Book Review | In the Watchful City

In the exiled city-state of Ora, Anima’s duty is to jump into different animal’s bodies in order to monitor the city for crime and keep its civilians safe. However, when an enigmatic figure named Vessel shows up with a cabinet full of curiosities—each with its own story—, Anima’s world begins to expand and æ begin to question ær purpose in life.

<i>In the Watchful City</i> by S. Qiouyi Lu is a mind-bending, genre-bending work of fiction. The blurb describes it as a “mosaic novella,” and it really is just that. Using a frame narrative, this book contains stories within a story as Vessel acts as a narrator in parts, explaining the history and meaning behind various objects in his collection.

Throughout the novella, the story interweaves sci-fi and fantasy, implementing some really cool biocyberpunk ideas. For instance, there is a substance called the Gleaming, which interconnects the consciousness of all life in the city in a sort of almost fungal-like network. Any living 2-noded creature is able to tap into this network to see through the eyes of another. However, it takes a special 8-noded being (such as Anima) to be able to fully connect and manipulate the body of another.

All in all, this is an esoteric, introspective sort of story that meaningfully explores the importance of home and memory. It may not be the easiest read for some, but it’s a worthwhile one if you’re in the mood for a bit of a high-concept, food-for-thought-type of book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tordotcom, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : August 31, 2021

Publisher : Tordotcom Publishing

ISBN : 1250792983

Pages : 192

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