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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Think I'd actually go to 4.5 for this one. I love the premise of exploring what a city would be like if it were a person (or, in the case of New York, people).
It took me a minute to get into this book. I was very confused in the beginning, then started to get a sense of what was happening, then enjoyed what was happening, then literally couldn't put the book down until I finished it. In some sense it felt like I was being talked into liking this book, but in a way that was effective and convincing. In another sense, it felt like I had a hard time finding the rhythm of the book. But once I did, I loved it.
Upon finishing, I had lots of questions. I'm still unclear as to what/who/why the villain is. What about the relationship between characters? who is New York? Why are some cities coming alive before New York, while some have yet to? Also, not questions but demands: lets hear more about some other cities! And how about some more sidekicks! But mostly: I can't wait for Book 2!
Some odds and ends:
1) I really admire how Jemisin writes trilogies. They rarely leave you with a cliffhanger, which I find very refreshing. I find nothing more annoying than having to track down book 2 (or wait for it to be published1) in order to find out how characters escape impending doom. Instead, Jemisin wraps the most pressing concerns up, while showing you to the beginning of a new path (aka the next book).
2) Though I enjoyed this book, I imagine this would be even more fun if you know a lot about NYC, or had spent a lot of time there. I haven't spent much time there, and I feel very little connection to the city. I'd be very interested to hear how NYCers feel about this book.
It took me a minute to get into this book. I was very confused in the beginning, then started to get a sense of what was happening, then enjoyed what was happening, then literally couldn't put the book down until I finished it. In some sense it felt like I was being talked into liking this book, but in a way that was effective and convincing. In another sense, it felt like I had a hard time finding the rhythm of the book. But once I did, I loved it.
Upon finishing, I had lots of questions. I'm still unclear as to what/who/why the villain is. What about the relationship between characters? who is New York? Why are some cities coming alive before New York, while some have yet to? Also, not questions but demands: lets hear more about some other cities! And how about some more sidekicks! But mostly: I can't wait for Book 2!
Some odds and ends:
1) I really admire how Jemisin writes trilogies. They rarely leave you with a cliffhanger, which I find very refreshing. I find nothing more annoying than having to track down book 2 (or wait for it to be published1) in order to find out how characters escape impending doom. Instead, Jemisin wraps the most pressing concerns up, while showing you to the beginning of a new path (aka the next book).
2) Though I enjoyed this book, I imagine this would be even more fun if you know a lot about NYC, or had spent a lot of time there. I haven't spent much time there, and I feel very little connection to the city. I'd be very interested to hear how NYCers feel about this book.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am unsure what I read, but it was amazing, magical, and lyrical. The premise is that each city is a person and when a city is reborn a new person is designated. Since it takes place in NYC, each of the 5 boroughs is represented (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island). Each character fully encompasses the stereotype of each section of NYC (poor Staten Island). It was clear that the author put in quite a bit of research into the novel to ensure that it was authentic. I was blessed to listen to this on Audible with one of my favorite narrators (who was able to do all the accents of the characters). There was also sound effects that added to the suspense and drama.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
Please read this ASAP! It’s one of those stories where you can’t wait to know what happens, but you never want it to end. I loved the characters, their stories, and how it all threaded together. So. GOOD!
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced