This book was as intense as that description sounds. Crazy, unique, phenomenal. This may be the best book I read all year. It is still with me days after finishing. The world building, the ideas and the execution of the story. Everything was plotted perfectly, even if you have never been to New York you can feel the love for the City, grasp some of the more popular places. I enjoyed the nods to history and the realities of gentrification, racism, bigotry, etc. The characters were sympathetic and the invasion terrifying. How easily this monster could twist and turn parts of New York to its advantage. Using hate, division, and politics to spread. I was seething with one scene that took place at the Bronx Gallery, my skin crawling, the women who run the gallery being put at risk. It made me want to punch something, because this stuff actually happens and it is so easy for others to think they can just invade someone else's space or commit violence against women. I loved the weariness between the Burroughs, each believing themselves to be the best part of New York. Having to set aside their differences, their anger at each other. There were moments of surprise and I caught myself a few times shouting for one of them to listen, to be careful, to realize the danger or their mistakes. I was so completely invested in his ragtag group of heroes. Also, gender and sexual diversity for the win!!!! Enjoyed the many references to science fiction (a Lovecraftian monster, which seems born from the hate Lovecraft himself had for anyone other than himself). Really loved how they explored the cities awakening, the graffiti art as parts of the body (the mouth, the eye). New York is also protective of its avatar, lovingly so. The city helps the Burroughs as much as it can, providing them with the knowledge they need to defeat the monster. Whether it be a concept, like the price of land in Manhattan, or a checkered taxi at just the right moment. Richly woven story about a remarkable city, tinged with grief, love, hate, power, potential, where anyone is welcome, but not everyone is equal. Also, the Burroughs were reflected in the humans they decided to inhabit. So cool! This whole book, I cannot recommend it enough. Especially the audiobook!
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