Book Review: The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks

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The Nameless City
The Nameless City #1
Author: Faith Erin Hicks
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Released: April 5 2016
Review Source: First Second

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.

An unlikely friendship between two kids is formed when Kai finds out how good of a runner Rat is and wants to be trained at running and par core.  Divided by nations but brought together by the love of their city.

This was the first graphic novel I've read, to be honest. Sure I've flipped through all the super hero comics, but I never sat down and actually read them. So to sit down and read this one through was an experience for me. A good one, that it. I absolutely loved it. I'm use to reading a book and having the world described to me. So to read a book and see the world and only have to read the conversations that happen is such a great experience.

After attending the ECCC panel about Strong Women across the genres I was really excited to read this book. I wasn't disappointed. It was such an interesting book, I really can't wait for the sequel. The characters are fun and loving. Kai is the kid who just wants everyone to be friends - he understands there's a war happening for the city, but he'd like everyone in the city to unite and not be hateful towards one another. And Rat is the opposite, she believes what she's been taught. She's a native to The Nameless City and so she has a hatred for everyone that tries to conquer the city, until she becomes friends with Kai. Then she realizes that not everyone is bad, and her character arc is an interesting one to see through.

It was a quick read for me, and I loved that. I give it 4.5 stars because I feel that I wanted more of a story. I get that there's going to be a sequel but I was just dying for more. I wanted more info on everything and anything I can get info on in this story.