Alex Robins's The City of Mist and Tears plunges readers into the heart of Keselgraad, a breathtaking yet terrifying metropolis in the acclaimed War of the Twelve universe. This colossal city, a mile-high testament to human ingenuity, is besieged by a relentless, swirling white enemy. Within its towering spires and shadowed alleys, a desperate struggle for survival unfolds. The city's inhabitants rely on the fading light of the Mother's amethyst crystals, a fragile shield against the encroaching Mists. But a chilling secret threatens to extinguish this last hope: the crystals are dying. As the city's protection crumbles, a desperate race against time begins to uncover the truth and save Keselgraad from becoming a tomb.
Review The City of Mist and Tears
I absolutely devoured "The City of Mist and Tears"! As a fan of Alex Robins's "War of the Twelve" series, I went in expecting a solid read, but I was genuinely blown away. While it's part of that universe, it stands perfectly on its own—a fantastic entry point for newcomers. The mystery at the heart of the story, the slow decay of Keselgraad's protective magic, is captivating from page one. The constant threat of the encroaching mist, a truly terrifying antagonist, kept me on the edge of my seat.
The world-building is phenomenal. Keselgraad itself is a character, a towering, layered city with a palpable sense of history and decay. The stark contrast between the opulent upper levels and the squalid slums perfectly captures the social inequalities, adding depth and intrigue. Robins doesn't info-dump; the details unfold naturally through the characters' experiences, making the world feel lived-in and believable. I especially loved the Wardens – their design, their mystique, their almost indestructible nature—they were utterly captivating. That glimpse into the Warden-making process? Chillingly brilliant!
The three main POV characters are wonderfully distinct. Roe, the resourceful orphan, is instantly likeable, his spirit shining even in the darkest corners of Keselgraad. His connection to the "War of the Twelve" universe, when revealed, was a delightful surprise, a satisfying nod to long-time fans. Pine, the jaded city watch captain, provides a grittier, more cynical perspective, perfectly balancing Roe's optimism. His arc of disillusionment and reluctant hope is deeply compelling. And Thane, the powerful yet flawed Keeper of the Peace, added layers of political intrigue and morally gray areas, making him a fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, presence. The interplay between these three perspectives enriches the narrative and keeps the plot dynamic.
The pacing is perfect; Robins expertly weaves together action, mystery, and character development without ever feeling rushed. The prose is sharp and efficient, devoid of unnecessary fluff, allowing the story to flow seamlessly. The twists and reveals kept me constantly guessing, and the ending? Let's just say it left me breathless and desperately anticipating the next book in the series. This isn't just a good fantasy novel; it's a tightly crafted, suspenseful mystery wrapped in a beautifully realized world. Even without knowing the "War of the Twelve" books, this one captivated me. Highly recommended for anyone who loves intricate world-building, compelling characters, and a truly unsettling antagonist. Five stars!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.88 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 351
- Publication date: 2024
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