The avatars of New York and its boroughs find themselves awakened all at once. Yesterday, they weren't New York, just New Yorkers, and today they're facing an uncertain future, racism, gentrification, and an interdimensional being that wants them dead, all while figuring out how to be a city filled with millions of people. I absolutely loved this book, and it quickly slid onto my favorites list. 

This book was incredible. N. K. Jemisin has woven a distinct fantasy love letter to NYC. 
I wouldn't trust any other author to nail characterization perfectly for people representing each borough. I'm (regrettably) from Staten Island, and my parents from Brooklyn, so I loved the nods throughout this work. I'd die for Bronca. I knew this would be wonderful from the moment I saw the Brooklyn neighborhood shout outs on the map.
The concept of diverse people fighting fascist entities from another universe preying on folks already leaning into gentrification and racism is genius. Moments when the borough avatars break down barriers amongst themselves to work together are immensely satisfying.

The twist near the conclusion was perfectly executed, and the family oriented beach scene made me sob.

I'm so excited for the next book in this series. 

This ended up being my first Jemisin novel, and to say I understand the hype is an understatement! I don't even know how to explain how much I loved this immersive fantasy novel. Jemisin's writing is so lyrical and cutting, and I was immediately drawn into the narratives of each of her characters. As you probably know, I'm very much over books that are set in New York (we get it, you moved to NYC to work in publishing), but Jemisin's portrayal of five people who personify its boroughs both honored and poked fun at the famous metropolis. Moreover, NYC is more than a setting, she is her own character, one that nurtures her residents and punishes any interlopers.

Who are these interlopers? I don't want to spoil anything for you, as I think part of the enjoyment of this one comes from the gradually unfolding storyline. We meet different characters and put more and more pieces together as they encounter this evil and team up with their fellow boroughs. (The way the boroughs fight with constructs is my favorite thing about the book, but that won't make sense to you until you read it.) I will say that Jemisin's diverse cast has to deal with racism, gentrification, xenophobia, and a whole host of squiggly white tentacles. If you enjoy Lovecraft's creepy world-building but hate his overt racism, then this is the book for you! Feel free to message me if you've read this one and we can cry together about how the sequel doesn't even have a release date yet.

I've never not loved a Jemisin book, but this is a new height of craft for her. I've been to New York all of once, but you still feel the place in your bones even as a despised tourist. The ramping of tension, the unfolding of worldbuilding, and the balance of fright are all masterful.

This book was really inventive and interesting. I read the short story that formed the base of this novel, and I like the way it was expanded. I have never read a book with a Lenape character, and  it is so important that one was included. This was beautifully diverse and funny overall.

It was also super intense. The white supremacist groups and individuals mobilized by the enemy hit very close to home. I also observe that the book was clearly in conversation with Lovecraft. The ending was

definitely a deus ex machina, but I still liked it. I just hope there isn’t a contingent trying to have a redemption arc for Aislyn but I mean cmon there probably is one isn’t there.