"Gears of the City" is a sequel to "Thunderer" and as such it returns us to the same milieu with the same protagonist. The environment is again the fantastic alternate universe in which space and time travel are possible within this proscribed locale for the initiated. We are introduced to new and interesting characters with valid and sometimes exciting points of view. There are elements in this book that remind me of Zelzany's Amber series of which I was a big fan.
However, I was disappointed at the pace and of this story as well as the lack of explanation. Suspension of disbelieve is all well and good but every so often the author must throw out a tidbit of reasoning to engage the curiosity of the readers. I found that in this second volume the situations and plots are less satisfying and do not make me want to follow up by reading the next edition.
I probably will follow this author because the imagination and lyricism are apparent and I think that just as there are a million stories in the Riverworld, there are a many more stories in the City, some of which will be gems worth pursuing.
However, I was disappointed at the pace and of this story as well as the lack of explanation. Suspension of disbelieve is all well and good but every so often the author must throw out a tidbit of reasoning to engage the curiosity of the readers. I found that in this second volume the situations and plots are less satisfying and do not make me want to follow up by reading the next edition.
I probably will follow this author because the imagination and lyricism are apparent and I think that just as there are a million stories in the Riverworld, there are a many more stories in the City, some of which will be gems worth pursuing.
