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Children's Fiction Fantasy

The Nameless City

by (author) Faith Erin Hicks

contributions by Jordie Bellaire

Publisher
First Second
Initial publish date
Apr 2016
Category
Fantasy
Recommended Age
9 to 13
Recommended Grade
4 to 8
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781626721579
    Publish Date
    Apr 2016
    List Price
    $33.99
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781626721562
    Publish Date
    Apr 2016
    List Price
    $22.99

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Description

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don't let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.
Kaidu is one such outsider. He's a Dao born and bred--a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let's hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands.

About the authors

Faith Erin Hicks draws and writes comics in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her works include The War at Ellesmere, Brain Camp and Friends with Boys.

Faith Erin Hicks' profile page

Jordie Bellaire's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"The artwork is breathtaking...lending each panel a richness that appropriately reflects a multifaceted culture." —New York Times
"Faith Erin Hicks breathes life into her characters with gale-force winds. The Nameless City makes you feel everything its heroes are experiencing inside and out, from adolescent angst to the scrape of terra cotta tiles under a leaping boot." —Bryan Konietzko, co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender
"Faith Erin Hicks is one of the best creators working in graphic novels today and The Nameless City is a fantastic introduction to an exciting new series. Looking forward to reading more!" —Kazu Kibuishi, author of the Amulet series
"This tale of unexpected alliances has everything: winning characters, a sumptuous setting, and sharp observations about power and history. Hidden depths abound in The Nameless City." —Scott Westerfeld, author of Uglies andZeroes
"The beauty and construction of the Nameless City will leave you breathless. Faith has created a world so detailed and believable, it makes me want to explore the back alleys to see what is there." —Jeff Smith, author of the Bone series
"Hicks’s sequential artwork is polished, and though males hold nearly all the political power, the female characters are mighty warriors the men respect (and sometimes fear)." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Offer this winning graphic novel to fans of Fullmetal Alchemist and Avatar: The Last Airbender, who will appreciate its mix of fun and adventure and its exploration of questions of identity, belonging, and history. A superb beginning." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
" With comprehensive worldbuilding, well-rounded characters, and entertaining action, this expertly executed story will find a home with a wide variety of readers." —Booklist, starred review
"Historical fiction fans will likely find this a gripping narrative about how people adapt to, quietly fight against, but mostly just endure lives under the control of others." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Suitable for middle school but sophisticated enough to appeal to older readers, this title belongs in all libraries serving young people." —VOYA Magazine, starred review

User Reviews

Epic

I eagerly await each time Faith Erin Hicks releases a new book and to see the word "Trilogy" on the title page made my heart skip a beat. What a treat! Hicks has taken her skills to an epic level, taking on the historic fantasy tale of a city besieged by oppressors in the Eastern tradition. This fictional walled city has been taken over and renamed so many times that it is commonly known as the "Nameless City". This first volume introduces the characters, gives us the background, sets up the intrigue and carries out an assassination plot which our main characters must thwart setting the stage for more political drama in the next volume. An easy book to read with fast action and Hicks signature style containing her characteristic subject's features. Pure delight! Bring on volume two!

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