A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2

I really, really, REALLY enjoyed A City Called Smoke - the storyline was really interesting and had lots of layers. As someone who regularly reads dystopian, post-apocalyptic novels I enjoyed that aspect of it, but felt that it went deeper than the standard novels in the genre - there was a lot of social commentary and context around the main storyline. Justin seemed to examine so many themes - the power of the church, racism and segregation, the poor/wealthy divide, sexism etc. which just gave so much more to the story. The character development was steady and it felt like quite an epic tale as you saw Squid, Nim and Lynne develop throughout their journey - three individuals brought together by 'fate' and who are helped, and hindered by many along their quest to destroy the 'ghouls'. Two of my favourite characters, and who you don't see enough of (for me) are Mr Sticks and Mr Stownes - I'm not sure why they appealed so much, perhaps it was the almost steampunk description of them and their weapons. I am certainly hoping that I don't need to wait too long for part three as the novel finished on a real cliff hanger and I'm pretty desperate to find out what happens next particularly to Lynne who was kind of left out at the end. A really good read.