Reviews - City of Thieves | The StoryGraph

2.95k reviews for:

City of Thieves

David Benioff

4.23 AVERAGE

aiight's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

This is an odd story, one that pulled me in and made me want to finish the book but, upon reflection, left me with nothing solid after it was over. It was well-researched and the prose was nice. The characters were flawed yet endearing. As some critics have said, I was entertained but after it was over, I didn't care what had happened. I've read other stories from the Russian perspective during World War II, and this feels very similar. And being historical fiction, it just feels superfluous. But it was entertaining.

raphaliest's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

orangeblood's review against another edition

5.0

I never thought I'd be using this phrase, but this is an "expertly woven" piece of historical fiction. Caught in the Nazi blockade of Leningrad in WWII, a mismatched duo sets off on a rather quirky mission. Equal parts humor and sadness. Great interplay between the two main characters. Highly recommended.

lilyedelmangold's review against another edition

4.0

very good. last half was better than the first half. left one crucial question unanswered though; is vika the authors grandmother ???

allisonharris64's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

monica113's review against another edition

5.0

I like historical fiction. I’ve read many books written about France, Germany, Poland and England. This one is set in Russia. Two young men are picked up for different reasons, spending the night together in jail. They are spared from certain death by a seemingly impossible mission. The mission takes them from Leningrad into the countryside and into the midst of German troops. The writing is superb and the story is both terrifying and funny.