Liam || Books 'n Beards's Reviews > Iron Council

Certainly the weakest of the Bas-Lag novels, although in some ways it was probably the most creative. I enjoyed Iron Council enough not to give up halfway through, though were it written by anyone else I probably would have.

As per usual, China Mieville's incredible creativity and world-building were in full force, exploring the wide world of the continent of Rohagi, from New Crobuzon to Myrshock to the Torque-spewing Cacotopic Stain. Endless neat new beasts and characters on display, and the neat-as-fuck core concept of a never-stopping, perpetual train.

But the plot was much weaker than that of Perdido and the Scar - while very creative and interesting, it didn't really satisfy on a core storytelling level. I still enjoyed it, a lot, but not enough that I can see myself re-reading it as I can the other two.

Still, for a fan of China Mieville, a good read.