Marie Lu

Alchemy syndicates control Angel City, as well as most major cities around the world. Alchemy is an exclusive power wielded by those with strong souls. They can influence people, cities, nation, and the future.

Among one of their greatest powers is the ability to create sand, a drug that enhances the person to be the best version of themselves. It takes the characteristics , personality and mannerisms of the person ,and simply makes it more. The beautiful became more beautiful, the charismatic became irresistible, the ones who are quiet an unnoticed…simply slip into the shadows.

In Angle City there are two major syndicates, Grand Central and Lumines. They have been balanced between friendly business rivals and declaring war on each other for quite some time. However, when two childhood friends, find themselves on opposing sides, everything starts to change.

Sam is the daughter of an immigrant mother who has been working tirelessly for years to just make it by and create a better life. Sam never expected much as a child, she never wanted for more than what she had, never really dreamed of anything bigger than just making her mom proud.

Ari was a young boy, who was taken from his family to become an Alchemist at a very young age. One day a stranger sees him in the streets and senses something great inside him. A man from Lumine takes Ari from his family, his country, and all he’s ever known, to become his apprentice.

Ari and Sam meet as most kids do, In school. They form a bond that lasts years upon years. Sharing everything, but also seemingly nothing. They know so much about each other, aside from all the big things that really matter.

Upon graduation, both Sam and Ari know things are changing. However neither of them will be prepared for what’s to come. Neither are ready for who they will become either.

This book was marketed as Magicians meets Godfather, and its probably one of the most accurate ways to describe the vibes you get from this world. I have been a big fan of the Magicians ( both the books and the show) for some time now so when I saw that this would bring those same feelings , I knew I had to dive right in. I was not disappointed one bit. I was pleased to also get a gritty Romeo and Juliette Vibe as well, or shall i say Shakespeare and Mozart ( you will find that cheeky once you read the book, I promise).

I was hooked and drawn in very early on. None of the plot twists made any plot holes or came so far out of left field that it was confusing. The character growth and development was very well done, no one really strayed from who they were, just truly grew with the plot and where their story had taken them. Everything was well paced and moved with a flow that was easy to follow but didn’t have any part where it felt like the story was lulling.

The ending had a good closing to this part of the story and sets up for more books to follow. I have yet to see if a book 2 will be coming, but i sure hope so! Id really like to see more of Angel City, however, I think if we get more of this story it would be interesting to see more of the other syndicates, and how they were all effected by the chaos in Angel city.

We were left with one character whose story has not been wrapped up, and I think has some Interesting possibilities. If we get more id like to see how they come back around and if they will be an enemy or an ally. I can see them becoming either a shadow in the wind that may serve as some one to stir up trouble later , or one that may have a unexpected character arc, either way, I’m ready for more!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Tor Books