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

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

N. K. Jemisin's imagination is unparalleled. The concept of having people become avatars of cities that are born, and otherworldly forces at work that want to stop this process from happening, is brilliant. The world-building and the characters are so well-developed. These people are unique and have their charming qualities and quirks, but they're also human beings that suddenly became boroughs of New York and they have flaws that they recognize as being there. Jemisin also brilliantly wove throughout the story core issues that attack the fundamentals of being a person that isn't privileged with being straight, white, male, etc. Racism, sexism, homophobia, white supremacy and colonialism, are just a few key issues that are prominent in these characters' navigation of both New Yorks. I wish I could say more but the scope and brilliance of this story just has me searching for words and coming up short, so just read this story to find out how amazing it is.
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