The World We Make

This latest series from NK Jemisin has gone to a duology rather than an a trilogy, for reasons the author recounts in an afterword, and hence this is the final volume. She is of course perfectly entitled to do what she wants with her work, and it's not for me to question her motives, but I do think this reduction undercuts the series. The ending is too quick and easy, which would be fine if it was a question of getting pieces off the board ready for the next volume, but is a little bit too pat if this is really it. And the climax to one of the borough's storylines feels like it should be weightier than it is, and is just left sat there, waiting to be followed up on. But, y'know, leaving you wanting more isn't exactly the worst crime a book can pull, is it? Yes, it's a bit frustrating, but it's still a deliciously readable novel, and there's plenty of stuff to like here, from the characters and relationships, to the angry political engagement, as well as the expansion of the core concept with appearances from other cities. But it's New York, in all it's vibrancy and contradiction, that's the star.