The Scar

While the Scar is a sequel to Perdido Street Station (and there is a connection between the two stories), this book really is a standalone tale set in different parts of the same world. 'The Scar' follows Bellis Coldwine who is fleeing New Crobruzon, plus several other characters starting on a sea journey. Their ship is taken by pirates and they enter on new adventures as members of a floating city led by a controlling and fairly sinister couple. I felt the story was a bit more linear than Perdido St. since it follows the characters as they travel and the action is more goal-directed. However, there are multiple plot lines and deceptions and misdirections that are revealed as things progress. We meet several new races in this intriguing world and we learn more about groups introduced in Perdido St. I recommend The Scar, even without reading Perdido St. first. The story is compelling with both subterfuge and sea battles plus several mysteries.