City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Review by Jordan S.

It feels like just yesterday I was writing a review of Gareth Hanrahan’s The Gutter Prayer, contemplating the city as a character in the narrative. Somehow, City of Last Chances became my next read, prompting me to ponder once more what it means for a setting to take on a character's role. In The Gutter Prayer, Guerdon stands out as one of the main characters. In City of Last Chances, Ilmar assumes this central role, with everyone else playing merely supporting parts in its story.

Describing what City of Last Chances is about proves challenging for me. It's undoubtedly a tale of occupation and revolution. It also delves deeply into themes of faith—whether in gods, the collective power of the people, or in power and wealth. Both are significant themes, to be sure. However, at its simplest and most complex moments, City of Last Chances revolves around Ilmar—its past, present, and future.

Ilmar is a wonderfully crafted setting, akin to Guerdon in its lived-in feel. It pulsates with the lives of its inhabitants unfolding simultaneously within its borders. The city boasts a rich history that we catch mere glimpses of, and we explore its diverse districts, each with its own compelling story. In my review of The Gutter Prayer, I likened its setting to that of Bloodborne. Ilmar's Reproach district takes this similarity even further, reminiscent of the eerie atmosphere of Bloodborne's opening section. The Anchorage and the Anchorwoods emerge as equally fascinating locales, skillfully integrated into the narrative without overshadowing the rest of the book. And these are just a few of the myriad locations explored.

The novel presents us with a multitude of viewpoint characters. Yasnic, the last priest of God, stood out as one of my favorites. He's introduced first and ranks among the best 'cleric' characters I've encountered in some time. His faith is more for God's sake than his own, leading to self-sacrifice almost to a fault. His crisis of faith revolves around the question of "what happens to God if something happens to him," making for a captivating storyline. In many ways, he reminded me of Max Gladstone’s character Abelard from the Craft Sequence books, prompting me to revisit those tales soon. Another character I cherished spending time with was Lemya, a student who becomes embroiled in the collective power of the people and revolution after her mentor’s arrest. Her arc unfolds as one of the most thrilling and heartbreaking in the book. I could easily devour an entire series centered around Lemya.

And these are just the beginning. Ruslav, the roguish figure, undergoes his own compelling transformation. Nihilostes, though briefly glimpsed, left a lasting impression. Characters like Blackmane and Hellgram offer unique perspectives that deepen our understanding of Ilmar and the myriad crises—both grand and intimate—that threaten to engulf it.

Is City of Last Chances flawless? Certainly not. It’s a complex tale that won’t resonate with everyone. At times, I found myself frustrated by its frequent shifts, particularly midway through when several characters seem to meet their fates. Yet, Tchaikovsky guides the narrative with a steady hand, always circling back. By the book’s conclusion, I felt satisfied with how all the essential threads were tied and the characters' arcs resolved. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone seeking a multifaceted fantasy adventure to sink their teeth into.