Melting City

To the end of the world. .o0o. Through his scope, he could clearly read the words on the billboard, despite its peeling colours and inverted position. ‘Let the Main City’s sunlight wake you every morning’. It was a real estate advertisement. It was anyone’s guess for how long the billboard had remained in this state since Lian Chuan first passed through this place, as if proving its slogan, “Let the Main City’s sunlight wake you up every morning”, to be merely a collapsing dream. The Main City no longer had the space or supplies to accommodate more people. .o0o. Lian Chuan woke up to the unchanging system greeting, commencing yet another mundane day as the most powerful “Hyena” of the Main City’s “cleanup squad”. He was tasked with ridding the Main City, now short of natural resources, of its “redundant” population. However, as the annual “Festival Day” of the Main City approaches, the unvarying life takes a turn. Beneath the city’s unusual projects, are there hidden schemes? What secrets do the wild and unconstrained Travellers hold? Meanwhile, the “Bats” residing on the Black Iron Plains beyond the Main City watch them covetously from the sides like a tiger eyeing its prey…

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Melting City "Melting City" plunges you headfirst into a bleak, futuristic dystopia, and while the initial chapters might feel like navigating a dense fog, the payoff is potentially significant. I went in expecting a standard sci-fi romp, but what I found was a story grappling with complex themes of identity, survival, and the very nature of humanity in the face of collapse. ### First Impressions I'll be honest, the beginning is a bit of a hurdle. The world-building is intricate, and the author throws a lot of unfamiliar terms and concepts at you early on. It definitely requires patience, and I can understand why some readers might find it overwhelming or even boring initially. You're essentially piecing together the world as you go, which can be both intriguing and frustrating. It feels like trying to assemble a puzzle with half the pieces missing, but that's part of the mystery. ### What Works Well Once you get past the initial info dump, the story starts to shine. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of human relationships in such a dire setting. The complexities of love, betrayal, and loyalty are all explored with nuance. The author excels at portraying characters who are flawed, conflicted, and ultimately human. The main character, Ning Gu, really stood out to me. They're a compelling mix of righteous rebellion, silliness, and genuine badassery – a rare and refreshing combination. The balance between action, mystery, character development, and philosophical pondering is also very well done. The story keeps you engaged on multiple levels. ### Areas of Concern My main concern echoes what I've seen from other readers: the sheer density of information. The intricate world-building, while ultimately rewarding, can be a real barrier to entry. It demands a high level of concentration, and if you're looking for something light and easy to read, this might not be it. Also, be prepared for unanswered questions. The ending, while thought-provoking, leaves some threads hanging, which might not satisfy all readers. ### Final Verdict "Melting City" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. If you're willing to invest the time and mental energy required to navigate its complex world, you'll find a thought-provoking story with well-developed characters and compelling themes. It's not a perfect novel, but it's definitely one that has stayed with me long after I finished reading. I'd recommend it to fans of dystopian sci-fi who appreciate a good dose of philosophical introspection.