This is the first book in The City trilogy by Darren Shan. This is in the "Adult" section of my library but I see nothing wrong with younger ones reading this. There are two sexual parts, but they do not last longer then a few paragraphs and they are not explicit. Though honestly it would be up to a parent or guardian to actually decide if it is suitable for their child's age. I actually didn't know that Shan had this trilogy out because he is more widely known for his "Teen" books.
Capac Raimi arrives at the City ready to show his stuff and prove that he is worthy of it all. The City isn't what it seems though, there is a strange assassin with snake tattoos on his face, and who moves like liquid. Blind Incan priests that no one sees, friends and people mysteriously disappear and no one remembers them once they do. Then there is The Cardinal, he has eyes and ears everywhere. He is the ruler of the City. Capac has no clue, till it is almost too late, how deeply The Cardinal is rooted into him. Most conflicting is that Capac can't remember anything besides coming to the City. He can't remember anything before stepping off of the train and into the belly of the City.
After reading the little insert about this book I was expecting nothing about gangsters. There is and it was nice to get away from the super supernatural books. I was lost in the beginning, I wasn't sure what was going on or what to think of this book. Not long after that things got ironed out for the most part and I was hooked. I hated not being able to read this book because every other turn had me guessing about what was going to come next. I really loved how Shan named his character. The names of almost every character is not common names. There is a meaning to some of the more exotic names and to explain them the way that I want to, would take a lot of typing and I think I would bore most all of you. Some are of Incan background, and each of the chapter titles are those of the Incan months. It was very easy to picture what was going on with Capac and other characters, Shan detailed everything just right (for me at least). It was very fun to guess what was going on and what was going to happen next. It wasn't easy to predict what was going to happen, which again was a great change of speed from some other books I have reviewed. One thing that loved the most, is that once I thought I had everything figured out, something would happen and I was left guessing again. Guys, I could keeping going with things that I liked about this book, but in order for that to happen I would have to spoil everything. I haven't even scratched the surface.
As for things I didn't like, there wasn't anything major. The one thing that I had a slight problem with is the ending. I love it to a point. It was simple, but the action before it was great. I was expecting a bigger ending, but the one given isn't horrible. It leaves the reader guessing about what is going to be happening in the next book.
Like I said before I could go on and on about things that I loved about the book. In honesty I recommend this book to everyone, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but I am sure that you could find some aspect of the book to like or even love. The ending was the only thing I take issue with but I am willing to overlook it due to the content. I will be reading the second book, so long as my library has it on the shelf. I would love to own this book, and I see myself rereading it. Being a fan of Shan, this book is not what I am used to reading from him but I love it nonetheless. This is an "older" book being published in 1999, but I think it is worthy of now
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 278 pages (hardcover).
Price: $19.99
Next Book: Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
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