I think the most notable thing about Red City for me wasn’t the fantasy aspect (surprisingly), or the romance, but actually the mother daughter relationship and the vengeance Sam sought for that. It very much reminded me of the stories I used to read between mother’s and daughter’s by Amy Tan who was pretty much one of my favorite authors growing up.

My heart absolutely broke during some of their interactions and it for sure has to do with being a 1st gen. Not that my relationship with my parents is that way entirely but in some aspects it is?

Anyways, it was an honor to read and I’m invested enough to continue the series to see where the story goes because honestly this wrapped up in a way I wasn’t expecting.

I loved this book! The characters were all interesting. They each had a backstory that made them more complicated. I also loved the writing style. The story did start out a little slow but I liked that we get to see the early friendship of the main characters.

Look, I love Legend and consider it one of my favorite reads of all time, but depending on what direction this series takes, I might have a new favorite Marie Lu book...

Red City is Marie Lu's debut into the adult fantasy world, and it exceeded my already super high expectations. I saw some comparisons to Babel, but I think it reminded me more of a mix between Blood Over Bright Haven and These Violent Delights, and I loved every second of it. It's dark, it's bloody, it's addictive, and I'm already adding it to my list of auto-buy series. I loved the worldbuilding involving alchemy and how many creative (and horrific) ways it can be used. Bioalchemy was especially interesting to me; the idea of using alchemy to manipulate the chemicals of people's bodies, like dopamine, to evoke specific responses was such a cool concept. Also, sand as a drug, enhancing a person's nature, and the parallels between its effect on Ari and Sam? Super intriguing. I also really liked the attribution system, and I can't wait to see if it has more symbolism in the future.

Ari and Sam are childhood friends, but they're drawn apart as they gain the attention of the largest rival syndicates in the world of alchemy. Both Lumines and Grand Central thrive on the production of sand, a drug created from the philosopher's soul that enhances a person's natural abilities, and they demand full loyalty of all of their alchemists...now including Ari and Sam. I can't say much else without revealing spoilers, but the plot is very focused on the rivalry and warfare between Lumines and Grand Central. It takes a very dark turn around the halfway mark, which is where a lot of the gritty crime aspects of the plot come from. Similarly, it's a bit slow starting off, but the last 30% or so is fast-paced and so suspenseful that I didn't want to put the book down, even for a minute. Also, the angst? It's been a while since I read Legend, and so I forgot how angsty Marie Lu can be...but dang. This book hurt. I know future books will only hurt more. This book may have a relatively satisfying ending, but I know the next ones won't. I am not prepared.

The characters are all incredibly complex, and I may or may not have gotten way too invested in some of their arcs. Sam is probably one of my favorite morally grey FMCs; her ambition is both realistic and relatable, and her backstory makes it even more impactful. Her devotion to alchemy was so fun to see, and I just really enjoyed seeing her inner conflict with her role in the syndicate and the tasks she was assigned. I loved Ari, too, and although he felt like a bit less of a focus than Sam (but only slightly), I'm super excited to see how his arc progresses in the next book. He's sensitive, but just as morally complex as Sam, and his power was probably my favorite. Their relationship did feel a bit underdeveloped at times, which is why I'm even more excited for book two, but there was so much angst involved, too, and I was hooked from the beginning. Will, on the other hand, I hated. Yes, some of it was because I wanted Sam and Ari to end up together, but also, I just hated how manipulative he was, and now I despise him with every ounce of my being. I wasn't an Isla fan for the same reason, but I hated her a bit less because she felt slightly less toxic. The dynamics between the syndicate crime lords were super fun to read about as well, and I can't wait to see where the next book goes.

Red City is one of my new favorite Marie Lu books, perfect for fans of dark urban fantasy, complex characters with angsty dynamics, and super unique worldbuilding. I will be thinking about this for at least the next week. I am not okay.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!

4.75/5

Beautiful, gritty, dark, and fast-paced. The descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I could imagine everything in my head and I have aphantasia. The worldbuilding is well done with just enough information being fed to us at a time, sometimes in the epigraphs. I agree with some other reviewers that the characters interactions between Sam and Ari could have been focused on a bit more to make their special bond more convincing. But its a very plot-driven book with lots of focus on the rival alchemy syndicates, and the things they'll do to maintain power, increase power and destroy the other syndicates. Overall a great read that broke me out of a four year reading slump. Go Marie Lu!

I am devastated that I will never get to experience reading this book for the first time ever again. I love Marie Lu so much. I first read her Legend series in high school and her other YA books during and after college. It feels full circle that I got to read her adult debut in my mid twenties 🫶🏽

We are first introduced to our two main characters Ari and Sam, who meet each other as children and slowly become friends as the years go by. Then, we’re introduced to the world of alchemy when Ari and Sam are pulled into rival alchemy syndicates (which is not known to the other). They fall out of touch after high school then find themselves reunited on the opposite sides of the war brewing between their syndicates.

In typical Marie Lu fashion, this story is absolutely addictive. While it does have a slow start to set up the world, that was absolutely the smart choice to do in order to move the story forward. The book becomes incredibly fast paced, and the worldbuilding and politics are absolutely fascinating. I loved Ari. I loved Sam. I loved the plot twists. Beautiful writing. Also…. The spicy scenes??? Did NOT see those coming 😮‍💨 I NEED the second book, and this one’s not even out! 😩😫 thank you to Netgalley and TOR publishing for this eARC! Am so incredibly grateful to have received an arc of one of my most anticipated releases of the year by one of my favorite authors ❤️

⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️ The era of alchemy books is officially flooding into fantasy, and I am so here for it.

Red City is like if you threw Romeo and Juliet into the anime world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Brotherhood edition only, obviously) — with an urban twist and a longer timeline for the romance to simmer.

And I ate it up - I literally binged this book in under 24 hours.

Tropes/Vibes

✨ childhood friends to almost lovers to enemies to ??
✨ alchemy-based magic with unique subspecialties
✨ mafia-esque crime syndicates
✨ enhancement alchemy drugs
✨ immigrant/first-gen rep
✨ gritty urban setting (alternate, grungy Los Angeles)
✨ slow burn / some spice with non-MCs

This was such a fascinating, utterly unique story concept, with the incredible writing to match. The alchemy-based magic system was so well fleshed out and genuinely fun to learn about, especially when paired with the dark, violent, mafia-like world we’re dropped into.

Sam and Ari continuously broke my heart, both separately and together. They are such heartbreakingly real representations of grieving your family and culture when leaving your homeland, and they highlight the sacrifices and struggles so many immigrants and first-gen families face. It was beautiful and gut-wrenching.

I’ve seen some readers say the beginning is slow, but I honestly loved the early development and the growing friendship between Sam and Ari. Contrary to that, though, when we got to the romantic reveals in their adult timeline, it felt a bit rushed to me. I wanted more time to feel that friends-to-lovers shift. But the way they’re forced to hurt each other, to survive or protect what’s left — it was deliciously agonizing. I actually wish that conflict had lasted longer before they turned their focus toward the bigger villains.

The final 30% had its ups and downs for me — my jaw was on the floor at times, but other reveals (including the romance) did feel a little predictable or rushed in spots. That said, the cliffhangers left me so hyped for what’s next. I already know I’ll be first in line for the sequel.

Honestly, I’m almost mad I read this as an ARC because now I’m going to be on edge waiting for any news about the next books. Consider me hooked on this author and series — and yes, I’ll definitely be checking out Marie Lu’s YA books now too, because the storytelling and writing here were chef’s kiss.

If you want yearning, unique magic, brutal sacrifices, mafia families, and a love that’s trying to defy it all, pick up Red City.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Tor Books for the e-ARC!

I have not read The Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but I've done many book talks on it with students. When I saw this book was coming (thank you NetGalley) I requested and received it. I liked the premise behind the story and I can see why kids are very enticed by Jackson and her storytelling. Jet's story was complex and twisted up in a lot of details, but it was well written and explored. I liked how Jet wasn't dead, but was going to be dead, and still had the wherewithal to seek out her murderer. It's a unique story that had lots of twists and turns. I didn't see the whole story come together until the end and I think that's the goal with books like these, to keep the reader guessing. If so, well done Holly Jackson.

To say Red City was a good book to read feels like an understatement. I might also be a biased fan of Marie Lu, but I stayed up every night until I finished this book. It felt like Romeo and Juliet combined with the Night Circus. The world was fleshed out, the characters well rounded, and the pacing kept me turning to the next page.

Red City by Marie Lu gripped me from the beginning and wasn't put down. I enjoyed the alternating POVs, though they didn't actually tell much about what was happening in each character's head. The book is just so action-oriented and had me in suspense wondering what happened next. The ending does a perfect job of relating the book to the remainder of the novel, and I am extremely excited to see what comes next. This is a great read for fans of Marie Lu’s YA books and anyone who enjoys fast-paced fantasy.

This book had me so invested from the start! What really stood out for me were characters. Each character had so much depth. Their messy pasts, complicated loyalties, and the weight of who they used to be make every decision hit harder. I’ll definitely be rereading this over and over and am so excited for this series!

Red City had the intriguing premise and signature style you'd expect from Marie Lu, but it took a while to fully pull me in. The first 50% of the book was slower to get into than I had hoped—there was a lot of world-building and setup that didn’t quite grip me right away. While I appreciated the effort to lay a solid foundation, I found myself waiting for that spark to really care about the characters and plot.

That said, the second half of the book picked up significantly. The pacing tightened, the stakes felt more urgent, and the narrative finally began to deliver on the tension and intrigue that had been promised early on. I especially wish there had been more development between Ari and Sam—their relationship had potential, but it never fully blossomed or felt as emotionally resonant as it could have.

Overall, Red City was a solid 3-star read. It had its moments, particularly in the latter half.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I've been a huge Marie Lu fan since Legend (Warcross is one of my all-time favorites) and I've generally found that her writing is a hit-or-miss for me in terms of if I like it enough to warrant buying a physical copy for my bookshelf as a memento. I've never DNF-ed a Marie Lu book and I've always found the ones I wasn't a big fan enough, engaging enough to finish in one sitting. That being said, I was definitely interested in Marie Lu's adult genre debut because she's the kind of writer that I associate so heavily with YA.

Initially, I found the worldbuilding to be quite confusing because I thought it would take place in a fantasy setting from the synopsis but there's mentions of things like Chinese-food restaurants, YMCA, and other little things that make it seem like a modern-day story, albeit in a slightly different world. LA is apparently Angel City and I'm not sure why that change was made when other locations seem to have stayed the same. Alchemy seems to be secret, similar to how magic is kept secret in Harry Potter, but there's also little snippets of stuff like court cases involving alchemy and alchemy books being made available to the public? Sand, a magical drug, is known to exist to the public but no one questions how it's made (with alchemy) and also it's legalized too? I also thought it was weird how people would openly wear pins to display their allegiances. I feel like that sort of thing would attract too much attention and it's also dangerous for the people who are wearing pins.

The writing style of the book was written in a passive voice which made it a quick read. I wish it felt more grounded as I felt almost as if I was reading a summary of a book rather then the actual book. I think I would've liked it more if it was written in an active-style of writing like Legend and Warcross. I also thought it was weird that Sam had another love interest with a 9-year age difference. It definitely seems wrong, especially because they met when they were 15 and 24 years-old.

Overall, I thought it was definitely interesting and different from the other books by Marie Lu. Even though it's technically adult, it still feels like YA to me, albeit with some unnecessary spicy scenes. I wish some of the questions I have about the world-building would be answered. It was interesting enough for me to finish in one sitting but I don't see myself re-reading this. I definitely will read the next book in the series and hope that my questions get answered.

My first thought while reading this novel was that Lu knows how to craft an incredible sentence. The prose was so elegant and emotional, and I felt Sam’s and Ari’s struggles as if they were my own.

Lu told the first and second generation immigrant experience in this story with such color that I wasn’t surprised to see in the acknowledgements that some of those emotions were autobiographical. I can see this aspect of the story resonating widely with readers, like it did for me—this was my favorite aspect of RED CITY.

I found the concept of a slightly different world, with alchemy woven into the fabric of everything, to be incredibly compelling. The worldbuilding is slow and not info-dumped as we learn about alchemy along with Sam and Ari.

In terms of pacing, the beginning of the novel is similarly slow, though I enjoyed getting to know Sam and Ari as children. The pace quickens exponentially by the midpoint of the novel, and toward the end, I was glued to my kindle.

RED CITY could’ve easily been five stars, except for:
1. Sam and Ari’s relationship needed more scenes and development before they were parted as they approached adulthood. It would’ve made the emotions they felt later in the novel seem more fresh and real.
2. The unacknowledged imbalanced power dynamics in the two main relationships, along with the associated gratuitous explicit scenes, were uncomfortable to read, and I skipped over them. One of them in particular was irrelevant to the plot, and including it felt unnecessary. This is by far my biggest critique.

It pains me to write this, but my final rating is 3.5 stars rounded to 4, although I loved just about all of the novel.

Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC!

Book Review: Red City by Marie Lu
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Marie Lu returns with a vengeance in Red City, an atmospheric, high-stakes thriller that fuses dystopian grit with noir intrigue. Set in a decaying future metropolis where tech and power collide, this standalone novel balances cerebral themes with breakneck pacing and emotionally grounded characters.

What Works:

Worldbuilding with teeth: The titular Red City feels lived-in—equal parts Blade Runner and Gotham, where surveillance, class divides, and crumbling justice systems pulse beneath the neon glow. Lu leans into her strengths here: tight, cinematic descriptions and a knack for blending tech dystopia with social commentary.

Compelling leads: The protagonist (no spoilers) is a morally gray figure trying to navigate shifting alliances, personal guilt, and political upheaval. Fans of Legend will feel right at home with the internal conflict and reluctant hero energy.

Sharp pacing and structure: The plot moves with urgency but not recklessly. Twists land well, and the stakes build steadily toward a satisfying, if slightly chaotic, climax. Lu doesn't over-explain; she trusts the reader to keep up.

Minor Weaknesses:

Dialogue can feel stylized—occasionally bordering on cliché, especially in tense confrontations. Some character interactions lack the emotional resonance they seem to aim for.

The villain’s motivations—while intriguing—could have used more backstory. The philosophical bent is there, but a bit more nuance would’ve elevated the final conflict.

Final Verdict:
Red City isn’t Marie Lu’s most groundbreaking novel, but it’s one of her most stylish and mature. Fans of dystopian noir, cyber-thrillers, or just smart YA with teeth will find plenty to admire. It's a gritty, gripping ride through the shadows of a city—and a mind—on the brink.

Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I would give this book 6 ⭐️ if I could 😮‍💨

This book had so much soul…maybe pun intended. Marie Lu has always been an author I love, so I was overjoyed to see her step into adult fantasy. Reading this reminded me why books exist: not only as reflections but as windows into other lives and worlds.

The story follows two immigrant children, Ari and Sam, from childhood into young adulthood as they’re swept into the dangerous world of alchemy, think mob bosses and cartel vibes. They grow up as close friends but unknowingly end up working for rival syndicates, and the devastation that follows is both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

I have zero bad things to say about this book, so let me list everything I loved 🙌🏻

The story structure was fantastic! This is how you build relationships, handle multiple POVs, and weave together complex, overlapping plotlines and politics. Yes, yes, yes! I loved the glimpses into side character perspectives, like Sam’s mom or Diamond at the end. These never felt choppy; they flowed naturally and either deepened our understanding or kept us in suspense alongside the main characters.

Sam and Ari were so complex and fully realized that I feel like I know them personally. I grieved for them: for their losses, for their families, and for each other. The grief in this book isn’t just from death, but from distance, time, missed opportunities, and impossible circumstances.

The Godfather vibes were immaculate. The marketing for this book nailed it. The layers of deceit, secrets, and ruthless ambition were shocking. I was constantly stabbed in the back alongside the characters, devastated but unable to look away.

And the magic system…how freaking cool! I’ve never read anything like it. I loved how academic parts of it felt; you can tell Marie Lu did her research to make alchemy feel believable. I adored the concept of attributes and how this magic was seamlessly woven into real-world history. It almost makes you believe it could exist right under our noses. Sure, pulling weapons out of thin air or cheering someone up with a touch sounds amazing, but giving up my soul or selling drugs? Yeah… I’ll pass.

I’ll stop myself here, or I’ll keep rambling forever. I truly can’t say enough good things. Everyone should read this book. There is so much to learn here about humanity, about how harsh the world can be, especially to immigrants, and about how ambition can shape or destroy a person.

This is quickly becoming my top book of the year ❤️

For what it's worth, I was very much considering this to be a not great book while reading part 1. Then things picked up and I was wrong. While I don't know if the slow start is necessary, what I do know is once we get past the slow start, the novel is a ball that keeps rolling.

It gave me the "I don't want to put this book down" kind of feeling I've been missing. I haven't read Lu since I was in high school, and yes, it was for Legend. But I don't remember the novel at all, so reading Lu's Red City is like a fresh look at what they've got.

The prose is good; the plot could be tidied. I cannot be convinced of Ari's love for Sam, but I think I can be convinced of Sam's love for Ari. The slow beginning should have had more interaction between the two, since we cannot have it later, to help solidify their relationship later.

Sam's character is one I knew all too well. Both enjoyed and did not enjoy that. Ari was alright. Didn't care for him much. Will though? Will, oh how I hope there's more of you in the second book. Don't slip through my fingers like sand.

There are bits of the plot that I wish weren't so convenient or at least expanded on, give me some.....tension, friction, something that doesn't feel like it lands so easily in my lap.

I am unsure if I can really consider this in the adult genre, but regardless, an explosive novel and I look forward to the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for the eARC!

Review of Red City by Marie Lu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5 Stars)
Marie Lu’s Red City is an electrifying blend of alchemy, ambition, and aching tension between two unforgettable characters. If you love stories where childhood friends turn into bitter rivals, only to be pulled back together by fate, politics, and power, this book will devour you whole.
Told in three distinct parts, Red City follows Sam and Ari, two shy, inseparable friends who find themselves split apart and recruited into rival alchemical syndicates. What begins as an innocent childhood bond slowly twists into a high-stakes enemies-to-lovers dynamic as they grow into powerful alchemists, each vying for control in a city teetering on revolution. The emotional arcs are rich, the politics sharp, and the pacing (after the opening) absolutely addictive.
What I Loved: 🔥 The Dual POV Getting both Sam and Ari’s perspectives made their journeys feel intimate and emotionally charged. Watching them grow from innocent kids to driven, complicated adults with the world at their fingertips gave me chills. Their dynamic? A delicious blend of friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, executed with real depth and heartbreak.
📝 The Writing Marie Lu’s prose is more refined than ever. As a longtime fan since the Legend days, it’s been amazing to watch her grow into this poetic-yet-precise storyteller. She balances beautifully crafted scenes with tight, effective pacing (especially in the second and third acts). There’s no clunky exposition—just immersive storytelling that shows more than it tells.
🌍 The Worldbuilding The setting feels fully realized without overwhelming the reader. No dense info-dumps or convoluted terminology—just an alchemical world that pulses with energy, politics, and mystery. It felt familiar yet uniquely fresh, and I was totally in it the entire time.
💔 The Characters
Sam, especially, was a standout for me. Her motivations, inner turmoil, and strength were written with nuance and care. I found myself rooting for her even when I wasn’t sure if she was doing the “right” thing. Both leads felt real, raw, and incredibly human.
A Minor Critique: The beginning did drag a little. Part One is focused heavily on Sam and Ari’s childhood, and while it laid important groundwork, I found myself eager for the alchemical action to begin. By the time I reached Part Two, I was surprised to see I wasn’t even halfway through. That said, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts: This book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. The emotional complexity, masterful prose, and magnetic character dynamics make Red City a must-read for anyone who loves morally gray characters, slow-burn tension, and a world rich with power and secrets. I highly recommend it, and you can bet I’ll be first in line to buy a physical copy (or two) when it hits shelves this October. Bring on book two!

I feel old saying this, but I grew up with her other books and having the chance to read her adult debut was such a gift! Everything about this story draws you in. The characters, the romance, the plot, and the unique magic system. The dual POV was a nice surprise and I much prefer seeing it in romantasy. Ari has my whole heart and that ending…well let’s just say I can’t wait for others to experience it too!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and TOR for this arc!

Wow, I wasn't expecting this from Marie Lu. I almost forgot she wrote it because its SO different but at the same time it did have that familiar Marie Lu touch for world building and complex characters 🤩
This went from childhood friends to enemies to lovers and back lol
I absolutely loved the backstory to get why these two felt so drawn to each other and why/how they were driven to opposite sides. It really set the foundation for their interactions later.
The romance wasn't really what I was looking for, as in, each had other lovers and didnt spend much time together, but the way it was written made sense and was realistic for people who grew apart but still cared. Also, side note for those curious, it does have some spice 🤭
Then there was the infiltrating and action going on and plot twists that had my mind blown 🤯 Marie Lu got me good! Im super excited to see how this all goes and to find out of Sam and Ari can find their way back!

Marie Lu literally never misses. I've loved every single one of her books, and she's been a favorite author since I was in middle school. I was so excited to read her adult debut, and it exceeded all of my very high expectations for it. No one writes urban fantasy like Lu, and I was immediately drawn into this alternate Los Angeles. I loved Sam and Ari, their story is so romantic and tragic. The setup of this world was so well-done and I was completely immersed from page one. It's definitely going to be awhile until book 2 is released, but I'm already looking forward to it.