The City We Became: A Novel (The Great Cities, 1)

Three-time Hugo Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author N.K. Jemisin crafts her most incredible novel yet, a "glorious" story of culture, identity, magic, and myths in contemporary New York City. In Manhattan, a young grad student gets off the train and realizes he doesn't remember who he is, where he's from, or even his own name. But he can sense the beating heart of the city, see its history, and feel its power. In the Bronx, a Lenape gallery director discovers strange graffiti scattered throughout the city, so beautiful and powerful it's as if the paint is literally calling to her. In Brooklyn, a politician and mother finds she can hear the songs of her city, pulsing to the beat of her Louboutin heels. And they're not the only ones. Every great city has a soul. Some are ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York? She's got six.For more from N. K. Jemisin, check out: The Inheritance TrilogyThe Hundred Thousand KingdomsThe Broken KingdomsThe Kingdom of Gods The Inheritance Trilogy (omnibus edition)Shades in Shadow: An Inheritance Triptych (e-only short fiction)The Awakened Kingdom (e-only novella) Dreamblood DuologyThe Killing MoonThe Shadowed Sun The Dreamblood Duology (omnibus) The Broken EarthThe Fifth SeasonThe Obelisk GateThe Stone Sky How Long 'til Black Future Month? (short story collection)

"A glorious fantasy." --Neil Gaiman
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480 pages

Average rating: 6.98

147 RATINGS

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8 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

blewballoon
Nov 21, 2024
8/10 stars
I read this with a couple friends as a sort of impromptu mini book club. I would recommend it for a book club as there are a lot of interesting concepts in terms of the fantasy and social commentary. As one of my friends put it, this book definitely goes by the idea that "subtlety is for cowards" and most of the social commentary is completely overt. Our group was mixed in how much they liked how heavy handed it was. Some found it refreshing, others found it broke immersion in the story. One of the characters, to me, was especially unbearable and I would groan when I got to her chapters. The fantasy aspect of the human avatars of cities was amazing and I loved the concept of using constructs to channel their power.
Bakingbreakingbox
Jul 08, 2024
3/10 stars
Would rate as a 6/7 after finishing the second. Must enjoy both books together!
Brookeprieskorn
Dec 09, 2023
8/10 stars
Hated the first half, but once I found my way in, I really fell for it. It’s clearly a love letter, and it made me feel fond of New York too, even the bits I usually turn my nose up at. Not a book for the feint of heart.
Kperkins87
May 19, 2023
10/10 stars
This was a fun, excellent read! Especially once you understand what N.K is really writing about! Glad I finished this before the next installment is released soon.
Karen Howells
Mar 09, 2023
8/10 stars
Hard for me to follow at first and then I became immersed in the story, characters and experience the author creates. Immensely creative with amazing dialogue and character develpment!

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