"Arthur C. Clarke winner and Sunday Times bestseller Adrian Tchaikovsky's triumphant return to fantasy with a darkly inventive portrait of a city under occupation and on the verge of revolution.
There has always been a darkness to Ilmar, but never more so than now. The city chafes under the heavy hand of the Palleseen occupation, the choke-hold of its criminal underworld, the boot of its factory owners, the weight of its wretched poor and the burden of its ancient curse.
What will be the spark that lights the conflagration?
Despite the city's refugees, wanderers, murderers, madmen, fanatics and thieves, the catalyst, as always, will be the Anchorwood – that dark grove of trees, that primeval remnant, that portal, when the moon is full, to strange and distant shores.
Ilmar, some say, is the worst place in the world and the gateway to a thousand worse places.
Ilmar,
City of Long Shadows.
City of Bad Decisions.
City of Last Chances."
Pages: 496
Today is also my stop on the tour for City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Thank you so much Cassie, Head of Zeus & Ad Astra for my copy and for having me on the tour!
I have heard amazing things about Adrian Tchaikovsky’s works so I was definitely excited to jump into this story! Plus, this ARC is absolutely stunning and I love how it fits the theming of the story!
I am a huge fan of high fantasy stories! Worldbuilding is one of my favourite elements in a fantasy, I love being completely immersed in a world and getting caught up in the politics, alliances and drama. However, with this story I would’ve liked if some of the concepts were expanded on more rather than the reader having to rely on the glossary. The intricate details that were included were so interesting and I did enjoy getting to experience this world!
The characters were really interesting and I loved learning about their backstories. I really enjoyed reading from Yasnic’s POV and seeing the price of devotion in a time where belief is in such little supply. I also enjoyed Ruslav’s purpose being challenged and Leyma’s determination for a better world. Each character served a greater purpose for the story and brought the complexities of human emotions to the forefront, however as there were so many of them it was hard to follow them fulfil their various fates. I would’ve loved to follow just a few characters and be able to spend more quality time with each of them.
I really liked the concept of this story however I did find it rather dense at times especially during the first half as it is quite slow paced. I found that the second half really picked up and was vey exciting. I loved the action and seeing our characters be backed into a corner and trying to figure out what they’ll do to get out of it!
Overall, City of Last Chances is an enjoyable fantasy with great potential. I am definitely interested in reading the authors other books!