Type: First Second Books, Graphic Novel, Series, Trilogy, Book One, The Named from the Nameless City sounds boss
About the Book: Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred--a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let's hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands. [Description from Netgalley.com]
My Review: First off, I'm going to start by saying that I love Faith Erin Hicks. This author is awesome, and I have greatly enjoyed everything I've read by her. And with that in mind, I have to say that overall, I found this graphic novel disappointing. Despite its size - over 200 pages - it breezes by and feels almost empty. The world building is great, and I see a lot of promise in this first volume, but it's not quite there yet.
I think the main problem is that this graphic novel is the first in a series. And while there is some small climax and resolution in this particular volume, mostly it feels like everything is being built up for nothing. Instead of feeling content-but-eager-for-the-next-book, the reader is left feeling empty, or at least that's how I felt. This particular book felt more like an extended introduction than a first in a series.
All that said, I see so much potential here. I fell in love with the main characters almost instantly, and I want to see where this is going. I just wish this volume had felt more whole, instead of half what it could be.
Cover Lovin': When I originally requested to review this title, it had no cover, just the title. Now that I see the chosen cover (assuming it doesn't change), it looks pretty cool. I would definitely pick it up to look into if I saw it while browsing.
Recommendation: This is the first of a multiple part series, so I'm not sure how the entire series will play out, but I can see this graphic novel definitely appealing to teens, and maybe even upper-middle grade readers. Some violence, but not too bad.
Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). This rating is not bad, and the book is certainly not bad. The three star rating is because this is essentially just part of a book. There is a small climax near the end of the story, but overall, this feels unfinished and less like a first book, more like an introduction.
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Happy reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~
Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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