The Only City Left

-I was given a copy of this book for an honest review-

This book is a roller coaster of awesome and unexpected.  The Only City Left is a novel that will attract fans of The Maze Runner, Miazaki’s "The Cat Returns", and werewolves.

When I first picked up this book I had no idea of what I was getting into.  But it ended up being so much better than I had anticipated.

The cover is perfect.  At first glance it perfectly alludes to a futuristic, dystopian YA novel, but the moon is the crucial element that makes this the perfect cover for this novel.

The Only City Left starts out quite simply, our main character introduces his world to us and gives us his goal- seeing the Roof of the World.  I knew from the very beginning there would be some obstacles in his way.  I couldn’t have guessed just how many obstacles there would be!

Allin’s journey from young boy to confident hero throughout the novel is fantastic, and his companions along the way are as delightful as they are unexpected.

Andy Goldman’s futuristic version of Earth is compelling and original.  The many levels of the City and the amazing citizens of this world pose so many questions that had me ravenously flipping through the pages.

Also…the Clinkers terrify me.  I will be having nightmares for months.  I exaggerate…but really.  Terrifying.  I have not encountered any characters, since reading Joseph Delaney’s Last Apprentice series, that has creeped me out as much as these Clinkers did.  

Favorite quote:

“Then a team of cats had given me a massage while another cat took my measurements.”

This image made me giggle- how does a cat give a massage?  My cat massages me…with his claws... it doesn’t feel good!  I loved the city of the cats.  It was awesome and well imagined, an oasis in the tragedy of what remains of the Earth.

I give The Only City Left 5 out of 5 stars, and I cannot wait to read book two of Allin’s journey.