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Review Date: 12/18/2009
"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.
Review Date: 12/11/2009
As an example of a novel set in an alternative universe, Thunderer is excellent. Called the "Metacontext", this story is set in a magical steam-punk sort of expansive City which includes high class and lower classes, art and crime, magical time and place traveling and Gods and devils as real tangible creatures. It is a long book but that only allows the reader to become more immersed in the wierd landscape. I think this is the most interesting alternative world since the post Cyber punk world of "The Diamond Age" (Neal Stephenson.
I liked the way the author, Felix Gilman gave us the first person view of one protagonist and yet also expanded the story to show us how that interacted and affected the larger story of the City. The story moves forward for the City and the protagonist and my interest was kept throughout.
I liked the way the author, Felix Gilman gave us the first person view of one protagonist and yet also expanded the story to show us how that interacted and affected the larger story of the City. The story moves forward for the City and the protagonist and my interest was kept throughout.
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