rocabarraigh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
amumreads's review
4.0
Thank you to the author and Books Forward PR for providing me with an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.
This debut has some of the most fantastic world building that I’ve ever read! It was so clever and well written it made this book hard to put down.
I enjoyed the dieselpunk, post apocalyptic vibes as well as the unique science based magic system. The tone of this book is very dark and grim with strong political themes that could easily have become tiresome but was made interesting by the authors intelligent writing.
Sylvaine and Marcel are incredibly relatable and likeable characters. They are a somewhat unlikeable duo, both completely distinct and unique, that somehow blend perfectly together. I really enjoyed their dialogue throughout the story.
This book has no romance or fluffiness which is refreshing change and suited the tone.
This debut has some of the most fantastic world building that I’ve ever read! It was so clever and well written it made this book hard to put down.
I enjoyed the dieselpunk, post apocalyptic vibes as well as the unique science based magic system. The tone of this book is very dark and grim with strong political themes that could easily have become tiresome but was made interesting by the authors intelligent writing.
Sylvaine and Marcel are incredibly relatable and likeable characters. They are a somewhat unlikeable duo, both completely distinct and unique, that somehow blend perfectly together. I really enjoyed their dialogue throughout the story.
This book has no romance or fluffiness which is refreshing change and suited the tone.
coffeecatreads's review
4.0
Well, let me start with this is my first steam punk genre. And I am impressed. Lazarus Roache owns Lazacorp. Is he a villain? What is going on? This book is well written, the characters are interesting and the world building is gripping.
This book is unique and original. I really enjoyed it. If you want to read something and of another genre try steam punk. The tales in this different world of storytelling is just as good as any other.
Thank you Books Forward for this ARC.
This book is unique and original. I really enjoyed it. If you want to read something and of another genre try steam punk. The tales in this different world of storytelling is just as good as any other.
Thank you Books Forward for this ARC.
lindsaysbookclub's review
4.0
4 Stars
The entire plot of the book is so cool and unique! I really liked that the plot brought together the main characters so well it was like they had always know each other. This book kept me guessing until the very end and it was always such a surprise! My favorite part definitely has to be the characters though. I loved how they all had different things they were fighting for but came together anyways. Overall this book was really good and I would definitely recommend reading it!
The entire plot of the book is so cool and unique! I really liked that the plot brought together the main characters so well it was like they had always know each other. This book kept me guessing until the very end and it was always such a surprise! My favorite part definitely has to be the characters though. I loved how they all had different things they were fighting for but came together anyways. Overall this book was really good and I would definitely recommend reading it!
merlucito's review against another edition
4.0
I choose this ARC because of the cover (isn't it gorgeous?) and I'm so glad I did! I enjoyed this book soooo much even thought it took me a while to read it (busy month).
What I liked:
- The world: is very interesting, the action is mostly in the city of Huile, but we get glimpses or other cities (IKaria) and other places and it's just so cool to see a fantasy story with this kind of setting, because is so unique. It's kind of a dieselpunk world that reminds me a little of Studio Ghibli mixed with WW2 or post-WW2 era, and those elements are really well-used. The political aspects were really well-developed: the corruption, double standards, the social norms and everything. Just really, really cool.
- The characters: it took me a while to connect with them, but they're really well flesh out and developed I loved Marcel and the mention and exploration of his trauma. Sylvaine was wonderful and I really connected with her on her emotions, the craving to be someone and prove to everyone that she's no define for her birth, that fear of failure, the naive aspects in the first half of the story and then her strong sense of revenge. Definitely one of the best characters of the book.
The antagonist is also wonderful. Lazarus Roache is an awful person, but also so charming and manipulative that you can't help but love to hate him. His manipulation of Sylvaine was... kind of obvious, but also so perfectly made that it had me almost clapping for him while also wanting to slap him in the face and huge Sylvaine.
The other characters were also well flesh out and distinct, and I enjoyed every one of them.
What I didn't like:
- The flashbacks: there's not a lot of them, but they were introduced and writing in a way that kind of confused me. Like... in a moment I thought I was reading in the present and just when Marcel mentioned another characters that was previously said it was dead I realized that we were on a flashback. Also, this scenes gave cool backstory, but I think there weren't very necessary.
What I need more of:
- The magic: I feel like we were just starting to see the magic and this weird cult, and then the book ended and I want more! Please!
Anyway, is a good book, with unique world, good characters and cool story. Really recommended.
And also... I want the next book, please and thank you XD
What I liked:
- The world: is very interesting, the action is mostly in the city of Huile, but we get glimpses or other cities (IKaria) and other places and it's just so cool to see a fantasy story with this kind of setting, because is so unique. It's kind of a dieselpunk world that reminds me a little of Studio Ghibli mixed with WW2 or post-WW2 era, and those elements are really well-used. The political aspects were really well-developed: the corruption, double standards, the social norms and everything. Just really, really cool.
- The characters: it took me a while to connect with them, but they're really well flesh out and developed I loved Marcel and the mention and exploration of his trauma. Sylvaine was wonderful and I really connected with her on her emotions, the craving to be someone and prove to everyone that she's no define for her birth, that fear of failure, the naive aspects in the first half of the story and then her strong sense of revenge. Definitely one of the best characters of the book.
The antagonist is also wonderful. Lazarus Roache is an awful person, but also so charming and manipulative that you can't help but love to hate him. His manipulation of Sylvaine was... kind of obvious, but also so perfectly made that it had me almost clapping for him while also wanting to slap him in the face and huge Sylvaine.
The other characters were also well flesh out and distinct, and I enjoyed every one of them.
What I didn't like:
- The flashbacks: there's not a lot of them, but they were introduced and writing in a way that kind of confused me. Like... in a moment I thought I was reading in the present and just when Marcel mentioned another characters that was previously said it was dead I realized that we were on a flashback. Also, this scenes gave cool backstory, but I think there weren't very necessary.
What I need more of:
- The magic: I feel like we were just starting to see the magic and this weird cult, and then the book ended and I want more! Please!
Anyway, is a good book, with unique world, good characters and cool story. Really recommended.
And also... I want the next book, please and thank you XD
alexisreads1's review against another edition
3.0
I did have a little bit of trouble getting into this one. It was very different from what I usually read. It wasn't really what I usually like to read, but it was a good story.
The world building was interesting and done well. It was not an overload of information all at once which I enjoy when reading. I thought it was pretty unique. It is a steampunk dystopian type of world. I did like the characters. I thought that they were interesting to read about. I also think that the pacing in this one was really good. That is always something that can throw off a book for me, but the pacing here was well done. It was an interesting plot, and it is well written. It was good overall, it just was not what I am used to reading.
*Thank you so much to BooksForward and NetGalley for this arc! All opinions in this review are my own*
The world building was interesting and done well. It was not an overload of information all at once which I enjoy when reading. I thought it was pretty unique. It is a steampunk dystopian type of world. I did like the characters. I thought that they were interesting to read about. I also think that the pacing in this one was really good. That is always something that can throw off a book for me, but the pacing here was well done. It was an interesting plot, and it is well written. It was good overall, it just was not what I am used to reading.
*Thank you so much to BooksForward and NetGalley for this arc! All opinions in this review are my own*
littlefootreader's review
4.0
Rating: 4/5
Wow. This book! I'm just now dipping my toes into adult fantasy - I mostly read YA Fantasies. That being said, this book blew my mind!!! The worldbuilding is exquisite! It was done in such a way that I never felt overwhelmed and was not "info-dumping"
Again, I've not read many adult fantasies, but this world is completely unique. I loved this dystopian world with steampunk vibes. The suspense really had me on the edge of my chair and I could not put this book down! The two main characters were likable, fleshed out, and very relatable!
For a debut novel, I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this author. I can't imagine what future stories will be told!
Wow. This book! I'm just now dipping my toes into adult fantasy - I mostly read YA Fantasies. That being said, this book blew my mind!!! The worldbuilding is exquisite! It was done in such a way that I never felt overwhelmed and was not "info-dumping"
Again, I've not read many adult fantasies, but this world is completely unique. I loved this dystopian world with steampunk vibes. The suspense really had me on the edge of my chair and I could not put this book down! The two main characters were likable, fleshed out, and very relatable!
For a debut novel, I'm really looking forward to seeing more from this author. I can't imagine what future stories will be told!
haniehan's review against another edition
3.0
I received an electronic advanced readers copy(ARC) of this book through my affiliation with Books Forward. I found this book to be a bit of a drag. I wasn't really interested in the plot, the worldbuilding, or the characters. I'm probably not too excited about this book because I haven't read much fantasy lately so I'm out of touch with the genre. But I just felt so bored reading the book and towards the last half I was reading it to finish it, not because I was really enjoying it. The plot, worldbuilding, and characters are not badly written at all. In fact, Noah Lemelson is a decent writer and I expect Lemelson to publish more books well written novels. I genuinely have no objective problem with the book. I just couldn't conect with it or picture any of the scenes depicted in my head while reading, which makes reading much more fun for me. The only character I felt that I could connect with is Sylvanie. Her struggles definitely resemble my struggles to a certain degree and the mistakes she makes are mistakes that I could make in the future. Other than Sylvanie I felt bored with the other characters. Thankfully, this book was not written in first person or I might have DNFed the book altogether. The ending of this books does a good job of building reader's excitment for a sequel since it invokes just enough feelings of something left unresolved. I don't really see myself reading a possible book 2 in this world, but if you're looking for a fantasy that comes with good worldbuilding and plot development then give this book a try.
thebookitself's review
4.0
3.75
The Sightless City is a unique entry into the steampunk genre with stellar world building and a plot that contains numerous elements to keep the reader engaged. Noah Lemelson has included all the aspects you’d want out of an entry from the punk genre.
Marcel Talwar, an ex-soldier turned private investigator, accepts a new case involving kidnapping, enslavement, and murder. Marcel battles inner demons and relationships from his past as he begins to put the pieces together. As the puzzle starts forming, Marcel finds himself wrapped up in a conspiracy with all the clues pointing to a genocidal plot. Who is the mastermind and why are they developing this unforgiveable act?
I had to double check that this was Noah Lemelson’s first novel. What stellar world building for a debut. Lemelson has infused sci-fantasy with a dystopian steampunk atmosphere. I quickly found myself immersed in this world thanks to the vivid descriptions of this heavily tech-inspired world. This installment is focused primarily in one part of this world and it glows with distinction. There was excellent pacing throughout that really kept me interested from the first page to the very end.
As far as the characters go, Sylvaine was my absolute favorite. No spoilers here. Sylvaine is a ferral creature, studying engineering, and has to endure harassment from society due to her race. I really felt her pain and trauma; how she’s forced to second guess herself; how she reacts to the way others try to manipulate her. On the other hand, I understand Marcel’s personality and why he is the way he is, but he just wasn’t my type of character. I needed more of the personality and vigor that just make a character shine to me. I certainly enjoyed reading the flashbacks and seeing him deal with the after effects of his past. There aren’t a vast number of characters in this novel so I wasn’t too surprised at some of the reveals.
This is a focus on science and scientific terminology here. It does not detract from the main story or the characters. I say this as I’ve read some sci-fi stories where I thought that this was a bit of an issue. This is not one of those. Lemelson goes into engineering, schematics, machinery, and the like.
The ending sequence left me wanting book 2 in my hands right away! What a way to conclude a debut. I have questions that I need answered! Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the next release. But I will be eagerly doing so.
Thank you to Noah Lemelson, Tiny Fox Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Sightless City is a unique entry into the steampunk genre with stellar world building and a plot that contains numerous elements to keep the reader engaged. Noah Lemelson has included all the aspects you’d want out of an entry from the punk genre.
Marcel Talwar, an ex-soldier turned private investigator, accepts a new case involving kidnapping, enslavement, and murder. Marcel battles inner demons and relationships from his past as he begins to put the pieces together. As the puzzle starts forming, Marcel finds himself wrapped up in a conspiracy with all the clues pointing to a genocidal plot. Who is the mastermind and why are they developing this unforgiveable act?
I had to double check that this was Noah Lemelson’s first novel. What stellar world building for a debut. Lemelson has infused sci-fantasy with a dystopian steampunk atmosphere. I quickly found myself immersed in this world thanks to the vivid descriptions of this heavily tech-inspired world. This installment is focused primarily in one part of this world and it glows with distinction. There was excellent pacing throughout that really kept me interested from the first page to the very end.
As far as the characters go, Sylvaine was my absolute favorite. No spoilers here. Sylvaine is a ferral creature, studying engineering, and has to endure harassment from society due to her race. I really felt her pain and trauma; how she’s forced to second guess herself; how she reacts to the way others try to manipulate her. On the other hand, I understand Marcel’s personality and why he is the way he is, but he just wasn’t my type of character. I needed more of the personality and vigor that just make a character shine to me. I certainly enjoyed reading the flashbacks and seeing him deal with the after effects of his past. There aren’t a vast number of characters in this novel so I wasn’t too surprised at some of the reveals.
This is a focus on science and scientific terminology here. It does not detract from the main story or the characters. I say this as I’ve read some sci-fi stories where I thought that this was a bit of an issue. This is not one of those. Lemelson goes into engineering, schematics, machinery, and the like.
The ending sequence left me wanting book 2 in my hands right away! What a way to conclude a debut. I have questions that I need answered! Unfortunately, I will have to wait for the next release. But I will be eagerly doing so.
Thank you to Noah Lemelson, Tiny Fox Press, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
lindsay_3133's review
4.0
4 Stars
The entire plot of the book is so cool and unique! I really liked that the plot brought together the main characters so well it was like they had always know each other. This book kept me guessing until the very end and it was always such a surprise! My favorite part definitely has to be the characters though. I loved how they all had different things they were fighting for but came together anyways. Overall this book was really good and I would definitely recommend reading it!
The entire plot of the book is so cool and unique! I really liked that the plot brought together the main characters so well it was like they had always know each other. This book kept me guessing until the very end and it was always such a surprise! My favorite part definitely has to be the characters though. I loved how they all had different things they were fighting for but came together anyways. Overall this book was really good and I would definitely recommend reading it!