Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - The City We Became

Reviews tagging 'Sexual harassment'

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

76 reviews

takarakei's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

First of all - I read this in combination with the audiobook - which is FANTASTIC! Absolutely phenomenal narration AND sound design/effects, it was almost like listening to a graphic audio dramatized version! So I can't recommend the audiobook enough (especially if you are someone who listens to SFF audio). Although I will note it was helpful to be reading along at parts due to the effects.

Now could I explain the dynamics of all that happens in this book? Absolutely not, it's one of those books where you just have to accept the concepts that are being presented to you without a lot of questioning. I mean, people becoming the embodiment of cities? weird concept. You just gotta go with it! Along the way you'll get discussions of race, art, and what it means to "belong" to a place.

If you're a NYC area person I def think this is an interesting read! Very NYC-prideful. I personally am NOT from NYC or know all that much about it, so I couldn't pick up on if there were any inaccuracies in any way, but Jemisin has lived there for a long time and did a lot of research so I trust that she got it right. I really enjoyed all the little history bits of information thrown in about the city.

There's no one out there really writing SFF like Jemisin, and I am very excited to continue with this series.

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bookedbykiki's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5

Genre: fiction, contemporary, fantasy, adventurous, mysterious, medium-paced

CW: racism, xenophobia, sexual harassment, sexual assault, homophobia, police brutality

For my first urban fantasy, this book did NOT disappoint. But Jemisin could never disappoint me.

I tend to be a binge reader. Always trying to get to the end as fast as I can, but something about Jemisin books makes me what to sit and savour the ideas. Maybe its the beautiful prose, or maybe its the unimaginable magic and rules she slowly reveals to us in her books. Whatever it is I’ll ALWAYS be here for it.

The City We Became is both a love letter and critical analysis of New York City and their institutions. When as ancient evil tries using the existing evil within the city as a tool, a unlikely group of people is left to figure out what is going on.

Having visited NYC for the first time last year, it was so interesting being able to see aspects of the city I experienced myself and things I’d learned through my chats with @bigbooklover69 about urban spaces.

I think so much can be pulled and leaned from this book to be applied to any city. The city is the people that make it and the culture they create together. It’s a divinely beautiful thing that many (often those with power) could give less of a fuck if it can’t be capitalized off of.

I highly recommend for those interested in:

Wanting to try an urban fantasy
Black future focused fiction
BIPOC queer representation
NYC social commentary

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rmlknisely's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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laurajeangrace's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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amsswim's review against another edition

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I saw this book recommended everywhere, and it was totally worth it. N.K. Jemison has such a way with word, the descriptions were so vivid. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND listening to the audiobook, it's not just a read it has sound effects, music, and more. Made the descriptions amd story really come to life.

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jakepasseri's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A really good read that flips (and critiques) the Lovecraftian ideas over the fear of the unknown to critique and comment on modern political issues (though it can be ham-fisted at times)

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rae_bookmarkchronicles's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The prologue confused the hell out of me but afterwards I was able to get into the story more. Not sure if I will continue the series yet

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repunzee's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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parkersicle's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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adeanthefiend's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is a masterclass on New York as a city. The metaphysical battles, the conceptual weapons and the inclusion of lovecraftian villains!? Incredible.

Also extremely interesting that the Lovecraftian monsters would take the form of racism. Very Lovecraft of them.

Out of all the characters, I ended up loving Bronca the most. I feel she does the most out of all the characters, and has the most attitude which I love. Her history is rich, and her relationship with Veneza is sweet.

Aislyn is the most frustrating character ever. She is the pinnacle of passive white *conservative* feminism which isn't ACTUALLY feminism but rightful caution and misandry that is created when dealing with the WORST kinds of men; conservatives. But, that kind of white conservative woman "feminism" (misandry) does NOT translate to empathy OR intersectionality. She was INFURIATING!

Can not wait to dig into the sequel, and I hope Aislyn gets her ass handed to her, the bitchy little TRAITOR.
(All racists are traitors to humanity. NK Jemisin is a genius)

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