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The New Alchemists #2
Silver Dawn
Not yet published
Expected 27 Apr 27Return to a world where The Godfather meets The Magicians, alchemists reign, and ambition will be your undoing in the highly anticipated sequel to Marie Lu’s bestselling adult debut, Red City.
A new era of alchemy is about to dawn…
The empire of Grand Central, built on its foundation of sand, has crumbled. But in Europe, Belle Epoque believes it has the key to a bright new golden age. A new formula for the philosopher’s stone, so strong it stretches the limits of the impossible. They plan to unveil the drug at a global Exhibition, where they will unleash wonders the world has never seen—and rain destruction upon their enemies. It’s a plan that’s missing only one the Ghost who brought down Grand Central.
Set adrift by her own victory, Sam takes Belle Epoque’s offer, but all she wants is to turn their plans against them. Set free of the syndicates for the first time in years, Ari follows her back into their grasp. All he has ever wanted is for those he loves to be safe.
But forces greater than them both are on the move, bringing new enemies–and old–into their orbit. Sam and Ari have never had the luxury of being on the same side. Now, it might be too late to reclaim the innocence of the children they once were, but perhaps they can still find their way back to each other… unless this deadly new age forces them to pay for their ambitions with their lives.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
A new era of alchemy is about to dawn…
The empire of Grand Central, built on its foundation of sand, has crumbled. But in Europe, Belle Epoque believes it has the key to a bright new golden age. A new formula for the philosopher’s stone, so strong it stretches the limits of the impossible. They plan to unveil the drug at a global Exhibition, where they will unleash wonders the world has never seen—and rain destruction upon their enemies. It’s a plan that’s missing only one the Ghost who brought down Grand Central.
Set adrift by her own victory, Sam takes Belle Epoque’s offer, but all she wants is to turn their plans against them. Set free of the syndicates for the first time in years, Ari follows her back into their grasp. All he has ever wanted is for those he loves to be safe.
But forces greater than them both are on the move, bringing new enemies–and old–into their orbit. Sam and Ari have never had the luxury of being on the same side. Now, it might be too late to reclaim the innocence of the children they once were, but perhaps they can still find their way back to each other… unless this deadly new age forces them to pay for their ambitions with their lives.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 27, 2027
About the author
Marie Lu
56 books137k followersHi there! I'm an author of mostly sci-fi/fantasy YA novels, like Legend, Warcross, The Young Elites, Skyhunter, and Stars & Smoke. My adult fantasy debut, Red City, releases this October 14, 2025.
I graduated from the University of Southern California and currently live in LA with my family. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I spend most of my time writing, trying to keep my plants alive, and getting stuck in traffic. I feel very honored that I get to tell you stories, and my deepest wish is always that my books can offer you some joy, solace, entertainment, and/or escape. With all my heart, thank you for reading.
I graduated from the University of Southern California and currently live in LA with my family. Before becoming a full-time writer, I was an Art Director at a video game company. Now I spend most of my time writing, trying to keep my plants alive, and getting stuck in traffic. I feel very honored that I get to tell you stories, and my deepest wish is always that my books can offer you some joy, solace, entertainment, and/or escape. With all my heart, thank you for reading.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Want to Read
April 10, 2026Uhm, why does it say April 27 ... Marie Lu what do you have to say for yourself.....
I'm ready NOW for more badass Sam and Ari my baby im so excited for your comeback (and the raging red flag in me still is obsessed with Will SUE ME)
I'm ready NOW for more badass Sam and Ari my baby im so excited for your comeback (and the raging red flag in me still is obsessed with Will SUE ME)
Want to Read
April 8, 2026• Red City (#1): ★★★★★
I can’t wait!!
🕯️🕯️🕯️Also, I might be the only one but welcome to my prayer circle forsome a lot of Will in this sequel 🕯️🕯️🕯️
I can’t wait!!
🕯️🕯️🕯️Also, I might be the only one but welcome to my prayer circle for
July 30, 2026
I finished this book and my first thought was ‘omg this has to be deja vu’ bc I felt the exact same way I did after reading Red City for the first time: that overwhelming urge to give a book five stars even though, objectively, it isn’t a perfect five star read. I just loved it that much despite its flaws.
Keeping this as brief and spoiler free as possible, I was genuinely surprised by how much the magic system evolved in this sequel. It was already one of my favorite parts of Red City, but here it reached a completely different level. I also loved how much more attention was given to the politics and relationships between the syndicates. That aspect of the world felt so much richer this time around, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it.
Another thing I really loved was how this book kept me on edge the entire time. The first 10-15% was a little slower but it never bothered me. If anything, I think it built the anticipation really well so when everyone finally came back together, those moments felt even more rewarding.
What really made me stop and question whether this was actually a five star read for me was (surprisingly) the romance. I don’t think I’ve ever said this about a book before, but for the first time, I actually wished it had taken up less space in the story.
Anyway, I definitely have more thoughts but they’re way too spoilery so I’ll be back in April xxxx
Keeping this as brief and spoiler free as possible, I was genuinely surprised by how much the magic system evolved in this sequel. It was already one of my favorite parts of Red City, but here it reached a completely different level. I also loved how much more attention was given to the politics and relationships between the syndicates. That aspect of the world felt so much richer this time around, and I honestly couldn’t get enough of it.
Another thing I really loved was how this book kept me on edge the entire time. The first 10-15% was a little slower but it never bothered me. If anything, I think it built the anticipation really well so when everyone finally came back together, those moments felt even more rewarding.
What really made me stop and question whether this was actually a five star read for me was (surprisingly) the romance. I don’t think I’ve ever said this about a book before, but for the first time, I actually wished it had taken up less space in the story.
Anyway, I definitely have more thoughts but they’re way too spoilery so I’ll be back in April xxxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 8, 2026What do you mean it will be released "27 April 2027"
I need it NOW 😭
I need it NOW 😭
Want to Read
April 8, 2026I am so ready for this book to ruin my life 🥰
Want to Read
April 8, 20261. Red City ★★★
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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. What a joy to have received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher to immerse myself in the awes of nature, natural and human, once more.
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. What a joy to have received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher to immerse myself in the awes of nature, natural and human, once more.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A Brilliant, Razor‑Sharp Fantasy
Silver Dawn by Marie Lu is an absolute standout; complex, intriguing, and crafted with the kind of precision that demands your full attention. Every chapter is layered with meaning, every clue matters, and the payoff for staying alert is enormous. This is one of those rare books where you feel the author trusting the reader to keep up, and it makes the experience even more immersive.
The worldbuilding is rich and meticulously woven, the characters are compelling in their flaws and brilliance, and the plot twists land with that perfect mix of shock and inevitability. I found myself slowing down just to savor the details, then speeding up because I had to know what happened next.
If you love fantasy that challenges you, surprises you, and rewards reader, Silver Dawn is a must‑read. Marie Lu delivers a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Thank you to Edeweiss | MacMillian | Tor Books for this ARC copy. This is my review.
Silver Dawn by Marie Lu is an absolute standout; complex, intriguing, and crafted with the kind of precision that demands your full attention. Every chapter is layered with meaning, every clue matters, and the payoff for staying alert is enormous. This is one of those rare books where you feel the author trusting the reader to keep up, and it makes the experience even more immersive.
The worldbuilding is rich and meticulously woven, the characters are compelling in their flaws and brilliance, and the plot twists land with that perfect mix of shock and inevitability. I found myself slowing down just to savor the details, then speeding up because I had to know what happened next.
If you love fantasy that challenges you, surprises you, and rewards reader, Silver Dawn is a must‑read. Marie Lu delivers a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Thank you to Edeweiss | MacMillian | Tor Books for this ARC copy. This is my review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews