Quick Take
- Best for: Folks who like a unique magic system, a little romance, and a tiny bit of spice.
- Vibe: Dark academia meets West Side Story.
- Pace: Medium-Fast
Overview
Red City by Marie Lu is an incredibly well written fantasy novel set in an an alternate version of Los Angeles called 'Angel City'. Throughout the book we get to know two rival cartels who manufacture and distribute the appearance and ability altering drug known as Sand. While on sand, users experience heightened awareness and features (both good and bad) are amplified.
Our main characters Sam and Ari are both from struggling families and are enticed by the prestige and power that comes with being a member of the cartels. Though they begin as classmates, they turn into much more. Can Sam and Ari safely navigate the seedy underworld of Angel City?
Ari, who has always been charismatic and the center of attention, becomes a bio-alchemist who can alter the chemistry flowing through living organisms, including humans. And Sam, who grew up as an outsider barely being seen when entering a room, becomes the "Ghost" of her cartel. She's able to avoid capture and work in the shadows without arousing suspicion.
What Worked
The magic system in Red City is unique and made this book very special. The main magic is 'Alchemy' and just like any magic-wielder they have their own strengths and weaknesses. The way Marie Lu uses those strengths and weaknesses to flesh out her characters is absolutely enthralling. The descriptions of the magic in use, and the incredibly tense fight scenes kept me turning pages way past my bed time.
What Didn't Work
Without getting too deep into spoilers; the plot of this book was great, I just wish there was more of it.
Some questions I was left with:
How did the syndicates start? Were Diamond and Rudra once in a similar situation to Sam and Ari? Why Connie, why so abruptly? Why did HE do it?
Favorite Quotes
"I think the night and the morning are the same, equals and opposites. One becomes the other becomes the one. A little like sleeping and waking."
"The energy of a soul is a uniquely powerful, fragile, and transient thing, imperfect in a way that inorganics are not. And once a soul is gone, it can never be restored, rendering the transmutation equation permanently unequal."
"More seasons pass. The rain cools the land, the land greens, the green flowers, the flowers yellow, the yellow catches fire, and the cycle restarts."
"You are my heart. If you die, I die."
"All I think about is you. You are my beginning and end."
Who Should Read This
Romantasy fans and anyone who likes an interesting magic system. If you're a fan of West Side Story and Romeo y Juliet tropes - you'll love this.
Final Verdict
Overall I really enjoyed the book. The spice felt right, it wasn't overboard and it wasn't tasteless - it was placed with intention and helped drive the story beats. I recommend this book for sure, and was happy to read it with The Literal Dad Book Club on Fable