moleti

To say this book starts out slow is a bit of an understatement. Mieville is very much in love with the city of New Crobuzon, and he desperately wants you to love it as much as he does. That said, this is one of the richest, most beautifully crafted settings I think I have ever read. The characters are also well written, and while not always likeable, they are always believable, and very intelligent, with very plausible motivations and reactions. The non-humans (I forget the author's term for them,) are both imaginative and solid, with histories, sociologies, and evolutions all unique to their races. Mieville does not stint for lack of imagination or talent. The main antagonist is the stuff of nightmares, and unlike many authors, his horror does not disappoint - it is chilling in concept and in execution. Very good book. Gritty, dark, and not always pleasant, but very good.

2020-12-20 19:22