The City & the City

Can a fantasy novel truly be a fantasy novel if it lacks traditional fantasy elements like magic, myth, and the supernatural? Does it matter?

The Hugo voters don't seem to think so.

The City & The City by China Mieville takes readers to an imaginary eastern European urban landscape, at an unspecified (but likely modern or near future) era where a mysterious murder has just occurred. Written in familiar crime-noir style, it's up to Inspector Tyador Borlu to solve the mystery, which quickly escalates into a touchy international incident.

So what about this is fantastic, you ask?

Nothing, yet everything. Click the link below to read my full review!