I’ve been lucky enough to read some great fiction for my gig at the Chicago Review of Books lately, including N.K. Jemisin’s THE CITY WE BECAME, a fascinating blend of mind-bending fantasy and harsh American reality. My verdict? “Jemisin has been quoted as calling this story ‘my chance to have a little monstrous fun after the weight of the Broken Earth saga,’ and it does read far lighter than that series. But it’s still laced with Jemisin’s trademark rigor, a sharp eye on systems and values that doesn’t let anyone or anything off the hook. It isn’t a book to fall asleep to, but a book to wake up with, when your mind is fresh and ready and open.”

Read the full review here.