The Nameless City

The whole thing was amazing, engaging, and interesting. I usually get bored and it would take me 4-7 sittings to read something of this length. I read it in 2 back to back sittings. Something like this would have usually lasted me 1-2 weeks. I finished it in under one and a half hours! Truly amazing and great! Now on to order the next part of the series.

Kaidu was born to the warrior caste of the Dao people. The orphan girl, Rat, was born in the Nameless City. They meet when Kaidu is sent to the City to be trained as a soldier. Born to two sides of the war that conquered the City, the two somehow become best friends. Unlike a lot of children's fiction, this book deals honestly with the racism, sexism and class prejudice Rat must suffer. as the daughter of a conquered people. I also enjoyed the way the city was drawn: a vast city spreading to the horizon which is at the same time a trap and a labyrinth for people not born of the City. Another review called this book a classic children's adventure. I agree. The way this book dealt with the serious themes while still being a fantastic adventure story reminded me strongly of classics like the Narnia series and Bridge to Terebithia.

I first discovered Faith as she was doing a webcomic and followed her ever since. Anytime she puts something new out, I grab it as soon as I can and have NEVER been disappointed. Her "Friends with Boys" is one of my all time favorites - and this one just may have topped it. It is radically different then "Friends" so it is not fair to compare - except that the writing, characters and plot are fantastic in both. She has done an amazing job in world building and has created a feel for the "Avatar" world while not even coming close to being a duplicate. There are consequences in this world and when the story is played out - you can't wait to turn the page to find out what is next - only to find out there isn't - and you have to wait for the next volume to come out.

One of my favorite graphic novels for kids. My daughters (8 and 10), husband, and I have all fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the art. I don't want to admit how many times I've casually picked it up and stayed up late re-reading it.Wonderful friendships, unique characters, a beautifully developed 'history' and geography, and a very meaningful way to consider colonialism, militarism, and 'us vs. them' mentalities. We love her art so much--it inspired my younger daughter to experiment with re-creating some of her favorite panels.

Reading graphic artists describe the nuts-n-bolts of their craft, you learn that cityscapes are often viewed as a necessary evil, real back-breaking work to create. That's why Faith Erin Hick's Nameless City is so exquisite and alive as you follow Kaidu and Rat roof-running through their adventure in it. It's a character itself, fleshed out and made three dimensional ... something we think we know but still find surprisingly unique and mysterious. And that's the crux to Ms. Hicks and this novel: She's a master craftswoman who has written a first-rate story that's easy to fell in love with. Thankfully, it looks like it might be a series!

Faith Erin Hicks has been one of my favorite comics creators for years, and I was excited to see her turn to a fantasy series. While I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about a white person writing a colonization story in an Asian-inspired historical setting, I did really like both lead characters and I found the plot compelling. Kaidu is an immigrant to the city, the son of a ranking official from the Dao ethnic group that's the latest in a series of conquerors/rulers. Rat is a city native, quasi-homeless, and she has no love for the Dao. When a political conspiracy threatens the fragile not-fighting (is it really peace?), Kai and Rat must work together. Along the way, the story engages with militarism, war, power, culture clash, and more issues that may be familiar to adult readers, but aren't a staple in kids' comics. Definitely worth checking out.

The Nameless City trilogy is so good. I've enjoyed each part of the trilogy and also gave the books as a gift. The recipient read it immediately and also enjoyed it. Highly recommend this series to everyone!

Fans of Faith Erin Hicks will not be disappointed with this entry into her bibliography. The art is amazing and the story is good. If I have a complaint, it's that I devoured the comic just a little too quickly, making it feel very short, even though it was a healthy length for a graphic novel. I'm very much looking forward to the next entry in the series.

8 year old really enjoyed it, nicely illustrated with a well written plot.

This is the first book out of a wonderful trilogy. It is a little hard to find and I thank the seller for having a copy. Arrived in mint condition. I only took a star off because it took about 4 weeks to arrive from the USA to Australia. Otherwise, everything is fantastic. My 9 year old daughter loves this series.

Fantastic book. Faith Erin Hicks always delivers with great stories with amazing characters, very solid art and engaging writing.I have really enjoy seeing Hicks' art and storytelling evolve over the years from her webcomics to her published work. This has got to be her biggest and best project yet.I would recommend this book for girls and guys.I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter, The Stone Heart." I've already preordered my copy!Donourself a favour and check this one out!

Great easy reading

Read this graphic novel in a single sitting; I lost track of time. When Kids doing things they're not supposed to, it makes for a grand adventure of discovery, especially when living in a new city, with no friends. I look forward to the second book in the series.One caveat: there is a scene at the end which might be too graphic for children but otherwise fine for teen readers.