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City Trilogy #1
City of Fire
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,” reincarnations of legendary Chinese warriors, Japanese folk creatures, and goddesses in disguise. When her older sister dies trying to prevent the theft of one of her people’s great treasures, twelve-year-old Scirye sets out to avenge her and recover the precious item. Helping her are Bayang, a dragon disguised as a Pinkerton agent; Leech, a boy with powers he has not yet discovered; and Leech’s loyal companion Koko, who has a secret of his own. All have a grudge against the thieves who stole the the evil dragon Badik and the mysterious Mr. Roland. Scirye and her companions pursue the thieves to Houlani, a new Hawaiian island being created by magic. There, they befriend Pele, the volatile and mercurial goddess of volcanoes. But even with Pele on their side, they may not be able to stop Mr. Roland from gaining what he the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu. Together, the treasures will give him the power to alter the very fabric of the universe.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Yep
120 books295 followersBorn 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 troubling times during the Depression, he was able to open a grocery store in an African-American neighborhood. Growing up in San Francisco, Yep felt alienated. He was in his own words his neighborhood's "all-purpose Asian" and did not feel he had a culture of his own. Joanne Ryder, a children's book author, and Yep met and became friends during college while she was his editor. They later married and now live in San Francisco.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
Although not living in Chinatown, Yep commuted to a parochial bilingual school there. Other students at the school, according to Yep, labeled him a "dumbbell Chinese" because he spoke only English. During high school he faced the white American culture for the first time. However, it was while attending high school that he started writing for a science fiction magazine, being paid one cent a word for his efforts. After two years at Marquette University, Yep transferred to the University of California at Santa Cruz where he graduated in 1970 with a B.A. He continued on to earn a Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975. Today as well as writing, he has taught writing and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and Santa Barbara.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 10, 2018
An urban fantasy trilogy from two-time Newbery Honoree Laurence Yep? Sounds good to me. City of Fire starts in 1941 San Francisco, in an alternative historical timeline. Bayang, a warrior disguised as a middle-aged woman, is stalking a young street boy named Leech. Accompanied by his friend Koko, Leech is also guarded by a fighter named Primo Chin, so Bayang waits for the right opportunity to fulfill her family oath and kill Leech. Primo will slip up eventually, and Leech will have no defense against Bayang. In the same city, twelve-year-old Scirye (pronounced "Skeer-yay") is putting on a good front for a cultural exhibition honoring her family heritage. She roams around with her miniature griffin, Klestetstse (or Kles, pronounced "Klays"), but the festivities are disrupted when Badik the dragon attacks and steals a talisman of inestimable value. Scirye's older sister Nishke dies in the fight, but Scirye has no time to mourn. Joining forces with Leech (whose bodyguard also perished), Koko, and Bayang, the group heads off in pursuit of Badik. They cannot afford to fail in their quest.
"If you don't know who you are, you're really nothing."
—Pele, City of Fire, P. 202
Chasing a dragon is serious business, but the secrets kept from one another within the group threaten their unity. Bayang is sworn to eliminate Leech, but he saved her life when Badik originally attacked; is he the scoundrel she's been led to believe, or an ordinary boy descended from poverty? Can she bring herself to repay his good deed with violence? As they continue traveling in uneasy alliance, Scirye and her companions meet Pele, the legendary goddess of fire. Pele is eccentric but incredibly powerful, and can protect Scirye and her group from hazards that would otherwise end their lives as they track down Badik. Can she even divine Bayang's true identity, and why she is intent on killing Leech? If Pele can guide them all into a temporary truce, they may catch up to Badik...but the mission will be far from complete.
The writing style of this book is markedly different from Laurence Yep's 1994 Newbery Honor recipient, Dragon's Gate. That novel's historicity and wisdom are a sturdy foundation, and the final product is worthy of the accolades it received. In City of Fire, I had trouble understanding the action as it was happening. Many times I had to reread long sections because I wasn't absorbing the content. City of Ice, the second book of the City trilogy, could be an improvement, and I'm going to give it a chance. Laurence Yep can be a good storyteller, and I look forward to a book two that leads this trilogy in a positive direction.
"If you don't know who you are, you're really nothing."
—Pele, City of Fire, P. 202
Chasing a dragon is serious business, but the secrets kept from one another within the group threaten their unity. Bayang is sworn to eliminate Leech, but he saved her life when Badik originally attacked; is he the scoundrel she's been led to believe, or an ordinary boy descended from poverty? Can she bring herself to repay his good deed with violence? As they continue traveling in uneasy alliance, Scirye and her companions meet Pele, the legendary goddess of fire. Pele is eccentric but incredibly powerful, and can protect Scirye and her group from hazards that would otherwise end their lives as they track down Badik. Can she even divine Bayang's true identity, and why she is intent on killing Leech? If Pele can guide them all into a temporary truce, they may catch up to Badik...but the mission will be far from complete.
The writing style of this book is markedly different from Laurence Yep's 1994 Newbery Honor recipient, Dragon's Gate. That novel's historicity and wisdom are a sturdy foundation, and the final product is worthy of the accolades it received. In City of Fire, I had trouble understanding the action as it was happening. Many times I had to reread long sections because I wasn't absorbing the content. City of Ice, the second book of the City trilogy, could be an improvement, and I'm going to give it a chance. Laurence Yep can be a good storyteller, and I look forward to a book two that leads this trilogy in a positive direction.
September 16, 2009
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 are 12 year-old Scirye, her lap-Griffin Kles, Leech and Koko, two street urchins: as well as Bayang, a dragon sent to assassinate Leech.
The book doesn't begin with them knowing each another, but soon their paths cross as they find they seek revenge against a common foe, the ancient dragon Badik and the human Roland. Revenge takes on more importance when they find out that the two bad guys are determined to steal the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu, weapons that will let them alter the world forever.
Talking Points :::
This is the beginning book of what promises to be a good series. The characters are interesting and fun, the world building is excellent.
This book will be particularly good for readers who like complex worlds where magic doesn't just 'sit there' on the surface. There are some philosophical issues here that are interesting.
I really liked that the story is told from two perspectives. One point of view was Scirye's and the other was the mysterious and enigmatic Bayang, the assassin dragon. Her other-world perspective was actually my favorite as it gave insight into the strange goings on in this alternate earth.
Pam T~
mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews
City of Fire
* Accelerated Reading level : 5th Grade (generic; no month given)
* Hardcover: 320 pages
* Publisher: Starscape (September 1, 2009)
* ISBN-10: 0765319241
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 are 12 year-old Scirye, her lap-Griffin Kles, Leech and Koko, two street urchins: as well as Bayang, a dragon sent to assassinate Leech.
The book doesn't begin with them knowing each another, but soon their paths cross as they find they seek revenge against a common foe, the ancient dragon Badik and the human Roland. Revenge takes on more importance when they find out that the two bad guys are determined to steal the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu, weapons that will let them alter the world forever.
Talking Points :::
This is the beginning book of what promises to be a good series. The characters are interesting and fun, the world building is excellent.
This book will be particularly good for readers who like complex worlds where magic doesn't just 'sit there' on the surface. There are some philosophical issues here that are interesting.
I really liked that the story is told from two perspectives. One point of view was Scirye's and the other was the mysterious and enigmatic Bayang, the assassin dragon. Her other-world perspective was actually my favorite as it gave insight into the strange goings on in this alternate earth.
Pam T~
mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews
City of Fire
* Accelerated Reading level : 5th Grade (generic; no month given)
* Hardcover: 320 pages
* Publisher: Starscape (September 1, 2009)
* ISBN-10: 0765319241
November 21, 2014
City of fire was a good book to read. It had a lot of magic in it and adventure. It was awesome
The characters were awesome, the setting was awesome, and of course the story. Every thing was awesome.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Anyone and everyone.
The characters were awesome, the setting was awesome, and of course the story. Every thing was awesome.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Anyone and everyone.
March 6, 2017
A great book...
I especially loved the main character(s), Leech [Asian boy], Koko [Another Asian boy]. Bayang [Shapeshifter Dragon/assasin person], Pele [Old lady; Goddess of Volcanoes] Scirye, and Kles[A lap griffin].
Leech is very unique, he has many different insights on certain topics that Scirye-the princess-may not understand.
Koko is aggressive, and usually doesn't learn his lessons the first time around; he talks behind the goddess' back [Pele] and she sets his ear on fire, it hurts him, but he keep doing it, for some reason,
Bayang is quiet, and has a very human-like personality, even though she's just a dragon. It shows how even non-humans can be like humans.
Pele was very much her age. She talked like a grandma would, but when she had to, she talked like 21st century people.
Scirye and Kles are probably the ones that intrigued me the most... Kles was a wise griffin, and Scirye had good moral, and was intelligent.
I especially loved the main character(s), Leech [Asian boy], Koko [Another Asian boy]. Bayang [Shapeshifter Dragon/assasin person], Pele [Old lady; Goddess of Volcanoes] Scirye, and Kles[A lap griffin].
Leech is very unique, he has many different insights on certain topics that Scirye-the princess-may not understand.
Koko is aggressive, and usually doesn't learn his lessons the first time around; he talks behind the goddess' back [Pele] and she sets his ear on fire, it hurts him, but he keep doing it, for some reason,
Bayang is quiet, and has a very human-like personality, even though she's just a dragon. It shows how even non-humans can be like humans.
Pele was very much her age. She talked like a grandma would, but when she had to, she talked like 21st century people.
Scirye and Kles are probably the ones that intrigued me the most... Kles was a wise griffin, and Scirye had good moral, and was intelligent.
April 21, 2011
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2011
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.
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.
August 15, 2011
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 written equivalent of DINOTOPIA’s intricacy and delight. Yep lays out a fascinating magical and political structure for his world, all the while sprinkling the story with visual tidbits like a six-foot tall lizard pushing a broom in the background. The plot swept forward with an amazing amount of information without ever bogging down, due in part to the way Yep balances the lush depth of his scenery with fast paced action and dialog. While CITY OF FIRE was a fantastic entry into this world, I wouldn’t recommend skipping straight to later books in the series, if only because you would miss the way each member of Scirye’s motley group changes and comes together over the course of book one.
The characters in CITY OF FIRE are around twelve-years-old and are definitely pre-pubescent. Given that CITY OF FIRE takes place in the span of a day, I would imagine that we're not going to watch Scirye and Leech grow up in any physical sense over the course of the trilogy, despite the emotional maturity they gain. Packed with adventure, admirable character growth and an inventive world, CITY OF FIRE will be a hit for readers at any age looking for adventure and wonder, but not a hint of romance.
Sexual Content: None.
Reading CITY OF FIRE reminded me of the all the discovery of reading the first Harry Potter combined with the written equivalent of DINOTOPIA’s intricacy and delight. Yep lays out a fascinating magical and political structure for his world, all the while sprinkling the story with visual tidbits like a six-foot tall lizard pushing a broom in the background. The plot swept forward with an amazing amount of information without ever bogging down, due in part to the way Yep balances the lush depth of his scenery with fast paced action and dialog. While CITY OF FIRE was a fantastic entry into this world, I wouldn’t recommend skipping straight to later books in the series, if only because you would miss the way each member of Scirye’s motley group changes and comes together over the course of book one.
The characters in CITY OF FIRE are around twelve-years-old and are definitely pre-pubescent. Given that CITY OF FIRE takes place in the span of a day, I would imagine that we're not going to watch Scirye and Leech grow up in any physical sense over the course of the trilogy, despite the emotional maturity they gain. Packed with adventure, admirable character growth and an inventive world, CITY OF FIRE will be a hit for readers at any age looking for adventure and wonder, but not a hint of romance.
Sexual Content: None.
March 1, 2011
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 San Francisco to Hawaii with unexpected twists along the way.
A delicious blend of fantasy and historical based fiction, City of fire has a very unique feel to it's world, especially for a middle school book. I found Yep's explanations in the afterword about which cultures and historical facts he borrowed from surprisingly detailed, and I enjoy the fact he has a high enough regard for his young readers to include it.
Likewise his characters were completely charming, their diverse skills, cultures and backgrounds making them complex and even more loveable. But I imagine it also makes them considerably more approachable to a wide range of readers.
And finally, the story itself is a whirlwind ride of adventure and surprises. Short chapters, action packed, and racing towards the end of the book at top speeds would make this appealing to even the more reluctant readers. I can see why Laurence's work is so highly acclaimed, and I can't wait for the arrival of City of Ice.
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 San Francisco to Hawaii with unexpected twists along the way.
A delicious blend of fantasy and historical based fiction, City of fire has a very unique feel to it's world, especially for a middle school book. I found Yep's explanations in the afterword about which cultures and historical facts he borrowed from surprisingly detailed, and I enjoy the fact he has a high enough regard for his young readers to include it.
Likewise his characters were completely charming, their diverse skills, cultures and backgrounds making them complex and even more loveable. But I imagine it also makes them considerably more approachable to a wide range of readers.
And finally, the story itself is a whirlwind ride of adventure and surprises. Short chapters, action packed, and racing towards the end of the book at top speeds would make this appealing to even the more reluctant readers. I can see why Laurence's work is so highly acclaimed, and I can't wait for the arrival of City of Ice.
August 4, 2011
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 fascinating magical and political structure for his world, all the while sprinkling the story with visual tidbits like a six-foot tall lizard pushing a broom or Pan-Am's new fleet of gyro-copters. The plot swept forward with an amazing amount of information without ever bogging down, due in part to the lush depth of every scene Yep wrote.
My mention of THE SORCERER'S STONE extends beyond world building and creativity, the characters in CITY OF FIRE are around twelve-years-old and are definitely pre-pubescent. Given that CITY OF FIRE takes place in the span of a day, I would imagine that we're not going to watch Scirye and Leech grow up in any physical sense. Packed with adventure, admirable character growth and inventive world, CITY OF FIRE will be a hit for almost any age range.
Sexual Content: None.
Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.
Reading of CITY OF FIRE reminded me of the first Harry Potter combined with the written equivalent of DINOTOPIA. Yep lays out a fascinating magical and political structure for his world, all the while sprinkling the story with visual tidbits like a six-foot tall lizard pushing a broom or Pan-Am's new fleet of gyro-copters. The plot swept forward with an amazing amount of information without ever bogging down, due in part to the lush depth of every scene Yep wrote.
My mention of THE SORCERER'S STONE extends beyond world building and creativity, the characters in CITY OF FIRE are around twelve-years-old and are definitely pre-pubescent. Given that CITY OF FIRE takes place in the span of a day, I would imagine that we're not going to watch Scirye and Leech grow up in any physical sense. Packed with adventure, admirable character growth and inventive world, CITY OF FIRE will be a hit for almost any age range.
Sexual Content: None.
Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.
October 7, 2009
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 abilities to overcome it. She will find friendship in a young boy, Leech, who she first mistrusts, but then comes to understand that he is also on a journey of self-discovery. Leech must find out about his own mysterious past and make the decision to do good or evil.
Gaining the trust of her traveling companions, Scirye, sets out to avenge the death of her sister caused by the evil dragon Badik and the powerfully evil Mr. Roland. Each of her companions have their own personal journey in finding the powers within them that will help them stop the diabolical Mr. Roland from stealing the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu and giving him ultimate power over the world.
Magic is part of this fantastical world and our hero, twelve-year old Scirye, will come face to face with evil and her own abilities to overcome it. She will find friendship in a young boy, Leech, who she first mistrusts, but then comes to understand that he is also on a journey of self-discovery. Leech must find out about his own mysterious past and make the decision to do good or evil.
Gaining the trust of her traveling companions, Scirye, sets out to avenge the death of her sister caused by the evil dragon Badik and the powerfully evil Mr. Roland. Each of her companions have their own personal journey in finding the powers within them that will help them stop the diabolical Mr. Roland from stealing the Five Lost Treasures of Emperor Yu and giving him ultimate power over the world.
January 7, 2010
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 dangerous quest, that everything seems to be going too well. All of the traveling characters become buddy-buddy a little faster than is believable - especially when one character originally was going to assassinate one of the others before the theft. Maybe it's just me.
Otherwise, I really loved the plot and I thought the world was original - as much as I couldn't visualize it - I love the concept of combining some unusual elements. I may re-read this book before the next one comes out and may enjoy it more than the first read.
Suggested for those who love fantasy, adventure and dragons.
The other problem is with the characters. I think, for being on such a dangerous quest, that everything seems to be going too well. All of the traveling characters become buddy-buddy a little faster than is believable - especially when one character originally was going to assassinate one of the others before the theft. Maybe it's just me.
Otherwise, I really loved the plot and I thought the world was original - as much as I couldn't visualize it - I love the concept of combining some unusual elements. I may re-read this book before the next one comes out and may enjoy it more than the first read.
Suggested for those who love fantasy, adventure and dragons.
January 7, 2013
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 of the story of the Unlikely Ones (another novel about a group of disparate companions) is told with an interesting hitch that allows us to be part of the story. We are warned from the beginning that one of the companions is not what she seems, and although clues are dropped, it isn't until much later we find out the truth. The dragon attack that starts off the adventure pummels a museum, hurts many, and forces the central character Scirye to face the truth that being a warrior isn't fun and games, and that sometimes difficult choices have to be made.
However, this new version of the story of the Unlikely Ones (another novel about a group of disparate companions) is told with an interesting hitch that allows us to be part of the story. We are warned from the beginning that one of the companions is not what she seems, and although clues are dropped, it isn't until much later we find out the truth. The dragon attack that starts off the adventure pummels a museum, hurts many, and forces the central character Scirye to face the truth that being a warrior isn't fun and games, and that sometimes difficult choices have to be made.
April 3, 2010
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 readers. Also, whoever typed and edited the final version did a poor job, especially in the final chapters. There are lots of missing words/wrong words, which was annoying, particularly as Mr. Yep is quite a good writer.
July 22, 2012
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 book that was intersting is Leech.He is intersting because he a powerful warrior and in a past life he killed a dragon for his father to make a belt,but in this life he a warrior that helps the Dragons.
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November 1, 2013Twelve-year-old Scirye, her sister and her mother are in an alternate-universe San Francisco with an exhibit of their people's cultural treasures. When the dragon Badik swoops in, steals the treasure and, in passing, kills Scirye's older sister, Scirye sets out (with her lap-griffin Kles) to avenge her sister's death.
Her group of avengers grows: Leech and Koko, two human-seeming boys, and a private cop, Bayang, who is really a dragon in disguise on a mission of her own.
They follow the thieves to a new Hawaiian island, Houlani, and Pele the volcano goddess joins them in their quest. But can they keep the mysterious Mr. Roland from using the treasures to turn the universe to his will?
Her group of avengers grows: Leech and Koko, two human-seeming boys, and a private cop, Bayang, who is really a dragon in disguise on a mission of her own.
They follow the thieves to a new Hawaiian island, Houlani, and Pele the volcano goddess joins them in their quest. But can they keep the mysterious Mr. Roland from using the treasures to turn the universe to his will?
August 12, 2014
A great first book in a fantasy trilogy by Laurence Yep. This book is very different from all the other books I have read by the author so far. In the beginning, I was a bit confused as I seemed to have no clear picture of the setting and the many characters. But as the story progressed and the gaps were slowly filled, I realised how much not being in the clear from the start added to my reading enjoyment. The pace of the book keeps increasing as the story progresses, making the reader want to jump right into the second book. I am looking forward to getting the second book in the trilogy as Skyrie and her friends continue their hunt.
April 3, 2011
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 integrating Pidgin.
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 integrating Pidgin.
October 17, 2011
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 will keep you on your toes.
October 22, 2013
City of Fire by Laurence Yep is a mythical story about dragons and other myths and magic. The main character, Scirye, sets of on a journey to recover one of her people's greatest treasure after her sister is killed in the theft.
My favorite part was in the beginning of the book when the the treasure is stolen and people are trying to protect it because it makes Scirye angry and want to set off on this journey.
If you like books about fantasy and myths you will probably also like this book.
My favorite part was in the beginning of the book when the the treasure is stolen and people are trying to protect it because it makes Scirye angry and want to set off on this journey.
If you like books about fantasy and myths you will probably also like this book.
November 6, 2013
City of fire by Lawrence Yep is a thrilling mythological book I give it four stars. It is about a girl who's family I in a cult that raids museum and while in progress of one raid her mother and sister were killed by a giant dragon called badik. The girl furious at badik and swore vengeance on slaying badik. Them she meets up with three misfits who also want to kill badik and they go off to their fantastic journey. This book is great because it goes off on each characters point of view. It repeats each event but just spoken in each of the four characters views.
January 26, 2015
I remembered Yep's Dragon quartet (DRAGON OF THE LOST SEA) so fondly--outside of the awesome character Shimmer (the dragon in question) Yep also added the monkey god as her hench-simian (hench-deity?). CITY OF FIRE also incorporates multiple mythologies, but the main characters are less-well drawn, therefore less compelling. Still I was happy to see Yep still writing about dragaons (this is the first in his City trilogy, the most recent a 2013 publication). Sad to note the Dragon quartet has gone out of print.
January 22, 2010
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.
July 1, 2010
One of the most imaginative worldbuilding fantasies I've ever read. I haven't felt this kind of wondrous awe over the fantastical since having read Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu. Laurence Yep just brought the magic back into Children's fantasy adventure genre. A must read for everyone who ever loved fantasy.
July 26, 2010
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.
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.
June 21, 2011
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)
September 9, 2012
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.
January 9, 2010
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.
July 21, 2010
I feel like I would have enjoyed the book more if I knew more about the mythologies behind this book, but since I didn't it was an okay adventure/fantasy book with a 12 year old girl as the main character.
June 11, 2010
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.
January 19, 2013
The mythology in this book is very interesting! This book can be used to hooked middle school students onto something other than Greek mythology. I want to research it further and greatly appreciate the author citing resources for doing so.
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