I picked this book up to read randomly, not realising it is a recommendation for Mortal Instruments fans, a series I had just finished. So when I started I thought this is nice, I like the plot. When I’d finished, I researched Laura Inglis to see what other people thought of City of Halves – the general consensus is negative. I thought about this and realised that this book would be more popular and accepted without the tag ‘must read for Mortal Instrument fans’ because it sets City of Halves up to be compared to Mortal Instruments. They have similarities but are separate books with separate ideas.
I really liked this book and the characters, especially Lilly. Her relationship with her father is relatable and believable. The book follows Lilly, discovering the other side of London made up of Elritchdite. When she meets Regan her life turns upside down and changes for good. My main problem is that when Lilly discovers this other half of London, her reaction isn’t realistic. She just accepts it, like accepting the sky is blue. This for me created questions about this world Inglis has created that she has left unanswered.
Throughout, there is a contrast between old and new. Regan lives a life similar to the past – full of eccentric characters –whereas Lilly lives a typical life, her main interest being hacking, to help her father win cases. This contrast creates a creative take on the life in London today. I love Inglis’s use of realistic, accurate history such as the remainder of the original city wall.
Even though I love this book and think it deserves more credit, I’m not exactly sure what I think it is lacking. Possibly originality because it is missing a key plot twist or interesting character or a clever take. The interesting take on a modern UK is developed enough and with that, it could have become a clever dystopian fantasy.
Laura Inglis has created an interesting book. I would love to see what else she writes; I believe she has great potential!
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