Thanks to Edelweiss and John Joseph Adams/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
384 Pages
Synopsis :
The fate of New Orleans lies in the hands of a wayward grifter in this novel of gods, games, and monsters.
The post-Katrina New Orleans of ‘The City of Lost Fortunes’, is a place haunted by its history and by the hurricane’s destruction, a place that is hoping to survive the rebuilding of its present long enough to ensure it has a future. Street magician Jude Dubuisson is likewise burdened by his past and by the consequences of the storm, because he has a secret: the magical ability to find lost things, a gift passed down to him by the father he has never known—-a father who just happens to be more than human.
Jude has been lying low since the storm, which caused so many things to be lost that it played havoc with his magic, and he is hiding from his own power, his divine former employer, and a debt owed to the Fortune god of New Orleans. But his six-year retirement ends abruptly when the Fortune god is murdered and Jude is drawn back into the world he tried so desperately to leave behind. A world full of magic, monsters, and miracles. A world where he must find out who is responsible for the Fortune god’s death, uncover the plot that threatens the city’s soul, and discover what his talent for lost things has been trying to show him: what it means to be his father’s son.
I have one word after reading City of Lost Fortunes: WONDROUS! I gobbled this up in two sittings, and the only reason why it took me that long is because my mean husband made me go to bed.
While I haven’t yet been to New Orleans, the city, people, and history have held a peculiar fascination for me since childhood. So, I was especially excited when I read the premise for this debut novel. Add in magic, mythology, and the supernatural, and my expectations went through the roof.
There are several different mythologies mixed up in this book and one of the things I loved was how the author started each chapter with a short paragraph detailing how various mythologies describe a particular situation in their own way, but how they all share commonalities. With so many religions and myths being brought together this could have easily been a confusing mess, but Bryan Camp fuses everything together smoothly and efficiently.
The large cast of diverse characters are brilliantly written and I already have several favorites. The hero, Jude, is someone you just can’t help fall in love with. He has many issues stemming from his dysfunctional childhood, the absence of his father, and the trauma of his “gift”. He’s made mistakes along the way but he also carries the weight of them and makes amends when he can. Jude winds up becoming a metaphor for New Orleans. The disruption of his magic ties directly into the destruction of the city, and as a reader you can’t help but feel these losses keenly. I have to be honest and say there’s a slight info dump in the beginning regarding Jude and his backstory, but I’m not taking any points off because it’s so minor and the rest of the book is so good, that it’s just not worth complaining about.
As marvelous as the supernatural and magical elements are, at its heart, this book pays tribute to the city of New Orleans and the resilience of its citizens. The descriptions of the music, food, architecture, and people bring the city to life and it literally becomes a character in its own right. In the afterward, Bryan Camp talks about how he began writing this in the back of his parents’ car as they were evacuating before Katrina hit. It’s worth reading because it gives you an additional sense of how much love was poured into this book.
The City of Lost Fortunes is a literary feast for the mind and soul, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! If you’re a fan of authors like Neil Gaiman, Jim Butcher, Clive Barker, and Kevin Hearne, you need to read this ASAP! While I can’t wait for the sequel, I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that this is just the beginning of a long-running series.
beetleypete said:
“Wondrous”, “Feast for the mind and soul”, and five stars too.
Looks like a cracker, Kim. One of your most enthusiastic reviews ever, I believe.
Best wishes, Pete. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Pete. As you can tell I truly loved this book!😊
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Teagan R. Geneviene said:
Wow. The first line of the blurb hooked me. (Wish I could write a blurb that good!) Your review sealed the deal, Kim. Good luck to Brian. Hugs all around.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I recommend this to EVERYONE Teagan! Hugs!😙💖
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Priyasha said:
Great review ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Priyasha!😊
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mistysbookspace said:
Our husbands just don’t understand the need to sit and read non stop. 😂 great review!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Misty. And what is up with them? Yes eating and sleeping are priorities, but sometimes certain things take precedence.😁
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mistysbookspace said:
Men lol 😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤷🏻♀️
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Jay said:
Oooh 5 stars, you know I’m hooked.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You need to read this Jay!😊
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
Yes. Just… Yes. 💖💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve got to get this Nicole!😊
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
Already added it to my list!! Definitely sounds like something I would love!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤜🏻🤛🏻
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Michelle Morrison said:
Sounds like a wonderful book.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
One of the best urban fantasies I’ve read!
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The Cozy Pages said:
What a glowing review. It does sound delightful. Going to check it out then 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! You won’t regret it Nina!😊
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(Danielle) Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Stellar review Kim! I had already added this on GR per our previous comments, but now I am chomping at the bit for a copy 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Danielle! I do think you’re going to love this. I can’t wait to hear what you think!😙
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Diana said:
lol that part about your husband 😀 This sounds like quite an amazing read. Fab review, Kim.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana. Seriously. He needs to get his priorities straight!🤣
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Lisa said:
OK, you’ve convinced me! *heading to library site to track it down…*
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yes!🤜🏻🤛🏻
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Carrie said:
Lovely review as always Kim! Add this to my list of why didn’t I check this on out, I’m guessing the cover just didn’t pop out at me much and I was probably in a “behave” mood to not look closer.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. I think you’d love this.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Sounds like an amazing read, Kim!😀❤📚💚 I must check this one out.😊 Fantastic Review as always and I am so glad you enjoyed this title.😄🎊🎉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Dani, you need to read this ASAP! I just know you’re going to love it!😙
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yay!! Will do!😀
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Great review, Kim! This sounds unique and interesting! I’m glad you loved it! I’m adding it to my evergrowing TBR list! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven! YOU NEED TO READ THIS ASAP! I absolutely know you’re just going to love this!🤗
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bunsareallthatyourequirehere said:
A 5 star review from you is always promising.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know you love New Orleans as well Vinnie. I think you might like this.😊
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bunsareallthatyourequirehere said:
Ooh, I’m there if New Orleans is there.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻
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ignitedmoth said:
Awesome review! This sounds like such a good book. I added it to my TBR list and plan to nominate it next time I host book club with my friends. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I’d love to know what you think when you read it.
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ignitedmoth said:
Woo! Just wanted to update you that I nominated The City of Lost Fortunes for my book club’s June meeting and it won the popular vote, so we’ll be reading it next month as a group. 🙂 Thanks a lot for posting such a great review of it and bringing it to my attention. I’m really looking forward to reading it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think of it!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Great review, this sounds very interesting:)
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LizScanlon said:
Very happy to read your thoughts on the book- I had the pleasure to grab a review copy myself- can’t wait to start it 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t wait to hear what you think Liz.😊
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Pingback: Upcoming June Book Club Read: The City of Lost Fortunes – ignitedmoth
mlbradford said:
I too have been fascinated with th charm of New Orleans
and this novel, esp. the style of writing u describe, has me intrigued.
When Kim can’t recommend it highly enough, we’re onto something monumental!
but is it published in th UK yet?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You can get it on Amazon UK Brad.😊
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mlbradford said:
Online is the easiest option, but I’d much rather order thro the local library – make them feel needed!
Thanks, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Bravo!😊
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mlbradford said:
Yay! Thot u might like the sound of that 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻👍🏻
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