LitPick Review
The Hidden City by Michelle West tells the story of Jewel Markess, also known as Jay, and how she is taken under the wing of Rath. Jay is a peculiar orphan, one with honor and a strangeness about her that is discovered by Rath, a lone scavenger. In a rare act of compassion, Rath nurses the sick girl back to health, and, unable to get rid of her, slowly adopts her to his way of life. Before long Jay is subjected to terrible visions that she cannot control. She is compelled to save children and Rath finds himself and his home over run with orphans. Even without the danger Jay's untrained power, Rath and Jay find themselves on a penicious path. The demons that once destoyed the Essalieyan empire are waking beneath the slums of the city.
Opinion:
Though intimidating to look at, this 754 page long book, the Hidden City, is a worthwhile read. The wording is beautiful and magical and brings the city of Averlaan to life. Though the pace of the book is sporatic at best, it is mysterious enough that the reader is compelled to continue reading. The characters, especially the brooding, conflicted Rath, are deep, but not explored enough through out the story for the reader to be satisfied by the end. There are many questions left unanswered that, for this reader, is frustrating. Hopefully, they will be answered in the next book. The character of Jewel is well-written, and though the main character of the story, she isn't focused on, making the book more a collective of the children and their semi-guardian Rath, than the one plotline of Jay. The author brings many elements to the narration, supplying back-story for the main characters and creating a vivid background. It's enveloping. Once you pick up the Hidden City, you won't be satisfied until you put it down.
