fantasy/science fiction novels with a social conscience. The mainstream tradition in fantasy novels, going back at least to J. R. R. Tolkien, ignores (or hides) the fact that people oppressed by feudal lords or kings rose up for their liberty time and again; why wouldn't people in a world of wizards and dragons do the same thing? And why shouldn't the wizards form a union too? Author China Miéville -- himself an outspoken socialist and member of the British Socialist Workers Party -- shows us a fantastic world of his own creation, where politics and magic go hand in hand (or maybe thesis-antithesis-synthesis). "Perdido Street Station," the first novel in a trilogy, explores the city of New Crobuzon which is situated in a world that mixes elements of classical fantasy, steampunk/Victorian technology, and Miéville's own wackiness. "Iron Council," the last book in the trilogy, follows the action into events that will remind you of Paris 1871 and Petrograd 1917, plus elements of queer liberation; and also golems. Recommended for everyone.