Tor UK acquires 'darkly magical' adult novel by Marie Lu

Tor, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, has acquired Marie Lu’s Red City and its sequel.

Publisher Bella Pagan acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Jenny Meyer at the Jenny Meyer Literary Agency on behalf of the Nelson Literary Agency.

Red City is the first adult novel by Lu – the number one New York Times young adult bestseller for her Legend series – and is described as a "darkly magical page-turner". 

Lu said: "I cannot tell you what a delight and honour it is for me to be with the Tor UK team. Like most fantasy and science fiction authors, Tor was the imprint I worshipped as a kid (and still worship!), so to be publishing with Tor is surreal. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart; I’m so excited to share Red City with UK readers, and am looking forward to every step along the way."

Pagan said: "Marie’s utterly compelling tale of power, magic and forbidden love won me over entirely. Her characters are irresistible, the magic system is exquisite and I loved every minute of this incredible reading experience. I’m thrilled to welcome Marie to Tor UK."

In addition to the Legend series, Lu is the author of Stars and Smoke,The Young Elites, Warcross, Skyhunter, and various other novels. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, where she worked as an artist. She lives in Los Angeles with her illustrator-author husband, Primo Gallanosa, and their son.

Tor UK will publish Red City in October 2025, matching dates with Tor in the US.