Author: Faith Erin Hicks
Series: The Nameless City (Book 1)
Publication: First Second (April 5, 2016)
Description: Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred--a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let's hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands.
My Thoughts: Kaidu is new to the city that his people conquered thirty years ago. He had been living with his mother in the homelands but has come to the city to meet his father. On his second day in the city he gets lost and meets a local girl who steals his knife. He chases her down and manages to catch her which impresses her. But she wants nothing to do with one of those who conquered her city. But Kaidu makes a trade - food for running lessons - and the two begin a friendship.
As she teaches him to run and find his way around the city, the friendship grows between the two of them. She tells him that her name is Rat and introduces him to some of the people who are important to her. She tells him that most of her people just want to live and don't take part in any of the battles for control of the city.
They attend the Festival of the Ruins together where Kaidu learns that not every citizen of the Nameless City feels the same way. He hears some agitating for action and trying to build momentum for a revolution. When Rat overhears plans for an assassination attempt on the General of All Blades, she and Kaidu must band together and face very difficult odds to save the city they both love.
I thought the art was well done in this story. I liked that I could easily tell the characters apart. I liked the rich detail in the drawings that really made the city come to life. I also thought the story was stronger than in many of the graphic novels I have read.
Fans of graphic novels and stories about friendship will enjoy this one.
Favorite Quote:
The city is invaded and conquered over and over, so the named choose not to fight. We let the cycle of war and invasion pass over us. Don't fight. Just live.I got this ARC from Macmillan. You can buy your copy here.
I am really interested where this series is going as well. There is some great backstory and tension worthy of a series!
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