This is written in a literary style, very much like Watership Down and even Charles Dickens' works. More for 9 and up, rather than younger kids. That said, I thought it was a fast paced story, full of twists and turns. Each new chapter brought a new element to the mystery which all comes together at the end. It does have some violence, but no more than the HP series or other MG books I've read. I just finished the 2nd book, which I actually thought was better than the first, which is surprising for a sequel. I made it to page 76, and that is only because my 10-year old son said to continue every time I asked if we could stop and read another book instead, and I asked about three times. Then my son found a used copy of the first in the Bartimaeus series (Amulet of Samarkand), and I offered to read that to him instead of Nightshade City. The fourth time took, and I could finally put this one down.I never enjoyed the writing style. It's overly detailed, bogging everything down with a heavy feeling, even the happier, light-hearted scenes. Also, I don't think the font or size of the text has bothered me in a book before this one, but I really did not like it. It stretched out what was an unenjoyable experience, and was not so easy on the eyes.I like the focus on the characters, that is done well. There is a great variety of types, and they all have strong, distinctive personalities. The storyline involves the 'good' rats banding together to get out from under the oppressive regime of the 'bad' rats. This worked for me, and is probably a main reason that my son selected it for us to read. Still, I thought the violence was a bit harsh in places, and I would hesitate to read it to younger children. Some themes may be difficult to take. On that note, I usually like when a title I am reading aloud to my sons contains challenging words. Sometimes I'll stop reading and just make sure they know what it means. They are bright kids, reading well above their grade level, but this book had way too many difficult words. If I continued to stop each time, the pacing of the story would've slowed too much. Perhaps this is better as a YA book instead of one in the children's section?I see that plenty do enjoy this book, and that's fine. A few days after we started reading The Amulet of Samarkand instead of this title my son said to me "You know, I look forward to the times when we read the Bartimaeus book, and I think about it when we aren't reading. That never happened with Nightshade City." That is when I knew he finally realized that you do not have to finish every book you start, that there are many wonderful book experiences out there.
What do You think about Catacomb City (2013)?
Written like a children's classic, Nightshade city is a sweet read.
—dina
This was closer to a four star book - really very good.
—okolo
