Why we’re excited
With the Grand Central empire fallen, a European alchemy syndicate plans to debut a stronger philosopher's stone at a world exhibition, and they want Sam, the Ghost who toppled the old order. She accepts while planning to wreck them from inside, and Ari trails her back into danger.
This is the sequel to Red City, Marie Lu's first adult novel, so begin there. Lu is best known for the YA Legend and Warcross series. Pick this up if you liked the first book's mix of organised crime and alchemy, and want to see Sam and Ari finally share a side.
On our most-anticipated list since 22 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about Silver Dawn
Silver Dawn is Book 2 in the The New Alchemists series. New readers should begin with Book 1, Red City (we have reviewed it). We have reviewed 1 of the series so far.
We have reviewed one of Marie Lu’s books so far: Red City, which we gave 4 out of 5.
At 400 pages it is about the usual length for a fantasy release this month.
From the publisher
Return 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.
DELUXE EDITION―a stunning hardcover edition featuring sprayed edges.
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 thing: 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.
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read Silver Dawn yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.
