Reviews

Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller

rilkegriffin's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aricclark's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

darumachan's review against another edition

1.5

This was an incredibly frustrating read for me. Based on the synopsis and cover design, I assumed two things: (1) there would be some really exciting eco-horror/adventure happening, and (2) the author either identified as indigenous or at least had done his research. Unfortunately, I was wrong about both. The whole idea of the "neo-inuit" culture turned out to be extremely superficial, and based on Miller's own discussions of the book on his site and in interviews, his interests and expertise lie elsewhere. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cultural appropriation and Colonisation

anyajulchen's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Pudo ser mejor, cortarle el drama amoroso y que los personajes estuvieran de pie tanto tiempo sin hacer nada en algunas escenas 

cllorento's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a book you can really immerse yourself in. A classic dystopian thriller set in a future world ravaged by climate change and late stage capitalism. The history of everything that came before the world as it is in the novel is a little vague, but I quite often enjoy a dystopian novel that doesn't overwhelm you with a spider web of events that came 'before'. 

All the perfect elements of this genre were there for me with a compelling tale of power, corruption and family. My only criticism is that certain elements felt rushed - particularly with the interpersonal relationships.  Miller did a great job of creating interesting and unique characters but I felt like their interactions with eachother, and relationships were somewhat rushed. As a result some parts of the novel, especially commenting on the deep connections the characters had with eachother felt slightly shallow. I almost feel like the story could have benefitted from being fleshed out and turned into a series. 

Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed myself whilst reading it and would definitely return to any future books set in this world.

mllejoyeuxnoel's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely stunning. I want an entire series, but this piece is perfect on its own. Truly beautiful writing.

jen_sten's review against another edition

Difficult to follow and get into, DNF

johnnynolen's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

crimsoncor's review against another edition

3.0

Good but never great. Brings together a lot of different strands. Some Stephenson. Definitely some
Bacigalupi circa Wind-Up Girl, and some Madeline Ashby (Company Town). But it never really fully gels into something awesome.

anpu325's review against another edition

4.0

Great post-apocalyptic worldbuilding! And the best trans character by a cis author that I've ever read.