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City of Fire (City Trilogy #1)

3.5 of 5 stars 3.50 · rating details · 137 ratings · 36 reviews

Two-time Newbery Honor Award-winning author Laurence Yep kicks off an action-packed new fantasy trilogy

Sure to appeal to fans of Rick Riordan and Eoin Colfer, this action-packed tale takes readers on an unforgettable journey through an alternate version of our world in 1941—a world filled with magical beings such as dragons in human form, tiny “lap griffins,” reincarnation...more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published September 1st 2009 by Starscape

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YA Books inspired by Non-Western/Eastern Mythology

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Sep 16, 2009 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you have a middle-schooler --or even an older elementary school child -- who is looking for an adventure series with great world-building and interesting characters, let me suggest Laurence Yep's new City Trilogy.

Yep, who is a Newbery Honor Award author, sets his story in an alternate universe where an alternate earth enjoys magic and magical creatures; and where certain historic events, such as World War II, never happened. [Hawaii remains an independent country!:]

The principal characters ar...more

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Aug 14, 2011 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-julia

It has been a very long time since I've read a young adult novel with this breadth of creativity and world-building. CITY OF FIRE gathers an unlikely band of confederates together and sends them whizzing out into an incredibly imagined world of adventure and wonder. From the broad political landscape to the delightful little details about daily life, I was enchanted through it all.

Reading CITY OF FIRE reminded me of the all the discovery of reading the first Harry Potter combined with the writte...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 3 of 5 stars

With Part two to Laurence Yep's City trilogy coming out this spring, I thought it was time get familiar with it. The kind folks at TOR sent along City of Fire, and I was excited to sink my teeth into this award winning authors work for the first time.

Five unlikely friends, two of them not what they seem, are brought together by an unexpected dragon attack in the middle of a museum exhibit. A united need for revenge launches them on an adventure taking them by magic carpet, plane and dragon from...more

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Oct 06, 2009 Readersentertainment rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: mid grade and young readers

City of Fire by Laurence Yep is an exciting, adventurous read for children ages nine and up. Set in the 1940’s, our heroes journey across the Pacific ocean from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands meeting shapeshifters, dragons and even the ancient goddess Pele who has disguised herself as a vagabond, but controls the land and the sea through her mystical enchantments.

Magic is part of this fantastical world and our hero, twelve-year old Scirye, will come face to face with evil and her own abi...more

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Jan 06, 2010 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, youngadult

The main problem I had with this book was visualizing the world it takes place in. While there are fantastic elements involved, the setting is that of the 1940's - which trains and planes for transportation - but also set in a world that seems more Asian in background and mythology - while set in California. It took me a bit to wrap my head around it and as such I couldn't get into the story as much as I would have liked.

The other problem is with the characters. I think, for being on such a dang...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Doris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, dragons, fantasy, historical-fiction

In City of Fire, the book's synopsis tells us that Scirye starts on her adventure to avenge her sister and recover a stolen ring. Unfortunately, although we are informed as to what was taken, it was never made clear why the item was important, except in a historical context. Although the story makes much of the honor concept, it wasn't until near the very end of the book that the stolen item's importance is brought out, and even then it felt more like an afterthought.

However, this new version o...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, young-adult, arcs

It has been a very long time since I've read a young adult novel with this breadth of creativity and world-building. From the first chapter, CITY OF FIRE gathers an unlikely band of confederates together and sends them whizzing out into a world of adventure. From the broad political landscape to the delightful little details, I was enchanted all the way through.

Reading of CITY OF FIRE reminded me of the first Harry Potter combined with the written equivalent of DINOTOPIA. Yep lays out a fascinat...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Ottery StCatchpole rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is the first book I've read by Laurence Yep, for years now I've seen his name crop up time and again on children's books shelves, but as I don't have a lot of time to read what books I do read are either by people I love or on subjects I love and I don't think any of his books have ever struck me as science-fictional or fantasy, which is why time and again I did not pick up one of his books despite his being a two time Newberry Honor Award Winner. Having missed out on the Newberry twice li...more This is the first book I've read by Laurence Yep, for years now I've seen his name crop up time and again on children's books shelves, but as I don't have a lot of time to read what books I do read are either by people I love or on subjects I love and I don't think any of his books have ever struck me as science-fictional or fantasy, which is why time and again I did not pick up one of his books despite his being a two time Newberry Honor Award Winner. Having missed out on the Newberry twice likely didn't help.
Then comes along City of Fire, with a graceful cover by Joshua Middleton whose art I greatly love and it has a dragon on it, which always catches my attention. So I flip the book open read the jacket and find out it takes place in San Francisco in an alternate 1940's and there's obviously magic, dragons, trolls, and gryphons, so I'm obviously sold.
Whether this is Mr. Yep's first foray into fantasy fiction or not I do not know but he handles himself and his characters rather well (if he is a novice to writing these types of stories). His characters are all brilliantly and complexly multi-layered, constantly changing, and they are all interesting so it is not hard to find yourself rooting for them. My favorite character would have to be Leech, though if I had to pick I would say that this story is really Scyrie's tale. Koko while at times annoying, is still a loveable rolly polly fellow, and I was very amused to find out what he truly is. Lastly there is Bayang, who also is not a human, but we don't find out exactly what she is until about the middle of the story and it is delightful to say that the mystery and suspense of that mystery kept me interested, though I was a little surprised and let down by the ultimate revelation. Koko being something other than a human however, did come as a surprise. Throwing the character of Kles in the mix, he's an intelligent gryphon we find our group of heroes at the start of the story complete strangers from different parts of society, from different worlds, and even as we later find out, different species. So of course there is the inevitable conflict. Mr. Yep handles the characters rather well, their initial distrust of one another, their reason for coming together and their different personalities constant conflicts throughout the first 2/3's of the tale.
As we get to know the characters, their motivations, and even how they are with one another, we come to care about them and we see the bonds forming between them as they face peril after peril in their search for vengeance or justice and all of the characters clearly change or are transformed by the end of the book, which is delightful and tells its own adventure with plot twists and turns coming at you suddenly and unexpectedly, though not at a breakneck pace. I'm not sure if that is something good or bad about the book but it does not detract from the story.
This is a beautiful adventure, though I think the setting should play a more important role in the book as it really doesn't read like a story taking place in the 1940's, but aside from that minor quibble as well, the story is brilliant and the writing spectacularly descriptive without being too heavy. The dialogue mostly works though at times the characters of Koko and Scyrie can seem a little bit cliche, and Bayang and Leech once the true nature of their relationship comes to light have occasional moments were their speeches or conversations are just a little too cute, and don't really ring true. Or perhaps here, I am missing the point that the 1940's were perhaps a more whimsical and less cynical age.
A great book full of action and adventure, I'd give this to any kid to read, and those adults who can appreciate and love the adventure and whimsy of YA books.(less)

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Jan 28, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've always loved Fantasy. From the time I could first read chapter books I was drawn in by the worlds that were build for me by these amazing authors. However, sometimes it is hard to get into a book because the world is so vast and the amount of characters is overwhelming. As a reader, I find it easier to invest in a fictional world when there is a handhold for me that relates to the world around me. Cue Laurence Yep's City of Fire.

Yep builds a fantastic world around the real events of the 194...more I've always loved Fantasy. From the time I could first read chapter books I was drawn in by the worlds that were build for me by these amazing authors. However, sometimes it is hard to get into a book because the world is so vast and the amount of characters is overwhelming. As a reader, I find it easier to invest in a fictional world when there is a handhold for me that relates to the world around me. Cue Laurence Yep's City of Fire.

Yep builds a fantastic world around the real events of the 1940's. This time period allows our adventurers the use of planes and boats as their main transportation, which is much more exciting in my opinion! Certain events in our history have been altered, such as the fact that Hawaii is still an independent country. Also, and here is the kicker, mythical creatures walk among humans as equals. Pretty amazing right? Or is your head hurting? Well either way trust me, it's worth the slight confusion at the beginning because once I was pulled into the world there was no turning back. The world is so vivid, so well written, that I can guarantee you'll be pulled in as well.

Bring on the characters shall we? We meet Scirye, the fiery young girl with a vendetta against her sister's killer. She is tired of being treated as a little girl and ready to prove herself. Then we are presented with Leech and Koko, two street urchins with secrets buried within them. Mysterious and hilarious, they are quite the duo! Finally we meet Bayang, a dragon who is disguised as an elderly lady and is the key to the whole journey. These four characters are so fantastic together! Their banter with one another is classic, and throughout their interactions there are so many lessons learned about friendship, understanding and forgiveness. There is a character for every reader to attach to and fall in love with.

I could write a whole novel about my appreciation for this book, but I'll end here. The long and short of it is simply this: City of Fire is a fantastic journey complete with realistic and magical elements. Although this written for the younger reader, I see a lot for us young adult and adult readers to love. If you're ready to be transported to a new world, let Laurence Yep take you there! This book gets the highest recommendation possible from me, and I can only hope that you agree.
(less)

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Apr 03, 2010 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, kids-books-i-would-recommend, young-adult-books-i-would-recommend, multicultural-titles

This book takes place in an alternate version of our world, complete with dragons, griffins (and other magical creatures), goddesses, and talking animals. (My favorite of the talking animals are the shark thugs. They cracked me up, picturing them "waddling" around on their tails. As far as the goddesses go, Pele was pretty funny, although she sounded like she belonged in the Caribbean instead of Hawaii.) Sometimes there is too much detail to keep up the pace, so this may be a title for stronger...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Mohamed Doucore rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like The City Of Fire because it has lots of action and fighting.For example, on page 51 anoymous flying creature came into a museum which all of the main charecters were in and they fought these monsters,but had many injured and Nishke(Scyrie sister) dies.Another is that they fly on a maguc carpet to the ice section to get a piece of a ancient wariors bow on page 307.One challenge I faced was that there was a lot of talking about details and I fell a sleep when I read it.One charecter in my b...more

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Apr 03, 2011 Jolynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-fant, young-adult, mythology

Fun sci-fi/fantasy set in 1940s San Francisco (and Hawaii!), but in an alternate universe where goddesses roam the earth with griffiths, menehune, trolls, giants, and dragons!
Yep has fun mixing mythology and fantasy elements, but it is a bit of a formulaic caper/ragtag gang of misfits battling against the odds. Spunky heroine, check; rapscallion sidekick, check; experienced, curmudgeonly guide, check. But of course, I love that kind of stuff, so I had a lot of fun. Big ups on Yep for integratin...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Shelley Daugherty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-add-to-the-library

The one thing I really enjoyed about this book was the way this fantasy realm was twisted into modern time United States. They start out in California and move on to Hawaii before the book is done. Very interesting ways to bring in dragons and goddesses just to list of few of the characters covered in this book. This book shows that not all old feuds can last forever and people can change if we only learn to let them prove themselves. Quite the adventure story for anyone who enjoys fantasy and w...more

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Jul 26, 2010 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, high-fantasy

Ages 10 and up.

Fantasy with an Asian & Polynesian flair. Simply a wonderful book filled with characters that are a delight, including the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele.

Book one in a trilogy and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I'm also looking forward to my daughter's reaction to this book, since I think it's going to hit all the right chords with her.

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Jan 21, 2010 Lara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, upper-grade-fiction, dragons

12-year old Scirye begins adventures in this first of a series of fantasies. Alternate world of 1941 with magic and mythical characters. A shape changer, a boy with unknown powers, and a dragon assassin join her and her lap griffin to chase an evil dragon and a villain for a stolen treasure and revenge. Volcano goddess Pele joins them in Hawaii in an exciting adventure. Yep writes so well you soon suspend your disbelief and follow the chase.

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Jun 21, 2011 Cheryl rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, folklore-tales-stories, young-adult

Took me awhile to get my bearings in this 1941 parallel-world San Francisco, filled with magical creatures and humans living side by side. A rousing adventure, I had trouble relating to the many characters, and I was discouraged near the end to have it be so obviously a lead-in to the next book.(which I don't plan to read)

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Jul 24, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

This author sometimes turns out mediocre writing of a good story. But this series has proved to be very good, so far. The fantasy version of historical setting is a clever twist. The characters are likable. I also enjoyed the sequel, City of Ice and look forward to the final book in the series.

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Jan 09, 2010 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book started off a little slow, introducing the characters. That is why I gave it a three. By the end the book was going faster and was really good. I would definitely read the second book, because I know the characters now, so I think it will be easier to get into.

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May 07, 2012 Erin Sterling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: story, youth-fantasy, setting, youth-fiction, read-in-2012, youth-funny

I had a little trouble getting into the book, perhaps because I read it in fits and spurts, but overall, a well-developed fantasy world (similar to ours, in terms of country names, etc. but with all sort of magic and strange creatures) and an action-packed adventure.

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Jun 11, 2010 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, pretty_clean

In an alternative 1941, 12-year-old Scirye and her pet lap dragon set out to avenge the death of Scriye's sister, traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii on the trail of an evil dragon. Some boy-girl interaction, a humorous goddess, and some violence.

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Feb 06, 2011 Renuka rated it 3 of 5 stars

Overall, I liked this fantasy book. It had an interesting plot and great mystical aspects (a magic carpet, dragons, etc). The writing was great in places and slow in other places.

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Apr 30, 2013 Yang-Ha Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I read this book (a few years?), so I could't remember anything about it except for a dragon and a journey . . .-_- so vague. However, I think I liked it a way more when I first read it.

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Oct 04, 2011 Grace Bosley rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 24, 2012 Mcintee rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is my favorite series! I really enjoyed this book I am still waiting for the thrid book to come out! Over all this is my kind of read.

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Sep 09, 2012 Deb rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a pretty good book. Had interesting mixtures and twists of cultures. It was a little confusing at first because of the different style Yep writes with. It definitely gets better as you go and by the end I couldn't wait to find out how it ended. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

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May 04, 2011 Bekka rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-yalsa-top-ten-nominees, supernatural

not great - quite cliched in most of it. I had a very hard time caring much about the characters.

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Jan 04, 2010 Edward Butler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rich world-building makes this an enticing beginning to a series that only promises to get better from here.

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May 21, 2013 Fantasy Literature rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-by-bill

2.5 stars
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

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Apr 28, 2013 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

The blurb didn't really match the actual plot line but other than that the book was ok...I mean, I didn't even know why Roland wanted Yu's bow until the last ten pages.

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Sep 12, 2010 Autumn rated it 4 of 5 stars

A little too YA for my tastes but an enjoyable read

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About Laurence Yep

Born June 14, 1948 in San Francisco, California, Yep was the son of Thomas Gim Yep and Franche Lee Yep. Franche Lee, her family's youngest child, was born in Ohio and raised in West Virginia where her family owned a Chinese laundry. Yep's father, Thomas, was born in China and came to America at the age of ten where he lived, not in Chinatown, but with an Irish friend in a white neighborhood. After...more

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Books by Laurence Yep

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo: Red Bird of the South, Southern China, A.D. 531

Dragonwings (Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903)

Dragon's Gate: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1867

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Quotes from City of Fire

“If you throw up," Kles said unsympathetically, "remember not to face the wind."
"Yeah, Koko. You're the one who's been complaining about doing the same things lately," Leech said. "Enjoy it."
"Oog, and double oog," was all Koko could say.” — 1 person liked it

“She's trying to sabotage all the magic holding this island together. But that would create a catastrophe for all of Hawaii."
"Well, that does it," Koko huffed. "As of today, she's off my Christmas card list.” — 1 person liked it

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City of Fire (City Trilogy #1)

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