A review by sfbookgirl
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous emotional funny informative tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

This is my first book by N.K. Jemisin and I can’t wait to add more of her books to my shelf. The City We Became is magical, hilarious, and a big love letter to New York City. In present-day NYC, each of the five boroughs is represented by an avatar, a real person. Together, they must come together to fight against a white, evil serpent creature threatening to tear their city apart. 

The story is crazy, weird, and a bit confusing at times. I definitely recommend this book to more well-versed sci-fi and fantasy readers as it takes some patience to understand the world that Jemisin has built. Nevertheless, I had so much fun reading this book, and I think I would have really, REALLY enjoyed it if I was a New Yorker. (New York friends: Please read this book). Jemisin tackles many important issues like gentrification and racism with a modern sci-fi twist that will keep you simultaneously nodding *YES* and laughing your face off. Also, make sure to brush up on your knowledge of H. P. Lovecraft before delving into this one. Your efforts will be rewarded.

P.S. Hi Ms. Jemisin, can you write one about San Francisco next? 

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