Book Review: The Nameless City Book One by F. E. Hicks et al.

The Nameless City Book One written and drawn by Faith Erin Hicks and color by Jordie Bellaire

The Nameless City isn't really nameless. Every conqueror gives it a different name. The city has been conquered and reconquered for centuries by the three adjacent countries: Dao, Liao, and Yisun. The city is so important because the River of Lives runs through it. The river goes to a mountain range dividing the city from the sea. The ancient dwellers of the city bored a whole through the mountains so shipping could go through, creating an essential commerce route. At the start of the story, Dao is in control though they have been there for thirty years and the army is wearing thin. No country has retained control for more than thirty years. 

Kaidu is a Dao teenager who has just come to the city from the family farm. His father Andren is one of the lieutenants of the General of All Blades, the supreme commander at the city. Andren takes Kaidu on a quick tour of the city. Kaidu becomes fascinated with a hungry girl named Rat who runs off with his knife. He eventually gets it back and they strike up a bargain. He'll bring her food and she'll teach him how to run across the rooftops (parkour style, though they don't use this term because the story is set in a middle-ages time). Their friendship progresses as political intrigues start happening in the city.

The story is very interesting and the characters are delightful. This book sets up a lot of the world and makes some fascinating moves at the end, making me definitely want to read the next volume.

Recommended.