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This was one of the most creative and surprising fantasy books I've ever read. Set in the strange and eerie city of New Crobuzon, Mieville quickly establishes how utterly different (and utterly disturbing) the city is. I remember when I read the first Dune novel being somewhat awed by how real such a strange world felt. This might be the first time since then I've had that sensation.

I don't want to spoil the story, but I will say Mieville weaves together three or four storylines that could've easily been books on their own. A thinking, rational robot with human servants. A godlike spider that is only concerned with making the web the world weaves aesthetically pleasing. Moths that . . . well, I don't want to spoil that one.

Part of this book's strength is that these individually compelling ideas all end up weaving together to create an incredibly fun climax. In short, if you like fantasy and/or sci fi, read this one.