What a follow up to Red City.

I found myself thinking about this book in between reading sessions, and I'm so content to have gotten through the other side to see Sam, Ari, and Will start some new beginnings. The story is formulaic and feels like a good action/adventure plot, but the intricacies of alchemy and the impact on this alternate universe is haunting.

How far can change balance itself out?

The character dynamics between our three alchemists and Edward present ample opportunities for reflection on the balance of love, lust, and hate, all wrapped up in power dynamics. Even as this novel wraps itself up as expected, the heavy emotional investment into the lives and deaths of now familiar characters increases the reader's emotional stakes.

I'll be thinking of the New Alchemists for a while longer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Silver Dawn by Marie Lu is a captivating and beautifully crafted fantasy that pulled me into its world from the very beginning. Lu’s ability to create immersive settings, complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling makes this another memorable addition to her work.

The story is filled with adventure, danger, and moments of unexpected vulnerability. I loved the way the characters’ relationships and personal struggles added depth to the larger conflict, making the stakes feel personal as well as epic. The pacing kept me engaged, and the twists kept me wanting to uncover what would happen next.

Marie Lu continues to shine with her ability to blend action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of fantasy filled with rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and high-stakes adventure will want to add Silver Dawn to their TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the sequel to Red City of The New Alchemists series and it takes place following the collapse of the Grand Central Empire. It has a very hopeful yet realistic attitude about the foundation of the empire being poorly supported as it aims to emerges into this new ever changing landscape. There is so much intrigue and was at the edge of my seat for the majority of this book. Following the different characters as they embark on their own goals within common adventures was interesting and distracting as other forces are on the move. These ambitious ladies trying to navigate the deadly world they are now in while dealing with interpersonal issues that are common and relatable. Very enjoyable read!! Loved this duology and cannot wait to see what else Marie Lu has in store for us!

This was an excellent second title in the series! I liked getting a deeper look into the minds of some of the secondary characters from the first book.

Words cannot properly convey the way that I feel about these books and these characters. I have fallen in love with them and never want to leave them.

I will likely come back and revisit this review once I have gathered my emotions back into check (and stop crying) but I am BEGGING you to read these books.

Another gorgeous, high-stakes installment from Marie Lu! Silver Dawn was a satisfying follow-up to the first book and a strong conclusion to Sam and Ari’s story. I Marie Lu does a great job balancing the larger political intrigue with the more personal story at the heart of the series. While I didn’t find myself quite as swept up in this one as I was in the first book, this was solid sequel that wrapped up the story in a way that left me very happy with the series as a whole.

Fast paced sequel to Red City that leaves readers questioning character motives and wondering what the future of alchemy holds. A beautiful combination of real world and world building.

Marie Lu really knows how to create a world that feels completely different from anything else I’m reading. Silver Dawn had everything I was hoping for after Red City, with even more alchemy, danger, ambition, and complicated relationships.

I especially loved getting more of Sam and Ari. Their relationship is messy in exactly the way I like, and I enjoyed watching them navigate everything that comes with being on opposite sides while still caring so deeply about each other. The worldbuilding continues to be one of my favorite parts, and I loved seeing the story expand beyond Grand Central.

There were definitely moments where I wanted a little more time with certain characters and plot points, but overall I had such a good time with this. Dark, magical, brutal, and full of morally complicated characters. Marie Lu continues to prove that she can make me completely invested in whatever strange world she creates next

I will always pick up a book by Marie Lu and Silver Dawn is no exception. Her ability to use sensory language and engage her readers is unparalleled. While I will reserve Silver Dawn for my upper level readers, I think the themes in it will connect to students. I have many students that are interested in anime. I think fans of Full Metal Alchemist would enjoy Silver Dawn.

SILVER DAWN takes everything I loved about Red City and makes it better.

With this sequel, the world of Red City goes international—and with it, we get expanded politics between rival syndicates, more world building, and deeper connections between characters.

Lu's descriptive prose ushers readers back into a lush, immersive world. I could picture every scene as clearly as if I were reading a graphic novel.

New character perspectives add even more color to the narrative. In this world of alchemy, everyone is scheming behind the scenes. Each POV character has a distinct voice and unique motivations, allowing them to come alive on the page.

The plot is fast-paced, and I couldn't help but turn the page and root for these devastatingly human characters.

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Thank you Tor and NetGalley for the eARC.