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Lyn's Reviews > Iron Council
Iron Council (New Crobuzon, #3)
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by
Dear China,
It’s not you, it’s me.
I wanted to like Iron Council more, and there were parts of it I really did like, but the old magic was just not there.
I remember first meeting you on the pages of Kraken, and your fantastic images, scenes and people made me want to spend more time with you.
Then we spent some time together stepping in between Besźel and Ul Qoma and I realized the depth and virtuosity was more than a flash in the pan, you were on to some heady stuff, THE NEW WEIRD. I was hooked.
Then I came to visit you in Bas-Lag. I was impressed by Perdido Street Station and blown away by The Scar.
When I came back to Bas-Lag by way of the Iron Council, I was again impressed. A western? Steampunk fits that genre, sure! Only China could imagine that and then pull it off. And the politics, why not? Leftist political issues are important to you and so why not throw some of that in, the subversive intrigue would add a Joseph Conrad element to the narrative.
All of the world building ingredients of your impressive imagination was there: the cactusae and the Vodyanoi – even an appearance of the Weavers.
And yet …
The narrative tended to drag, the action waxed and waned and bless your heart, you went on and on and on. Some editing, a hundred or so less, would have been more.
You’re still a weird genius, still a bright star in the speculative fiction genre,
and
we can still be friends.
Love,
Lyn
It’s not you, it’s me.
I wanted to like Iron Council more, and there were parts of it I really did like, but the old magic was just not there.
I remember first meeting you on the pages of Kraken, and your fantastic images, scenes and people made me want to spend more time with you.
Then we spent some time together stepping in between Besźel and Ul Qoma and I realized the depth and virtuosity was more than a flash in the pan, you were on to some heady stuff, THE NEW WEIRD. I was hooked.
Then I came to visit you in Bas-Lag. I was impressed by Perdido Street Station and blown away by The Scar.
When I came back to Bas-Lag by way of the Iron Council, I was again impressed. A western? Steampunk fits that genre, sure! Only China could imagine that and then pull it off. And the politics, why not? Leftist political issues are important to you and so why not throw some of that in, the subversive intrigue would add a Joseph Conrad element to the narrative.
All of the world building ingredients of your impressive imagination was there: the cactusae and the Vodyanoi – even an appearance of the Weavers.
And yet …
The narrative tended to drag, the action waxed and waned and bless your heart, you went on and on and on. Some editing, a hundred or so less, would have been more.
You’re still a weird genius, still a bright star in the speculative fiction genre,
and
we can still be friends.
Love,
Lyn
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Reading Progress
June 22, 2014
–
Started Reading
June 22, 2014
– Shelved
July 17, 2014
–
Finished Reading
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by
Apatt
(new)
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rated it 3 stars
Jul 18, 2014 10:46AM
Totally agree with you Lyn, very disappointing compared to the other two Bas-Lag books.
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Yeah, I tried to like it, and there were sections I did like, cannot help but like, but a lot of editing would have helped
I wrote a similar review to a Mieville book! he clearly inspires people in a very specific way. I think I've seen at least 1 or 2 other ones in this style as well.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cool review Lyn. I have yet to read anything by Mieville... Too fantasy for me maybe?
Yeah, totally agree. Embassytown, Perdido Street Station, and The Scar were brilliantly original, but this one was a huge disappointment. I actually gave up halfway through, and that almost never happens.
It's a shame you were disappointed, but Mieville varies the genres, while still being clearly himself, so it's unsurprising if even the most dedicated fans have one or even two book they don't like as much as the others.(Excellent choice of photo.)
Thanks Cecily and good point about his diverse use of genres
This says everything I wanted to say about this book. Perdido Street Station and The Scar were incredible, so I was so excited to read the third Bas-Lag novel and then wah-wahh. Just couldn’t stay interested.
Yeah and I don’t think he ever wrote anymore in this series
Yes, I had a difficult time finishing this. Almost put it down. I debated a 2-star review but gave it 3 because Mieville is still an intelligent and thoughtful writer. But boy howdy does this one plod in parts!
I agree completely. I loved parts of the book, especially the relationship between Judah and Cutter, the making of the perpetual train city, the golemetry Judah's developed...But that book tired me terribly. At times I flaundered through the story with great weariness or impatience. Less would definitely have been more...
