A review by hsquared
The Walled City by Ryan Graudin

4.0

This book is a little difficult to categorize. It isn't science fiction or fantasy. It's not contemporary realistic fiction, but it isn't really historical, either. What it is, is fast-paced, edge-of-your seat suspense. Based on the real walled city, Kowloon in Hong Kong, this book tells the story of three young people caught in its corrupt net of drug trafficking and prostitution, with only a ticking clock and only their wits to help them escape. Dai, a young man from a wealthy family whose poor choices have led him to an impossible task in the city, crosses paths with two young women, Jin Ling, a peasant who followed her sister Mei Yee into the city after she was sold into prostitution. Although the setting is clearly Asian, Graudin does not specifically pinpoint the location, even giving the city a different name, the Hak Nam Walled City. An author's note at the end of the story provides information to curious readers about the similarities between Hak Nam and Kowloon. With or without the historical connection, this is an exciting read that will keep readers turning pages.