Parents' Guide to

The Nameless City

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Teens fight to save city in action-packed graphic novel.

Book Faith Erin Hicks Graphic Novel 2016
The Nameless City Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Kjbartolotta
Kjbartolotta Adult
August 4, 2016
age 10+

Fast-paced and fun with lots to talk about.

As well as a great artist and storyteller Hick excels as a worldbulder, creating a setting that is deep and nuanced in its depiction of interacting cultures. There's a lot to talk about here, as much as the story focuses breathlessly on action there's an emphasis on conflicting attitudes and narratives, the relation between the conquerors and the conquered is explored carefully here, with very little that is black and white. For all this though, the story stays fun and breezy. Not much violence, and despite having their own angst to work through both protagonists are fairly positive, sensible kids that are hard not to like. The Nameless City should inevitably appeal to fans of Amulet and The Last Airbender, but I think it stands as an exciting new story in its own right.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
OliviaReviewsIt
OliviaReviewsIt Adult
June 12, 2016
age 10+

Looking Forward to the Sequel

If you enjoy classic martial arts fights and the unique art style of Faith Erin Hicks, 'The Nameless City' is worth checking out. It's reminiscent of 'Avatar:The Last Airbender' in many ways (except for the fact that the characters don't have any supernatural powers). There is little blood content, but there is a moderate amount of violence including punching and kicking. Strong female characters, and intriguing story. Looking forward to the sequel. For older kids aged 10 and up.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set in an alternate version of ancient Asia, The Nameless City focuses on two teens -- Kaidu and Rat -- who each love the city but for different reasons. Kai is a warrior in training and the son of a general, learning the arts that will help him protect the city once he's grown. Rat is a child of the streets, an orphan who resents the Dao, the people who conquered her hometown. Together, they work to foil a crime that could destroy the tentative peace that holds the Nameless City together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (2):

Bursting with kinetic energy, this adventure follows two very different characters as they race through the streets and across the rooftops of an ancient metropolis. Kai and Rat perfectly complement each other: he dreamy and tentative in his actions, she uncompromising in her beliefs and ready to tackle any challenge. Author-illustrator Faith Erin Hicks puts them through their paces with vivid action, expressive drawing, and punchy dialogue.

This volume offers a bit of resolution, but there's clearly a lot more to this tale than its creator is ready to reveal. Readers will want the next installment as soon as possible.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why comics and graphic novels are so popular. What kinds of stories does the medium tell well?

  • Why does Rat feel such contempt for the Dao, the latest people to have conquered the city? How can people learn to eliminate their prejudices?

  • Why is the act of running so important to Kai and Rat? Can physical activity be about more than just exercise?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate