The World We Make is an action packed sequel that exceeded all my expectations. I truly loved The City We Became – what a unique world building concept – and this sequel only develops it even further. If you are intrigued by sentient cities – you’ll have to read this series ASAP! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
All is not well in the city that never sleeps. Even though the avatars of New York City have temporarily managed to stop the Woman in White from invading—and destroying the entire universe in the process—the mysterious capital “E” Enemy has more subtle powers at her disposal. A new candidate for mayor wielding the populist rhetoric of gentrification, xenophobia, and “law and order” may have what it takes to change the very nature of New York itself and take it down from the inside.
In order to defeat him, and the Enemy who holds his purse strings, the avatars will have to join together with the other Great Cities of the world in order to bring her down for good and protect their world from complete destruction.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The World We Make is a story about consequences and change. With a realistic feeling, a mayoral election with a candidate who employs the Proud Boys and feeds off hate and fear – sound familiar? – this sequel had my heart in my chest. Not going to lie, the concept of sentient cities, while incredibly intriguing, always felt fantastically removed. But with this sequel, Jemisin is able to infuse a sense of urgency, reality, and synergy. To go even further in world building to showcase how who a city is, can be eroded by the prejudice of the country or even outsiders.
Aside from the world building, which took on new heights in this sequel, I love how each of the avatars establish themselves. Told through their eyes, we never lose sight of who they are. Each of their lives, concerns, ambitions, and loves. As our city avatars are thrown headfirst into ‘city politics’, they must figure out exactly how they can make change. Because not all change is bad. The World We Make can be seen as a book about change.
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About the changes we make in our individual lives, the evolution and progressiveness of cities, or even people resistant to change who need to see the new world for what it is. The new enemy for what it is. Additionally, I cannot more highly recommend the audio book. I knew I wanted to listen to part of on audio as The City We Became, also narrated by Robin Miles, has some fantastic accents which are a must for non-NYC residents. But this sequel even has audio and voice effects which felt both interactive and immersive.
Bottom line, if you liked the first, you have to read this sequel. It’s about character and sacrifice. And merely cements N.K. Jemisin as one of my favorite authors once more. Find The World We Make on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, The Book Depository, Libro.fm, and Google Play.