The Scarlet Alchemist (Hodder & Stoughton)

A dark YA fantasy duology set in an alternate Tang Dynasty China, where alchemy has led to income inequality as the rich eat gold to achieve eternal youth, and a poor biracial girl with the ability to raise the dead gets caught up in the dangerous political games of the royal family. Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist. But for now, she's trapped practising an illegal form of alchemy - resurrecting the dead for a price.

When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists. But her reputation for raising the dead has followed her, and caught the attention of the Crown Prince himself. Embroiled in a dangerous game of politics, it's only a matter of time before Zilan's past catches up to her - whilst something more sinister lurks behind the gilded walls.