by Ryan Graudin
Narrator: Eugene Kim, Janet Song, Kim Mai
Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups
There are three rules in the Walled City: Run fast. Trust no one. Always carry your knife. Right now, my life depends completely on the first. Run, run, run. Jin, Mei Yee, and Dai all live in the Walled City, a lawless labyrinth run by crime lords and overrun by street gangs. Teens there traffic drugs or work in brothels - or, like Jin, hide under the radar. But when Dai offers Jin a chance to find her lost sister, Mei Yee, she begins a breathtaking race against the clock to escape the Walled City itself.
I was intrigued by the premise of The Walled City by Ryan Graudin and when an opportunity to review the audio edition presented itself, I jumped. Powerful, beautifully written and compelling this story kept me up until the wee hours of the morning.
Five Caffeinated reasons to listen to The Walled City
- The Walled City is a modern day dystopian thriller based in part on the actual “walled city” of Kowloon. While, the author has taken some liberties she beautifully captured this dark city in Hong Kong. The writing is beautiful despite the darkness and at times almost lyrical. She beautifully captures the mannerism of the characters from personality to culture.
- The story is told from three narratives. We have Mei Yee, a young woman who is sold by her father into a brothel. Next, we have Dai, a boy from a family of wealth who hides within the Walled City and seeks a chance at redemption. The last voice and my personal favorite belongs to that of Jin Ling. The sister of Mei Yee, she hides in the streets of the Walled City as a young boy and searches to free her sister. Each character is fleshed out and as the story progresses we see a connection form and tighten between the three. It was brilliant and captivating. The narrators for the audio were superb and captured each character’s personality and emotions adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
- The Walled City itself is a living breathing character and reeks of brothels, drug lords, and poverty. Hunger and power rule here. It is the darkest aspect of humanity and one most turn a blind eye too…. to look almost painful. Graudin brought the city to life. I could see the buildings stacked as they robbing the inhabitants of fresh air and light to life. As I listened, I could close my eyes and see, taste and smell the city, the fear, and the desperation.
- There is a romance in the Walled City and it developed slowly and beautifully. It certainly was not the focus, but its tender threads weaved into the story giving the listener hope and a glimpse of something light. It felt genuine and had all the feels while being understated and richly satisfying.
- The storyline and the way in which Graudin weaved the three character’s together held me captive. At ten hours and twenty-eight minutes in length, I could not seem to stop listening and consumed this in less than a day. Sometimes when dealing with multiple pov’s I find myself annoyed when taken from one and moved into the other, but with the Walled City each storyline carried weight and was compelling. The story was suspenseful, emotional and felt refreshing original in a sea of similarity within the genre. As their timelines intertwined the climatic scenes had me holding my breath.
“I don’t want to tell this boy my name. Too many people have stolen it, used it in ways I never intended. You never know what a fragile thing a name is until it’s used as a weapon, screamed like a curse.”-Mei Yee
“I don’t believe in ghosts. Not like my grandmother, who knelt at our ancestral shrine every dawn with smoking sticks of incense folded in her palm and offerings of rice liquor and oranges tucked in her pockets. I always thought it was stupid, wasting fruit and good booze on the dead. Those who were long silent and gone. He haunts me anyway.”-Dai
“I can stab a man, but I can’t let one die. Not on my watch.”-Jin Ling
The Walled City audio edition was pure perfection for me. Addictive, intense, and captivating. It was masterfully done and original. The narrators Eugene Kim, Janet Song and Kim Mai enhanced my experience and brought the characters to life.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Tressa
Yay! I’m so glad you loved this one!! Now I really need to read it, even though I think it’ll make me sad. That’s probably one of the reasons I put it off a little. I’m reading All That Burns (All That Glows #2) soon and looking forward to it because I really enjoyed the first book. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy them both! I cannot wait to see what you think
Nicole
I adored this book, and I could definitely see how it would be great in audio because the narrative is so personal. Glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
So happy you loved reading it. Yes, the audio just added another layer 🙂
Karen Blue
I read this book and didn’t like it half as much as it sounds like you did. Maybe listening would have been better? Maybe not. I listen to as many books on my kindle as I read, and this just wasn’t a book I enjoyed. I am glad you liked it though.
kimbacaffeinate
So sorry to hear that. I did not try reading it, but listening was a treat for me
Sharon - Obsession with Books
Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed this Kimba! I have a copy and I’ll be starting on it very soon.
A great review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
wahoo…I am so excited you will be reading these Sharon
Melissa
If this is a stand alone I may just have to add it!
kimbacaffeinate
It is!! Enjoy Melissa 🙂
Jessica
Great review! I was really interested in this one, but I held off, b/c this author’s other series got some really terrible reviews for reasons I felt were legitimate, so even though this is a totally different kind of book, I was still gun shy. I happy to know I can safely put this one on my wishlist 😉
kimbacaffeinate
This my first read by the author and loved the writing.
Ramona
Oh, wow, this sounds like pure perfection indeed 🙂 I think I’ll make it my next audio book as well, based on this. Thanks, Kimba, this is a marvelous review (as usual…)
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy..I look forward to hearing what you think
Christy
Well, hell … I seem to be missing out on all kinds of good books.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you need to catch up
Michelle
I had no idea the Walled City actually existed until I read this, and then I spent hours just looking at the pictures of it. So unreal. I loved this book, I bet it would have been a very good audiobook listen too.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh ..i am so glad I was able to share with you and delighted you loved the book!
Mary
Absolutely crazy story, right? I could have sworn it was fantasy of some sort with that setting but no…reality! Completely drew me in and didn’t let me go.
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo..so glad to see you had the same experience reading it Mary.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
This is one that I have bookmarked for an audible credit (I bookmark them and then if I still feel that way in a month I will use it) and this pretty much sealed that I will be getting it!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee!
Angela Adams
A five star review! That’s an honor!! Thanks for the post…
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angela, the audio edition pushed this over the top for me
Sophia Rose
I have this one on the wishlist because of the creative setting and world. Sounds like the characters are pretty good too.
kimbacaffeinate
Hope you enjoy it, anytime a book is based on something factual I find it even more interesting
ShootingStarsMag
Wow, this sounds like a really well-written novel. I love the quotes you shared; especially the one about names. So powerful.
kimbacaffeinate
Wasn’t that a powerful one, there are so many quotable lines..the writing is beautiful
Candace
I’ve been very, very curious about this one. I’ve heard it’s amazing and clearly it is. It’s sounds a bit dark for me at the moment, but I’m adding it to my WL for when I’m ready for another dark read. I’m so intrigued!
kimbacaffeinate
It has it’s dark moments to be sure, but you become so caught up in the characters.
Sarah
I’ve read a lot of reviews of The Walled City, but none of them has convinced me to pick up my own copy like yours has. Beautifully written review, Kimba! I’m tempted to read up on the real life city this book is inspired by, as well!
kimbacaffeinate
*blushes* thank you, and I am glad others loved it too. I try to avoid them until my review go live. lol
Megan McDade
I tried reading this and just couldn’t get into it. Hopefully I can try again to.’re ‘re add it sometime this year as I know a lot of people love it!
kimbacaffeinate
I slipped right in but I think the narration helped with that..i do hope you try again Megan
Heidi
Wow! Five stars and actually based on a real place. Sounds like a must read to me, plus I like the sound of the romance.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the audio and the romance was light and sweet.
Liz
Wow, this sounds interesting. I love that it’s in Hong Kong, and so vividly at that. And hell, dystopian – sounds perfect. 🙂 Although I think I’ll have to read, and not listen, but it’s still one I’m after!
kimbacaffeinate
Reading is good too Liz. Hope you enjoy it!
sherry fundin
Sounds really good. Glad you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sherry 🙂
Kay
Jin Ling was my favorite voice when reading this too! Although I did love them all with their beautiful yet heartbreaking stories. I’m glad the audio book worked out for you. I enjoyed this book a great deal as well. I loved the writing and these characters. It was very unique.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you enjoyed this too..I really think the audio added to the tale, since I did see some folks thought the tale dragged in areas however I never experienced that.
Lily
I’ve heard so many great things about this one Kim that I’ve been meaning to get a copy of It myself and see what all the fuss is about. Glad this one worked for you and that you had a good time with it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet..I hope you enjoy it Lily
Ro
I’m with Red. Didn’t know this city even exited! (lol) I love the way you write your reviews. Unique from what I’ve seen in other places. I’ve been hanging out at At Eargasms so i can do the Audio thing, but it’s rough. Admire those who can listen AND understand the things going on in audiobooks. Love the theme of this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ro, I mix my review formats up and use several different styles. I appreciate the feedback, I find I do better with certain genres on audio. The more you listen the better you become at listening..sounds weird but true.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks Kim, another fiver for you means another book on my pile for me LOL 😉
kimbacaffeinate
hehe…I have been finding some awesome reads/listens Deb 🙂
Anna
Sounds like a great listen. I love, just love, audio books. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo Anna I am addicted to them..you must listen to The Girl on the Train..it about blew my mind. That. is. all.
Nick
Just that last image you shared is enough to get me shuddering. I have this book and I’ve been meaning to read it since it’s release date but you know how it is with life getting in the way! I’m glad that you liked it. I like that the Walled City really came alive for you.
Gorgeous review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it Nick 🙂
Ashley Farley
Not my fav genre, but you make it sound too good to pass up. I’m always looking for a good audiobook. Often times I find something missing in the audio version. Doesn’t sound like that’s the case with The Walled City. Thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
If the audio is well done I find the audio often enhances it, but it depends on so many elements. I love mixing up the genres.
Amir
I’ve actually been to Kowloon although I’ve only been near the dock area haha. You’re right, the premise sounds awesome and With your review and rating, I’m really intrigued to meet this characters now! I might have to check this on audible too since you enjoyed the narrators so much. Lovely review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
The audible was well done. So cool you’ve been there.
Silvia
It sounds like you had a real blast, I’m glad! I haven’t heard of this book before, but I confess I’m intrigued…
kimbacaffeinate
I did enjoy it..hope you get a chance to try it.
Red Iza
I had to look that city up, I didn’t know it had even existed ! It was really impressive. And great review, i do want to read this !
kimbacaffeinate
thank you, have fun googling it, the details and facts are very interesting.
Bieke
I have a copy and I plan on reading this one. Soon. I hope.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe…I hear you my fellow book addict..I hear you!
Jeann
Glad to hear you loved it Kimba, I’m really intrigued with the corruption here and how it resembles an actual thing in history.
kimbacaffeinate
Liberties were taken but I think it really captures the conditions and corruption.
Cynthia
That one is on my TBR for sure. It sounds so exciting. I can’t wait to read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear you will be reading it..I look forward to your take on it
blodeuedd
Wow, that is a lot of houses
kimbacaffeinate
Right..so many that the light doesn’t reach the streets below.
Melliane
It’s great that you enjoyed this one so much! It’s the first time I hear about it but it sounds so well done. Plus it’s been a while since I haven’t read a good dystopia so it’s interesting. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melliane, I confess it was new to me too..but I am so glad I decided to listen to it.
Lupdilup
Wow! we’re on a roll here Kimba! I’m so glad because I’m picking up books that I’d not normally get.
On my list it goes! Thanks, great job 🙂
Lupdilup
At first I didn’t see the whole name of one the narrators, Kim Mae Guest. I love her! She did Anna and the French Kiss which I Loved!
kimbacaffeinate
My fault, I fixed it..they were all awesome narrators and i should be thanking you..audio has exposed me to new books as well.
kindlemom1
I confess I know nothing about the walled city! How is that possible? Now I must research it.
This sounds so intriguing! I am so glad you enjoyed it as much as you did. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..I ended up doing a lot of research while reading this too Ali