The Empty City

by Andrew Looney, Alison Frane;Dawn Robyn Petrlik (Illustrator)

The Empty City was written by game designer Andrew Looney between 1987 and 1991. Subtitled a novel about Love, Games, and the planet Mars, the book is a series of a loosely connected stories which all take place in an unusual city where a board game called Icehouse is extremely popular. This mysterious game, played with small, colorful pyramids, was imaginary when the first part of the book was written, but the authors friends became so inspired by his game ideas that they created a real-world version of the game before the novel was even completed. The game later inspired other games that could be played with the same pyramids, and in 2016, a boxed set called Pyramid Arcade was released which features 22 unique pyramid games. All of these games have their roots in The Empty City. Description from the back of the Enter a secret city where dreams blur with reality, eccentric characters populate the diners and donut shops, and instead of chess, everyone plays an exotic game with pyramids. Enter a city where Martian artists lurk among us, time travel has been patented, and that gift-wrapped object someone left behind on the subway might just be an atomic bomb. Enter the Empty City. Enjoy your visit. 152 pages. This edition features 18 illustrations by Alison Frane. The cover was painted by Dawn Robyn Petrlik. 8.5 x 5.5 Softcover only

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Justus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun silly little book. Its not anything too special, and the writing is just ok. But it is fun and worth a read for people who are into the Icehouse pyramid games. The story is basically just about four dudes that play the Icehouse game and the world that happens around and happens to them. Its fun in that it just focuses on mundane life in all its glorious weirdness and this novel is an interesting example of how fiction can actually be a muse to jump start a creative endeavor which has now turned into Looney Labs.

[Heather Bridson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, well... this one is.. strange. It is short, but I just didn't get pulled into the story. It jumped around a lot from all different characters in the story, in tiny little chapters sometimes just a paragraph long. Now, I did like it, and I have an Icehouse set of my own...but the book is just strange. My husband has a red beard..so maybe he's from Mars to..that may explain a lot. Anyway, interesting book, worth a read just strange!

I bought this book myself. I was not paid to review this in any way and all opinions are my own.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

refreshingly offbeat. a lot of wacky ideas, with a taste of human wisdom thrown in. the strong characters and settings could have supported an even longer book. peopled by artsy, intellectual singles, it seems to describe a lifestyle the author lived and/or wanted to live. would be interesting to read a follow-on that incorporates children and more stable relationship.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

For some reason, several fans of the Icehouse game itself tend to like the book; I, on the other hand, found it dull and somewhat pointless. And there is no way that game could ever replace, much less surpass, chess in popularity.

My only regret is donating it to the library instead of trading it for pyramids.

[Dennis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hooked on playing with pyramids and love Zendo. Would like to visit a real Saturn Cafe. But, this guy's not much of an author.
Must read...1
Meaningful...1
Kept my attention...3
Well-written...1
Accessible...3

[Cynbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really have any problems with the book, I just enjoyed it. It's pretty random and quirky which i find is what makes it good, plus I really want to get an icehouse set now.

[RC · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tale of dreams, loneliness and pyramids with too many characters.