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The Nameless City #3
The Divided Earth
The Nameless City—held by the rogue Dao prince Erzi—is under siege by a coalition of Dao and Yisun forces who are determined to end the war for the Nameless City once and for all. And the people of the city—the "Named"—are caught in between.
Meanwhile, Rat and Kai must infiltrate Erzi's palace and steal back the ancient and deadly formula for napatha, the ancient weapon of mass destruction Erzi has unearthed—before he can use it to destroy everything Rat and Kai hold dear!
In her third and final installment in the Nameless City trilogy, Faith Erin Hicks delivers a heart-thumping conclusion. With deft world-building, frantic battle scenes, and a gentle and moving friendship at its heart, the Nameless City has earned its place as one of the great fantasy series of our time.
Meanwhile, Rat and Kai must infiltrate Erzi's palace and steal back the ancient and deadly formula for napatha, the ancient weapon of mass destruction Erzi has unearthed—before he can use it to destroy everything Rat and Kai hold dear!
In her third and final installment in the Nameless City trilogy, Faith Erin Hicks delivers a heart-thumping conclusion. With deft world-building, frantic battle scenes, and a gentle and moving friendship at its heart, the Nameless City has earned its place as one of the great fantasy series of our time.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
30 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Faith Erin Hicks
117 books1,641 followersBorn in the wilds of British Columbia, the young Faith frolicked among the Sasquatch native to the province before moving to Ontario at age five. There she was homeschooled with her three brothers, and developed an unnatural passion for galloping around on horseback, though never without a proper helmet (because you only get one skull). After twenty years of suffering through Ontario’s obscenely hot summers, she migrated east, and now lives beside the other ocean in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She worked in animation for a bit, and now draws comics full time. She’s not sure how that happened either.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
April 26, 2020
This series was very good and very fun and had beautiful art and great themes about empire and all around generally speaking reminded me of the graphic-novel version of Avatar: the Last Airbender, except there is a graphic novel version of Avatar that is not this.
This is the extent of my thoughts.
This is the extent of my thoughts.
October 7, 2018
The Divided Earth concludes The Nameless City Trilogy, preceded by The Nameless City and The Stone Heart. It’s Hicks’ most ambitious and accomplished work so far, a comics meditation on violence in society and the role young people might play in shaping that process. The story is a fantasy adventure with political implications focusing on the partnership of two young people, Kai and Rat, who come from different factions in the area of Daidu, or what most people in the area call The Nameless City.
In this graphic comics trilogy for young people, probably most likely for tweens, there are four young people who are main characters, Kaidu, Rat, Ezri and Mura. Daidu is just the latest name given to a city by the most recent conqueror, but most residents know that with the next violent conqueroring will come a new naming, so most townies just say the heck with renaming it. It’s somewhere in Asia, located critically near the sea, important for trade routes, so that’s why people want to conquer it. Kaidu or Kai is of the Dao faction, sent to the city as a soldier, who befriends Rat, who lives in the city. Two other young people that are central are Ezri, the General’s son, now the General of All Blades, who essentially wants to rule the city, and his bodyguard Mura, who basically wants to destroy it and start over. They find an ancient book that they believe possesses secrets, such as the secret formula for Napatha, a fire that can destroy enemies, eat through stone (Makes me think of nuclear warheads, the ultimate conqueroring instrument).
Kai and Rat, from different factions, are anti-war. They are like the European Union or the United Nations. They are pro-democracy and peaceful cooperation. The last book is full of action, but the basic move is a face-off between these two opposing views, two different approaches to governance, even as another potentially conquering nation heads to the Nameless City, led by the Yisun Army. We are led to support the friendship of Kai and Rat, who come from troubled and broken upbringings, and their peaceful approach. Mura is interesting in that she is a kind of terrorist or violent anarchist. All positions are articulated well, and we get to know the characters representing them as complex and interesting.
I like the small but important role played by the monk. I like it that Rat in the end finally tells Kai her real name. I really like the friendship—running and leaping from building to building—of Kai and Rat.
So the book is great, written for young people, focused on adventure and friendship and anti-violence as a key for preserving the planet, in an anti-colonialist spirit, even in the face of the Endless War we are experiencing on the planet now. The artwork by Hicks is wonderful—pencilled digitally, hand-inked, a great approach that makes it feel more intimate, and the coloring by Jordie Bellaire increases the essential warmth of the story. No one is better than Hicks at drawing both action sequences and emotions in children's comics right now. I'm a fan of her work, such as Friends with Boys and The Adventures of Superhero Girl. This is her best so far, though.
In this graphic comics trilogy for young people, probably most likely for tweens, there are four young people who are main characters, Kaidu, Rat, Ezri and Mura. Daidu is just the latest name given to a city by the most recent conqueror, but most residents know that with the next violent conqueroring will come a new naming, so most townies just say the heck with renaming it. It’s somewhere in Asia, located critically near the sea, important for trade routes, so that’s why people want to conquer it. Kaidu or Kai is of the Dao faction, sent to the city as a soldier, who befriends Rat, who lives in the city. Two other young people that are central are Ezri, the General’s son, now the General of All Blades, who essentially wants to rule the city, and his bodyguard Mura, who basically wants to destroy it and start over. They find an ancient book that they believe possesses secrets, such as the secret formula for Napatha, a fire that can destroy enemies, eat through stone (Makes me think of nuclear warheads, the ultimate conqueroring instrument).
Kai and Rat, from different factions, are anti-war. They are like the European Union or the United Nations. They are pro-democracy and peaceful cooperation. The last book is full of action, but the basic move is a face-off between these two opposing views, two different approaches to governance, even as another potentially conquering nation heads to the Nameless City, led by the Yisun Army. We are led to support the friendship of Kai and Rat, who come from troubled and broken upbringings, and their peaceful approach. Mura is interesting in that she is a kind of terrorist or violent anarchist. All positions are articulated well, and we get to know the characters representing them as complex and interesting.
I like the small but important role played by the monk. I like it that Rat in the end finally tells Kai her real name. I really like the friendship—running and leaping from building to building—of Kai and Rat.
So the book is great, written for young people, focused on adventure and friendship and anti-violence as a key for preserving the planet, in an anti-colonialist spirit, even in the face of the Endless War we are experiencing on the planet now. The artwork by Hicks is wonderful—pencilled digitally, hand-inked, a great approach that makes it feel more intimate, and the coloring by Jordie Bellaire increases the essential warmth of the story. No one is better than Hicks at drawing both action sequences and emotions in children's comics right now. I'm a fan of her work, such as Friends with Boys and The Adventures of Superhero Girl. This is her best so far, though.
May 4, 2019
A nice finish to a solid series. This time, they need to steal the formula for Napatha, the deadly weapon, away from Erzi.
There’s almost constant action, dire stakes for the Nameless City, scheming and double crosses, and, the best part of this three-book series: the friendship between Rat and Kaidu. It’s been great fun watching them run across roofs, enjoy meals and some pretty heavy discussions together, and collaborate in protecting the city they both love. The artwork’s great, conveying the tension, danger and action well, though my favourite parts were always the little moments of friendship.
There’s almost constant action, dire stakes for the Nameless City, scheming and double crosses, and, the best part of this three-book series: the friendship between Rat and Kaidu. It’s been great fun watching them run across roofs, enjoy meals and some pretty heavy discussions together, and collaborate in protecting the city they both love. The artwork’s great, conveying the tension, danger and action well, though my favourite parts were always the little moments of friendship.
October 18, 2018
A pretty solid ending to a good series, though there was an overreliance on way-to-convenient coincidences and slam-bang action. The fourth star in my rating belongs solely to Kata who shows up for the first time and practically steals the show. (Solo spin-off book needed now!)
(p.s., It doesn't take anything away, but I'm peeved that in an editorial oversight, a minor character's name changed from "Iniko" in the second volume to "Eniko" in this one.)
(p.s., It doesn't take anything away, but I'm peeved that in an editorial oversight, a minor character's name changed from "Iniko" in the second volume to "Eniko" in this one.)
January 11, 2024
The Divided Earth is the final book of The Nameless City trilogy, and wraps the narrative up in a thrilling and satisfying conclusion!
Preceded by books The Nameless City and The Stone Heart, the story takes place in the fictional city Daidu, named by the Dao’s, the most recent conquering nation. However, due to centuries of conquest, the inhabitants of many different nationalities simply call it The Nameless City. This politically important Asian city sits alongside a mountain pass and is the only route to the sea, making it a critical location for trade and military movements. An ancient people carved a passageway through the mountain, but the technology they used has been lost to the ages.
The main characters are teen Kaidu, a Dao recently of the distant Homelands who is sent to the city to train as a soldier, a street-wise girl named Rat who has lived in the city her whole life, Ezri, who is the General’s son and who has just taken drastic measures to rule the city and his dangerous bodyguard Mura. These four young people have just discovered a mystical tome in the monastery that they believe has powers to dominate all the surrounding nations.
Ezri and Mura take the book that holds the formula for making Napatha, a powerful fire that can destroy armies and eat through stone, and plan to use it for the Dao nation to remain in control of the city. Both have complex and diverging reasons for wanting this power, and author Faith Erin Hicks deftly weaves in their backstories to explain their viewpoints. We see how Ezri desperately justifies his actions, and his layered portrayal shows that he isn’t crafted to be a pure villain in the story.
Additional characters come into play, as adults from Kai and Rat’s lives play integral roles in trying to thwart the war that Ezri and Mura are intent on starting. The conclusion has Ezri and Kai, two young men who come from privileged upbringings, face off. Paired with that, is the poignant confrontation between Mura and Rat whose backgrounds include tragedy and broken homes. These matches between the pairs show how similar starts in life don’t always lead to the same paths; as love and support from others and your own personal integrity can help shape you.
The conclusion is satisfying, with a three-year time jump to show a realistic wrap-up to the story. A few details were a bit pat, but as the story is geared toward young readers, the arcs for the four main characters ended appropriately. I was invested in the city’s inhabitants and would love to visit them again in a future story by Hicks. As such, I was excited to be approved for this book by NetGalley, so I could get a sneak peek at how the series concludes.
Hicks has crafted a story that tied in adventure, friendship and the cost of war. She creates a believable world inspired by 13th century China and her artwork was wonderful with the precision of her backgrounds and how she captures emotion. The coloring by Jordie Bellaire is lovely- and her work should get a shout-out, as a colorist’s work establishes an aesthetic that is a crucial part of the storytelling. This captivating trilogy is a must-read, not only to a YA audience but also with older readers who will enjoy the nuanced tale. Rating: 4.5/5
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2018/09/2...
Preceded by books The Nameless City and The Stone Heart, the story takes place in the fictional city Daidu, named by the Dao’s, the most recent conquering nation. However, due to centuries of conquest, the inhabitants of many different nationalities simply call it The Nameless City. This politically important Asian city sits alongside a mountain pass and is the only route to the sea, making it a critical location for trade and military movements. An ancient people carved a passageway through the mountain, but the technology they used has been lost to the ages.
The main characters are teen Kaidu, a Dao recently of the distant Homelands who is sent to the city to train as a soldier, a street-wise girl named Rat who has lived in the city her whole life, Ezri, who is the General’s son and who has just taken drastic measures to rule the city and his dangerous bodyguard Mura. These four young people have just discovered a mystical tome in the monastery that they believe has powers to dominate all the surrounding nations.
Ezri and Mura take the book that holds the formula for making Napatha, a powerful fire that can destroy armies and eat through stone, and plan to use it for the Dao nation to remain in control of the city. Both have complex and diverging reasons for wanting this power, and author Faith Erin Hicks deftly weaves in their backstories to explain their viewpoints. We see how Ezri desperately justifies his actions, and his layered portrayal shows that he isn’t crafted to be a pure villain in the story.
Additional characters come into play, as adults from Kai and Rat’s lives play integral roles in trying to thwart the war that Ezri and Mura are intent on starting. The conclusion has Ezri and Kai, two young men who come from privileged upbringings, face off. Paired with that, is the poignant confrontation between Mura and Rat whose backgrounds include tragedy and broken homes. These matches between the pairs show how similar starts in life don’t always lead to the same paths; as love and support from others and your own personal integrity can help shape you.
The conclusion is satisfying, with a three-year time jump to show a realistic wrap-up to the story. A few details were a bit pat, but as the story is geared toward young readers, the arcs for the four main characters ended appropriately. I was invested in the city’s inhabitants and would love to visit them again in a future story by Hicks. As such, I was excited to be approved for this book by NetGalley, so I could get a sneak peek at how the series concludes.
Hicks has crafted a story that tied in adventure, friendship and the cost of war. She creates a believable world inspired by 13th century China and her artwork was wonderful with the precision of her backgrounds and how she captures emotion. The coloring by Jordie Bellaire is lovely- and her work should get a shout-out, as a colorist’s work establishes an aesthetic that is a crucial part of the storytelling. This captivating trilogy is a must-read, not only to a YA audience but also with older readers who will enjoy the nuanced tale. Rating: 4.5/5
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2018/09/2...
October 25, 2018
3.5 out of 5
The Divided Earth is a satisfying, action-packed conclusion to a great middle grade graphic novel trilogy.
Is it just me or is the artwork a bit sketchier in this volume? Still, the action sequences are on point:
However, the story does feel a tiny bit simplistic and idealistic, especially the end of "the war." Also, as mentioned by another Goodreads reviewer, there are literally a dozen or so people fighting in the battle that would determine the future of the city.
The Divided Earth is a satisfying, action-packed conclusion to a great middle grade graphic novel trilogy.
Is it just me or is the artwork a bit sketchier in this volume? Still, the action sequences are on point:
However, the story does feel a tiny bit simplistic and idealistic, especially the end of "the war." Also, as mentioned by another Goodreads reviewer, there are literally a dozen or so people fighting in the battle that would determine the future of the city.
March 18, 2019
A solid ending to a great series! I love the main characters and the illustrations.
May 10, 2024
« La Cité sans Nom » aura été pour moi une série coup de cœur du début à la fin !
Ce troisième et dernier volume apporte une superbe conclusion à cette grande aventure qu'ont vécu ensemble Kaidu et Rate.
.
J'ai vraiment tout aimé dans cette série. L'inspiration de la Chine pour les décors et les vêtements m'a beaucoup plu ; les courses sur les toits de nos protagonistes offraient des illustrations absolument magnifiques !
Les personnages sont top aussi. D'abord les deux personnages principaux, Kaidu et Rate, qui forment un chouette duo. Mais aussi les parents de Kaidu, qui s'éloignaient un peu des clichés (le père est par exemple plus petit que la mère, qui est d'ailleurs cheffe de sa tribu et bien meilleure combattante que lui !), qui avaient tous deux un rôle important dans ce dernier volume.
J'ai aussi adoré les personnages des moines, qui, sans prendre part aux combats, ont tout de même leur rôle à jouer également.
Les différentes antagonistes sont aussi très bien amenés ; on comprend (sans pour autant les excuser) les motivations d'Erzi, qui ne sent en fait à sa place ni en tant que Dao ni en tant que nommé, celles de Mura, qui a été abandonnée par la Cité et ne souhaite que la voir tomber… Des antagonistes crédibles.
.
Bref, je me répète, mais gros coup de cœur pour cette super série !
Ce troisième et dernier volume apporte une superbe conclusion à cette grande aventure qu'ont vécu ensemble Kaidu et Rate.
.
J'ai vraiment tout aimé dans cette série. L'inspiration de la Chine pour les décors et les vêtements m'a beaucoup plu ; les courses sur les toits de nos protagonistes offraient des illustrations absolument magnifiques !
Les personnages sont top aussi. D'abord les deux personnages principaux, Kaidu et Rate, qui forment un chouette duo. Mais aussi les parents de Kaidu, qui s'éloignaient un peu des clichés (le père est par exemple plus petit que la mère, qui est d'ailleurs cheffe de sa tribu et bien meilleure combattante que lui !), qui avaient tous deux un rôle important dans ce dernier volume.
J'ai aussi adoré les personnages des moines, qui, sans prendre part aux combats, ont tout de même leur rôle à jouer également.
Les différentes antagonistes sont aussi très bien amenés ; on comprend (sans pour autant les excuser) les motivations d'Erzi, qui ne sent en fait à sa place ni en tant que Dao ni en tant que nommé, celles de Mura, qui a été abandonnée par la Cité et ne souhaite que la voir tomber… Des antagonistes crédibles.
.
Bref, je me répète, mais gros coup de cœur pour cette super série !
August 26, 2019
A satisfying but rushed ending to a fun graphic novel series. I loved this setting and cast of characters. This one felt the most simple and quick of the trilogy. I'm happy with how things ended, no loose ties. But still felt like we could have drawn out the tension and conflict more for a bigger climax and more epic scale.
I do love that this series reflects on colonization, violence, imperialism, and racial/ethnic/cultural hierarchies. And largely this shows us that they can be resolved and can be amicable, a wonderful message for people reading this. It just seemed to resolve itself a little too easily.
I do love that this series reflects on colonization, violence, imperialism, and racial/ethnic/cultural hierarchies. And largely this shows us that they can be resolved and can be amicable, a wonderful message for people reading this. It just seemed to resolve itself a little too easily.
January 9, 2020
This was a nice ending to the series. I was hoping for a bit more finality at the end, but she left it open ended (which I understand, but I don’t personally love).
Popsugar reading prompt: A book with a book on the cover
Popsugar reading prompt: A book with a book on the cover
June 16, 2020
Once I finished book 1, I couldn't stop until I had read all three books in this series. I have always been a fan of Faith Erin Hicks, and this adventure and friendship tale doesn't even try to veil that its main themes are colonialism, and oppression. Give this one to your kids, y'all.
September 15, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley for the free e-copy.
I really liked the first two books in this series and this is a great conclusion. I don't "know" if this is true, but I "feel" like the art is scratchier, not as polished as the previous books. But I'm not sure.
I do like how the story concludes, that violence is not inevitable.
I really liked the first two books in this series and this is a great conclusion. I don't "know" if this is true, but I "feel" like the art is scratchier, not as polished as the previous books. But I'm not sure.
I do like how the story concludes, that violence is not inevitable.
November 7, 2018
Wonderfully done and continues to explore pertinent themes of war, belonging, trauma, diversity, friendship, and just about anything else you could think of. Faith Erin Hick’s drawings matched even this darker tone perfectly. Conclusion tied up well without being overly sappy or dramatic and the while I am still curious what’s happening to our “villains” now, it isn’t a big hangup.
Is there any noise of this becoming a movie or animation? Because that would be lovely to see it gain an even wider fanbase than I’m sure it already has. Time to bug the middle schoolers about this series!
Is there any noise of this becoming a movie or animation? Because that would be lovely to see it gain an even wider fanbase than I’m sure it already has. Time to bug the middle schoolers about this series!
October 4, 2018
It was fine.
I wish there had been more involvement from the city. More people fighting for change. More... well, people. There were seriously 8 people leading the attack on the Dao palace and maybe 12 soldiers fighting back. I guess I wanted it to feel like a city full of people fighting for what they believed in and wanted. And even though the story made that point, the art didn't execute it very well.
I wish there had been more involvement from the city. More people fighting for change. More... well, people. There were seriously 8 people leading the attack on the Dao palace and maybe 12 soldiers fighting back. I guess I wanted it to feel like a city full of people fighting for what they believed in and wanted. And even though the story made that point, the art didn't execute it very well.
September 26, 2018
I have loved Rat and Kai from the beginning and I loved seeing how their story came to a close. Their character arc, the story of the city, and the story of tragedy and hope, are truly beautiful. This series was truly remarkable. ♥️
July 12, 2018
An absolutely satisfying conclusion to one of my favorite graphic novel series in the past few years.
October 15, 2019
I do not want this graphic novel to end! I NEED TO KNOW MORE AS TO WHAT HAPPENS TO KAIDU AND RAT?! DO THEY DATE? DO THEY GET MARRIED? BTW RAT REVEALS HER NAME AT THE PERFECT MOMENT!! I, for sure will not spoil that because that is a reward for reading this graphic novel. This volume had darker undertones compare to the first two volumes and I prefer that format because war at the end of the day should not be glorified because lives are lost and oppressive regimes continue to inflict on those who are defenseless.
Kaidu and Rat discover that the first builders left a book that details how to create their sacred fire and whoever possesses that knowledge will ultimately rule everyone. *Cue in Dao Ruler Erzi with his fat grubby fingers*. The monks who are by nature peaceful and never messed with now has to deal with Erzi's wrath since they can translate the language and suffer the consequences of this knowledge as their monastery is burned to the ground. I was super emotional in that moment and it reminded me of the Library of Alexandra and to think all knowledge and history is forever lost. Kaidu and Rat decide to take the risk of retrieving this book at the palace while Kaidu's father seeks diplomacy with the Yisun forces to overthrow Erzi.
The whole lead up to the palace was nerve wracking and once they steal the book back it left me at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what comes next for our heroes and one of my favorite scenes is Erzi talking/battling with Kaidu. The dialogue between these two individuals perfectly showcase the nonsense rhetoric that conqueror takes to justify his actions and this sense of male privilege shows up perfectly with the illustrations. As Erzi fights for his claim as ruler the question that pops up was if this was a hundred years ago, Erzi would not be the ruler therefore you can shove that whole divine right up where the sun doesn't shine and get off your privilege a-hole. For sure it showcases how those who are in power do want to relinquish their power and will do everything no matter the cost to preserve it.
While Faith Erin Hicks creates this marvelous fictional world, she based it on 13th Century China so it is not farfetched to see how fiction and history interweaves with each other and since this caters to middle grade it opens an important conversation about why colonialism is horrific both fiction and nonfiction and how important it is to see the different points of views when it comes to history and war. For sure one of my favorite series of the year and I can attest that this series should not be binge read because you might lose momentum in the second volume and not cherish the levels of depth that Faith Erin Hicks is able to convey with our characters and how their actions have a ripple effect. Brilliant series!
Kaidu and Rat discover that the first builders left a book that details how to create their sacred fire and whoever possesses that knowledge will ultimately rule everyone. *Cue in Dao Ruler Erzi with his fat grubby fingers*. The monks who are by nature peaceful and never messed with now has to deal with Erzi's wrath since they can translate the language and suffer the consequences of this knowledge as their monastery is burned to the ground. I was super emotional in that moment and it reminded me of the Library of Alexandra and to think all knowledge and history is forever lost. Kaidu and Rat decide to take the risk of retrieving this book at the palace while Kaidu's father seeks diplomacy with the Yisun forces to overthrow Erzi.
The whole lead up to the palace was nerve wracking and once they steal the book back it left me at the edge of my seat trying to figure out what comes next for our heroes and one of my favorite scenes is Erzi talking/battling with Kaidu. The dialogue between these two individuals perfectly showcase the nonsense rhetoric that conqueror takes to justify his actions and this sense of male privilege shows up perfectly with the illustrations. As Erzi fights for his claim as ruler the question that pops up was if this was a hundred years ago, Erzi would not be the ruler therefore you can shove that whole divine right up where the sun doesn't shine and get off your privilege a-hole. For sure it showcases how those who are in power do want to relinquish their power and will do everything no matter the cost to preserve it.
While Faith Erin Hicks creates this marvelous fictional world, she based it on 13th Century China so it is not farfetched to see how fiction and history interweaves with each other and since this caters to middle grade it opens an important conversation about why colonialism is horrific both fiction and nonfiction and how important it is to see the different points of views when it comes to history and war. For sure one of my favorite series of the year and I can attest that this series should not be binge read because you might lose momentum in the second volume and not cherish the levels of depth that Faith Erin Hicks is able to convey with our characters and how their actions have a ripple effect. Brilliant series!
September 9, 2024
In this final book of the graphic novel trilogy, Kaidu and Rat are trying to recover the lost secret weapon of the ancient people of the Nameless City - a formula for exploding fire. They think it will be easy to sneak into the palace and steal back the book containing the formula; after all, they have snuck in and out of the palace many times before. But their only route past the walls has been demolished, and they will have to find some other way to get past the guards and into the inner library. Meanwhile Kaidu's father is trying to reach the other nations and gather military support to take back the city from the traitors among the Dao.
I loved these characters so much! Kaidu and Rat have so many emotional scars, but they find strength and support in their friendship. They have to trust each other absolutely through their adventures. No matter what other cultural or political changes may come up, these two remain loyal to each other, open to listen and respect their differences.
The plot is fantastic and imaginative! Kaidu and Rat get into lots of mischief and dangerous adventures. You get a sense of the depth of the characters and the history of the city. They have to decide what the future of the Nameless City is going to look like, but still respect its past history.
In this third book, we see Rat begin to lay aside her sad past and heal those old emotional wounds. She has to let go of her anger and grief, and learn to live beyond her limited perspective. She has a vision of what the city could be like in the future where people of all nations could live in harmony together. It is that vision that gives her strength to endure.
I love the world building. This book answers some of the questions about the ancient people who first built the city. Now that Kaidu and Rat know the mystery of the secret weapon the ancient people developed, they have to decide what to do with it. It was intriguing to see how the political landscape keeps changing as the nations come together to decide the fate of the city. There are many different cultures that are not blending very well due to prejudices and political unrest, but the friendship between two young people might just be the answer. Kaidu and Rat are determined to protect the city and each other.
The artwork is excellent, and every page is colorful and full of energy! This is such a satisfying end for a great trilogy!
I loved these characters so much! Kaidu and Rat have so many emotional scars, but they find strength and support in their friendship. They have to trust each other absolutely through their adventures. No matter what other cultural or political changes may come up, these two remain loyal to each other, open to listen and respect their differences.
The plot is fantastic and imaginative! Kaidu and Rat get into lots of mischief and dangerous adventures. You get a sense of the depth of the characters and the history of the city. They have to decide what the future of the Nameless City is going to look like, but still respect its past history.
In this third book, we see Rat begin to lay aside her sad past and heal those old emotional wounds. She has to let go of her anger and grief, and learn to live beyond her limited perspective. She has a vision of what the city could be like in the future where people of all nations could live in harmony together. It is that vision that gives her strength to endure.
I love the world building. This book answers some of the questions about the ancient people who first built the city. Now that Kaidu and Rat know the mystery of the secret weapon the ancient people developed, they have to decide what to do with it. It was intriguing to see how the political landscape keeps changing as the nations come together to decide the fate of the city. There are many different cultures that are not blending very well due to prejudices and political unrest, but the friendship between two young people might just be the answer. Kaidu and Rat are determined to protect the city and each other.
The artwork is excellent, and every page is colorful and full of energy! This is such a satisfying end for a great trilogy!
July 28, 2020
I loved this book! I love how it critiques the cycle of war, and that warriors don't just blindly follow orders. I love these characters. Kaidu's parents are adorable. I love them. Huzzah a close platonic friendship between the lead guy and gal and no romance!
July 25, 2021
I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to finish this series! This was a great conclusion: drama, great fight scenes, friendship, betrayal, and did I mention great fight scenes?? I would be excited to revisit this world someday. 😍
December 19, 2018
SO GOOD. I will always read something by Faith Erin Hicks.
February 8, 2020
this was the perfect end to the series and i’m a little emotional 🥺🥺 file this one away under comic that fills the atla shaped hole in my heart
February 25, 2022
I LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH
March 25, 2020
this was my favorite book of the series and the most touching I love when she tells him her real name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2018
The Divided Earth is the third (and final) book in The Nameless City series by Faith Eric Hicks. It is currently schedule for release on September 25 2018. The book begins where the second book in the trilogy, The Stone Heart, left off. Readers do need to read this series in order to understand and enjoy the story fully.
Kai and Rat might need to sacrifice everything for peace. The city is under new rule, and if they cannot stop the tragic events that are in motion the cycle of war, death, and violence will continue. The added challenge of treachery inside the palace and an army quickly approaching the outer walls raise the stakes and the likely-hood of everything ending badly.
The Divided Earth is a solid graphic novel, and a good conclusion to a trilogy. As always, her art work is stunning and adds a great deal to the story and character development. I simply love the style and coloring. In the story itself, I liked the efforts that Kai, his parents, Rat, and many of the characters went through to do what they thought best for the greater good, and the city specifically. Like in real life, people's ideas of what is best, what is right, and what should happen is always varied and sometimes quite different. I like the development and tension built around what would happen with the city, and our major players, come the final conflict. It was very well done, but I felt like I could have gotten to know a few of the secondary characters a little more (like Kai's mother) but got more that I expected with the return of some younger characters from the earlier books. I enjoyed the adventure and he danger, I think the political and military posturing was very well build and explored. I was fully engaged with the read, and kind of want an epilogue to see what might happen well after this story ended, what does the future hold in the long term for Kai and Rat, does peace last, and where do Kai's parents end up. The conclusion tied up all the necessary loose ends, but I was invested enough to still be curious.
The Divided Earth is a solid conclusion to the trilogy. although I will admit to wanting to see what might happen in the Nameless City in the years to come. I was satisfied, but still want more.
Kai and Rat might need to sacrifice everything for peace. The city is under new rule, and if they cannot stop the tragic events that are in motion the cycle of war, death, and violence will continue. The added challenge of treachery inside the palace and an army quickly approaching the outer walls raise the stakes and the likely-hood of everything ending badly.
The Divided Earth is a solid graphic novel, and a good conclusion to a trilogy. As always, her art work is stunning and adds a great deal to the story and character development. I simply love the style and coloring. In the story itself, I liked the efforts that Kai, his parents, Rat, and many of the characters went through to do what they thought best for the greater good, and the city specifically. Like in real life, people's ideas of what is best, what is right, and what should happen is always varied and sometimes quite different. I like the development and tension built around what would happen with the city, and our major players, come the final conflict. It was very well done, but I felt like I could have gotten to know a few of the secondary characters a little more (like Kai's mother) but got more that I expected with the return of some younger characters from the earlier books. I enjoyed the adventure and he danger, I think the political and military posturing was very well build and explored. I was fully engaged with the read, and kind of want an epilogue to see what might happen well after this story ended, what does the future hold in the long term for Kai and Rat, does peace last, and where do Kai's parents end up. The conclusion tied up all the necessary loose ends, but I was invested enough to still be curious.
The Divided Earth is a solid conclusion to the trilogy. although I will admit to wanting to see what might happen in the Nameless City in the years to come. I was satisfied, but still want more.
March 14, 2020
A brilliant conclusion to an epic trilogy.
October 26, 2018
A great conclusion to a great series! I would definitely suggest this to any YA (and maybe a bit older!) readers who want a good story, great art, and something of substance. It was a fun read with a good message.
October 6, 2018
Last book in this series. So good.
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September 25, 2018
The thrilling conclusion to the Nameless City trilogy! As Rat and Kaidu try to figure out how to get back at Erzi and Mura and subvert their plan to destroy the Yisun army with an ancient and powerful weapon, Kai's father and the monk Joah run into old friends...or possibly enemies.
I loved this MG graphic novel trilogy so much. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and the storyline is riveting and doesn't shy away from tough topics like colonialism, the cycles of war and peace, conquering nations, power imbalances, hatred, and how to fight without fighting (and that there is a way to win without death and fighting)—and what it means to sacrifice everything for a place and people that you love.
There were quite a few plots and subplots, which were all wrapped up pretty well. Joah's mysterious origins are revealed, we learn more about Mura's motivations and her manipulation of Erzi (honestly, I wanted to see more of this because Mura is a really fascinating character), and Rat tells Kaidu her real name.
TL;DR: if you enjoyed the first two installments, you'll love this one.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved this MG graphic novel trilogy so much. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and the storyline is riveting and doesn't shy away from tough topics like colonialism, the cycles of war and peace, conquering nations, power imbalances, hatred, and how to fight without fighting (and that there is a way to win without death and fighting)—and what it means to sacrifice everything for a place and people that you love.
There were quite a few plots and subplots, which were all wrapped up pretty well. Joah's mysterious origins are revealed, we learn more about Mura's motivations and her manipulation of Erzi (honestly, I wanted to see more of this because Mura is a really fascinating character), and Rat tells Kaidu her real name.
TL;DR: if you enjoyed the first two installments, you'll love this one.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 30, 2018
Great series; wonderful art and a message about friendship and hope and trust. A very touching relationship between the 2 protagonists, developed over the course of the 3 books. I will probably go back and read all 3, right in a row, to re-experience the character development and remind myself of some of the plot twists from the 1st 2. Worth the read!
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