City of a Thousand Dolls Review

361 pages

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die. Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Review:
This was an interesting yet not very quickly paced novel. Nisha is a likable character, very strong and determined, yet she also has a vulnerable side as well. There is some romance but it isn't a main focus or as developed as I would have liked. The relationship between Nisha and Devan seems strange at times, especially since her interest seems to be much more than his. The other characters aren't very memorable in themselves although the talking cats are pretty interesting. The idea of a City where females are trained to be useful in a society where they are unwanted brings something new to this story. I wasn't the biggest fan of the City although it does offer the girls a better chance than they would have on the outside. This isn't one of those epic fantasy novels but the mystery itself is intriguing. Although the adventure isn't very exciting and the character development leaves something to be desired, this wasn't a terrible read. I would recommend this as a good enough novel to pass the time for those who enjoy mystery.