Red City (The New Alchemists, 1)

When her mother is in a work accident, Sam worries about the cost, which leads her to seek out Diamond Taylor, the leader of the Grand Central syndicate. Proving herself could mean the chance at a better life. In a world run by rival syndicates, Alchemy is at the core of how these groups operate. Meanwhile, Ari is facing his own challenges as he’s taken to be an apprentice of the Lumines, cutting off contact with his loved ones. On opposing sides of a growing conflict, the two were once friends and now must face off against each other.

The world Lu has brought to life is a fascinating blend of modern reality and contemporary fantasy. Enter an alternate LA where Alchemy is the norm, and syndicates have control, which quickly sets the stage for messy conflict. The structure is interesting as you’re introduced to Sam and Ari as teenagers, which provides their relationship with a sweet innocence as you see them doing things such as passing notes in class. This sets the stage for drama and suspense as the two are pulled in different directions, effectively keeping you on the edge of your seat. Red City is a contemporary fantasy with action, drama, and Alchemy, as each addictive chapter leads to a thrilling conclusion.