Hicks, Faith Erin. The Nameless City.

Hicks, Faith Erin.  The Nameless City.  Macmillan/First Second  2016  unp  $21.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-157-9  ms  Graphic novel  VG-BN

In an ancient mountain pass that allows trade between the sea and the rest of Asia (perhaps a reference to the Shanghai Pass in China) sets a fortress, and in the fortress a city, The Nameless City. The city is governed by its most recent conquerors, the Dao, and its population is divided in many ways because of having been conquered over and over again. This is the story of the developing friendship between two ‘tweens, a boy and a girl, who have common desires and interests, and wind up preventing an event that could lead to war and the eventual destruction of the Nameless City. It is a superbly crafted graphic novel about a time and a people, although neither one is clearly referenced. The friendship and antagonism between Dao and Rat is well written and amusing at times. Their roles as young citizens in the Nameless City develop as the story unfolds, and so do the characters. The artistry of the graphics is beautiful. This is the first book in a series that is sure to be a hit with middle-school students of both sexes.

Summary: In an ancient mountain pass that allows trade between the sea and the rest of Asia (perhaps a reference to the Shanghai Pass in China) sets a fortress, and in the fortress a city, The Nameless City. The city is governed by its most recent conquerors, the Dao, and its population is divided in many ways because of having been conquered over and over again.     

Fantasy-Fiction                                       --Lynn Fisher