City of Bones

by Martha Wells

Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working on the edge of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors and to support Sagai's family. When Khat is hired to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients' arcane engines, they are both reluctant to become involved. But the request comes from the Warders, powerful mages who serve Charisat's Elector. Khat soon discovers that the deadly politics of Charisat's upper tiers aren't the only danger. The relics the Warders want are be the key to an Ancient magic of unknown power, and, as all the inhabitants of Charisat know, no one understands the Ancients' magic. First published by Tor Books in 1995.

• ISBN10: 1435705459
• ISBN13: 9781435705456
• Publish Date: 1 December 2007 (first published 15 July 1994)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 20 February 2015
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Lulu.com
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 356
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

The city of Charisat is vast – and deeply separated. Each tier of the city represents another class of people. Those on the upper levels live grand lives, while those below...do not. Khat and Sagai live on the lower tiers, and they've made decent lives for themselves.

However, there's no denying the constant threat to Khat. He is from outside, and that puts him in constant danger. Yet even he can't resist the offer to look into a new Ancient artifact, knowing full well that trouble it will likely dump in his lap.

Side note: This is the edited and revised version of City of Bones, released in 2023. The novel was originally released in 1995. Having not read the original, I can't speak to what changes were made.

My Review:

Oh wow. I'm not going to lie, guys; I wish I had read City of Bones sooner. It's SO good! I instantly fell in love with this world and genuinely wish there was more of it (I checked, and I can't find any proof that the story continues into a series? Please tell me I'm wrong).

The story is split into two perspectives: Khat and Elen. Both come from vastly different lives and seeing how their stories wove together was a delight. Likewise, I enjoyed reading about this world's magical and political systems. Martha Wells is brilliant when it comes to worldbuilding.

Speaking of, you can see glimmers of her other series in City of Bones. Khat has some elements in common with other protagonists. That's not a bad thing. I love seeing authors play with similar tropes and designs, perfecting them as they go.

It's been far too long since I dove into a dystopian fantasy. I forgot how much I enjoy these complex elements and storytelling styles. I need to treat myself to books like this more often.

All things said and done, reading City of Bones has further convinced me that I desperately need to read through the rest of Martha Wells' backlog – ASAP. I'm clearly missing out!

Highlights:
Dystopian Fantasy
Magical Archaeologists
Complex Fantasy System
From the Author of MurderBot Diaries

Trigger Warnings:
Prejudice

Thanks to Tor and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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