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Recoletta #2
Cities and Thrones
In the fantastical, gaslit underground city of Recolleta, Oligarchs from foreign states and revolutionaries from the farming communes vie for power in the wake of the city’s coup. The dark, forbidden knowledge of how the city came to be founded has been released into the world for all to read, and now someone must pay.
Inspector Liesl Malone is on her toes, trying to keep the peace, and Arnault’s spy ring is more active than ever. Has the city’s increased access to knowledge put the citizens in even more danger? Allegiances change, long-held beliefs are adjusted, and things are about to get messy.
Inspector Liesl Malone is on her toes, trying to keep the peace, and Arnault’s spy ring is more active than ever. Has the city’s increased access to knowledge put the citizens in even more danger? Allegiances change, long-held beliefs are adjusted, and things are about to get messy.
444 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 27, 2015
About the author
Carrie Patel
8 books84 followersCarrie Patel was born and raised in Houston, Texas. An avid traveller, she studied abroad in Granada, Spain and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas A&M University and worked in transfer pricing at Ernst & Young for two years. She now works as a narrative designer at Obsidian Entertainment in Irvine, California, where the only season is Always Perfect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 11, 2015
Oh the political intrigue of Recoletta. How I missed the dark hallways and tunnels where spies and malcontents lurk arround every corner. Every town and commune has something riding on the rise and fall of Sato's revolution. Carrie Patel has focused on the hard part of revolution which is the aftermath. Every revolution rides on the sell of a brighter tomorrow but the days after are usually darker and half the population flees. How do you maintain control? Keeping what Sato won is much harder than getting it in the first place and how does he and his regime not ultimately become a sad version of the Whitnails and the council they unseated. Patel handled the disillusionment beautifully. I enjoyed 'Cities and Thrones' more than the first of Patel's Recoletta series, 'The Buried Life.'
Patel introduced us to the underground city, the tunnels, and Victorian decadence of Recoletta as it fell in 'The Buried Life.' The class disparities and the restriction of knowledge couldn't be sustained. Patel focuses on a world separated by economic class. Race and religion were noticeably absent and helped highlight the imbalence of wealth. As Jane and countless other Recolettans flee their city for the world above they see the communes and metropolises that operate under different concepts. The Communes work as a group and these new cities focus on earned status. Jane finds a place in the Judicial system when she chose to testify to a truth on behalf of citizens of Madina rather than lie out of a blind loyalty to displaced Recolettans. It starts as a vision of hope. Malone is the new Chief of Police and takes her place at Sato's side in a hopeful new Recoletta. The second half of this book uncovers the cracks in these regimes - the cities that have welcomed them, and the need of the communes. Everyone needs something from somebody.
Patel's story continues in an honest view of revolution. The reality is not so shiny as the propaganda that supported it to fruition. The other city governments are afraid of it like a contagion, and the communes want the same hope and change. Why should they have to wait for opportunity while they support Recoletta? Does Recoletta stand behind their ideals or is their new government built on hypocrisy? The new Recoletta needs trade, order, and support to survive. Patel showed the hope and the desolation that comes with it. It doesn't mean it wasn't necessary, and it doesn't mean the old ways of the Whitenail council is acceptable. It means that it is complicated.
Patel's writing and character developement improved with 'Cities and Thrones.' We see Malone, Jane, Arnault, and even Sato in a more holistic way. Pieces of Recoletta's history are hinted at, but not enough to satisfy me. We received a large reveal at the end of 'The Buried Life' and we don't get answers about the library in book two. I'm impatient for Patel to answer this in book three along with information about the underground cities, the restriction of information, and the dystopian connection. That said, this novel delved into the world up top that was rarely if ever discussed or acknowledged by the opulent Recoletta it supported. 'Cities and Thrones' is necessary and a wonderful second in a series, but I will not be alone in waiting for the big payoff. Arnault, Malone, Jane etc. want the answers as much as I do. Patel gives us a reveal at the end of this book too. It's not as big as in the first book but it will certainly whet your appetite. My feeling is that 'The Buried Life' was the appetizer and 'Cities and Thrones' is the meat. But we all want desert just like we want answers.
I received this from Angry Robot in return for an honest review.
Patel introduced us to the underground city, the tunnels, and Victorian decadence of Recoletta as it fell in 'The Buried Life.' The class disparities and the restriction of knowledge couldn't be sustained. Patel focuses on a world separated by economic class. Race and religion were noticeably absent and helped highlight the imbalence of wealth. As Jane and countless other Recolettans flee their city for the world above they see the communes and metropolises that operate under different concepts. The Communes work as a group and these new cities focus on earned status. Jane finds a place in the Judicial system when she chose to testify to a truth on behalf of citizens of Madina rather than lie out of a blind loyalty to displaced Recolettans. It starts as a vision of hope. Malone is the new Chief of Police and takes her place at Sato's side in a hopeful new Recoletta. The second half of this book uncovers the cracks in these regimes - the cities that have welcomed them, and the need of the communes. Everyone needs something from somebody.
Patel's story continues in an honest view of revolution. The reality is not so shiny as the propaganda that supported it to fruition. The other city governments are afraid of it like a contagion, and the communes want the same hope and change. Why should they have to wait for opportunity while they support Recoletta? Does Recoletta stand behind their ideals or is their new government built on hypocrisy? The new Recoletta needs trade, order, and support to survive. Patel showed the hope and the desolation that comes with it. It doesn't mean it wasn't necessary, and it doesn't mean the old ways of the Whitenail council is acceptable. It means that it is complicated.
Patel's writing and character developement improved with 'Cities and Thrones.' We see Malone, Jane, Arnault, and even Sato in a more holistic way. Pieces of Recoletta's history are hinted at, but not enough to satisfy me. We received a large reveal at the end of 'The Buried Life' and we don't get answers about the library in book two. I'm impatient for Patel to answer this in book three along with information about the underground cities, the restriction of information, and the dystopian connection. That said, this novel delved into the world up top that was rarely if ever discussed or acknowledged by the opulent Recoletta it supported. 'Cities and Thrones' is necessary and a wonderful second in a series, but I will not be alone in waiting for the big payoff. Arnault, Malone, Jane etc. want the answers as much as I do. Patel gives us a reveal at the end of this book too. It's not as big as in the first book but it will certainly whet your appetite. My feeling is that 'The Buried Life' was the appetizer and 'Cities and Thrones' is the meat. But we all want desert just like we want answers.
I received this from Angry Robot in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2015
The Buried Life first introduced us to the underground semi-steampunk world of Recoletta. Cities and Thrones takes that world and expands it past the one city of Recoletta and exposes us to a few of the townships aboveground and some of the other underground City States. Each has its own individual cultural feel to it that expands the world building well.
Where The Buried Life was a who-dun-it with a little political intrigue involved, Cities and Thrones is much more of a straight political intrigue. It all seems to revolve around the hidden Library outside Recoletta. Factions either want to use it, burn it or control it. There are more mysteries to be solved involving the Library and why it is both wanted and feared by those in power.
The major players from the Buried life are back as the dust is settling in Recoletta. Jane has found herself on the run and in a new city. She has also found an interesting way to be right in the thick of things all over again. Taking some of what she learned from Roman, Jane is starting to play a dangerous game as a novice spymaster engaging in cat and mouse antics as she acquires information in a new political intrigue.
Roman, quite the spymaster is floating at Sato’s behest between the New Recoletta post Sato’s revolution and foreign states to solidify Sato’s reign in Recoletta. It seems he can’t get a certain former seamstress out of his head. Good thing they bump into each other along the way, bad thing that it appears they might be on opposite sides at the moment. But I don’t think that will stop someone as morally ambiguous as Roman. He still seems to be playing a lot of different sides at the moment and will always have multiple back up plans to stay alive.
Malone has also risen into a play of power within the police force. The city is in a state of chaos and it appears that a few groups are out to snatch a bit of power in the upheaval. She is trying to find the source but has to team up with people she might not trust and make some decisions about which path she plans to follow.
It took a little time for me to become drawn into the story for a couple reasons. First is that Jane was traveling for a while in the beginning before coming to her new home, there is quite a bit of set up to get to the new city. The other is that I don’t read a lot of political intrigues and so some of the nuances are lost on me, I was a bit bored with the set-up for that (totally a me thing just not into political maneuvering and such) I prefer it when bodies are being splashed around and it is more murder mystery than political thriller. But when things picked up in the story they really picked up and it was difficult to put the book away towards the end.
The ending came together well and I was a bit surprised by a few of the developments. It left us in a place where the next book could go just about anywhere. I am really interested in the Library and all the secrets it seems to hold, I’m also looking forward to seeing what happens between Roman and Jane as I really want a little bit more time with them together, I crave the budding romance/flirtation between them and with where the story left off we have a bit of a cliffhanger happening. Looking forward to more revelations, more revolutions and more Recoletta in the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for the ARC in exchange for review
Where The Buried Life was a who-dun-it with a little political intrigue involved, Cities and Thrones is much more of a straight political intrigue. It all seems to revolve around the hidden Library outside Recoletta. Factions either want to use it, burn it or control it. There are more mysteries to be solved involving the Library and why it is both wanted and feared by those in power.
The major players from the Buried life are back as the dust is settling in Recoletta. Jane has found herself on the run and in a new city. She has also found an interesting way to be right in the thick of things all over again. Taking some of what she learned from Roman, Jane is starting to play a dangerous game as a novice spymaster engaging in cat and mouse antics as she acquires information in a new political intrigue.
Roman, quite the spymaster is floating at Sato’s behest between the New Recoletta post Sato’s revolution and foreign states to solidify Sato’s reign in Recoletta. It seems he can’t get a certain former seamstress out of his head. Good thing they bump into each other along the way, bad thing that it appears they might be on opposite sides at the moment. But I don’t think that will stop someone as morally ambiguous as Roman. He still seems to be playing a lot of different sides at the moment and will always have multiple back up plans to stay alive.
Malone has also risen into a play of power within the police force. The city is in a state of chaos and it appears that a few groups are out to snatch a bit of power in the upheaval. She is trying to find the source but has to team up with people she might not trust and make some decisions about which path she plans to follow.
It took a little time for me to become drawn into the story for a couple reasons. First is that Jane was traveling for a while in the beginning before coming to her new home, there is quite a bit of set up to get to the new city. The other is that I don’t read a lot of political intrigues and so some of the nuances are lost on me, I was a bit bored with the set-up for that (totally a me thing just not into political maneuvering and such) I prefer it when bodies are being splashed around and it is more murder mystery than political thriller. But when things picked up in the story they really picked up and it was difficult to put the book away towards the end.
The ending came together well and I was a bit surprised by a few of the developments. It left us in a place where the next book could go just about anywhere. I am really interested in the Library and all the secrets it seems to hold, I’m also looking forward to seeing what happens between Roman and Jane as I really want a little bit more time with them together, I crave the budding romance/flirtation between them and with where the story left off we have a bit of a cliffhanger happening. Looking forward to more revelations, more revolutions and more Recoletta in the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for the ARC in exchange for review
July 16, 2015
Review copy
Cities and Thrones is the sequel to Carrie Patel's enjoyable debut novel, The Buried Life. Both volumes are set in a time where many have chosen to live below the Earth's surface. The fictional city of Recoletta, like all modern cities, had been constructed around the two values that society prizes most, security and privacy.
It's been a number of weeks since a coup occurred in Recoletta, Jane Lin and Fredrick Anders find themselves as refugees in the communes. Meanwhile, back in the city, those who have stayed behind are doing their best to restore order under the leadership of Sato who lead the takeover.
I have to say, I liked book 1 better. In The Buried Life all of this was fresh and new. In Cities and Thrones there was a lot of espionage and intrigue, but for me, there seemed to be something lacking. I found myself not caring about any of the characters or the story, for that matter.
In the end, there were enough unanswered questions that there could be a third book, but if that happens, I don't think I'll be taking the time to read it.
Cities and Thrones is available now in paperback and ebook versions from Angry Robot Books. As always in these situations, your mileage may vary.
Cities and Thrones is the sequel to Carrie Patel's enjoyable debut novel, The Buried Life. Both volumes are set in a time where many have chosen to live below the Earth's surface. The fictional city of Recoletta, like all modern cities, had been constructed around the two values that society prizes most, security and privacy.
It's been a number of weeks since a coup occurred in Recoletta, Jane Lin and Fredrick Anders find themselves as refugees in the communes. Meanwhile, back in the city, those who have stayed behind are doing their best to restore order under the leadership of Sato who lead the takeover.
I have to say, I liked book 1 better. In The Buried Life all of this was fresh and new. In Cities and Thrones there was a lot of espionage and intrigue, but for me, there seemed to be something lacking. I found myself not caring about any of the characters or the story, for that matter.
In the end, there were enough unanswered questions that there could be a third book, but if that happens, I don't think I'll be taking the time to read it.
Cities and Thrones is available now in paperback and ebook versions from Angry Robot Books. As always in these situations, your mileage may vary.
July 2, 2015
Cities and Thrones is a solid follow-up to The Buried Life, expanding the world and giving us a glimpse of the politics at work both in the other cities and the things that motivate the key players of Recoletta. We get a few more glimpses into the Library, and how exactly the underground society of Recoletta came about. If you hadn’t worked it out already, well, this book also gives us more hints about the link between the state of society in Recoletta and the modern day. Some things are not unfamiliar or unusual concepts to us…
Malone continues to be an interesting character, loyal to her city and not bending to politicking. Oh, she’ll take part in an effort to bring the city stability, but ultimately she acts for the good of Recoletta, not to further anyone’s agenda. Not even her own, really: again and again she puts herself at risk. Meanwhile, Jane continues to be a pawn unsure of who exactly is moving her, fighting for autonomy and finding that she only succeeds in getting herself in deeper, and deeper again. I’m not sure about the thing between her and Roman, but I’m reassured by the ambivalence there; it’s certainly not a straightforward romance or an easy relationship.
The last chapter of the book raises the stakes again; I’m curious to see where this is going. I read this book in one go, quite literally in one sitting, and it’s definitely a worthy sequel.
Originally posted here.
Malone continues to be an interesting character, loyal to her city and not bending to politicking. Oh, she’ll take part in an effort to bring the city stability, but ultimately she acts for the good of Recoletta, not to further anyone’s agenda. Not even her own, really: again and again she puts herself at risk. Meanwhile, Jane continues to be a pawn unsure of who exactly is moving her, fighting for autonomy and finding that she only succeeds in getting herself in deeper, and deeper again. I’m not sure about the thing between her and Roman, but I’m reassured by the ambivalence there; it’s certainly not a straightforward romance or an easy relationship.
The last chapter of the book raises the stakes again; I’m curious to see where this is going. I read this book in one go, quite literally in one sitting, and it’s definitely a worthy sequel.
Originally posted here.
February 18, 2016
TL;DR Review:
3.5 stars. More linear than the first, but still A++ for effort.
More reviews @ The Bibliosanctum
Longer Review:
Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by Angry Robot via Netgalley. I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing me this opportunity. All opinions expressed from here forward are my own.
The Buried Life took us to the world of Recoletta, an underground city that has existed for many years after an event known only as the Cataclysm caused people to seek refuge underground. However, Recoletta is not some dingy, dark place. The atmosphere of the city is created with colorful gaslamps and there are skylights that allow sunshine in. The people living underground don’t see the surface world as a desirable place to live, even though they get sunlight and much of their resources from the surface. There are surface dwellers, though. The only group encountered in the The Buried Life made me think they all must be happy hippies living in communes. That couldn’t be further from the truth. After reading this book, I learned the surface dwellers live normal lives in towns, and they find the underground dwellers just as fascinating as the underground dwellers find them. However, there is more of a marked easiness between most surface dwellers. Underground life was filled with trite tête-à-tête that often felt like verbal sparring. Surface dwellers are easygoing and more open with much of their information unlike the guarded underground dwellers.
Cities and Thrones plays out less like a whodunit and more like a political intrigue piece. For that reason, this has a more linear storytelling style than The Buried Life. While that can be a good thing, I do like stories that take me on a rollercoaster more than stories that are just trying to get me from point A to point B, but there are a few surprises. The focal point of this story revolves around a hidden library that contains information that the warring parties either think will bring great power or must be destroyed for the power it could bring. Since the Cataclysm, books about the world before the apocalyptic event are closely guarded or destroyed to keep past mistakes from being repeated. As I said in my review of The Buried Life, the Cataclysm serves as some vague fear in the back of people’s minds to keep them under control, to make them agree that destroying and hiding knowledge is the best thing for all humanity. Now, there’s this new threat of a hidden library that everyone wants to get their hands on for good or evil.
I was glad to get more of an idea of Recoletta as a city. In my last review, I complained that Patel had this fascinating world that she spent so little time on. It could’ve been my backyard for all the information I got about it. This time around she gives us more to work with. We learn how Recoletta came to be and are able to make connections to the modern world as we know it. Patel also presents us with this beaten down Recoletta that is trying to forge itself into something new after the dramatic events that ended the last book. At the same time, we’re introduced to new cities and players that wear even more on an already stressed Recoletta who can no longer afford to politic as they once did. This story has opened up, feeling less cloistered and more focused on a story that encompasses a broader range of events. However, the world can still come off a bit empty, but I’m still appreciative that she tried to give us a little more about the surroundings.
Many of the key players from the last book have returned, but one character in particular I’d like to praise this time–Jane Lin. In the last book, I never really reconciled her character to the story, even though Patel did her best to make her involvement mean something. I liked Jane, but Jane seemed unnecessary for much of the book. After reading this, I understand that Jane represents that part of society that is overlooked, ignored, invisible, that part of society that can easily amass information because they’re not deemed important or a threat. I understood that in the last book, too, but this time around her involvement felt organic. I appreciated her character and her junior Nancy Drew skills much better in this story. She meshed well this time around. Another character who made a bit of a change is Liesl Malone. For sure, she’s still that tough-as-nails officer we first met, but she’s finding herself mired even more in politics during this state of unrest, and politics are not her strong point. It was interesting to see her try to navigate her new circumstances. At times, she seemed defeated, but despite it all, she loves Recoletta and she’s willing to do what she has to in order to bring order back to her city.
Again, I have found Patel’s writing quite fascinating. I didn’t find the beginning as slow as the previous book, but there is a significant amount of build-up. However, since it follows straight on the heels of the last book, this build-up isn’t without its merits. One of the things I’m finding that I like about these books is that the endings seem Pyrrhic at best and they end with the possibility of anything being able to happen in subsequent books. While there’s still much that can be improved in Patel’s writing, she has me invested enough to continue reading this series.
3.5 stars. More linear than the first, but still A++ for effort.
More reviews @ The Bibliosanctum
Longer Review:
Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided to me by Angry Robot via Netgalley. I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing me this opportunity. All opinions expressed from here forward are my own.
The Buried Life took us to the world of Recoletta, an underground city that has existed for many years after an event known only as the Cataclysm caused people to seek refuge underground. However, Recoletta is not some dingy, dark place. The atmosphere of the city is created with colorful gaslamps and there are skylights that allow sunshine in. The people living underground don’t see the surface world as a desirable place to live, even though they get sunlight and much of their resources from the surface. There are surface dwellers, though. The only group encountered in the The Buried Life made me think they all must be happy hippies living in communes. That couldn’t be further from the truth. After reading this book, I learned the surface dwellers live normal lives in towns, and they find the underground dwellers just as fascinating as the underground dwellers find them. However, there is more of a marked easiness between most surface dwellers. Underground life was filled with trite tête-à-tête that often felt like verbal sparring. Surface dwellers are easygoing and more open with much of their information unlike the guarded underground dwellers.
Cities and Thrones plays out less like a whodunit and more like a political intrigue piece. For that reason, this has a more linear storytelling style than The Buried Life. While that can be a good thing, I do like stories that take me on a rollercoaster more than stories that are just trying to get me from point A to point B, but there are a few surprises. The focal point of this story revolves around a hidden library that contains information that the warring parties either think will bring great power or must be destroyed for the power it could bring. Since the Cataclysm, books about the world before the apocalyptic event are closely guarded or destroyed to keep past mistakes from being repeated. As I said in my review of The Buried Life, the Cataclysm serves as some vague fear in the back of people’s minds to keep them under control, to make them agree that destroying and hiding knowledge is the best thing for all humanity. Now, there’s this new threat of a hidden library that everyone wants to get their hands on for good or evil.
I was glad to get more of an idea of Recoletta as a city. In my last review, I complained that Patel had this fascinating world that she spent so little time on. It could’ve been my backyard for all the information I got about it. This time around she gives us more to work with. We learn how Recoletta came to be and are able to make connections to the modern world as we know it. Patel also presents us with this beaten down Recoletta that is trying to forge itself into something new after the dramatic events that ended the last book. At the same time, we’re introduced to new cities and players that wear even more on an already stressed Recoletta who can no longer afford to politic as they once did. This story has opened up, feeling less cloistered and more focused on a story that encompasses a broader range of events. However, the world can still come off a bit empty, but I’m still appreciative that she tried to give us a little more about the surroundings.
Many of the key players from the last book have returned, but one character in particular I’d like to praise this time–Jane Lin. In the last book, I never really reconciled her character to the story, even though Patel did her best to make her involvement mean something. I liked Jane, but Jane seemed unnecessary for much of the book. After reading this, I understand that Jane represents that part of society that is overlooked, ignored, invisible, that part of society that can easily amass information because they’re not deemed important or a threat. I understood that in the last book, too, but this time around her involvement felt organic. I appreciated her character and her junior Nancy Drew skills much better in this story. She meshed well this time around. Another character who made a bit of a change is Liesl Malone. For sure, she’s still that tough-as-nails officer we first met, but she’s finding herself mired even more in politics during this state of unrest, and politics are not her strong point. It was interesting to see her try to navigate her new circumstances. At times, she seemed defeated, but despite it all, she loves Recoletta and she’s willing to do what she has to in order to bring order back to her city.
Again, I have found Patel’s writing quite fascinating. I didn’t find the beginning as slow as the previous book, but there is a significant amount of build-up. However, since it follows straight on the heels of the last book, this build-up isn’t without its merits. One of the things I’m finding that I like about these books is that the endings seem Pyrrhic at best and they end with the possibility of anything being able to happen in subsequent books. While there’s still much that can be improved in Patel’s writing, she has me invested enough to continue reading this series.
February 8, 2016
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Continuing smoothly from the first book in the series, Cities and Thrones is an intelligent, beautifully written, and well crafted story of dystopian/post apocalyptic intrigue. Where the first book surprised with its "Planet of the Apes" ending, the second book feels very much like a study of the after affects of the French Revolution. Political maneuverings, shady dealings, rise and fall to/from power, and a scramble to understand, survive, or capitalize on the upheaval are the core of the book.Story: Both Jane the laundress and Malone the police chief will have to find their place in a new city order. Recoletta has fallen to Sato and one woman will have fled while the other is holding her new position precariously. For Malone, she now heads the police department and reports directly to Sato. Jane and Frederik have fled to a neighboring City and must find jobs. Between the two, Arnault plays a very precarious and very dangerous game. In this world, knowledge is power and what Jane and Malone do with the knowledge they gain will determine who lives, who dies, and who comes out on top of the new Recoletta.
The City of Recoletta was a character in itself in Carrie Patel's first book, The Buried Life. With Cities and Thrones, we're given a second city, Madina, and the world building is just as intricate. Where Recoletta felt very much like a location from Les Miserable (gestalt rather than plot), with Jane's Madina we're given a more middle Eastern feel that quite intrigues. Along with the two major cities, players from the communes above ground (who provide the food for the cities) also play a huge part in the politics.
What I really loved (and respected) about Cities and Thrones is that Patel doesn't pander to the reader, overwrite the story, or otherwise tell rather than show. Yet the wording isn't dense, frustrating, or nebulous. Reading is smooth and consequences often explained through character's POV (which makes sure readers don't get lost in the politicking but also helps keep the perspective intact).
Jane had been a frustrating creature for most of the first book and in this second book, she begins to come into her own. No, she won't suddenly be given super powers; she'll fail to see the big game as well. But she's not as much the victim any more, which is an improvement. Malone, meanwhile, loses a lot of the confidence of the first book and spends a lot of Cities and Thrones treading water. The strength is still there - and she will make key decisions - but it isn't until the end that we get to see the depth of her strength of character again.
The structures of books 1 and 2 parall each other - a testament to Patel's writing skills. This is clearly a series that has been carefully plotted in advance and won't fall apart by the end. The surprises were many and once again we have a very strong and definitive ending that does not end on a cliffhanger. The writing of these two books is especially tight and rewarding to readers.
I've greatly enjoyed the Recelotta series and look forward to book 3. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
June 2, 2015
*Copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review*
Cities and Thrones has a lot to live up to. Its predecessor was Carrie Patel’s debut, which put together several elements – a claustrophobic underground city, several conspiracy-theory-worthy dark secrets, a string of brutal murders – and spun them in unexpected directions. The sequel strives to provide the same originality, whilst telling a different –if complementary – story. For the most part, it succeeds.
The setting was always one of the strengths of the first book – Patel crafted a city which was ruled by a fear of chaos, an almost pathological need for everything to be done within the existing system. A confined, limited environment which teetered on the edge of stagnation.
Ricolleta in this second book is just as effectively drawn, but the picture is somewhat different. L iesl Malone, one of the protagonists from the first book, is now the chief of police for Ricolleta. The city is now scarred by the catastrophic events near the close of the first book. Law enforcement has been decimated, and doesn’t have the manpower to maintain order across the city. Areas are going dark. Standard utilities are failing. The social order has been overturned – the rich brought low by the poorer sections of society, who are now looking to grow into their new found freedoms. Supply lines from the farming communities are stretched at best, tenuous at worst. The government, which Malone now sits in, is populated by people largely trying their best to deal with intractable systemic problems, and still keep their own heads above water. The demagogue who led the revolution is becoming increasingly paranoid and autocratic. Overall, the whole thing is a spark, just waiting for the match. What Patel is giving the characters (and the reader) in this changed portrayal is an understanding of consequences. The old Ricolleta is dead, but the birth pains of the new one aren’t especially pretty. Still, from a setting point of view, Patel has spun together a vivid world, one which is different enough from our own to be fascinating, and similar enough that we empathise with the characters as they struggle within it.
The reader is also given a broader view of the setting this time, taken out of Ricoleta and into the surrounding countryside, the largely unmentioned Outside. We’re taken here along with Jane, one of the characters from the first book, now on the run after her part in events in the first book. It’s interesting to get a view of the farming communities that feed the urban hub, to see how and why they operate as they do – and Patel manages to cast them effectively, with a broader, but paradoxically more prosaic view of things.
We’re also introduced to other cities; these were briefly alluded to in The Buried Life, but have a stronger part to play in this sequel. They’re still largely an enigma, but at least one is further fleshed out; in doing so, it’s almost in direct contrast to Ricolleta, thematically – it feels ordered, spacious, but also controlled. It’s also a haven of the nest-of-vipers politicking which the Ricolettans can’t now really afford; through Jane, the reader starts with a fly-on-the-wall view of the machinations of the other urban areas as they adjust to the new Ricoletta – but Jane, like Malone, quickly finds herself in over her head, to say the least.
Along with Malone and Jane there are a few other returning characters, but those are the two that get star billing. They’ve both shifted somewhat since the first book, a sign of the way in which the civic upheaval has created change; Malone is still austere, but seems to have lost at least someof the cloaked spark of joy that she carried in the first book; on the other hand, she’s grasped the nettle of responsibility, and the way in which she becomes accustomed to that, and then the way in which she directs it to achieve the ends which she desires is one of the key arcs of the book – as is her search to define exactly it is she wants to do with the power that came along with that responsibility. It would have been nice to have explored this dichotomy in a bit more depth, but the way in which it was wrapped into the narrative made the character arc work as part of the whole – and it’s absolutely intriguing as it is.
Jane’s arc is different; her character shows us a view from the lower decks, as it were. Malone deals in politics, in broader sweeps, but it’s Jane whom we track as she attempts to make a name and a role for herself in a new city, as she struggles to earn the trust of a variety of new employers, and as she decides how far she is willing to go to acquire peace and security. Jane is the everyman of the story, but she’s not just that – she feels more reactive than Malone, but her determination to make her own choices, to wring herself a new reality out of the catastrophic convuslions of Ricolleta – those ring true, as does her fear, her willingness to compromise to keep what she has managed to create for herself.
Patel has made a pair of intriguing protagonists, ones whom it’s a joy to follow along with. I laughed at their jokes, was emotionally wrung out by Jane’s flight from Ricolleta. Understood the cold calculus of Malone’s efforts to prevent further disruption. Some of the decisions were perhaps a little weak, more in service to the plot, and some of the discoveries made seemed a little convenient, but overall, they both felt exceptionally human, which is all one can ask for.
The plot rattles along nicely as well. It’s great to see a series which doesn’t just end with a triumphal victory. Instead we spent the majority of this book looking at what happens next. Social eruptions. Political instability. External politics. Vultures circling, and the previously weak discovering they have unexpected means of leverage. Patel explores what happens after other series ends, and does so in an uncompromising manner which carries a lot of truth along with it. It’s a grim read some of the time, but it’s unflinchingly human in the horrors and delights that are conveyed.
Overall, Cities and Thrones has taken the next steps required after The Buried Life. The setting is still gorgeously drab, but we’ve got a broader view of it now. The characters are wonderfully human, and evolving in an understandable, believable, organic fashion. The plot is interesting enough, and kept me turning the pages; there’s enough action, scheming and mystery for anyone. If you’ve not read the first book in the series, you’d want to do that before moving to this one. If you have, I encourage you to give this sequel a try – it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
Cities and Thrones has a lot to live up to. Its predecessor was Carrie Patel’s debut, which put together several elements – a claustrophobic underground city, several conspiracy-theory-worthy dark secrets, a string of brutal murders – and spun them in unexpected directions. The sequel strives to provide the same originality, whilst telling a different –if complementary – story. For the most part, it succeeds.
The setting was always one of the strengths of the first book – Patel crafted a city which was ruled by a fear of chaos, an almost pathological need for everything to be done within the existing system. A confined, limited environment which teetered on the edge of stagnation.
Ricolleta in this second book is just as effectively drawn, but the picture is somewhat different. L iesl Malone, one of the protagonists from the first book, is now the chief of police for Ricolleta. The city is now scarred by the catastrophic events near the close of the first book. Law enforcement has been decimated, and doesn’t have the manpower to maintain order across the city. Areas are going dark. Standard utilities are failing. The social order has been overturned – the rich brought low by the poorer sections of society, who are now looking to grow into their new found freedoms. Supply lines from the farming communities are stretched at best, tenuous at worst. The government, which Malone now sits in, is populated by people largely trying their best to deal with intractable systemic problems, and still keep their own heads above water. The demagogue who led the revolution is becoming increasingly paranoid and autocratic. Overall, the whole thing is a spark, just waiting for the match. What Patel is giving the characters (and the reader) in this changed portrayal is an understanding of consequences. The old Ricolleta is dead, but the birth pains of the new one aren’t especially pretty. Still, from a setting point of view, Patel has spun together a vivid world, one which is different enough from our own to be fascinating, and similar enough that we empathise with the characters as they struggle within it.
The reader is also given a broader view of the setting this time, taken out of Ricoleta and into the surrounding countryside, the largely unmentioned Outside. We’re taken here along with Jane, one of the characters from the first book, now on the run after her part in events in the first book. It’s interesting to get a view of the farming communities that feed the urban hub, to see how and why they operate as they do – and Patel manages to cast them effectively, with a broader, but paradoxically more prosaic view of things.
We’re also introduced to other cities; these were briefly alluded to in The Buried Life, but have a stronger part to play in this sequel. They’re still largely an enigma, but at least one is further fleshed out; in doing so, it’s almost in direct contrast to Ricolleta, thematically – it feels ordered, spacious, but also controlled. It’s also a haven of the nest-of-vipers politicking which the Ricolettans can’t now really afford; through Jane, the reader starts with a fly-on-the-wall view of the machinations of the other urban areas as they adjust to the new Ricoletta – but Jane, like Malone, quickly finds herself in over her head, to say the least.
Along with Malone and Jane there are a few other returning characters, but those are the two that get star billing. They’ve both shifted somewhat since the first book, a sign of the way in which the civic upheaval has created change; Malone is still austere, but seems to have lost at least someof the cloaked spark of joy that she carried in the first book; on the other hand, she’s grasped the nettle of responsibility, and the way in which she becomes accustomed to that, and then the way in which she directs it to achieve the ends which she desires is one of the key arcs of the book – as is her search to define exactly it is she wants to do with the power that came along with that responsibility. It would have been nice to have explored this dichotomy in a bit more depth, but the way in which it was wrapped into the narrative made the character arc work as part of the whole – and it’s absolutely intriguing as it is.
Jane’s arc is different; her character shows us a view from the lower decks, as it were. Malone deals in politics, in broader sweeps, but it’s Jane whom we track as she attempts to make a name and a role for herself in a new city, as she struggles to earn the trust of a variety of new employers, and as she decides how far she is willing to go to acquire peace and security. Jane is the everyman of the story, but she’s not just that – she feels more reactive than Malone, but her determination to make her own choices, to wring herself a new reality out of the catastrophic convuslions of Ricolleta – those ring true, as does her fear, her willingness to compromise to keep what she has managed to create for herself.
Patel has made a pair of intriguing protagonists, ones whom it’s a joy to follow along with. I laughed at their jokes, was emotionally wrung out by Jane’s flight from Ricolleta. Understood the cold calculus of Malone’s efforts to prevent further disruption. Some of the decisions were perhaps a little weak, more in service to the plot, and some of the discoveries made seemed a little convenient, but overall, they both felt exceptionally human, which is all one can ask for.
The plot rattles along nicely as well. It’s great to see a series which doesn’t just end with a triumphal victory. Instead we spent the majority of this book looking at what happens next. Social eruptions. Political instability. External politics. Vultures circling, and the previously weak discovering they have unexpected means of leverage. Patel explores what happens after other series ends, and does so in an uncompromising manner which carries a lot of truth along with it. It’s a grim read some of the time, but it’s unflinchingly human in the horrors and delights that are conveyed.
Overall, Cities and Thrones has taken the next steps required after The Buried Life. The setting is still gorgeously drab, but we’ve got a broader view of it now. The characters are wonderfully human, and evolving in an understandable, believable, organic fashion. The plot is interesting enough, and kept me turning the pages; there’s enough action, scheming and mystery for anyone. If you’ve not read the first book in the series, you’d want to do that before moving to this one. If you have, I encourage you to give this sequel a try – it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
August 17, 2015
I read and blurbed Carrie Patel's debut novel The Buried Life earlier this year, so I was excited when she sent me a copy of the next book, Cities and Thrones. The setting for the series is the east coast of America, long after a devastating apocalypse. Society has rebuilt to 19th century levels, with cities like Recoletta (the location of the first book) completely underground. The Buried Life resulted in a revolution where the corrupt heads of power were tossed out. A lot of books would end there, happily ever after, etc. What Patel does is fantastic--she shows how the usurper is completely inept and how that paves the way for yet another revolution.
There is a lot going on in the series, but fundamentally they are mystery novels. They read fast through a combination of the suspense of mystery and the action of urban fantasy. The publisher, Angry Robot, really excels at finding and promoting unique books that straddle genres like this.
Patel's two leads remain strong. Malone is now the chief of police, forced to work closely with new leader Sato even though she does not support him at all. She genuinely loves and wants to save her city. Meanwhile, Jane has fled into the countryside where sparse towns on the surface grow the food desperately needed by Recoletta. I like how Patel shows the distinct cities and cultures that developed in these settlements during their time of isolation. Jane is dragged into the conspiracies of the outside world as news trickles in the civilization in Recoletta is disintegrating.
I think my biggest complaint is that the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. The stakes are set up quite high for book three.
There is a lot going on in the series, but fundamentally they are mystery novels. They read fast through a combination of the suspense of mystery and the action of urban fantasy. The publisher, Angry Robot, really excels at finding and promoting unique books that straddle genres like this.
Patel's two leads remain strong. Malone is now the chief of police, forced to work closely with new leader Sato even though she does not support him at all. She genuinely loves and wants to save her city. Meanwhile, Jane has fled into the countryside where sparse towns on the surface grow the food desperately needed by Recoletta. I like how Patel shows the distinct cities and cultures that developed in these settlements during their time of isolation. Jane is dragged into the conspiracies of the outside world as news trickles in the civilization in Recoletta is disintegrating.
I think my biggest complaint is that the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger. The stakes are set up quite high for book three.
July 8, 2015
I really like novels that cross genres, like Carrie Patel’s Recoletta series. It’s dystopian, it’s got a futuristic steampunk yet also almost Luddite feel to it, it involves mystery and suspense, and it’s filled with political intrigue…and all of that works together seamlessly to produce a wonderfully unique experience.
Cities and Thrones, Book #2 in this series, takes us even further into this post catastrophic world that has devolved in many ways back to Victorian life – yet not. A link to my review of Book #1, The Buried Life, appears at the end of this review. Several things drew me to the series initially including the importance that restricted access to books and information seemed to have on this world, that Ms. Patel is a computer game narrative designer, and then there’s the mystery that’s like a blend of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes – that mystery intrigued me. Oh yes, and at least one kick-butt heroine. What’s kept me reading is Ms. Patel’s writing and this fascinating world. I’m hooked. Will you feel the same way? Let’s see…read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8521.
Cities and Thrones, Book #2 in this series, takes us even further into this post catastrophic world that has devolved in many ways back to Victorian life – yet not. A link to my review of Book #1, The Buried Life, appears at the end of this review. Several things drew me to the series initially including the importance that restricted access to books and information seemed to have on this world, that Ms. Patel is a computer game narrative designer, and then there’s the mystery that’s like a blend of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes – that mystery intrigued me. Oh yes, and at least one kick-butt heroine. What’s kept me reading is Ms. Patel’s writing and this fascinating world. I’m hooked. Will you feel the same way? Let’s see…read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8521.
October 10, 2015
Subterranean sufferage
Books with maidens who grow spines despite fluttering ladylike hands and the handicap of feminine sensibilities really annoy me.
That said, I love the world and the politics painted by Patel.
Books with maidens who grow spines despite fluttering ladylike hands and the handicap of feminine sensibilities really annoy me.
That said, I love the world and the politics painted by Patel.
July 16, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
Carrie Patel's Cities and Thrones is a follow-up to her novel The Buried Life - the mystery/sci-fi cross genre book. In this second outing, Inspector Liesl Malone is back, as is Jane - the young woman who changed the game in the first book. Now Jane is on the run from the city of Recoletta and Malone is the chief of the police, reporting directly to Sato.
Just as Patel did with the first book, she has done a tremendous job of world-building. Here she brings us into a new city, Madina, that is every bit as complex and real as was Recoletta. The mystery/story is also just as strong with plenty of intrigue.
I typically don't find political intrigue stories of much interest, but Patel manages to infuse the political story inside the mystery which is set in a steampunk-like post-apocalyptic world. Yeah, it's that complex.
But in the hands of Patel, the story flows very smoothly and naturally and the complexity is made clear. Not just clear, but exciting and very interesting.
Perhaps one of the best aspects about this book is the development of the characters. Patel gives us some character growth that just feels very real and honest within the bounds of the world and the story. This seems like it should be a natural story-telling technique but too often we see characters promoted or moved to another level to service a plot. Here the changes/progression come naturally with the developing story and we don't seem to favor one over the other (character over story or vice versa). Instead, as with most good writing, we have a nice balance.
After the previous book I hoped for more character depth, and I think we got that here, and the strong story bumps this rating up a notch and I truly look forward to more growth in the next volume.
Looking for a good book? Cities and Thrones by Carrie Patel continues the Recoletta series and is even stronger than the first volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Carrie Patel's Cities and Thrones is a follow-up to her novel The Buried Life - the mystery/sci-fi cross genre book. In this second outing, Inspector Liesl Malone is back, as is Jane - the young woman who changed the game in the first book. Now Jane is on the run from the city of Recoletta and Malone is the chief of the police, reporting directly to Sato.
Just as Patel did with the first book, she has done a tremendous job of world-building. Here she brings us into a new city, Madina, that is every bit as complex and real as was Recoletta. The mystery/story is also just as strong with plenty of intrigue.
I typically don't find political intrigue stories of much interest, but Patel manages to infuse the political story inside the mystery which is set in a steampunk-like post-apocalyptic world. Yeah, it's that complex.
But in the hands of Patel, the story flows very smoothly and naturally and the complexity is made clear. Not just clear, but exciting and very interesting.
Perhaps one of the best aspects about this book is the development of the characters. Patel gives us some character growth that just feels very real and honest within the bounds of the world and the story. This seems like it should be a natural story-telling technique but too often we see characters promoted or moved to another level to service a plot. Here the changes/progression come naturally with the developing story and we don't seem to favor one over the other (character over story or vice versa). Instead, as with most good writing, we have a nice balance.
After the previous book I hoped for more character depth, and I think we got that here, and the strong story bumps this rating up a notch and I truly look forward to more growth in the next volume.
Looking for a good book? Cities and Thrones by Carrie Patel continues the Recoletta series and is even stronger than the first volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2017
I didn't enjoy the second in the series as much as the first, partially because the novelty of the underground city had worn off. It is still fun reading apace to see what will happen next in the Recoletta saga. The action is now mixed between Recoletta, the farming communities, and the distant city of Medina, which adds some new twists. It seems almost obvious from the beginning that Sato, as revolutionary redeemer would turn out to be as bad, if not worse, than the previous leadership. However, there are enough potential outcomes presented that you keep reading to see what will happen. One complaint, which is probably more a publishing decision than an author decision; the first two books really could have been together as one. Both were short enough but I know that the publishing trend is a 3-quel of books to make more money.
March 30, 2019
Carrie Patel continues the story of the Recoletta trilogy, and this second book goes to a difficult place that few people like to contemplate; where do you go from a successful revolution, and does it make things better or worse?
This is a serial narrative, so readers absolutely should not jump into this without having read the first book. But for those that continue on, Patel has stretched the strength and complexity of her characters after laying a solid foundation in The Buried Life. Too often, stories like to end on the idea that once an unjust regime has been toppled, that's a happily ever after, and everything will be fine after that. Patel doesn't take that easy route and shows just how complicated and morally ambiguous things can get when there's a power vacuum and more than one group interested in filling it.
This is a serial narrative, so readers absolutely should not jump into this without having read the first book. But for those that continue on, Patel has stretched the strength and complexity of her characters after laying a solid foundation in The Buried Life. Too often, stories like to end on the idea that once an unjust regime has been toppled, that's a happily ever after, and everything will be fine after that. Patel doesn't take that easy route and shows just how complicated and morally ambiguous things can get when there's a power vacuum and more than one group interested in filling it.
July 14, 2016
I purchased Carrie Patel's The Buried Life in anticipation of an advanced reading copy of this sequel, and after reading that first volume set-up of Recoletta I was intrigued enough in the story and invested enough in the characters to continue. Yet, I also hoped for some changes. The Buried Life is a combination of post-apocalyptic steampunk with a police procedural. The procedural, or mystery, component to that novel appears dominant as the novel begins, but any expectations for the narrative to continue in that traditional genre vein become shifted as machinations in the background shift the protagonist from trying to solve a mystery/crime to something far larger, sudden political shifts.
The Buried Life introduced the post-apocalyptic setting of a deteriorating, underground city named Recoletta. Inspector Liesl Malone and her partner Rafe Sundar go against an antagonistic city bureaucracy to investigate the murder of a renowned historian. Probing into the lives of the city elite, Malone catches the interest of mysterious Roman Arnault, a complex man whose allegiances and intentions remain guarded. Meanwhile, events draw Jane Lin, a laundress who serves the upper class, into the investigation and she in turn draws involvement of her reporter friend Fredrick Anders. This investigation unravels, or blows up, to toss these characters into a turmoil that picks up here in Cities and Thrones. While Malone remains in a new Recoletta to try and maintain order amid the chaos of political change, Jane and Fredrick flee the city for the world above, a Communes that operates far differently than the existence they've known.
The twist in the dominant flavor of that first book from procedural mystery to larger scale political intrigue and conflict was unexpected enough to be jarring, awkward even though my brain told me that I should appreciate subversion of a reader's comfortable expectations. Even accepting that twist however, I felt so much of the 'screen time' had been wasted on setting up what now seemed to be Patel's real story for Recoletta, the events that would continue in the second volume. I would have favored less of the mystery set up for more of the conflict and intrigue that bursts to the surface. For that reason I enjoyed this second volume, Cities and Thrones, more than its predecessor. It spends its entire time on the characters within the political intrigues of their post-apocalyptic world. The characters still evolve, the story still holds surprises, but unlike with The Buried Life, the kind of story you feel Patel is telling here doesn't change on you midway.
Not all readers of the Recoletta series will agree with me completely on this of course. Some I know really liked the mystery element to the first novel. I originally had planned on reviewing Cities and Thrones for SkiffyandFanty.com With my delay in being able to writing something up, my reviewing colleague Paul Weimer beat me to the punch. I encourage you to read it there. His only significant criticism with Cities and Thrones is summed up with this:
"For better or worse, the murder mystery in The Buried Life gave the novel a skeleton and a roadmap of a plot on which the author hung her worldbuilding, politics and everything else. That skeleton was sometimes too thick, and the things hung on it too thin for my taste sometimes, but it was an effective template nevertheless. Without that murder mystery as a skeleton, this novel has something of a structure problem."
I won't disagree with these perceptions of structure and pacing in Patel's sequel vis à vis the first novel. But for me the sense of chaos within the plot's structure and pacing here actually enhanced the novel. It seemed to perfectly fit with the uncertainty at all levels of the character's predicaments and society.
As in the first novel, Cities and Thrones is mostly concerned with political and economic power, with class structure and divisions. Without a murder investigation surrounding it all, Patel seems more free here to explore these themes. Malone struggles with moral ambiguities between freedom and order, while Jane in particular tries to navigate an entirely new world and way of surviving. They discover truths and strengths, and some personal weaknesses. Patel excels best with forming these two female characters. The males who hold their interest, Roman and Fredrick respectively, are both also complex, but as more expected 'types': a mysterious rogue, and the loyal friend. Jane and Malone both show more diversity and unique shift in what 'type' their character inhabits as the story continues.
I am looking forward to the next volume in this series, mostly because I find the characters exceptionally fascinating from their ambiguities and imperfections. I don't know as I'm that invested in what particularly ends up happening to their world or society, as much as I want to see what choices they make, where they go next. With the second novel I felt that Patel has gained surer footing in her construction of the novel, though others may disagree. But for either side of opinions on that, I think that most readers have still enjoyed her building story of Recoletta and its environs.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic advanced reading copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review that first appeared on Reading1000Lives
The Buried Life introduced the post-apocalyptic setting of a deteriorating, underground city named Recoletta. Inspector Liesl Malone and her partner Rafe Sundar go against an antagonistic city bureaucracy to investigate the murder of a renowned historian. Probing into the lives of the city elite, Malone catches the interest of mysterious Roman Arnault, a complex man whose allegiances and intentions remain guarded. Meanwhile, events draw Jane Lin, a laundress who serves the upper class, into the investigation and she in turn draws involvement of her reporter friend Fredrick Anders. This investigation unravels, or blows up, to toss these characters into a turmoil that picks up here in Cities and Thrones. While Malone remains in a new Recoletta to try and maintain order amid the chaos of political change, Jane and Fredrick flee the city for the world above, a Communes that operates far differently than the existence they've known.
The twist in the dominant flavor of that first book from procedural mystery to larger scale political intrigue and conflict was unexpected enough to be jarring, awkward even though my brain told me that I should appreciate subversion of a reader's comfortable expectations. Even accepting that twist however, I felt so much of the 'screen time' had been wasted on setting up what now seemed to be Patel's real story for Recoletta, the events that would continue in the second volume. I would have favored less of the mystery set up for more of the conflict and intrigue that bursts to the surface. For that reason I enjoyed this second volume, Cities and Thrones, more than its predecessor. It spends its entire time on the characters within the political intrigues of their post-apocalyptic world. The characters still evolve, the story still holds surprises, but unlike with The Buried Life, the kind of story you feel Patel is telling here doesn't change on you midway.
Not all readers of the Recoletta series will agree with me completely on this of course. Some I know really liked the mystery element to the first novel. I originally had planned on reviewing Cities and Thrones for SkiffyandFanty.com With my delay in being able to writing something up, my reviewing colleague Paul Weimer beat me to the punch. I encourage you to read it there. His only significant criticism with Cities and Thrones is summed up with this:
"For better or worse, the murder mystery in The Buried Life gave the novel a skeleton and a roadmap of a plot on which the author hung her worldbuilding, politics and everything else. That skeleton was sometimes too thick, and the things hung on it too thin for my taste sometimes, but it was an effective template nevertheless. Without that murder mystery as a skeleton, this novel has something of a structure problem."
I won't disagree with these perceptions of structure and pacing in Patel's sequel vis à vis the first novel. But for me the sense of chaos within the plot's structure and pacing here actually enhanced the novel. It seemed to perfectly fit with the uncertainty at all levels of the character's predicaments and society.
As in the first novel, Cities and Thrones is mostly concerned with political and economic power, with class structure and divisions. Without a murder investigation surrounding it all, Patel seems more free here to explore these themes. Malone struggles with moral ambiguities between freedom and order, while Jane in particular tries to navigate an entirely new world and way of surviving. They discover truths and strengths, and some personal weaknesses. Patel excels best with forming these two female characters. The males who hold their interest, Roman and Fredrick respectively, are both also complex, but as more expected 'types': a mysterious rogue, and the loyal friend. Jane and Malone both show more diversity and unique shift in what 'type' their character inhabits as the story continues.
I am looking forward to the next volume in this series, mostly because I find the characters exceptionally fascinating from their ambiguities and imperfections. I don't know as I'm that invested in what particularly ends up happening to their world or society, as much as I want to see what choices they make, where they go next. With the second novel I felt that Patel has gained surer footing in her construction of the novel, though others may disagree. But for either side of opinions on that, I think that most readers have still enjoyed her building story of Recoletta and its environs.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic advanced reading copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review that first appeared on Reading1000Lives
August 6, 2017
Way better than the first, but the biggest flaw with this series is the description on the books back doesn't come close to describing the story, doesn't even mention a main character Jane, who is more of a focus in the book than Malone. Great read on the politics of a recovered dystopian world.
April 11, 2020
This one drops in quality, with it being very trite. Malone doesn't seem to think, Jane seems to be an idiot who usually chooses the wrong thing, and Lachessa is just too cartoonish while nobody stands up to her.
July 1, 2015
This is a follow on from ‘The Buried Life’. After the overthrow of the previous government of Recolleta, by Jakkeb Sato, assisted by the reticent and mysterious Roman Arnault the city is not the dictator free and flourishing place the revolutionaries thought it would be. Certainly Sato’s endgame does not include the welfare of Recolleta’s citizens and the farmers that supply the city. Trouble is brewing and a reluctant and newly promoted Liesl Malone is less than happy to be subduing what appears to be legitimate dissent. Now on the run, Jane Lin and Frederick Anders are also not having an easy time of it. As each of the key protagonists wrestles with their respective dilemmas, dramatic and tragic events begin to unfold.
The tone of the story has now shifted from a murder mystery and a crime to be solved, to one of a political thriller. The two main protagonists through whom the story is told are adjusting to their new lives. Malone finds herself now appreciating what a difficult path her trusted boss and predecessor had to pick through in order to allow his police force to do a proper job. As a fugitive and refugee Jane has to find a means to support not only herself but also the hapless Frederick, by trading information and becoming an unwilling spy.
The narrative has a good structure and the sense of place is still as strong as in the first book with the new, exotic city Jane and Frederick find themselves in. The thriller aspect is handled in an interesting way, in that the two main female protagonists find themselves more like flotsam and jetsam in the political arena, just trying to steer a course that keeps them out of the rather worrying direction events are taking them. Roman, as usual, is a difficult character to pin down, particularly as we only ever see him through others eyes. The end of the book is certainly a cliffhanger and so many loose ends offer intriguing possibilities for the next instalment of the Recolleta series.
The tone of the story has now shifted from a murder mystery and a crime to be solved, to one of a political thriller. The two main protagonists through whom the story is told are adjusting to their new lives. Malone finds herself now appreciating what a difficult path her trusted boss and predecessor had to pick through in order to allow his police force to do a proper job. As a fugitive and refugee Jane has to find a means to support not only herself but also the hapless Frederick, by trading information and becoming an unwilling spy.
The narrative has a good structure and the sense of place is still as strong as in the first book with the new, exotic city Jane and Frederick find themselves in. The thriller aspect is handled in an interesting way, in that the two main female protagonists find themselves more like flotsam and jetsam in the political arena, just trying to steer a course that keeps them out of the rather worrying direction events are taking them. Roman, as usual, is a difficult character to pin down, particularly as we only ever see him through others eyes. The end of the book is certainly a cliffhanger and so many loose ends offer intriguing possibilities for the next instalment of the Recolleta series.
February 15, 2017
Absolutely brilliant: http://blogendorff.ghost.io/book-revi...
June 26, 2015
*Review copy from Net Galley/Angry Robot*
Patel's second installment in the Recoletta series follows Inspector Malone in the wake of her city's recent revolution. Juggling her responsibilities as a law enforcer and with the ever-changing environment of the city, Malone attempts to find her place in this new world. On the outside, Jane has fled Recoletta and starts a new life in a new city. She's ready to leave the suffocating life of Recoletta, but she soon sees that life on the Outside is just as nefarious as it was underground.
I did not read Patel's first Recoletta book, but jumping into Cities and Thrones was very easy. However, I found the story to be pretty flat. The ideas of a greater world are there but are not fully fleshed out to create a well-rounded story. A great example of this is the ending of the book, which appears suddenly and without fanfare. I actually thought my ARC was missing a page. The narrative does not have any ups or downs, and follows a clear straight line. I'd be interested to see how the series plays out, but I wouldn't rush out to get the next one.
Patel's second installment in the Recoletta series follows Inspector Malone in the wake of her city's recent revolution. Juggling her responsibilities as a law enforcer and with the ever-changing environment of the city, Malone attempts to find her place in this new world. On the outside, Jane has fled Recoletta and starts a new life in a new city. She's ready to leave the suffocating life of Recoletta, but she soon sees that life on the Outside is just as nefarious as it was underground.
I did not read Patel's first Recoletta book, but jumping into Cities and Thrones was very easy. However, I found the story to be pretty flat. The ideas of a greater world are there but are not fully fleshed out to create a well-rounded story. A great example of this is the ending of the book, which appears suddenly and without fanfare. I actually thought my ARC was missing a page. The narrative does not have any ups or downs, and follows a clear straight line. I'd be interested to see how the series plays out, but I wouldn't rush out to get the next one.
August 25, 2015
I finally finished this book! I kept putting it down to read other things. And right after I finished it I found out it's actually the second in a series, so no wonder I felt like I was missing a lot. The ending is pretty abrupt, so I assume there will be a third book at some point.
If you're interested in books about political scheming in a gritty steampunk-ish world, you might like this series. I wasn't terribly enamored with any of the characters, and I felt like the hints of world-building were interesting but not as fleshed out as I wanted them to be. Again, that might be my fault for not reading the books in order. I might pick up The Buried Life at some point to see what I missed.
If you're interested in books about political scheming in a gritty steampunk-ish world, you might like this series. I wasn't terribly enamored with any of the characters, and I felt like the hints of world-building were interesting but not as fleshed out as I wanted them to be. Again, that might be my fault for not reading the books in order. I might pick up The Buried Life at some point to see what I missed.
June 24, 2016
Life goes on in the city of Recolletta, but not in a way that any of the inhabitants recognize. The recent upset of the old order has not led to peace or tranquility, and the residents of the city clamor for the return of normalcy, even if it means putting the dreaded whitenails back in power.
There's a lot going on in this book. As before, the storytelling is divided between police Inspector Liesl Malone (placed in charge of the police), and the civilian Jane Lin (moved to the nearby city of Madina). Many forces are at play here, bent on controlling or destroying the secrets contained in the Library of Congress. In the first book we were introduced to three women named after the Greek Fates, and their actions are woven through the fabric of this story. I look forward to seeing where this one ends up.
There's a lot going on in this book. As before, the storytelling is divided between police Inspector Liesl Malone (placed in charge of the police), and the civilian Jane Lin (moved to the nearby city of Madina). Many forces are at play here, bent on controlling or destroying the secrets contained in the Library of Congress. In the first book we were introduced to three women named after the Greek Fates, and their actions are woven through the fabric of this story. I look forward to seeing where this one ends up.
September 6, 2015
This isn't a bad book, not at all. I enjoyed it well enough, but not as much as the one that came before it. Not as well crafted overall, and neither the characters nor the storyline were as well developed. Still, it weaves an interesting yarn, and I did find it fairly compelling. I don't know if there will be a sequel to follow it, to continue the series, but if so I will certainly want to read it. On the other hand, I don't find myself anxious or eager for such a continuation, but I don't know whether that speaks well of the ending to this book or poorly of its appeal.
July 2, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review.
It is well-written and well-thought book. I love how the pot is delivered. The characters are likable. There is enough mystery and action to keep one attached into reading further. I still believe there's still room for improvement for this series, though.
It is well-written and well-thought book. I love how the pot is delivered. The characters are likable. There is enough mystery and action to keep one attached into reading further. I still believe there's still room for improvement for this series, though.
July 24, 2015
Review TK at a later date.
This was a thinker, and* (but?*) it makes me want to up the rating I gave to the first in the series.
*I definitely enjoyed the first one more – it had better editing and was far more polished, but the deeper understanding of the post-Catastrophe world that I got from reading this one enhanced my appreciation for that one.
This was a thinker, and* (but?*) it makes me want to up the rating I gave to the first in the series.
*I definitely enjoyed the first one more – it had better editing and was far more polished, but the deeper understanding of the post-Catastrophe world that I got from reading this one enhanced my appreciation for that one.
August 28, 2016
A high body count in this book. What happens when the fighting stops and reality says in? Recolleta is crumbling, other city States want the knowledge hidden by the city, and our heroines are just trying to stay alive. Lots of action, some resolutions. Next installment, please.
September 3, 2015
This sequel was an excellent follow up to book one. Lots of action told in a captivating way. I really enjoyed it.
September 12, 2021
Retroactive Review (12 Sep 2021): The post-revolutionary issues were well-explored (Jane rocks). Malone's travails were enjoyable, though I don't think that administration is her strong suit!
January 21, 2017
I like it but it starts slow.
March 30, 2017
Solid, enjoyable follow-up to Buried Life. I will happily read the next in the series
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June 28, 2017DNF. Just couldn't get internet this one. After nearly a month, I'm barely 100 pages in.
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