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A review by icarusabides
City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've always loved the ideas in Adrian Tchaikovsky's books even if the books haven't always lived up to the concepts but with City of Last Chances he absolutely nails it for me, everything about it is brilliant. The writing is some of Tchaikovsky's best prose, it's deep and enthralling, providing an engaging window into a complex and fascinating world packed with creativity. It's also refreshing to have a contained story these days, no trilogy or ten book series here just a well rounded tale of a city on the brink that provides a satisfying conclusion.
There's certainly a sink or swim element to starting out with this book mind. It begins three years into the occupation of Ilmar; a city of packed with rebellious factions, some naive idealists, others simply using it as a method of attaining power, most only wanting revolution if it ends with them on top. There's summoning magic, demon powered factories, diminished gods, mysterious passages to who knows where, and the ever present boot of the occupation molding everything to their perfect image. It's a lot to take on board initially but it's also a rich and rewarding experience as things click into place and more about the city and fascinating world is revealed.
There's certainly a sink or swim element to starting out with this book mind. It begins three years into the occupation of Ilmar; a city of packed with rebellious factions, some naive idealists, others simply using it as a method of attaining power, most only wanting revolution if it ends with them on top. There's summoning magic, demon powered factories, diminished gods, mysterious passages to who knows where, and the ever present boot of the occupation molding everything to their perfect image. It's a lot to take on board initially but it's also a rich and rewarding experience as things click into place and more about the city and fascinating world is revealed.