Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation. An exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates that market it to the world’s elites in the form of sand, a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more.

Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor’s edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city—and the paths of their lives—will be irrevocably transformed.

The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates’ brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off across opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war.

This book contains mentions of child abuse, sexual assault, and suicide.

I deliberated for a long time over the best way to describe Red City. Gritty and fast-paced? Absolutely. Brilliantly characterized? 100%. But eventually, there was only one word that described it to my satisfaction: this book is wildly, incredibly cool. From alchemical magic, to sinister criminal syndicates, to an alternate-universe Los Angeles called Angel City, I couldn’t get enough of this dark and fascinating world.

The story of Red City follows two young alchemists: Sam, the quiet daughter of a struggling single mother, and Ari, the charming son of a poor family in Gujarat. Sam and Ari meet at school and become fast friends—but when the most powerful alchemical syndicates in the world take an interest in their fates, their paths begin to diverge as they climb the ranks of a criminal hierarchy that is both glitteringly elegant and gut-punchingly brutal.

This is the sort of high-concept, magical book that fan communities thrive on, brimming with drama, intrigue, and a love triangle that will have you rooting for your favorite suitor. In the meantime, you heard it here first: Red City is one of the best fantasies of the year. I promise, you’ll soon be waiting on the edge of your seat (alongside the entire BOTM editorial team) for the sequel to come out!