
Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller is a post-apocalyptic dystopian novel set in a world devastated by global warming. The story revolves around the floating city of Qaanaaq near the Arctic Circle, where complex characters from different social classes navigate through a society plagued by inequality, a mysterious disease called the Breaks, and power struggles between crime syndicates and wealthy shareholders. As the plot unfolds, the arrival of a woman with a nanobonded killer whale and a polar bear sets off a chain of events that lead to a rebellion against the corrupt establishment, revealing deep-rooted secrets and challenging the status quo.
The narrative of Blackfish City is characterized by a richly detailed worldbuilding that explores themes of climate change, capitalism, gender identity, and social injustice. Through multiple perspectives and intricate storytelling, the novel delves into the interconnected lives of its characters, offering a thought-provoking portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse, where hope and resilience endure amidst chaos and despair.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Blackfish City include themes of disease, death, mental health issues, violence, and social injustice.
From The Publisher:
"One of the most intriguing future cities in years." -Charlie Jane Anders
"Simmers with menace and heartache, suspense and wonder." -Ann Leckie
A Best Book of the Month in
Entertainment Weekly
The Washington Post
Tor.com
B & N Sci-Fi Fantasy Blog
Amazon
After the climate wars, a floating city is constructed in the Arctic Circle, a remarkable feat of mechanical and social engineering, complete with geothermal heating and sustainable energy. The city's denizens have become accustomed to a roughshod new way of living, however, the city is starting to fray along the edges-crime and corruption have set in, the contradictions of incredible wealth alongside direst poverty are spawning unrest, and a new disease called "the breaks" is ravaging the population.
When a strange new visitor arrives-a woman riding an orca, with a polar bear at her side-the city is entranced. The "orcamancer," as she's known, very subtly brings together four people-each living on the periphery-to stage unprecedented acts of resistance. By banding together to save their city before it crumbles under the weight of its own decay, they will learn shocking truths about themselves.
Blackfish City is a remarkably urgent-and ultimately very hopeful-novel about political corruption, organized crime, technology run amok, the consequences of climate change, gender identity, and the unifying power of human connection.
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