Having just finished a book by [a:Nick Harkaway|1100593|Nick Harkaway|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1251220475p2/1100593.jpg], and having no other Harkaway material on hand, I decided China Miéville would be a nice substitute. I’m not sure why I associate these two; they really aren’t similar, but they pair well like Membrillo and old Manchego. Previous to reading it, I was slightly disheartened to discover that Railsea was categorized as Young Adult. Turns out, that doesn't really make a whole lot of difference. What exactly makes a book Young Adult, anyway? Often I'm hesitant to read them, only to discover that nothing in particular seems to be left out. They’re even usually just as long, these days.

All that aside, this is a good book. Is there action? You better believe there’s action! At very few points are the characters not hurtling towards/away from danger on colossal mechanical deathtraps. Not to mention intrigue, and comrades, and (as is Miéville’s wont) of course a little philosophizing. It's the world building that stands out, though. This author can build a world something fierce. He designs places you want to go to and never, ever leave.