Perdido Street Station

by China Mieville, China Miéville
Perdido Street Station cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Fantasy
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Format • £10.44
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4582
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780330467193
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2008-08-28
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

Perdido Street Station is an award-winning urban fantasy thriller set in the world of Bas-Lag. The novel's intricate world-building and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements create a richly detailed and immersive setting. The city of New Crobuzon is a sprawling metropolis filled with humans, mutants, and a variety of other creatures, all living under the oppressive rule of a brutal parliament and its militia. The story follows a group of outcasts who must navigate the city's dangerous underbelly and confront an alien threat that could destroy everything. /n/n The novel's complex characters and intricate plot make it a compelling read, while its exploration of themes such as power, oppression, and the struggle for survival add depth and resonance. The urban nightscape becomes a hunting ground as battles rage in the shadows of bizarre buildings, and a reckoning is due at the city's heart, in the vast edifice of Perdido Street Station.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2025-10-21
remarkable 4.00

The book is remarkable for its blend of fantasy and science-fiction elements, with an unending flow of fresh ideas. The reviewer was surprised by the book's capacity to engage and captivate.

This reviewer was particularly impressed by the book's ability to blend fantasy and science-fiction elements seamlessly. They noted the unending flow of fresh ideas, which kept them engaged throughout the narrative. The reviewer also highlighted the book's capacity to surprise and captivate, making it a standout read in the genre. They appreciated the author's unique vision and the richly detailed world-building.

Quick quotes

    It is a remarkable book that surprised me with its capacity for both fantasy and science-fiction elements.

    Miéville's unending flow of fresh ideas, and the ...

    The book is completely shot through with geographical references (which often mean nothing to the reader but add to the atmosphere).

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
remarkable 4.50

The plot is expansive and the characters well-rounded, with descriptive writing that fires the imagination. This reviewer considers it the best of the Bas-Lag trilogy.

The reviewer praised the expansive plot and well-rounded characters, noting that the descriptive writing is particularly impressive. They found the book to be the standout entry in the Bas-Lag trilogy, highlighting the author's ability to create a rich and engaging world. The reviewer also appreciated the blend of fantasy and science-fiction elements, which they felt were executed flawlessly.

Quick quotes

    The plot is expansive and the characters well rounded.

    His descriptive writing fires the imagination.

    Of the Bas-Lag trilogy this, I think, is the best.

Cozy with Books · 2022-06-23
excellent 4.50

The book is an excellent entry into the Bas-Lag world, brimming with detailed descriptions that immerse the reader. The reviewer found themselves easily lost in the intricate world-building.

This reviewer was captivated by the vivid and detailed descriptions that bring the world of Bas-Lag to life. They appreciated the immersive experience, feeling as though they were truly part of the city's teeming, chaotic existence. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to blend fantasy and science-fiction elements seamlessly, creating a unique and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Perdido Street Station was an excellent entry into his world.

    Brimming with amazing and detailed description, I found myself easily lost in the Bas-Lag world.

    The book is completely shot through with geographical references (which often mean nothing to the reader but add to the atmosphere).

SFF Book Review · 2012-12-30
excellent 4.50

The book is excellent, full of original ideas and great writing. The city is well thought-out and fascinating.

This reviewer describes the book as excellent, highlighting its original ideas and great writing. They praise the well-thought-out and fascinating city of New Crobuzon. The reviewer finds the book nearly perfect, with a rich and engaging narrative that stands out. The depth of the world-building and the unique concepts presented are particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    An excellent book full of original ideas, great writing, and a well thought-out, fascinating city.

    RATING: 9/10 Nearly perfect.

    The city of New Crobuzon is fascinating.

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