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blewballoon's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this with a couple friends as a sort of impromptu mini book club. I would recommend it for a book club as there are a lot of interesting concepts in terms of the fantasy and social commentary. As one of my friends put it, this book definitely goes by the idea that "subtlety is for cowards" and most of the social commentary is completely overt. Our group was mixed in how much they liked how heavy handed it was. Some found it refreshing, others found it broke immersion in the story. One of the characters, to me, was especially unbearable and I would groan when I got to her chapters. The fantasy aspect of the human avatars of cities was amazing and I loved the concept of using constructs to channel their power.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, Cursing, Homophobia, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Classism, Islamophobia, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Abortion
ava_can_read's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
i really wanted to like this book. i enjoyed the short story that eventualy became the prologue. and i loved the 'broken earth', even with its flaws. and 'how long till black future month' is one of my favourite short story collections by a single author. 'the city we became' is actually one of the only books –that isnt part of an established series– which i was anticipating for months and got right on release. and then i read it in under a week. you would think that means i liked it, but i know i'm not gonna be re-reading it (normally i always read books i like atleast three times). and i probably wont be reading the next books in the series.
it has some pacing issues, it's both to slow and too fast. 'the city unborn' felt like a wholly self-contained story and was a satisfying read. and it had all the exposition needed to carry this premise for a whole series. this book says no actually it's just a prologue. and then the whole book feels like a prologue and exposition dump. it would have left me waiting for more, if the book was better.
however my main gripe is, that for a story that is so heavily about who makes up nyc (and its culture) and, very obviously cares about representation, it is missing jews and trans women. having only one minor jewish character - who is only there to be antisemiticly harrassed and threatened -and no trans femmes is just really fucking disappointing. and inaccurate. Jemisin's New York doesn't need an alien enemy (more on that in a minute), to be a distopia. It already is. A city that is so heavily influenced by jewish people and jewish culture can't be so devoid of jews in it's representatives, without some sort of antisemitic catastrophe happening before the events of the book. similiarly for trans women: all my friends who have lived in, or visited nyc, tell me how different it is compared to the other places they have been. we actually have community there. so much important trans history has happened there. but nyc in this book doesn't have any trans character, besides one british guy who just moved there. to me that kinda implies some really, really bad shit must have happened to make one of the most hypervisible groups of people – who shape so much of what new york is and means to people – completly absent from this narrative.
the next main problem i have is: i don't like the whole white tendrils/the enemy makes you more violent and racist thing. it just doesn't work as an explanation for how people will act as agents of white surpremacy, seemingly on command. taking away their agency by making them influenced by a lovecraftian evil makes it appear as if they wouldn't act exactly the same without it. which, you know, is bad.
i am disappointed because i love genius loci. the world jemisin is building is really awesome. the concepts and ideas are so strong (and cool), but the execution is lacking. one of the reasons i am writing this review, is because over 2 years after reading this book once, i still think about it. i wonder what berlin looks like in it's universe and I have almost written an unhinged fanfic about it before. but everytime i think about this i also remember how disappointing the actual novel was. and until writing this, i forgot it was supposed to be a series, even though it only exists to set up the "great citys series", or whatever.
I'll give it 3 Stars, one for the worldbuilding, one for Bronca and Veneza – who might make me pick up the next books after all – and one for the handful of memorable scenes.
ps: jemisin is still bad at writing trans people. and it's so weird. cos her trans characters feel like real people – and i actually really love Tonkee from broken earth, one of the girls of all time – but then immediatly jemisin uses some tired old trope. it's disappointing.
pps: also i really dislike the thing the primary and manny have? are gonna have? yeah. it feels forced and the power dynamics and selfcesty vibe are a big yikes.
it has some pacing issues, it's both to slow and too fast. 'the city unborn' felt like a wholly self-contained story and was a satisfying read. and it had all the exposition needed to carry this premise for a whole series. this book says no actually it's just a prologue. and then the whole book feels like a prologue and exposition dump. it would have left me waiting for more, if the book was better.
however my main gripe is, that for a story that is so heavily about who makes up nyc (and its culture) and, very obviously cares about representation, it is missing jews and trans women. having only one minor jewish character - who is only there to be antisemiticly harrassed and threatened -and no trans femmes is just really fucking disappointing. and inaccurate. Jemisin's New York doesn't need an alien enemy (more on that in a minute), to be a distopia. It already is. A city that is so heavily influenced by jewish people and jewish culture can't be so devoid of jews in it's representatives, without some sort of antisemitic catastrophe happening before the events of the book. similiarly for trans women: all my friends who have lived in, or visited nyc, tell me how different it is compared to the other places they have been. we actually have community there. so much important trans history has happened there. but nyc in this book doesn't have any trans character, besides one british guy who just moved there. to me that kinda implies some really, really bad shit must have happened to make one of the most hypervisible groups of people – who shape so much of what new york is and means to people – completly absent from this narrative.
the next main problem i have is: i don't like the whole white tendrils/the enemy makes you more violent and racist thing. it just doesn't work as an explanation for how people will act as agents of white surpremacy, seemingly on command. taking away their agency by making them influenced by a lovecraftian evil makes it appear as if they wouldn't act exactly the same without it. which, you know, is bad.
i am disappointed because i love genius loci. the world jemisin is building is really awesome. the concepts and ideas are so strong (and cool), but the execution is lacking. one of the reasons i am writing this review, is because over 2 years after reading this book once, i still think about it. i wonder what berlin looks like in it's universe and I have almost written an unhinged fanfic about it before. but everytime i think about this i also remember how disappointing the actual novel was. and until writing this, i forgot it was supposed to be a series, even though it only exists to set up the "great citys series", or whatever.
I'll give it 3 Stars, one for the worldbuilding, one for Bronca and Veneza – who might make me pick up the next books after all – and one for the handful of memorable scenes.
ps: jemisin is still bad at writing trans people. and it's so weird. cos her trans characters feel like real people – and i actually really love Tonkee from broken earth, one of the girls of all time – but then immediatly jemisin uses some tired old trope. it's disappointing.
pps: also i really dislike the thing the primary and manny have? are gonna have? yeah. it feels forced and the power dynamics and selfcesty vibe are a big yikes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Police brutality, Racism, Sexual violence, Antisemitism, Colonisation, and Homophobia
Moderate: Transphobia
caspian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Xenophobia
keegan_leech's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A stunning book. Jemisin's writing is always and her characters feel alive. The story is a clever take on community, humanity, and HP Lovecraft's racism. Best of all, it feels honest and grounded. I really felt for the characters and there were moments when I wished everything would just work out already so I'd get to see them safe and happy. But the novel avoids trite, easy solutions. Every moment of danger or despair feels real, and the moments of lightness and hope feel all the more satisfying because of it.
That said, I was a little disappointed by the novel. It felt a little unfinished. I understand that this is the first in a series, but it felt like to many plot threads were left hanging. And rather than feeling drawn into the sequel, I just felt unsatisfied. The novel also doesn't manage to overcome the feeling that it is a novel for New Yorkers, and not really anyone else. Which isn't a bad thing, I certainly learned a lot about New York, but I don't think it resonated as strongly as it would have if I actually knew the city.
That said, I was a little disappointed by the novel. It felt a little unfinished. I understand that this is the first in a series, but it felt like to many plot threads were left hanging. And rather than feeling drawn into the sequel, I just felt unsatisfied. The novel also doesn't manage to overcome the feeling that it is a novel for New Yorkers, and not really anyone else. Which isn't a bad thing, I certainly learned a lot about New York, but I don't think it resonated as strongly as it would have if I actually knew the city.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexual assault
Minor: Homophobia, Colonisation, Gaslighting, and Panic attacks/disorders
captainroz's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
yuyine's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.75
J’ai commencé Génèse de la cité très dubitative et perdue avant d’être finalement soufflée par le gigantisme de l’intrigue et le côté vertigineux et original de l’imaginaire de l’autrice. Inclusif, engagé, palpitant, c’est aussi un roman qui nous colle quelques claques bien senties et propose un palmarès de personnages furieusement bien écrits. J’ai adoré! J’en redemande. Sachez aussi que, bien que tome 1, il constitue à lui seul une forme d’histoire complète déjà satisfaisante en tant que telle.
Critique complète sur yuyine.be !
Critique complète sur yuyine.be !
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
books_of_aly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Homophobia, Colonisation, Racism, Racial slurs, and Antisemitism
sarah984's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
1.0
I just can't see what seemingly everyone else saw in this book. Bland prose (everyone’s thoughts and motivations are listed like we might otherwise miss them, like "[character] thinks dark things are evil because she sees that in the media" is essentially an actual sentence in this novel) padded with pointless bickering and boring New York in-jokes. Every character is an ethnic stereotype and they all sound so similar to one another that I kept forgetting one of them was supposed to be 70 until she brought up Stonewall again. The antagonist’s minions are like cartoon villains and they're all written in the most cringe-inducing way possible.
I did like the idea behind how the antagonist’s plan worked, and using white and light colours as something dangerous. Unfortunately, the one interesting city formation concept is dropped almost immediately after it comes up and the ending didn't make any sense with what was already established.
I feel like the author could have saved me a few hours of reading time by just typing up a Tumblr post about how much she hates Staten Island and leaving it at that.
I did like the idea behind how the antagonist’s plan worked, and using white and light colours as something dangerous. Unfortunately, the one interesting city formation concept is dropped almost immediately after it comes up and the ending didn't make any sense with what was already established.
I feel like the author could have saved me a few hours of reading time by just typing up a Tumblr post about how much she hates Staten Island and leaving it at that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, and Antisemitism
Minor: Car accident, Classism, Colonisation, Drug use, Islamophobia, Police brutality, Stalking, Cancer, Cannibalism, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Mental illness
livreads54's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I’m not usually a reader of speculative fiction, so I wasn’t expecting to love this book, but I actually liked it quite a bit. I was never not confused, but that’s not the fault of the book itself, its just a combination of me being stupid and me not usually reading within this genre.
I think the premise of the books is fascinating and super unique. I love the whole concept of “people being cities”, and I think it was executed really well. It was a lot of world building that you had to take in, but it was a super interesting magic system, so I didn’t mind it.
The characters definitely aren’t “lovable”, but they’re really interesting and I like the character dynamics they have going between them. I wish the characters all had a little more depth, but I suppose that’s kind of what happens when a book has five main characters, and you definitely needed POV chapters from all five of them.
Just a little content warning: there were a lot of slurs in this book. I wasn’t completely sure how to tag all of them, but I feel like it was worth mentioning
Overall, I thought this book was a super interesting read, and I had a pretty good time reading it. I definitely recommend it for fans of speculative fiction and those looking to get into the genre.
I think the premise of the books is fascinating and super unique. I love the whole concept of “people being cities”, and I think it was executed really well. It was a lot of world building that you had to take in, but it was a super interesting magic system, so I didn’t mind it.
The characters definitely aren’t “lovable”, but they’re really interesting and I like the character dynamics they have going between them. I wish the characters all had a little more depth, but I suppose that’s kind of what happens when a book has five main characters, and you definitely needed POV chapters from all five of them.
Just a little content warning: there were a lot of slurs in this book. I wasn’t completely sure how to tag all of them, but I feel like it was worth mentioning
Overall, I thought this book was a super interesting read, and I had a pretty good time reading it. I definitely recommend it for fans of speculative fiction and those looking to get into the genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Homophobia
miak2's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-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
4.5
"Come, then, City That Never Sleeps. Let me show you what lurks in the empty spaces where nightmares dare not tread." p. 391
4.5 stars
The City We Became is a giant, glowing middle finger at bigotry. Before going into the book, I think it's important to note that it isn't a traditional fantasy story that has some relevant social commentary. No, this book's purpose is to celebrate diversity and reflect on continued discrimination, all with the backdrop of a fantastical storyline. It isn't subtle in its messaging, but it isn't trying to be and I appreciate that.
That being said, it makes the book a bit hard to review. There are some things that I would normally be critical of (for example, underdeveloped characters), but I also recognize that the characters are literally named as representations for large swaths of diverse people, and as such don't need (and would perhaps even suffer from) development in the traditional sense. So, with that knowledge, my one real criticism is the characterization of Aislyn, who's a typical white conservative woman. She definitely reads like a Republican that's been written by somebody who is absolutely not one herself, and as such some of her racist thoughts were perhaps a bit on the nose. I thought her arc might have been more compelling if her bigotry were more subtly harmful, like how some folks online lift up POC voices to mobilize social justice movements until those voices disagree with their arguments. But, hey, I'm also aggressively liberal, so I'm not claiming to have been able to do any better with Aislyn myself.
The plot, though, was a lot of fun. It picks up on the first page and doesn't let off the gas pedal until you're at the very end, looking at the dwindling number of pages and asking how the hell the book will resolve itself. The idea of people acting as avatars for cities was so incredibly imaginative, and I was consistently impressed with the creativity Jemisin had in her descriptions and events. The social commentary (again, the whole book) was really thoughtful too, especially in the alt right attacks against Bronca's art gallery. This book really felt like a love story to a city that's continuously growing and evolving, but that's held back by mindsets that threaten its people and diversity. Again, this book is not subtle in the slightest but I'm glad for that. And very excited for the next installment, as I think Jemisin's left the door open to more complex discussion on politics and discrimination.
And just remember, the next time somebody cuts you off on the road, maybe they're racing to protect the city from otherworldly threats with just a lot of spunk and an umbrella. Or they're just a dick, who knows.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia