Yes, my friends. Once again, it is time for the annual lists of all the things we liked this year. When I sat down to pick out my best book, I realized I hadn’t read many new releases. I focused more on getting through my ever-growing TBR list (take one off, put three on) than gobbling up the new stuff. So this year’s book is actually a 2020 release, but its literary power cannot be contained to a single year.
Publisher Summary: Book One of The Great Cities Trilogy tells the story of Five New Yorkers that discover they are the physical embodiment of their city and must come together to defend it from an ancient evil that threatens to devour it like so many cities that have come before.
This is one of the most original and intriguing stories I’ve read in years. Taking the concept that every city has a soul and building a world around it is genius. Every character is so vibrant and authentic that they leap off the page. Each guardian’s main traits are like holding up a mirror to the borough they represent. Their personalities and speech patterns reflect the different parts of New Your City in an elegant tapestry of words and imagination.
Not only is the story original, it is perfectly executed. It grabs you from the get-go and refuses to turn you loose long after the final page has been read. I don’t mind saying that I literally screamed for more when I got to the last page. I actually flipped back a few pages to make sure I hadn’t missed something because I wasn’t ready for it to end. Thank God it’s a series because I have to know what happens next.
I won’t give anything away, but the end masterfully sets up the future installments. No word yet on when book two will be out, but you better believe that I will be one of the first people in line to buy it on release day.
Erin McKnight 