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Marie Lu

Marie Lu is a #1 New York Times bestselling American author of young adult science fiction and fantasy novels, best known for her dystopian trilogy that debuted in 2011 and launched her career as a prominent voice in the genre. Born in China, she immigrated to the at the age of five and grew up in several Southern cities, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and , where her mother worked as a and her father as an engineer. Lu graduated from the with degrees in and , initially considering careers in or before pivoting to the creative fields. After completing her education, she entered the as an artist, including roles at and various startups, where she contributed to game development before transitioning to full-time writing. Her debut novel, , introduced readers to a futuristic, militarized and follows the intersecting paths of a prodigy and a , quickly becoming a and spawning two sequels along with companion novellas. Since her breakthrough, Lu has published over 15 books, including the fantasy trilogy, the virtual reality-themed Warcross duology, the military sci-fi Skyhunter duology, and the spy thriller Stars and Smoke, all of which have achieved widespread commercial success and critical acclaim for their diverse characters, high-stakes action, and themes of resilience and identity. In 2025, she released her first adult novel, Red City, marking an expansion into mature fantasy narratives inspired by classic crime stories. Lu resides in with her husband, author-illustrator Gallanosa, and their dogs; she remains an avid gamer and enthusiast, often drawing from her interests in reading, drawing, and to inform her storytelling.

Early life and education

Early years

Marie Lu was born in 1984 in , , , to an engineer father and a mother. Her family later moved to , where in 1989, at the age of five, she and her family immigrated to the shortly after the protests, fleeing the political unrest in . The family initially settled in the , living in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, , before moving to , , where Lu spent much of her early childhood adapting to a new culture and language. Growing up as the child of immigrant parents who valued amid their own challenges, Lu was encouraged to focus on academics and . Her father's engineering mindset and her mother's technical expertise fostered an environment that blended discipline with , shaping Lu's appreciation for structured creativity. From a young age, she immersed herself in science fiction and fantasy literature, which ignited her fascination with imaginative worlds and narrative possibilities. As a child, Lu channeled her burgeoning interests into personal creative outlets, frequently drawing illustrations and crafting short stories, emo tales, and fan fiction to explore emotions and escapism. These activities served as a vital means of self-expression during her transition to life in America. She also developed an early passion for video games, starting with titles like Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis, which her parents occasionally limited due to her intense engagement.

Education

Marie Lu pursued her undergraduate studies at the (), enrolling around 2002 and majoring in and . She graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Initially drawn to careers in or , Lu's path shifted during her time at as she discovered a passion for creative and technical work, particularly in . In her senior year, she landed an internship as an artist at , where she contributed to game development and began blending her academic training in science and with her longstanding interest in . This period marked a pivotal intersection of her structured education and creative inclinations, which had roots in her childhood love for drawing, reading fantasy and novels like the series and , and experimenting with writing her own stories—even drafting a tale in high school featuring elements that later inspired characters in her series.

Professional career

Video game work

After graduating from the in 2006, Marie Lu entered the as an artist at in , where she contributed to concept development and visual design for various projects. Her initial role involved creating artwork and ideas for games, including pitches for titles inspired by and a whimsical world featuring a man in a balloon-filled environment. She later advanced to positions involving and level scripting, often collaborating on narrative-driven elements that required integrating storytelling with gameplay mechanics. Throughout her tenure at Disney and related studios, including as at the startup Online Alchemy, Lu honed her skills in world-building and pacing through teamwork on immersive game environments, such as the development of Fuzz Academy, a project about anthropomorphic fuzzy animals that she co-created with her husband, artist Primo Gallanosa, and for which she owned the children's brand. This experience emphasized the importance of concise, engaging narratives to maintain player interest, drawing from her background in and . However, the work presented daily challenges, including extended hours in a predominantly male-dominated field and the need to balance technical coding requirements with creative artistic vision. These professional demands, coupled with growing dissatisfaction from corporate constraints that limited innovative freedom, prompted Lu to pursue side projects in novel writing around 2008–2010 while still employed in the industry. Incidents like the abrupt cancellation of Fuzz Academy due to a security breach further highlighted the instability of game development, influencing her eventual shift away from the sector. Her time in ultimately provided a foundational understanding of structured storytelling, informed by her education in and , which supported her technical and narrative roles.

Writing breakthrough

While working full-time as an at , Marie Lu began writing her debut novel in her spare time, dedicating at least an hour each day before work and in the evenings over the course of eight months. She completed the manuscript in late 2009, drawing on her background to infuse the story with dystopian technological elements. In 2010, Lu queried literary agents and secured representation from of Nelson Literary Agency, who helped revise the manuscript before submitting it to publishers. The novel quickly attracted interest, leading to a three-book deal with Putnam Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, announced in September 2010 while Lu was still employed full-time in the . Legend was published on November 29, 2011, and debuted on the New York Times bestseller list, marking Lu's breakthrough as a young adult author and launching the dystopian series that would define her early career. The success enabled rapid publication of the sequels, with Prodigy released on January 15, 2013, and Champion on November 5, 2013, further solidifying the series' popularity among readers. Emboldened by the acclaim, Lu quit her video game job in to become a full-time , allowing her to focus entirely on her burgeoning literary . That same year, she embarked on international book tours, including a promotional visit to sponsored by her publisher there, expanding her global audience.

Personal life

Lu resides in with her husband, author and illustrator Gallanosa, their son (born 2019), and three dogs. She is an avid gamer and enthusiast, often incorporating her interests in reading, , and into her storytelling.

Literary works

Legend series

The series is a dystopian written by Marie Lu, set in a future version of transformed into the militarized , a nation ravaged by , floods, and a deadly that exacerbates social divisions. The story follows protagonists June Iparis, a brilliant military prodigy from an elite family, and Day (real name Daniel Wing), a legendary street criminal from the impoverished slums, whose paths intersect after June's brother is murdered and Day is framed as the culprit. Their unlikely alliance uncovers government corruption and sparks a against the oppressive . The core trilogy consists of three novels published under G.P. Putnam's Sons, part of Penguin Young Readers Group, following Lu's initial three-book deal secured after her debut manuscript. Legend, the first installment, was released on November 29, 2011, introducing the dual perspectives of June and Day as they navigate betrayal and pursuit in the plague-stricken Republic. Prodigy, the second book, appeared on January 29, 2013, escalating the conflict as the pair flees to the war-torn Colonies and grapples with shifting loyalties. Champion, the trilogy's conclusion, was published on November 5, 2013, resolving the rebellion's outcome amid themes of sacrifice and national reconstruction. The series explores core themes of economic inequality between the wealthy elite and the underclass, resistance against authoritarian control, and a forbidden romance tested by ideological divides. Supplemental works expand the Legend universe, including novellas that provide backstory and epilogues. Life Before , released on January 15, 2013, consists of two short stories detailing June's and Day's early lives before the main events. , published on October 1, 2019, by Roaring Brook Press, serves as a fourth installment set years later, focusing on Day's brother in a post-war world. Additionally, the series has adaptations: : The (April 21, 2015), : The (June 14, 2016), and : The (April 25, 2017), all adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari, retaining the original's fast-paced action sequences influenced by Lu's background. The series achieved significant commercial success, with each core novel becoming a upon release. Described as a million-selling phenomenon, the books have been translated into more than 20 languages. The series has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, underscoring the trilogy's broad appeal in the dystopian genre.

The Young Elites series

The Young Elites is a dark fantasy trilogy by Marie Lu, consisting of The Young Elites (2014), The Rose Society (2015), and The Midnight Star (2016). Set in a Renaissance-inspired world resembling Italy, the series follows survivors of a devastating blood fever that grants some children supernatural powers, marking them as "malfettos" and outcasts in a society rife with prejudice. These "marked" individuals, known as the Young Elites, navigate a landscape of rival factions, political intrigue, and inquisitions hunting them down. At the center is protagonist Adelina Amouteru, a malfetto who survives the fever but loses an eye, leaving her scarred and shunned by her abusive family and society. Adelina's arc traces her transformation from a vulnerable to a powerful anti-heroine leading her own faction, driven by vengeance and ambition as she grapples with her illusions-based powers. Her journey explores moral ambiguity, as she descends into darkness, questioning the blurred lines between hero and villain while confronting inner demons of self-doubt and rage. The narrative delves into themes of prejudice against the marked, the corrupting influence of power, and the quest for redemption amid societal rejection. Written in the wake of the Legend trilogy's success, the books were published annually by , allowing for a serialized escalation in tension. The cover art evolves from a luminous white-and-gold design for the first volume to deeper reds and ultimately black tones in the finale, mirroring Adelina's darkening path. All three titles became New York Times bestsellers, with the series lauded for its diverse portrayal of disability—such as Adelina's realistic adaptation to —and struggles, including trauma-induced low self-esteem and the supportive role of community. The world-building draws from history, particularly , evoking its opulent yet treacherous atmosphere of city-states and intrigue, blended with fantasy elements. Lu cited influences like the video game , set in , and literary anti-hero tropes that subvert traditional good-versus-evil narratives by centering a villainous perspective.

Warcross series

The Warcross series is a duology by Marie Lu, consisting of Warcross (2017) and its sequel Wildcard (2018). The narrative centers on Emika Chen, a teenage and navigating a near-future world where the Warcross dominates global culture and permeates daily life. Published by , an imprint of , Warcross debuted on September 12, 2017, reaching the bestseller list and marking Lu's transition to more technology-focused storytelling after her earlier dystopian and fantasy works. Wildcard followed on September 18, 2018, concluding the story's high-stakes exploration of virtual worlds and human agency. The series delves into themes of , erosion, and corporate dominance, framed through international tournaments that blend spectacle with . Emika's journey highlights the vulnerabilities of interconnected societies, where becomes a and systems challenge human autonomy, reflecting broader concerns about in the digital age. Lu drew on her professional background in to craft immersive virtual environments, infusing the narrative with authentic details of and . These elements underscore the duology's critique of how amplifies power imbalances, using the Warcross championships as a for global connectivity's double-edged nature. Unique to the series is its integration of programming-inspired aesthetics and a diverse , with East Asian protagonists like the Chinese-American Emika and Japanese Hideo Tanaka at the forefront, promoting representation in . The books feature a multinational supporting cast that mirrors the global scope of the Warcross game, emphasizing cultural intersections in a tech-driven world. Lu's writing process incorporated sketches and game-like world-building, enhancing the vivid depiction of virtual battles and augmented realities. The Warcross duology has achieved widespread international success, with translations available in over a dozen languages including , , , and , broadening its reach beyond English-speaking audiences. It has fostered vibrant online communities, inspiring fan art on platforms like and , as well as at conventions that recreate the series' neon-lit, aesthetics. The books' blend of action, technology, and has solidified their place in contemporary , encouraging discussions on ethics in gaming and digital innovation.

Skyhunter series

The Skyhunter series is a duology written by Marie Lu, comprising Skyhunter, published on September 29, 2020, by Roaring Brook Press, and its sequel Steelstriker, released on September 28, 2021, by the same publisher. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by endless war, the narrative centers on Talin, a deaf from the conquered nation of Basea who serves as an elite defending Mara, the last remaining free territory. Talin and her squad battle the expansionist Karensa Federation, a tyrannical regime that deploys bioengineered mutant beasts called Ghosts as weapons of conquest, forcing Talin to confront moral dilemmas when a enigmatic prisoner reveals secrets that could shift the balance of the conflict. At its core, the duology delves into themes of , loyalty, and resistance against oppression, reimagining as an asset rather than a hindrance. Talin's is portrayed as a strategic , enabling silent coordination via that fosters unbreakable team bonds and outmaneuvers enemies in high-stakes combat. The story critiques broader issues like and the human cost of war, emphasizing immigrant experiences and the fight for in a fractured world. This focus evolves from Lu's earlier dystopian series like Legend, but pivots to visceral, bioengineered warfare over technological intrigue. The release of Skyhunter occurred amid the , incorporating motifs of isolation and biological peril that echoed global uncertainties, with the duology's creation shaped by the era's disruptions. is a key strength, featuring a diverse cast of disabled, immigrant, and multicultural characters whose perspectives drive the resistance narrative. The editions, narrated by Natalie Naudus, innovatively employ dual-language elements to convey Talin's and internal thoughts, enhancing accessibility. Both volumes became New York Times bestsellers, lauded for their relentless pacing and intricate action sequences inspired by films, which infuse the battles with fluid, cinematic choreography amid the beasts and machinery of war.

Stars and Smoke series

The Stars and Smoke series is a contemporary spy duology by Marie Lu, consisting of Stars and Smoke (2023) and Icon and Inferno (2024). The narrative centers on Winter Young, a global pop sensation inspired by idols, who is recruited by spy Cossette for high-stakes missions to thwart terrorists and syndicates. Their partnership evolves from enmity to romance amid plots involving biochemical threats and undercover operations across global locales. The series explores themes of fame's double-edged sword, the challenges of concealing one's identity in the public eye, and cultural tensions arising from the protagonists' disparate worlds—Winter's high-profile life clashing with Sydney's shadowy covert operations. It incorporates elements of real-world , such as sold-out tours and scrutiny, while infusing the story with a lighter, music-driven tone that contrasts Lu's earlier dystopian works. Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan, the first book debuted in March 2023 during a surge in K-pop's global popularity, amplified by acts like . Unique to the duology are its integrations of contemporary music references and fan-like engagement, including bilingual Korean-English reflecting Winter's heritage and vibrant, neon-infused cover art by artist Velinxi that evokes the series' electric atmosphere. Both volumes achieved Times bestseller status, with Stars and Smoke debuting as an instant , praised for its thrilling blend of romance and action. Lu enhanced reader immersion by sharing official playlists on and Fierce Reads, featuring tracks like BTS's "" and Rihanna's "" to capture the story's soundtrack.

The New Alchemists series

The New Alchemists is Marie Lu's debut adult fantasy series, launching with the novel Red City on October 14, 2025, published by Tor Books. Marketed as "The Godfather meets The Magicians," the series unfolds in a contemporary urban setting—reimagined Angel City, California—where secretive alchemical syndicates wage hidden wars for control over a powerful substance called "sand," derived from the Philosopher's Stone. The story centers on two childhood friends from immigrant backgrounds, Samantha Lang and Ari, who are drawn into rival guilds: Sam into the transformation-focused Grand Central syndicate to support her struggling single mother, and Ari into the charisma-mastering Lumines group after being recruited from India. This setup propels a narrative of divided loyalties and escalating conflict between the guilds, blending elements of crime drama and magic school tropes. The series delves into themes of family loyalty, the relentless drive for , and the human cost of wielding in a world where amplifies personal potential but exacts a toll on the soul. Lu's system, which allows practitioners to transmute substances—such as turning a fragment into a or vaporizing water within an enemy's body—integrates seamlessly with modern societal elements like the tech boom fueled by "" as a performance-enhancing . As Lu's first adult-oriented work following more than 15 novels, including the Stars and Smoke series, The New Alchemists shifts to darker, more intricate storytelling suited for mature readers, with influences evident in its echoes of V.E. Schwab's morally complex urban fantasies. The multi-book series has a second installment in development, promising continued exploration of these ambitious, characters. Early reception for Red City has been enthusiastic, with reviewers lauding its vibrant world-building, addictive pacing, and clever that keeps sympathies divided between protagonists on opposing sides. described it as "both heartbreaking and action-packed: an immense achievement," highlighting Lu's sensitive portrayal of immigrant precarity and outsider status amid wealth and privilege. called it "truly enthralling," noting its successful fusion of chosen-one archetypes in a rich alternate present. Bolstered by strong pre-orders, the novel debuted as an instant bestseller shortly after release.

Other contributions

In addition to her original series, Marie Lu has contributed to licensed universes and collaborative projects, broadening her bibliography into young adult tie-ins and adaptations. One notable example is Batman: Nightwalker (2018), part of the DC Icons series published by Books for Young Readers, which reimagines a teenage Bruce Wayne honing his detective skills amid Gotham's corruption and a vigilante conspiracy involving the enigmatic Nightwalkers. Lu also authored The Evertree (2015), the seventh and concluding volume of the first Spirit Animals series from Scholastic Press, where young heroes , Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan—bonded to their spirit animals—confront a devouring threat to the world of Erdas in a multi-author fantasy collaboration emphasizing themes of unity and ancient bonds. Her short fiction includes "The Journey," a tale set in 1920s featuring an Inupiaq girl navigating cultural tensions and personal resilience, contributed to the A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers, and Other Badass Girls (2016), edited by Jessica Spotswood and published by , which collects historical and fantastical stories of strong female protagonists across American settings. Furthermore, Lu oversaw the graphic novel adaptations of her Legend trilogy—Legend: The Graphic Novel (2015), Prodigy: The Graphic Novel (2016), and Champion: The Graphic Novel (2017)—adapted by Leigh Dragoon and illustrated by Kaari for Penguin Young Readers, translating the dystopian narrative of prodigies June and Day into a visual format that captures the high-stakes action and political intrigue.

Standalone novels

Marie Lu's only standalone novel to date is The Kingdom of Back, published on March 3, 2020, by Books for Young Readers. This reimagines the childhood of the Mozart siblings, Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart and her younger brother Wolfgang , blending documented 18th-century events with a magical realm born from their imaginations. The narrative centers on Nannerl as the protagonist, a gifted whose prodigious talent is overshadowed by societal constraints on women, as the siblings navigate European courts, family pressures, and the enchanting yet perilous Kingdom of Back—a fantastical world where music manifests as power and sacrifice looms large. The novel explores themes of and its costs, intense bonds tested by , and the barriers that confined women's artistic ambitions in Enlightenment-era . Lu drew from her discovery of Nannerl's overlooked historical role as a and composer, aiming to illuminate her contributions through a lens of that amplifies the siblings' shared creative world. Departing from Lu's typical fast-paced dystopian series, the book employs lyrical, evocative prose to evoke the era's opulence and the ethereal quality of , creating a more introspective tone focused on emotional and psychological depth. Critics praised The Kingdom of Back for its seamless fusion of history and fantasy, highlighting its atmospheric storytelling and empathetic portrayal of Nannerl's internal conflicts. The novel received a nomination for the 2020 Choice Award in the Fantasy & category, reflecting its appeal to readers seeking innovative retellings of real figures. As of November 2025, Lu has not published additional standalone novels, with her recent works continuing in series formats.

Adaptations

The Legend trilogy has undergone several adaptation attempts. Initially acquired by for a in 2011, the rights later moved to BCDF Pictures in 2018 for a potential or project. As of 2021, Bound Entertainment acquired the rights for a series adaptation, with Marie Lu co-writing the pilot script alongside Lindsay Sturman, who is also executive producing the project with Samuel Yeunju Ha and Jamie Lai. As of October 2025, the pilot script is completed, but development has been delayed due to industry strikes, the , and other factors. No cast or release date has been announced. The Warcross duology was optioned for a television series in 2020 by Made Up Stories and producer John Cameron. As of 2025, the project remains in development with no further announcements regarding production, cast, or release. In 2015, the film rights to trilogy were acquired by 20th Century Fox and Temple Hill Productions, with screenwriter attached to adapt the project in 2016. No further developments have been reported as of 2025.

Awards and recognition

Lu's novels have garnered numerous awards and nominations, particularly in . Her debut, (2011), won the Teens' Top Ten award from the Young Adult Library Services Association in 2011 and the Golden Sower Award ( category) in 2014. It was a finalist for the 2011 Choice Award for Best Fantasy & and appeared on state reading lists including the 2013 Lone Star Reading List and 2013 Tayshas Reading List. Warcross (2017) received a nomination for the 2018 Dragon Award for Best Young Adult/Middle Grade Novel and the 2019 International Thriller Writers Award for Best Young Adult Novel, and was nominated for the Nebraska Golden Sower Award in 2020. More recently, Stars and Smoke (2023) was nominated for the 2025 Beehive Book Award in the Young Adult category. Other works, such as Batman: Nightwalker (2019), have also been nominated for the Golden Sower Award.

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