Perdido Street Station - Review
Link to the author's (C. Miéville) personal website
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Type: Book
Tags:
- Average Age of Main Characters (35)
- Length (6 / 10)
Series: New Crobuzon
Link to Goodreads
Blurb: Beneath the towering bleached ribs of a dead, ancient beast lies the city of New Crobuzon, where the unsavory deal is stranger to no one--not even to Isaac, a gifted and eccentric scientist who has spent a lifetime quietly carrying out his unique research. But when a half-bird, half-human creature known as the Garuda comes to him from afar, Isaac is faced with challenges he has never before encountered. Though the Garuda's request is scientifically daunting, Isaac is sparked by his own curiosity and an uncanny reverence for this curious stranger. Soon an eerie metamorphosis will occur that will permeate every fiber of New Crobuzon--and not even the Ambassador of Hell will challenge the malignant terror it evokes.
Review: Totally beautifully unique book. The setting is incredibly creative, and I truly mean incredibly. The book's as much sci-fi as it is fantasy, I just classified it as fantasy as I think it fits the specific sub-genre better. And my god the city! The book's as much an ode to the city it's based in as a story about a well-meaning scientist. This was the first book I ever read where I felt like the city was the main character, and this wasn't achieved by using multiple perspectives. The story took a big right turn for me half way through, but after adjusting a bit I was completely in. I whole heartedly recommend this book, especially for those in the science community. Don't be afraid about commitment as well, this book is essentially stand-alone. See the series review here.