ridel reviewed Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold
Review of 'Last Smile in Sunder City' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
The Last Smile in Sunder City is one of the most unique, creative fantasy novels I've read in a long time -- as the "back of the book" states, the setting is in a city that's lost its magic. That is not artistic license... this is a world transitioning from high fantasy to one without any magic at all. It's a different setting from most fantasy novels as there does exist Lizardmen, Vampires, Elves, even Dragons and more... but without magic, these species aren't quite what you expect. The world building is excellent, complex, and is revealed through both show and tell. The latter is necessary because this world is so very unique, and none of the expectations from other fantasy novels will hold true in this one. Luke Arnold quickly gives you a briefing on what the world is like, and then dives even deeper to show you how …
The Last Smile in Sunder City is one of the most unique, creative fantasy novels I've read in a long time -- as the "back of the book" states, the setting is in a city that's lost its magic. That is not artistic license... this is a world transitioning from high fantasy to one without any magic at all. It's a different setting from most fantasy novels as there does exist Lizardmen, Vampires, Elves, even Dragons and more... but without magic, these species aren't quite what you expect. The world building is excellent, complex, and is revealed through both show and tell. The latter is necessary because this world is so very unique, and none of the expectations from other fantasy novels will hold true in this one. Luke Arnold quickly gives you a briefing on what the world is like, and then dives even deeper to show you how it all intermingles.
This is not a happy novel. I suspect the low ratings are a response to that... you will not feel good because you read this. It is engaging, realistic, and deeply depressing. The core mystery is an excuse for you to explore Sunder City along with Fetch Phillips, but our hero is a flawed one and he will fail to live up to our moral standards. If being disappointed with a main character is your cup of tea, then strap on in and get started.
I absolutely adore this and highly recommend it.
My favourite part of this novel is how the flashbacks slowly build up until you realize that Fetch is actually important in the events of the Coda. You expect so little of him, and then as each flashback passes, you get this growing sense of fear that Fetch really deserves every ounce of punishment that's heaped on him. The ending is the right mix of hope. The future is change... I can't wait for the sequel
