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A review by tiredcath
The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
A heart-wrenching, additive mind-fuck!
The City Beautiful is set in 1893 Chicago, this is unlike any story I've ever encountered. It's gripping, intense, dark, and almost horrifying at times but still warm and loving. Aden Polydoros crafts a story that is not only scary but beautiful. I fell deeply in love with this book by the first couple of pages. The world is atmospheric and deep with culture, the fantasy aspects feel rich.
I was completely invested in the mystery and murders. Where I feel some mystery's drag, The City Beautiful never feels tiring. It's gripping and fast, you're never without action or character development. Every page is needed, every scene is important in either information, culture, or growth- sometimes a mixture of all three. I really like how much you're able to learn about Jewish culture and traditions, as well as the hardships they've had to face. There's a lot of anti-Semitism. A lot. It's tough to read but necessary.
The first layer of this story is a mystery. The second layer is love. There's a good balance between the two. You never feel the novel switch genres to incorporate either one but they're woven together to create a great story and great characters.
Alter is an incredible lead, perfect shoes for the reader to slide into. You easily sympathize with his story and truly root for him. You understand his struggles. And Frankie, truly a lovely and complex character. The chemistry between them is undeniable and believable. Both characters have faults, but none of them are out of place. Their actions and decisions are grounded by their past experiences. When you can completely understand a character's actions without being in their head- that makes for good writing.
I loved this book completely. Aden Polydoros wrote a story that will stand the test of time. Everyone should ready The City Beautiful. I want to read it again for crying out loud. It's beautiful and heartbreaking with bits that make you want to cry and bits that make you want to scream. The writing is rich with imaginary and alive. Go, go, go read this!
Thank you to Netgally, Inkyard Press for allowing me this arc in exchange for my honest review.
The City Beautiful is set in 1893 Chicago, this is unlike any story I've ever encountered. It's gripping, intense, dark, and almost horrifying at times but still warm and loving. Aden Polydoros crafts a story that is not only scary but beautiful. I fell deeply in love with this book by the first couple of pages. The world is atmospheric and deep with culture, the fantasy aspects feel rich.
I was completely invested in the mystery and murders. Where I feel some mystery's drag, The City Beautiful never feels tiring. It's gripping and fast, you're never without action or character development. Every page is needed, every scene is important in either information, culture, or growth- sometimes a mixture of all three. I really like how much you're able to learn about Jewish culture and traditions, as well as the hardships they've had to face. There's a lot of anti-Semitism. A lot. It's tough to read but necessary.
The first layer of this story is a mystery. The second layer is love. There's a good balance between the two. You never feel the novel switch genres to incorporate either one but they're woven together to create a great story and great characters.
Alter is an incredible lead, perfect shoes for the reader to slide into. You easily sympathize with his story and truly root for him. You understand his struggles. And Frankie, truly a lovely and complex character. The chemistry between them is undeniable and believable. Both characters have faults, but none of them are out of place. Their actions and decisions are grounded by their past experiences. When you can completely understand a character's actions without being in their head- that makes for good writing.
I loved this book completely. Aden Polydoros wrote a story that will stand the test of time. Everyone should ready The City Beautiful. I want to read it again for crying out loud. It's beautiful and heartbreaking with bits that make you want to cry and bits that make you want to scream. The writing is rich with imaginary and alive. Go, go, go read this!
Thank you to Netgally, Inkyard Press for allowing me this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Antisemitism
Moderate: Rape and Violence