A review by berlinbibliophile
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Wow! I loved this book. The worldbuilding is spectacular, and it feels like such a lived-in world, full of as-yet unexplored corners that promise future adventures. I also liked the portrayal of a society in which there are no clearly good or evil groups, just many different end goals that are pursued more or less pragmatically and ruthlessly. 
The characters are great as well. They have such different attitudes and worldviews, yet as a reader I love them all despite their diametrically opposed agendas. The ending of the book certainly promised more character development and conflict for the future, which I am looking forward to very much.

Well, I may love the book even more the second time I read it. I just really love Nahri and am excited to find out what happens in the next book. I hope we see more of the politics of Daevabad as well.

2024 reread: I am rereading the book after Amina Al-Sirafi. It was great to see Khayzur again after reading more about him, but also doubly tragic. I also loved seeing all my favourite characters again knowing what awaits them.