The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

Book Details
The Dark City by Catherine Fisher
Hardcover, 384 Pages
2011, Dial
ISBN: 0803736738
Series: Book 1 of Relic Master

Synopsis
Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters-some human, some not-that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it.

Review
The Dark City, the first book in Catherine Fisher's new rapid-release series Relic Master, hints at greatness, but it's not quite there yet. There's a lot of world-building happening and groundwork being laid. The story in The Dark City itself is good, but the possible revelations to come could be epic.

Galen and Raffi's quest to find the The Crow takes us on a wonderful journey through Anara, learning how this world works. While I tried to enjoy the adventure, I found myself fixated on the relics and what they could possibility be. The relics, unknown and powerful technology, in a world seemingly devoid of tech demanded my attention. The relics are one of those details that seem so utterly important, but go without explanation (because the characters themselves don't know) for the entire book.

I wasn't sold on The Dark City until the very end of the book. Not quite a reveal, but a possible indication that my most wished for explanation may be true was enough to make me need the next book. Lucky, this series is to be released a book a month over the course of the summer so I won't have long to wait.

The people and the places in The Dark City weren't quite enough to make me want to continue the series, but that ending pushed all the right buttons, making me sure that there is something more going on here. Something amazing in the works. I wish I could have been this excited the whole book. The Dark City comes together in the end and I can't help but want to read the next book.

Rating

Links

Catherine Fisher's
Website