Low Town

by Daniel Polansky
Low Town cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 9386
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780385534468
  • Publisher: Doubleday Books
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In the grimy underbelly of the Thirteen Lands's most illustrious city, the Warden, a man leading a life of crime, stumbles upon a murdered child. This gruesome discovery forces him to confront his past as a secret police agent, entangling him in a dangerous web of deceit between his former supervisor and ruthless underworld bosses. The Warden must navigate this treacherous landscape, using his unique skills and knowledge to unravel the truth and survive the deadly game that unfolds. /n/nThe novel is a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and survival, set against the backdrop of a city teeming with secrets and danger. It's a first novel that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mysteries alongside the Warden.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2024-04-14
engaging 4.00

The protagonist's perspective is both sad and brutal, yet also funny and poignant, with sharp social commentary.

The reviewer was captivated by the protagonist's complex and multifaceted perspective, which they described as both sad and brutal, yet also funny and poignant. They appreciated the sharp social commentary woven throughout the story, which added depth and relevance to the narrative. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling exploration of human nature and society, with a unique and engaging protagonist.

Quick quotes

    The protagonist's point of view is sad, and brutal, and horrifying, and yet also funny, cynical, and poignant

    with on point social commentary

    a unique and engaging protagonist

Elitist Book Reviews · Writer Dan · 2012-01-10
disappointing 1.50

The book is a sketchy noir with a predictable ending and falls into mediocrity. The magical elements are lightly sprinkled throughout.

The reviewer found the book to be a bit of a letdown, describing it as a sketchy noir with a predictable ending. They felt it was mediocre overall, with a light sprinkling of magical influence that didn't quite elevate the story. The reviewer also noted that the book's pacing and character development left something to be desired, making it a somewhat forgettable read.

Quick quotes

    LOW TOWN is a sketchy noir with a light sprinkling of magical influence

    a somewhat predictable end

    right in the middle of the mediocre

Fantasy Literature · 2011-01-01
solid 3.50

While not groundbreaking, the book is one of the better efforts in the noir fantasy subgenre.

The reviewer acknowledged that the book doesn't bring anything new to the noir fantasy subgenre, but they still found it to be one of the better efforts within the genre. They appreciated the strong and confident debut by the author, which they felt was well-crafted and engaging. The reviewer also noted that the book's world-building and character development were particularly noteworthy, making it a standout in the subgenre.

Quick quotes

    As far as noir fantasy goes, Low Town doesn't really bring anything new to the table

    Daniel Polansky's debut is still one of the subgenre's better efforts

    a strong and confident debut

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