Book Review: In the Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu

  • Source: I received an advance copy of this book on NetGalley (and then pre-ordered my own physical copy!)

  • My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (see my review on Goodreads)

I mean WOW. This book was such a unique and powerful experience, particularly because of the rich world-building, but also because of so much more than that! The main storyline was engrossing, the main character Anima providing a unique perspective on aer distinct place in aer society. I really enjoyed the way this narrative took me through the lives and experiences of so many different people throughout this world. I'm a sucker for those little mini-stories within a larger narrative that give you a glimpse into another piece of the world (think of those interludes in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series, or an episode in a TV show that gives the main cast a little time off-screen). Lu was able to provide such visceral empathic experiences throughout this book, and it is exactly what I love most about reading! I'm probably not doing a great job of describing this, but it's because the whole experience was so magical and unique and it TOUCHED me! In the Watchful City definitely goes onto my list of favorite books ever, and has now put S. Qiouyi Lu on my list of authors whose work I want to devour!

book reviewKelleyfiction, sci-fi