City of Dreams & Nightmare
by Ian Whates
City of a Hundred Rows (1)
science fiction / fantasy: steam punk
copyright 2010
read in March 2013
rated 7 out of 10: well worth reading
The young hero fights for his life, discovers that he has special powers, finds that his powers will be central to saving his world... Sound familiar?
Don't worry... It's a familiar plot but in a fascinating new world.
There are complex depths to this world. Lots of different groups yet they all seem to fit into their logical niches. A range from peasant to powerful, interacting -- at arms length -- and all essential to the operation of the city.
There are hints that the peasant class are down-trodden. Certainly, no-one asks them to vote. On the other hand -- and I like this -- they are not miserable.
The various people fight hard to live in their niches. Life is sometimes cheap and short. Yet when there is a fire -- passers-by shout warnings and there is a reasonably effective fire brigade. In the poorest part of the city.
Life is tough but not degraded. Self interest is strong yet there is friendship, loyalty and concern for the neighbours.
It is very easy to empathise with the nicer characters. And quite possible to have some sympathy for the rest. City of Nightmare? I've met worse.
An interesting and likeable world. So what about the plot?
The plot is a little simplistic.
Lots going on, plenty of intersecting threads, no sudden changes of fortune. This book simply keeps rolling along...
... Rolling along, providing interest and action. Very enjoyable. The heroes are threatened but never in any really serious danger. Although, of course, they often *believe* that their lives are at risk!
As a book which is "well work reading" I have only one real criticism: the level of deus ex machina...
Near the start there is a suggestion that several people are pulling all the strings. Towards the end the same people appear, just in time to save the heroes.
String-pullers can spoil a book. If the control is too tight there is no free will -- and no interest for the reader. Whates does not make that mistake... His heroes are set up, then left to take their chances... most of the time.
Having the string-pullers appear just on time to save the day... is a bit weak. It does detract a bit from the strength of the book, from the strength of the heroes. Still, no worries -- the heroes do most of the work.
Overall this book is easy to read and a lot of fun. Enough plot lines are closed off to give a satisfying ending. Enough are left open so that there is obviously more to be written.
I look forward to reading more of the City of a Hundred Rows.
Perhaps in book two... the boy will get the girl :-)
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