Review: The Drowned Cities

Sep •  25 •  2012

Title: The Drowned Cities

Series: Ship Breaker # 2
Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian
Author: Paolo Bacigalupi
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Book: ARC sent by publisher

“Soldier boys emerged from the darkness. Guns gleamed dully. Bullet bandoliers and scars draped their bare chests. Ugly brands scored their faces. She knew why these soldier boys had come. She knew what they sought, and she knew, too, that if they found it, her best friend would surely die.
In a dark future America where violence, terror, and grief touch everyone, young refugees Mahlia and Mouse have managed to leave behind the war-torn lands of the Drowned Cities by escaping into the jungle outskirts. But when they discover a wounded half-man–a bioengineered war beast named Tool–who is being hunted by a vengeful band of soldiers, their fragile existence quickly collapses. One is taken prisoner by merciless soldier boys, and the other is faced with an impossible decision: Risk everything to save a friend, or flee to a place where freedom might finally be possible.
This thrilling companion to Paolo Bacigalupi’s highly acclaimed Ship Breaker is a haunting and powerful story of loyalty, survival, and heart-pounding adventure.”

After falling in love with the first book, I couldn’t wait to read the next book. It gave me just what I wanted and more!
So, the reader begins right back in the world of the Drowned Cities. Cities once above water not drowned in it. I thought I be reading about the characters from the first book instead we are introduced to new characters. It is a surprised but I like it. It’s give the reader a chance to slip into other characters in this world. The best part I like about this book is the plot. It’s filled with great description of ruin cities, stories of creatures as well as the present time the reader is in.
I really like Mouse and Mahilia. These characters have survived a lot. If you wonder what’s life would be like to live in such a gruesome lawless world. Then read this. Kids taken a such a young age to fight a war that was never their s to start with. It’s focuses on many new aspects such as a genetically enhanced people. Some of those moments made me squirm in my seat.
Their is great friendship and loyalty formed. It’s nice to see the kids have a friend with everything that is taken away from them. They are forced to grow up fast, and pick a side if they want to live, regardless of how they feel.
The Drowned Cities is an epic adventure that you want to read. It’s hard and fresh with lives you want to save. The raging war faces many deaths and many heartbreaks. The Drowned Cities is awesome!
I give it 4 BITES!
Happy Reading!

8 Comments

  1. Giselle
    Sep 25, 2012

    Oh this sounds like an exciting series! I’ve been seeing the first one around and have been meaning to pick up a copy for a while, especially now that I’m seeing great reviews on this one, too.

  2. Alison Can Read
    Sep 25, 2012

    I haven’t read this series yet. It sounds like a great one, although not necessarily my style. I would think that it would be a great book for boys.

  3. Jenny
    Sep 25, 2012

    If this book focuses on different characters than the first book, do you think it’s possible to start with this book? Or will the world be confusing without having read book one? I’m really liking the sound of this series:)

  4. Wendy Darling
    Sep 25, 2012

    I’ve heard such amazing things about this series! I still haven’t read the first book yet, but I really must start it soon. 🙂

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

  5. Midnyte Reader
    Sep 25, 2012

    I didn’t even know about the first one. I’m gonig to go look it up.

  6. Annette
    Sep 25, 2012

    Looking forward to this one — especially after your review. I wish I could find the time. I really enjoyed Ship Breaker. Thanks!

  7. Maji Bookshelf
    Sep 25, 2012

    This really sounds like it’ll be exciting to read!! Thanks for the great review!!
    – Farah @ MajiBookshelf

  8. Hm… I think you just found another series I need to read. Savy! How could you? 😉 Yep, it’s going on my wishlist.