Book Review: The Nameless City

The Nameless City

by Faith Erin Hicks

Blurb: The City has many names... and no name.

Built on an ancient mountain pass, the City is forever being invaded by one nation or another, and every new master gives it a new name. But for the natives, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders. 

Dreamy, sheltered Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred--a son of the latest nation to occupy the Nameless City. Cynical, street-smart Rat is a native, and at first she hates Kai for everything he stands for. But Kai's love of his new home may be the one thing that can unite these two unlikely friends. And they will need to stand together at all costs...

...because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands.

Cover Review: I love this cover. It's technically a panel from inside the book, but I think it was a great choice because it gives a hint at everything this book contains. Unlikely friendship, action, and a cool setting.

Plot: I loved this story too, even though I picked it up just because. It's a story of friendship and how it can change us and our points of view. It carefully mixed action scenes with slower, deeper character scenes. I also thought it interesting how it took a look at conquering and what it does the people that get conquered. History is written by the victors, but what do the losers think about them?

Characters: The main character is Kai, son of an important Dao leader, but very unlike the other boys at his school. I think his outsider status is what made him so interesting, plus the fact that he thinks differently than everyone else. The other major character is Rat, an orphan street girl that looks tough on the outside, but is really sweet underneath. I loved them both and their friendship with one another. Friendships that span divisions are one of my favorites.

World: While the city is made up, the way it's designed could be anywhere in the ancient world. I thought it was a great setting that helped a lot with the conflict, since it kind of was said conflict. You get a feel for what sort of world this is, without a lot of info-dumping.

Art: Action can be one of the hardest things to do in a graphic novel, but this artist did it well. You could follow every beat clearly without getting confused. I thought all the art and character designs were great.

Rating: 5 stars

Have you read this book? What sort of friendship is your favorite? Tell me in the comments.

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