The Nameless City

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2016

Review

This graphic novel includes the very best of the elements that make a great graphic novel: gorgeous illustrations, attention to detail both in illustration and story, clearly delineated characters, and an engaging, entertaining plot. This fantastically drawn, appealing GN will be a hit among any age readers. The Nameless City, called that because it is oft-conquered and the name changes depending on the victors; the natives don't have a name for it as they grow weary of having to learn a new name with each new victor. The story centers around Kaidu, a young man who is one of the current victor's people, the Dao. He has been brought to the city to train as a soldier so that the Dao can continue to hold the city from one of the many surrounding peoples who would seek to conquer it next. When he loses his way in the city, Kai meets a young native woman named Rat. The two strike up a friendship, a highly unusual thing since conquerors and natives do not intermingle. Wonderful scenes of Kai and Rat navigating the rooftops of the city ensue and finally, political intrigue brings the action to a suspenseful conclusion. There is a neat resolution at the end, but with an opening for a continuation and a promise of a Book 2 (coming April 2017). This will draw in all GN readers who will wait with anticipation to see what happens next in the story of Kai, Rat, and the Nameless City. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: excellent