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    The Dark City: Relic Master, Book One
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    The Dark City: Relic Master, Book One
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    The Dark City: Relic Master, Book One
    Audiobook5 hours

    The Dark City: Relic Master, Book One

    Written by Catherine Fisher

    Narrated by Dan Bittner and Emma Galvin

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters-some human, some not-that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateMay 17, 2011
    ISBN9781101465677
    Unavailable
    The Dark City: Relic Master, Book One
    Author

    Catherine Fisher

    Catherine Fisher's acclaimed works include Darkhenge, Snow-walker, and The Oracle Betrayed, which was a finalist for the Whitbread Children's Book Award. She lives in Newport, Wales.

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    Reviews for The Dark City

    4/5

    116 ratings33 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Dark and dystopian, but wonderful. I couldn't put this down, and I can't wait to read the sequels. I was drawn immediately and intimately into the world of Galen and Raffi, then Carys and Sekoi. The Order, to which Galen and Raffi belong, reminded me of the Celtic Druids, with their prayers and faith in the natural world. Edge-of-the-seat pacing and characters to care about, a setting that comes alive - what more could one ask for? An incredible accomplishment.
    • 3/5
      The Relic Master, by Catherine Fisher is a book that tells the opening story of Galen Harn, a relic master, Raffi, his apprentice, and Carys, an undercover spy. Galen and Raffi are searching for relics that will eventually lead them to a point where they will be able to communicate with the makers, ancient beings of great power. But the job is a lot more complicated then just calling them on a cell phone. Raffi and Galen have to dodge the Watch. The Watch is an organization that is dedicated to finding a killing Relic Masters, and hoarding the relics which they find. Raffi has the brunt of the job of watching out for the Watch because Galen lost his powers in an explosion. They are headed to Tasceron where they try to find the Crow, an ancient being of power who will help the makers return. Galen also hopes the Crow can restore his powers. On the way, then encounter Carys, a watch spy. As Carys travels with them, she realizes that maybe the Watch was wrong, maybe the Keepers and Makers are not at all what the Watch make them out to be. Finally at Tasceron, they find the Crow after several close encounters with the Watch. After reading Incarceron and Sapphiqe, I expected this book to be another riveting read. Of course it was good, but not as interesting as I thought. Some of the characters were a disappointment to me, Galen especially. All he does in the book is whine and tell Raffi that he needs to work harder. I know he is the teacher but he could man up and act like he was proud of Raffi or something. On the other hand I loved Raffi and Carys. They both are fun loving and discover so much of themselves in this read. Overall this was an OK book, but could have been way better.
    • 4/5
      Pages: 384 Release Date: May 17th, 2011 (First published August 6th, 1998) Date Read: 2011, October 5th-12th Received: Library Rating: 4/5 stars Recommended to: 12+ Summary - Anara is a dark world. Deserted, or so it seems. The Makers have left, but their power still lives in the Keepers - or the few who are still alive. The Watch hunts them, tortures them, kills them. Galen Harn and his apprentice Raffi are two of the very few still-living Keepers. Galen has lost his powers as the result of a bad accident and will do anything to get them back. When the ultimate mission arises, one that means risking everything, Raffi must learn the power of faith, as they are ever hunted, and as they draw nearer and nearer to the dark and abandoned Tasceron, the City of the Makers. My thoughts - I first discovered Relic Master in January of 2011, when I came to the end of Sapphique and saw it advertised. As I'd just finished wiping my tears over Sapphique and marveling in its raw beauty and power and awesomeness, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that I would soon read more by this incredible author. Catherine Fisher did not disappoint. And while I found The Dark City wasn't nearly as perfect as Incarceron and Sapphique, I can't help but love what this book holds. The writing was just beautiful... It's like old fairy-tale type writing, or a legend or something, and still it has a modern ring to it. I mean, who can do that? It's her little niche, and I absolutely love it. Character notes - This story comes from the perspectives of Raffi and Carys, but I felt like the book was more about Galen. It was his quest, his missing powers, his faith, that drove the story. Raffi, a scared 16-year-old, is not exactly a 3D character. He came across as flat, which really bummed me out because her other characters are really well done. Carys was interesting. I liked the tension she brought - and I still don't know if she's good or bad, which intrigues me. Shean, the Sekoi, and Galen were all extremely fascinating, each in his own way and to his own purpose. While Shean had a small part, he really held my attention in that short time. The Sekoi was so weird but way cool to read about! They are some of the most original creatures I've ever read about. And Galen...he may have been a grumpy, bitter old man, but I cared for him. He was so desperate, so sad without his powers. When half of you is gone, something you have cultivated for years and years, you would be crazy not to go after it. Galen's faith, even without his powers, was strong, his prayers spoken in diligence, knowing he would be saved. Story notes - The story line was the strongest aspect of this book. It was full of interesting cities (the world building is phenomenal; I think that's Fisher's biggest strength). I was sucked in, wanting to explore this world Anara, totally engrossed. And boy, did I get my wish. Everything is well-described, while still leaving room for the reader's imagination. The history of this world, from Creation on, was so fascinating that I can't wait to learn more in the next book. It was very well developed, with no holes. The Makers and the Crow all interest me greatly. The twists and turns in the story kept me thinking even after it was over, especially the end. The religious aspects of this story were perfect and compelling. I found it related to Christianity in many wonderful ways; I was very encouraged, again, by Galen's faith. The prayers (answered or not) and the power of the Relics (the Makers' power) added a beauty I was not expecting...and it made the story even better. Summing it up - Dreamy. The whole book felt like a dream, and I was floating through it, an unseen spectator. It was as strange and as beautiful as a dream, too. I'm so excited for the 2nd book!
    • 3/5
      More of a juvenile/middle-school read than Incarceron - I found Relic Master to be interesting, but also a pretty cliched fantasy read. For older readers, especially those who've already read a lot of fantasy, it doesn't really offer anything new. Younger readers however may still enjoy this series.
    • 4/5
      Good storyline. My middle schooler really enjoyed this book. I didn't have to ask her once to finish the book( she just did it on her own) I think that is truly the mark of a great storyteller, when you can get someone who is not an avid reader to READ.
    • 3/5
      As a big fan of Incarceron (and to a lesser extent, Sapphique), I was eager to get my hands on anything else from author Catherine Fisher. After giving readers such an excellent series, I didn't see how she could do any wrong. Though the summary of The Dark City, the first in 2011 series Relic Master, didn't seem as unique or interesting, I was willing to try it -how could I go wrong. I was surprised (and a little disappointed) when I found out that the Relic Master series is just a repackaged U.S. release of a series that was previously released in the U.K. So, basically not new material -just re-hashed old material.The Dark City begins the adventures of Rafael (aka Raffi), apprentice to Galen, a Keeper of the relics and a member of the old Order. Though it has been the job of the Keepers to handle the relics, a groups known as the Watch has been spreading lies about them, painting them as evil that must be eradicated. As Raffi and Galen set out to search for a mysterious and powerful relic, not only must they fight monsters, but members of the Watch and others.It was obvious from the beginning that this was an earlier work from Fisher. The world wasn't as detailed, the characters not as compelling. In fact, the characters felt fairly flat and seemed to pop out of nowhere. What really bugged me was that there was virtually no exposition in the novel, and I was left trying to figure out what the characters were doing, who they were, what the world was like and really, why this mattered. It just seemed like I jumped into the middle of something, rather than starting at the beginning.I will note, also, that Dark City read more like an MG book than a YA novel. Despite the flatness of the novel, the action and adventure was exciting and fun and, thankfully, once Carys appears on the scene, things do get a little more interesting. But most importantly -this was still a fun, quick and easy read that keep me interested. Sure, it's not in depth, but it's still fun and worth the ride -a good series for summer.I'd recommend Dark City (and the subsequent Relic Master books, which are due out each month through August) to anyone who enjoyed MG/YA-ish adventure -and to take this book on vacation, it's great for a summer escape.
    • 3/5
      Galen, a master of magic, and Raffi, his apprentice, are members of a banned Old Order. This Old Order finds relics of the Makers, mysterious entities from the past. The relics have powers, far more advanced than anything their society has. They go questing for a relic and are joined by a girl with mixed loyalties.This is part one of four. All four books have been released overseas before, but this is the start of a big American launch. I give it a solid three stars. I had my little sister read it. She also gives it three stars.It's really a different work than Incarceron and Sapphique, the other two books I've read by Catherine Fisher. At times I felt like the immediate setting was a little wooden, but my sister didn't seem to mind.I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program and Dial Publishing. No compensation for my review was given.
    • 2/5
      DNF-This was a decent middle grade adventure/fantasy. Honestly, it was just ok for me, and I only made it about halfway through. Galen is a man of the old order and Raffi is his young apprentice. They're approached early on for help finding a specific relic by a mysterious figure. Like I said, not a bad middle grade fantasy, but just a little too middle grade for me, and more in the realm of high fantasy than I'm usually willing to venture into.
    • 4/5
      This is a fantasy book for the YA crowd. One I would have loved as a kid and enjoyed as an adult. As with some fantasy books we are dropped right in the middle of what is going on, so it took me a couple of chapters to really get into the story line. Once I did, I really enjoyed the adventure with Galen and Raffi and eventually a character named Careys. I do admit once she showed up, the adventure really took off for me.Besides the characters the world was very interesting. What were these relics that were left from the "Makers"? Was it from outerspace? Was it from an alternate dimension? As soon as some of these questions seemed answered, it was replaced with the same ones soon after. Perhaps it is a blend of both or neither. Perhaps they developed in other ways that was unexpected? Since this one was the first in a series, I didn't expect them to be fully answered even if I hoped they would. We won't know until the adventure continues and we follow Galen and Raffi to other parts of Anara and gather more clues along the way. Now, don't let what I just said deter you from reading this book. It isn't a cliffhanger but, I admit, it isn't finished either. It is a great start to a fun fantasy adventure. I give this book 3 1/2 stars and I can't wait for the next installment.I received this book from LibraryThings Early Reviewer's program and Dial Publishing. No compensation for my review was given.
    • 4/5
      "The Dark City" is the first of four books in the "Relic Master" series by Catherine Fisher. If you enjoy sword and sorcery, you will enjoy this! Catherine Fisher does not overwrite - she is clear, deliberate and descriptive in the story. She brings you there - with the characters we are introduced to in this first book. Excellent for summer reading, the books in this series will be available throughout the summer months: "The Dark City" in May, 2011; "The Lost Heiress" in June, 2011; "The Hidden Coronet" in July, 2011; and "The Margrave" in August, 2011.
    • 4/5
      Synopsis from back of book: Dark, dangerous, and deadly—welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are revered by the people but hunted by the governing Watch, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. A master and his scholar, searching for a relic to save the world, will be tested beyond their limits, for there are monsters—some human, some not—that also want the relic’s power and wills top at nothing to get it.That really doesn’t tell you much, does it? Let me start this off by saying that even though I had a hard time getting through this book—it just wasn’t my cup of tea—I can appreciate really great writing. It took me (dare I admit this?) months to finish this book—yeah, I really did say months. There was something that just didn’t pull me in, and I honestly can’t say what it was. The characters were great—very complex and interesting. The plot was well developed (consistent and complicated). I loved the doubting nature of the Watchman, Carys. She was brought up believing all Masters were to be loathed and destroyed, but when she actually met Raffi and Galen Harn, she started doubting her life’s teaching. I really appreciated that the “magical” aspect of this book was not over the top. In fact, one of the main characters had lost his magical abilities. He was a broken and desperate man, which really added to the complexity of his character. At the same time, his despair and brokenness made Raffi’s character more interesting. Raffi become dedicated and determined for the Master. I’m telling you, there were many great complications and levels to these characters. Also, the world in which these characters lived was fascinating. Horrifying creatures that rip the flesh off of their victims; plant seeds that are like floating acid; a city that is in eternal darkness and flames—these are the things nightmares are made of, and yet the story wasn’t horrifying. It all worked really well together and helped build the suspense. I can honestly say I haven’t read a book that had a setting like this one. The originality was immense. So why did it take me nearly 4 months to finish this book? Why did I not find myself staying up all night and living on coffee for this book? Why is my flashlight not out of batteries? I think knowing that this was the first book in a four book series kept me fully losing myself in the plot. As a stand alone book, it did not answer all of my questions. I can tell that there will be more books in the series because the story needs to continue. With that being said, that really bothered me. I like for books to function as both a series and stand-alone novels. I hate that cliffhanger feeling at the end of a book. Luckily, however, the remainder of the books will be published monthly from May until August. At least I—or anyone else that reads the series—won’t have to wait years to find out what happens. Even though I had a hard time getting into the book (and finishing it), I still think it was fantastic. The writing style and level of detail given to everything was top notch. I can’t dispute that fact. Sometimes our mindsets and current lives are not conducive to certain types of books (at that given moment), and I think that’s what happened to me. All of the other things that are occupying my time right now prevented me from fully appreciating what this book has to offer. Knowing that, I know I will probably pick up the rest of the series when it becomes available and read it. The story is too complicated to let it end here. I want to know what happens to the characters! I give this book a solid 4 stars, regardless of my personal feelings.
    • 5/5
      This is the start of a young adult epic fantasy. Galen and Raffi, master and student and members of the Order of the Keepers, are on the run from the Watch. The Order is in disarray. The Keepers are being hunted, tortured and killed. Galen and Raffi want to make their way to the city of Tasceron where they hope to find a relic to defeat the Watch and save their world. The Keepers have various kinds of magic but Galen was injured and lost his. He hopes that the mysterious Crow in Tasceron can heal him. Carys Arrin, a young Watcher spy, joins with them on their quest. She wants to find Keeper secrets and capture them but, as she gets to know them better, she begins to question what the Watch has taught her.
    • 4/5
      Relic Master: The Dark City is one of those incredible, high fantasy creations that completely immerse the reader in a new, sprawling world. Magic litters the pages and creatures – good and bad – dote the various landscapes. Catherine Fisher’s world of Anara is fully-realized and expertly crafted. If her descriptions don’t bring the world to life enough for you, though I don’t know how they wouldn’t, the fold out map will sure help.The two main characters, Relic Master Galen and student Raffi, are both strong in their own respects with individual voices and personalities. The introduction of two other important characters is handled well and with care. Both Carys and later the Sekoi play much larger roles than what one would think when they first appear. This group’s journey is enthralling; from Galen and Raffi’s first encounter with Carys, to their venture into a burning city. The magic will keep any reader glued to the page, but with high fantasy, comes a new world that, while interesting, can become confusing.Anara is a huge world with a detailed past. This past can be difficult to keep up with and I found myself confused between the history of the Makers, the Watch, and each group’s important figures. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter help to keep the history in line, but throughout the story, Galen, Raffi, Carys, and the Sekoi each tell us about the history as they know it and it all becomes a bit muddled until the end.Still, The Dark City is fantastical and full of wonderment. The magic surrounding the relics and keepers like Galen and Raffi will hold readers throughout the series. Unlike most book series, all four books in the Relic Master series will be released this year. Come June, I’ll be continuing on with the series to see just what happens to these characters I’ve so quickly grown fond of.
    • 4/5
      This book is great for all age groups. It has advenure, danger, and magic. Galen is a relic master. He takes care of the left over "magical" technology that was left behind when "the masters" left his planet. He communes with the earth and is able to handle the mystical objects. He has an apprentice named Raffi, who is using the magic of communicating with the world in his master's place.They begin an adventure that will lead them to old relics, enemies in disguise, and new friends.I received my copy from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. Well worth the read, I plan on continuing with this series,
    • 4/5
      The Dark City by Catherine FisherReviewed by Moirae the Fates book reviewsWelcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monstersÑsome human, some notÑthat also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)This book really frustrated me but in a good way. I wanted to know everything right away and I had to wait till the end of the book to learn some of the answers. There are still some things I want answers about, but I fear I will have to wait till the next book or even till book 3 or 4 to get my answers.The idea is really unique and really interesting. Fisher did an amazing job at grabbing the readers attention and making them want to know everything right away. Her character development was really good. I really enjoyed the way everyone interacted and how the relics work and play into the world. The dialogue was good and the story will keep you wanting more. It’s really hard not to giveaway anything. I would recommend this book to people who like scifi fantansy. Overall rating **** 4 out of 5 starsCover art I’m not too big on the cover art, but it works with the book.Obtained I won a copy from Librarything early reviewers program thank you.
    • 5/5
      Galen Harn is a Relic Master. He travels from place to place removing powerful relics left behind. His student Raffael Morel has been with him for four years. He is Galen's eyes into the world around them. An accident has taken away Galen's powers and he must rely on the lessons he has taught his student. They press deeper into dangerous territory trying to find the one thing that will set the world right again. The Watch is determined to destroy the order and will therefore destroy the world with it. Along the way Galen and Raffi are joined by a spy named Carys. She was taken from her home as a very young child and taught that the Order no longer exists and those few relic masters who claim it does are frauds and must be destroyed. She has set out on this mission hoping to capture, dead or alive, Galen, thus proving herself to the Watch. What she got in return was her faith shaken in what she was taught to believe. The only question left is what she will do with the knowledge she now possesses. I was held from beginning to end. I am left wanting to know more about the Sekoi and what they are. Hopefully we will find out more in the next book. I can't wait for these four books to come out, one each month starting in May so that I can put them on my shelves at school. I can see now that these will be snatched up quickly. Anyone who loves fantasy will absolutely love these books. I am excited to have had the opportunity to read this one in advance so that I can tell the whole world about it.
    • 4/5
      ADVANCED READER COPY - LT EARLY REVIEWERI find that with some fantasy genre books I have a hard time getting settled. The introduction of new words and new worlds along with new characters can be very overwhelming; I struggle with trying to force connections to "my world" when I should just sit-back and let it be. I had this difficulty with Fisher's Incarceron - I repeated the difficulty here with Relic Master. But I plugged on and I was rewarded. Now that I've reached the end of Book #1, I can whole-heartedly agree with Robin McKinley's back cover quote: "I want the sequel, and I want it now." I am eager to find out what happens next in the adventure especially now that I feel like I know the words, characters, and the world they inhabit.I can see younger readers enjoying this book/series more than Incarceron; this title did not seem quite as heavy in its content but was equally adventurous. It is a definite apprentice-master story but, since I'm fairly new to enjoying fantasy, it was fresh to me. Very much liked Carys as the strong female "take no guff" character. I like the way she becomes a 2nd apprentice; her open-mind and willingness to think, change, & adapt could be a nice take-away from the series.Bonus for buying hardcovers (or receiving the ARC): the reverse of each jacket is to contain a portion of a map of Anara.
    • 5/5
      ADVANCED READER COPYIt is refreshing to read a fast-paced fantasy without all the humdrum tedium of time spent explaining why the world went wrong so very long ago. This story picks up "in the middle" as it would be to an outsider looking in on the main characters, then follows them learning only what they learn or what they choose to reveal over the course of the story. It is a compelling story, one that mixes elements of a progenitor "race" of beings from another planet and colonists who have forgotten their heritage and rely on ritual, story and magic to remind them of their connection with those who put them there in the beginning. I want to read the read of this series since it promises to reveal more about the main characters, Keepers Galen and Raffi, and the Watchman Carys, along with the illusive cat-like humanoid known only as a Selkoi. Decidedly for young readers but a fun, quick read for adults.
    • 4/5
      I found this book a bit slow to get into, I was confused by some things at first and had to re-read some parts. I am glad I kept at it. The storyline picks up, the characters become more involved with each other and now I find myself wanting to continue the series. I have that need to find out what happens to the people and the places I have been introduced to. I cannot wait to see what some of our students here at school think.
    • 4/5
      ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW(Not a book synopsis)The Dark City, Relic Master, reminded me of another series, The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney . The similarities are mostly with the "journey based story" and the "aging master and promising pupil" . The story is a long journey towards an undefined goal, similiar to Incarceron. Even though the story is not fast moving it remains engaging. The world that Fisher creates is intriguing yet lacking depth. Everytime I started to get drawn in, the subject was changed in the book. I normally do not put books down for more 1 day, I went a day or two without reading this one and did not feel the I-cannot-wait-to-find-out-what-happens-next pains that normally plague this book lovers thoughts.I will read the next installements to see if the story picks up the pace. I did like the cover and the illustrations/quotes that introduced each chapter. The pave of the book was smooth, I would call it a relaxing read. I never felt stressed or frustrated due to plot developments. Overall not a bad read but, it wouldn't be the first book I would suggested to a friend.
    • 5/5
      ADVANCED READER COPYGalen and Raffi are keepers, a master and scholar combination, in search of the Crow. Along their journey they are followed by Carys, a member of the Watch, who becomes one of their party on the way and questions all she was brought up to believe. I was very weary of this book because I found Incarceron and Sapphique so disappointing, but it was wonderful! I loved Galen. The characters were very well defined and interesting. The book was an easy to read and follow story with great descriptions. Wonderful for readers around the 9-10 age range and up although it is described as a 12 and up story.
    • 3/5
      *Note: I used an advance reader's copy for this review.Fisher is at it again with a tale for middle grade readers that weaves magic and mystery. Readers who loved the suspense of Incarceron will be overjoyed to find the same in this first book of the Relic Master series.Though this reader found a few scenes to be reminiscent of Incarceron and main stream fantasy novels and the plot a tad predictable, those readers who are new to the genre will find this a good starting point.
    • 4/5
      (I originally posted this to my book blog, Books4hearts.blogspot.com)I had very high expectations for "Relic Master: The Dark City" and I can honestly say that they were met! I held these expectations because after reading the amazing "Incarceron" and "Sapphique" by Catherine Fisher, I realized that she had this really whimsical, kind of poetic writing style that I absolutely adore. When I picked up this book, I realized it could be very different, I've read books by authors when they have separate books and you can't even tell they're by the same author, the writing is so different.No, no. If part of the reason you loved "Incarceron" was the writing, then that's one reason you'll like this book. It's very similar! One of my other favorite parts of those books was the poems/excerpts before each chapter, and those are here too!The story itself was really cool, a classic sort of YA/mid-grade fantasy, that fans of "Inkheart" and "Eragon" will probably enjoy. I liked the characters, my favorite was probably Carys, because I liked how she started out thinking one thing as she was taught to but throughout the story her mind opened to the new ideas, those ideas that the Keepers weren't as the Watch told her. I also liked Galen because the way it turned out how in the know he was the whole time even though you never expected it.The idea of the 'relics' was interesting, and so was the rest of the world, with the Watch and the Order, it was an interesting book! I liked the occasional journal entries from Carys because that's how we saw how she was changing throughout the story.Also: In a note that isn't entirely related to the books themselves; the cover. The cover is very cool as it's an element from the book AND IT'S SHINY!!! The next three are supposed to be that way to. Shiny books are just nice, they catch your eye, it's good marketing, it's nice on the shelf, they're fun to look at. The plan with the map pieces on the inside of each book is really great too.Anyway, to end, I really liked this book and very much look forward to the other three. (and their shiny covers, of course..)Thank you Librarything Early Reviewers/Penguin!
    • 4/5
      I was ensnared from the very first page. Catherine Fisher's mastery of literature, and her powerful use of imagery, had me imagining myself in this mystical world of power and magic. You follow Galen and Raffi on their quest to find a magical relic and end up becoming part of the group yourself. There is an epic quality about this book that takes you along on their journey. Deep into the book you'll find yourself exhilarated by the intense need to find and protect the relic, but you'll also become very attached to the characters as you experience what they experience. This first book of four truly sets you on the path to learn who the characters are, and who they evolve into. You may even learn a bit about yourself as you read through this book. It is an adventure you won't want to miss, a dark and elusive tale that can only be read with an eager and open mind.
    • 5/5
      Catherine Fisher's (far too short) "Incarceron" series made me a fan. Her new series (at least, new for North America - the UK has had this series for around ten years now) is just as good, though in another different, bleak yet beautiful world.The pace of this book is brisk, but that only adds to its sheer beauty. In parts you can feel the bucolic scenery as lush and warm as if it were real when Galen and Raffi make their trek to the Dark City. You get chilled by the cold and wet from the rain - all of my senses were linked and enhanced in a way that is different from the way I experienced the "Incarceron" series. Perhaps because of the element of magic over a technological dystopia has something to do with it, but I just fell in love with Fisher's amazing ability as a writer all over again repeatedly throughout this book.I love how she always drops hints of things to come, and saves the shock (be it subtle or loud and obvious) until the end; it could be that this world, Anara, is one from an alternate human history that has not yet been charted. I love that idea, and I can't wait to see where she goes with this.You can bet I've already marked the rest of the series (coming out all this year!) for preorder on my list. (crossposted to goodreads and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)
    • 4/5
      This book was a fun read, but probably not memorable enough to revisit. That's totally fine, though.Anara is a world that's policed by a tyrannical Watch, and the Order of Keepers has been outlawed. We follow the Keeper Galen and his apprentice Raffi on their adventures. Carys, an undercover member of the Watch joins them on their journey.Things I enjoyed:- The combination of technology and fantasy - the descriptions of the Relics sound very similar to modern technology, but they seem to be artifacts of magical power. I loved the underpinnings of science fiction in this world of mostly mythological fantasy.- Carys' character was done well, her thoughts and how her perceptions change made her seem real. There were no sudden turnarounds in character - everything was nice and gradual.- I thought the Sekoi were an interesting addition, I can't wait to find out how they fit into this world.- Galen and Raffi were good protagonists. Even though they weren't given too much detail or complexity, I was able to get a good sense of what they were like.- I liked the alternating third/first person narration.I'm definitely going to keep up with this series.
    • 4/5
      This is not my favorite genre, but I found myself unable to put this down. Identified most with Carys, who is raised to hate members of the Order, but after spending time with Galen and Raffi begins to doubt the "facts" she's been told by the Watch. Looking forward to the next installment.
    • 2/5
      This review is based on an ARC copy.I have heard so many good comments about Incarceron and Sapphique by the same author, so I was really interested in reading this book. I thought I would really like it, but I didn’t.Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi.They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. The principal idea of this book is great. Is about a completely different world that makes me remember a lot of famous books like The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and that kind of books. But I felt this story a little bit weak. There was something missing. And even I tried really hard to know what was missing, I couldn’t. I didn’t see the characters well defined. They were like second characters all the time. I didn’t see any story about them, or how they get to that point of the story. The author only showed the important parts to the plot. I would have liked to know more about the main characters, about Galen, about Carys, and I would have liked to see Raffi with more participation on the story. I also didn’t see too much progress or development. The story finished almost in the same way that it started. Maybe is because there are another three books in the series. Even though I enjoyed some parts of the book like Carys journal, and when SPOILER she admits that she is a spy of the Watchers and when Galen said to her he already knew it. SPOILER, The Dark City is not the best book I ever read. I would like to know how the story ends but I not see myself reading the next three books. I give it 2 stars: It was OK. I received this ARC copy of The Dark City by Catherine Fisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. Thank you.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved this book. Now granted, it's targeted towards a bit more on the younger side of YA than I'm used to. However, having just finished volumes 12 & 13 of "The Wheel of Time," I was in the mood for some light, enjoyable, but quality reading. "The Dark City" provided all of that. Highly recommended. And an extra bonus is that we don't have to wait a year (or in the case of George R.R. Martin, 6 years) for the sequels; they're all coming out within the next few months!
    • 4/5
      Catherine Fisher is a great story teller. Much like her last series, Incarceron, she made up a detailed world. The world of Anara is a world built by the 4 Makers, surrounded by the 7 moons. But when the Makers left the world to the Order things began to fall apart. The watch began to take control destroying anything of the makers or the Order. No one in the order is safe, being hunted by the watch. Galen, Relic Master, and Raffi, his appretice, are keepers part of the Order and must be careful of who they trust. When a man comes to them asking them for help with a relic Raffi is hestiant. But, Galen who had recently lost all his keeper powers is careless and hasty in his decision to follow the man. The man leads them to a group of thieves. Alberic their leader asks for the keepers help. A Sekoi has stolen from Alberic and he wants Galen to find this Sekoi for him. Galen, has other plans, he doesn't care about the Sekoi as long as the Sekoi's trail leads him to the city of Tasceron, his one last hope to regain his powers.Galen is carless in his pursuit, with only one thing on his mind, regaining his powers, he continously walks into the face of danger to get what he wants. Raffi is more cautious, having to look after his careless master. And, shouldering all the power as an apprentice since Galen can no longer use his third eye. Along the way they run into Carys Arrin, watcher, who has been hunting Galen. She tells them a story about her father in order to stick with them to see what they find in Tasceron.The story goes back and forth from the Journal of Carys Arrin to the Journey of Galen and Raffi. Each chapter starts with a saying of of a book of the Anara world either the words of the Watch or the words of the order.This is a great book, with a lot of detail, and it is easy to imagine the world that the author is describing. I can't wait for the next book. Their is four books to this series and the all come out in 4 consecutive months in the summer starting with this one in May. There is a map of Anara in the front but it is only partial, a puzzle, and as you collect the books you can assembl Anara, the world of the Relic Masters.