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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
This was a stunning piece of work, but too much figurative language ><. i read it all in one go two hours of eyes on page and damn was better than thought be. got the cover didn like that much but fine loved pages dai jin ling mei yee again so good just picked off shelf randomly to be honest glad did. thanks ryan x>
Like:
- Graudin has the sort of writing that hooks you on a story and makes you want to know what happens next.
- Grittier topics like prostitution, human trafficking and homelessness.
- The Walled City was based on an actual walled city that used to exist in Hong Kong.
- This book was full of Asian characters.
- I got a real feeling of how The Walled City was built up and what it must have been like for these characters.
- Will pick up other books by Ryan Graudin in the future.
Dislike:
- In comparison to Graudin's Wolf by Wolf duology, this is definitely the lesser work.
- Insta-love between two of the MC's.
- Not sure why this would classify as sci-fi.
- Animal cruelty.
- Didn't care what would happen to any of the characters.
- Graudin has the sort of writing that hooks you on a story and makes you want to know what happens next.
- Grittier topics like prostitution, human trafficking and homelessness.
- The Walled City was based on an actual walled city that used to exist in Hong Kong.
- This book was full of Asian characters.
- I got a real feeling of how The Walled City was built up and what it must have been like for these characters.
- Will pick up other books by Ryan Graudin in the future.
Dislike:
- In comparison to Graudin's Wolf by Wolf duology, this is definitely the lesser work.
- Insta-love between two of the MC's.
- Not sure why this would classify as sci-fi.
- Animal cruelty.
- Didn't care what would happen to any of the characters.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Violence, Trafficking
Minor: Animal cruelty
Solid 4 stars! I went into this book with wariness as I’ve read pretty mixed reviews on it, but it didn’t disappoint at all.
The story is super action-packed, dark, violent and gory, and at times a bit sad, but it’s also hopeful and somehow beautiful. Trigger warnings for rape and abuse and drug use, although none of the scenes containing these subjects are graphic or described in detail.
I’ll start off with the world-building. The Hak Nam Walled City in the book is partially based off of an actual walled city that used to exist in Hong Kong in the past. Of course, I’ve never seen the city myself as it is long gone now, but the author did a great job of creating and painting the image of this grim and lawless place. But despite its darkness, it was an intriguing place to learn about (even if largely fictional now), and the author’s descriptions helped to plant a very real image of it in my mind—its ragtagness, unpredictability, dirty and gloomy streets, dangers looming on every corner, but also its culture and soul—all fascinating, no matter how battered.
I really liked all three of our main characters, but like most readers pointed out, my favorite was definitely Jin Ling. She was the younger sister of our second female MC, but despite her young age, she had so much fire and determination within her, which I couldn’t help but admire. The bond of their sisterhood was so precious. One last remark—I could’ve done without the romance. It wasn’t bad by any means, and fortunately it took a backseat to the main plot, but it still felt just a bit unnecessary.
The story is super action-packed, dark, violent and gory, and at times a bit sad, but it’s also hopeful and somehow beautiful. Trigger warnings for rape and abuse and drug use, although none of the scenes containing these subjects are graphic or described in detail.
I’ll start off with the world-building. The Hak Nam Walled City in the book is partially based off of an actual walled city that used to exist in Hong Kong in the past. Of course, I’ve never seen the city myself as it is long gone now, but the author did a great job of creating and painting the image of this grim and lawless place. But despite its darkness, it was an intriguing place to learn about (even if largely fictional now), and the author’s descriptions helped to plant a very real image of it in my mind—its ragtagness, unpredictability, dirty and gloomy streets, dangers looming on every corner, but also its culture and soul—all fascinating, no matter how battered.
I really liked all three of our main characters, but like most readers pointed out, my favorite was definitely Jin Ling. She was the younger sister of our second female MC, but despite her young age, she had so much fire and determination within her, which I couldn’t help but admire. The bond of their sisterhood was so precious. One last remark—I could’ve done without the romance. It wasn’t bad by any means, and fortunately it took a backseat to the main plot, but it still felt just a bit unnecessary.
4.5 stars!
Video review on my youtube channel: http://youtu.be/jlDu_y6SIzk
The Walled City is a standalone, YA, survival novel taking place in the point-of-view of three teens living very different lives in the Walled City. The city itself is based on a real walled city in Hong Kong; Kowloon Walled City (which you can read more about in the author's note at the end of the book and see pictures of this "very real, unreal city."
As someone who love survival, adventure stories, I loved this one! It was very unique as well and from perspectives I'm not used to reading from. I can't say too much about this without spoiling you, the official synopsis is really all you need to know going in. But i loved the relationships formed and the strength and character development of the different characters. The emotions feel real and not exaggerated or forced.
I really liked this one and hope to read more of this author's work in the future!
Video review on my youtube channel: http://youtu.be/jlDu_y6SIzk
The Walled City is a standalone, YA, survival novel taking place in the point-of-view of three teens living very different lives in the Walled City. The city itself is based on a real walled city in Hong Kong; Kowloon Walled City (which you can read more about in the author's note at the end of the book and see pictures of this "very real, unreal city."
As someone who love survival, adventure stories, I loved this one! It was very unique as well and from perspectives I'm not used to reading from. I can't say too much about this without spoiling you, the official synopsis is really all you need to know going in. But i loved the relationships formed and the strength and character development of the different characters. The emotions feel real and not exaggerated or forced.
I really liked this one and hope to read more of this author's work in the future!
That was a crazy ride. Such an interesting, entertaining, action-packed, well-crafted story. I think Ryan Graudin did a perfect job with this subject matter and the history behind it. I really appreciate how she was able to take such dark and gritty subject matter and write it in a way that was still tasteful and appropriate for teens. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her works!
I really liked this one. Very enjoyable. I probably could have finished this sooner if I wasn't watching basketball. Maybe more of a 4.5 than a 4 for me.