Jemisin's The City We Became dazzles with imaginative urban fantasy, representing New York City through vibrant, diverse characters. Praised for its social commentary and inventive plot, some found the narrative's complexity overwhelming. While the pacing occasionally stumbles, the novel's originality and profound metaphors garner widespread acclaim.

A reader who enjoys The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin likely appreciates urban fantasy infused with social commentary. Fans of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere or China Miéville's The City & the City will find Jemisin's richly imagined New York City and its diverse, dynamic characters compelling and thought-provoking.

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin is a fantasy novel set in New York City, where five individuals, each an avatar of one of the city's boroughs, come together to protect their city from a cosmic threat that aims to invade and corrupt it. A homeless young Black man embodies the city as its primary avatar, and with the help of the other avatars, they battle shape-shifting creatures and navigate personal and external challenges to safeguard New York City. The book contains themes of violence, including attempted sexual assault and mentions of racism.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Gritty

- N. K. Jemisin’s The City We Became is the first book in her Great Cities series, inspired by her 2016 short story "The City Born Great."
- The City We Became was praised for its unique take on urban fantasy, blending social commentary with elements of science fiction and fantasy, highlighting Jemisin’s innovative storytelling.
- Before becoming a full-time writer, Jemisin worked as a counseling psychologist and an academic, which influences her ability to incorporate complex character dynamics and societal issues in her novels.

**Manny/Manhattan**  
A graduate student newly arrived in Manhattan, who embodies the borough's iconic energy and complexities. He stands as the primary avatar of Manhattan, representing its vibrant and storied identity.

**Brooklyn Thomason/Brooklyn**  
An attorney and former hip-hop artist turned City Council member, whose role as Brooklyn's avatar reflects her borough's dynamic nature and blend of activism and political engagement. She juggles multiple roles, including that of a mother and caregiver.

**Bronca Siwanoy/The Bronx**  
A queer artist of Lenape heritage who runs the Bronx Arts Center, reflecting the borough's rich cultural and historical landscape. As the oldest avatar, she carries deep ancestral knowledge and a fierce protective spirit.

**Padmini Prakash/Queens**  
A young, undocumented grad student from India who embodies the diversity and working-class character of Queens. As the borough's avatar, her journey involves embracing her role in defending the city despite her initial fears.

**Aislyn Houlihan/Staten Island**  
A White woman in her thirties who has never left Staten Island, with a background influenced by her father's overbearing, racist views. Her character illustrates the struggle between fear and the desire for independence.

**The Primary/New York City**  
An anonymous young, homeless Black man who represents New York City as the primary avatar. His experiences highlight the duality and diverse nature of the city and its potential for contributions from all societal levels.

**Veneza/Jersey City**  
A young woman of Portuguese descent who works at the Bronx Arts Center and provides technological expertise. Though not originally an avatar, she plays a crucial role in connecting and supporting the team.

**R’lyeh/The Woman in White**  
An enigmatic, pale antagonist whose presence symbolizes an existential threat to the city. She embodies a desire to impose a rigid, colorless order, contrasting with the vibrant chaos of New York City.

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