally establish herself apart from her savior boss, the Blood King. Hired to kill a wealthy industrialist, Aina plans her attack and executes, but later learns that her rare moment of kindness toward the target's brother will cost her far more than the pay she was promised. In trying to rectify the error that left her mark alive and put a target on her own back, Aina asks an important question of who wanted her mark dead, leading to a startling discovery of a conspiracy that could forever change her city.

Written in a manner that captures and maintains your attention, this story intricately weaves a variety of intense societal factors, including violence, drug addiction, and religious freedoms, as well as action-filled events together to form a cohesive whole around a morally and emotionally complex protagonist with trust issues. I appreciated how the topic of relationships, particularly those of a more romantic nature, were presented and handled throughout the narrative - it wasn't the primary focus but added some humanizing touches while realistically portraying these dynamics. Though the motivation driving Aina forward to be better than the Blood King was initially presented relatively well but trailed off in consistency and strength, making it seem like less of a driving force behind her otherwise purposeful actions.

Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

A street rat just a few years ago, Aina is now the right-hand Blade of the Blood King, the scariest crime boss in the city. Her dream is to head her own tradehouse, and her boss promises her that she'll finally be free to do it after completing just one last big job for him. Nothing can go wrong, right? Of course, when all does go wrong, Aina's dream, her current position, and even the entire existing order of the city of Kosin threatens to topple.

I found myself more engrossed in Aina's story and eager to see how it would end. You'll probably enjoy this if you're a fan of dark YA with strong but imperfect female protagonists but don’t require a huge romantic subplot component. I really liked that-- romance shouldn't have to be the driving force in enjoyable YA; there are many other important human relationships to explore.

Diamond City tackles some hard topics, which extends the story beyond what could initially feel like a bit of a formulaic structure of a hired killer gradually discovering her humanity. And I mean hard topics-- savage religious oppression, poverty, abusive relationships, drug use, what family means, and more. (Comparatively little is shown "on screen" but there is a fair amount of violence.). The best/worst part for me was definitely the relationship between Kohl and Aina-- it was complex, abusive, disturbing, and clearly the main relationship driver in Aina's life. I hope any potential future volumes tackle this more.

I didn't feel completely sold on two elements that are important to the plot:
-believing Aina's goal of being the equal or better of the Blood King and being able to look down on everyone else (""She would be the one everyone feared, the girl who made politicians, slavers, gang bosses, and mercenaries tremble."). It's established early and the major motivation for Aina for most of the book, and it just didn't ring true as a driving force. Maybe it's my exposure to the genre and knowing that this was going to change.
-Ryuu's capacity to believe and work with Aina. This was nearly saintly in nature. I think Aina, with her experiences, would be even more reluctant to work with and trust Ryuu. I really liked their connection but really wanted more support for it.

This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Right from the cover I knew this book was going to be a different story than any other book of this caliber. Diamond City tells the story of twelve-year-old Ania who is a slave under her boss Kohl who is recruited to become one of the most lethal assassins in all of Sumerand and with her first assignment gone wrong and the Kouta the victim escaping, she is determined to find Kouta with risking asking the question of who wants Kouta dead and why? This book is filled with suspense, thrill and excitement that will leave you at the edge of your seat with such a shocking twist that will leave you breathless.

We will consider adding this title to YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I feel like Diamond City started out strong with an amazing first chapter but then it started going downhill immediately proceeding it. I think it was trying too hard to be like Throne of Glass and Six of Crows. I've also seen it compared to some other books but those I two I have read personally and saw similarities from. I ended up skimming a lot to get to the end. I love morally grey characters and stories but this one just didn't work for me. I think others who love fantasy will probably enjoy.

***Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy.***

A phenomenal debut featuring a cutthroat heroine and a nail-biting conspiracy that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The writing flows like water and the characters are multilayered. I loved every bit of this gritty gem of a book!

This book was a lot better than i thought it would be. I thought the description looked interesting so i just decided what the heck i will try it. It was actually really good and kept my attention. I would recommend this book to anyone!