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

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I think that this was wildly original and engaging! Loved the sci-for love craft Ian weirdness and the concept of people as cities’ avatars. 

Some of the characters fell play like Padmini, Manny and Aislyn. I felt that they don’t really have clear motivations or distinct traits beyond their characterization as the borough they represent. 

I also felt like while the hook talks about a lot of important concepts with racism, gentrification, xenophobia, etc,  the villains are fine being over the top but the normal New Yorkers that they encounter could have had some variety. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings