World building is not easy. Character development is tough. Dialogue tricky. Not falling asleep at the wheel (i.e. plotting), problematic. The City of Lock Doors, by the Kozinkis clicks most of the check boxes. However, something is missing.
Before chapter one can put its hooks into us, we are given a glossary of terms. Now, I have seen other novels do this to varying degrees of success. On one hand it is helpful to have that information right up front, but on the other it can be a bit of a warning sign: danger, info dumps ahead. Thankfully the Kozinski brothers navigate this effectively enough.
However, since we are talking about warning signs, I would suggest updating that art. Nothing says, “written during math class,” than art that looks like it was drawn during said class. I perused the other titles produced by these two so I know they can do better.
Into the novel itself, we are immediately introduced to the strangeness of the post-apocalyptic world of Umbras, and Noir our anti-hero. There is a lot going on here. Plagues, a sort of lycanthrope condition, various magic users. The setting takes a while to get used to. Then there is the storyline which folds the background into a plot revolving around the revenge for the murder of Noir’s brother. Political subterfuge, and a coming-of-age story are also thrown in, the latter dealing with the second main character, Adrian – who is more akin to this novel’s Sam, than Noir’s Frodo. What makes this even more complicated are some of the stylistic choices, along with Noir’s constant inner thoughts, and a divergent personality thereupon.
This is not an easy read, and a lot of aspects seem to be both equally brilliant and lacking. I am going to break this down into a few sections.
Characters
The main and supporting cast are unique, fully realized individuals. Though Noir is in some ways a Gary Stu sort of anti-hero, he is never boring. We do not get any real character development from him, however. Such instead comes through the other main protagonist, Adrian. She is a more light-hearted, innocent choice, with weaknesses and vulnerabilities. These side characters serve as better vehicles for drama.
Dialogue
One of the main strengths is the excellent dialogue. None of it is stilted, or unrealistic. The little nuances the Kovinskis infuse into their work help establish the uniqueness of the characters and keep the novel entertaining.
Setting
The world and environs are vibrant, and well described. But not realistic. It is hard to picture the city as something that would or could exist. Naturally, this is fantasy, and by some standards it is meant to be unrealistic. However, the systems in this book stretch disbelief.
Story
Here is where we see more issues. The revenge plot is standard, but there is little real tension. Every fight scene either ends with Noir completely outclassing his opponent or lulling them into a false sense of security when he inevitably brings out some trick. Often, the reader is led to believe Noir is in serious straights, only to be revealed at the end that he was never in true danger. Rather like an old school professional wrestling match. Effectively, the entire resolution and all the twists are predictable, and you are left with the feeling of something missing. Rather, like the story is rushed.
Writing Style
The prose in his story is fantastic. Yet there are times when the word choice is probably a bit too sophisticated for the intended audience. Personally, I think that there are enough books catering to a simpler clientele. A lack of clarity, however, is an issue. The first few chapters take a while to get used to, especially as there is nothing explaining who – inside Noir’s own head – is talking at any time. Couple this with the previously mentioned complicated word choice and it is understandable that some readers will have problems
Final Verdict
Despite the problems I found this an entertaining read. I was not absolutely drawn to it, nor repelled. The prose is charming, the characters interesting, but the story line in the end was not meaty enough to push this book over the top. Still, it is a solid three stars, to three-and-a-half sort of book.
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