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A review by eleanorfranzen
Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller
3.0
The premise: In a post-climate change world, a floating city is visited by a mysterious woman riding an orca and accompanied by a polar bear, seeking someone she lost decades ago, .
How I’d (cynically) sell it: Blade Runner meets Philip Pullman.
The good bits: Lots of gender diversity, including a non-binary teenage main character. Extremely atmospheric. Wears its influences elegantly.
The bad bits: Somewhat awkwardly written, particularly in the dialogue. Plot uneven: front-loaded with contextless information, conflict resolved in haste and without giving this reader a strong sense of emotional connection to the characters.
Verdict: Three stars (worth reading, but won’t keep a hard copy).
How I’d (cynically) sell it: Blade Runner meets Philip Pullman.
The good bits: Lots of gender diversity, including a non-binary teenage main character. Extremely atmospheric. Wears its influences elegantly.
The bad bits: Somewhat awkwardly written, particularly in the dialogue. Plot uneven: front-loaded with contextless information, conflict resolved in haste and without giving this reader a strong sense of emotional connection to the characters.
Verdict: Three stars (worth reading, but won’t keep a hard copy).