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In "The Unmapping", Robbins introduces readers to a version of New York City where a looming threat has been approaching and finally hits and completely rearranges the entire physical structure of one of the most populous cities in the world. At the forefront of the story are Esme Green, an employee of the Emergency Management Department looped into the city's efforts to restore some semblance of order, and Arjun Varma, her coworker at the EMD tasked with groundwork to find and rescue civilians who've been impacted.

What follows in the next few days is a chaotic scramble; Esme attempts to work with the bureaucratic system and hierarchy, butting heads with her (male) superiors while trying to get ahold of her fiance Marcus who has abruptly disappeared. Arjun attempts to help as best he can within the city, but causes chaos when his efforts are misinterpreted and blasted on social media - all while trying to keep his feelings for Esme hidden. Meanwhile, the many citizens of the city are dealing with their own issues: a young runaway has become trapped underground in the midst of the city's shifting infrastructure; a woman is robbed on her way to meet her new lover; a reverend offers shelter to a growing following of a religious group; a journalist seeks answers from Gleamwood City to the origins of the Unmapping... The different perspectives and storylines converge as the novel progresses to shed some light on the colossal event.

I was intrigued by the dystopian/sci-fi premise of this novel and its center in NYC where I currently live; knowing the exact cross streets and neighborhoods mentioned in this novel was a fun perk. Thematically, I think Robbins incorporated a number of themes and looming topics, including climate change and the impact of corporate greed; the bureaucracy of government across all levels; societal and racial privilege; and the fine line between religion and cults. Unfortunately it didn't feel like many of these had sufficient focus in this story and were cursory examinations at best. I struggled as well with the sheer number of characters and perspectives, and while I can understand Robbins' stylistic intention to introduce many of them as unnamed, I didn't think it served much purpose as these names were all eventually revealed. I didn't feel as though the two protagonists were well-developed either, and their evolving relationship was questionable at times.

Overall I thought the plot of "The Unmapping" was intriguing, but needed additional editing and clarity of characters and voice.

Thank you Bindery Books for the advance copy of this novel!