This book review is of another gem I found randomly browsing the New Fantasy section at the library. I was caught by the beautiful cover, the short but sweet jacket blurb, the female author, and a killer first line and first scene.
City of Lies is the debut novel of Sam Hawke that came out in July 2018 (published by Tor Books). It is a high fantasy epic set almost entirely within a single city – Silasta. The book is written in first person, and alternates between two characters: Jovan, a master of poisons and protector of the Chancellor’s family, and his sister Kalina.
The first line of this book is thus: “I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me.” Jovan has been poisoned hundreds of times in his life, building immunities to and knowledge of every chemical and plant in the region and how to detect them even in wild, spicy, and exotic foods and drinks. In the first chapter of the book, however, the Chancellor dies from an unknown poison right under Jovan’s nose. Shortly thereafter, a mysterious army begins a siege of the city for unknown reasons.
The whole book is set barricaded within the city. It is a story primarily of mystery, as Jovan and his sister attempt to discover what poison killed the Chancellor and who could have done the poisoning. It is also a story of politics and tension. Jovan strives to protect the Chancellor’s heir from the unseen threats within the city. The political figures of Silasta debate why an army is laying siege to their city, even while they fight to protect their walls. Suspicions run hot as treachery is slowly uncovered from multiple sources.
Underlying the mystery and politics is magic and deceit on a scale larger than any realize. While the reader does not venture from Silasta’s walls, problems within the realm are revealed through discussions and musings, and set up a much larger feel of worldbuilding. The worldbuilding within the city itself is intriguing, with schools, family and social systems, politics, economics, religion – all the usual stuff, but with a sort of Asian flare and unique ideas.
The writing of this book is well-balanced, flowing, and easy to read. Sam Hawke handles the first person voice well, providing personal insight into the two main characters without reverting to inner monologues or telling rather than showing.
One unique thing I liked about this book was how Sam Hawke used characters’ disabilities within the story in authentic and relatable ways. They played a part both in character development and in the plot. This is something I don’t see often in fantasy stories.
Recommendation:
This book does not have excessive violence or sex. It is a quick read despite its length (560 pages hardcover), and keeps you interested in the same way an Agatha Christie does, but with more character development and world-building. I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy, mystery, and politics. Don’t expect a hero’s journey, epic-scale battles, flashy magic, or a score of interwoven plots. Do expect to be intrigued and entertained, and left curious about the rest of the world in which it is set and what could come next!
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