Grand Dark

A stand-alone heavy hitter thats more in line with recent deviants like Chuck Wendigs upcomingWanderers(2019) and Daniel H. WilsonsThe Clockwork Dynasty(2017). Tonally, this lush novel is closer to Scott Lynchs pirate fantasyThe Lies of Locke Lamora(2006), but technologically it resembles the near-future dystopias of Cory Doctorow or China Miville [] Wildly ambitious and inventive fantasy from an author whos punching above his weight in terms of worldbuildingand winning. -- Kirkus (starred review)From the bestselling author of the Sandman Slim series, a lush, dark, stand-alone fantasy built off the insurgent tradition of China Mieville and M. John Harrisona subversive tale that immerses us in a world where the extremes of bleakness and beauty exist together in dangerous harmony in a city on the edge of civility and chaos.The Great War is over. The city of Lower Proszawa celebrates the peace with a decadence and carefree spirit as intense as the wars horrifying despair. But this newfound hedonismdrugs and sex and endless partiesdistracts from strange realities of everyday life: Intelligent automata taking jobs. Genetically engineered creatures that serve as pets and beasts of war. A theater where gruesome murders happen twice a day. And a new plague that even the ceaseless euphoria cant mask.Unlike others who live strictly for fun, Largo is an addict with ambitions. A bike messenger who grew up in the slums, he knows the citys streets and its secrets intimately. His life seems set. He has a beautiful girlfriend, drugs, a chance at a promotionand maybe, an opportunity for complete transformation: a contact among the elite who will set him on the course to lift himself up out of the streets.But dreams can be a dangerous thing in a city whose mood is turning dark and inward. Others have a vision of life very different from Largos, and they will use any methods to secure control. And in behind it all, beyond the frivolity and chaos, the threat of new war always looms.