Book Review: Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovsky, narrated by John Pirhalla


4.5/5 stars. (I listened to this on audiobook, so I apologize if anything is misspelled. I am just guessing phonetically!) Gehenna are bioengineered animal species that have been uplifted by humans to serve them, taking care of water, sewer, trash collecting, street cleaning, and other duties that humans would rather not do themselves. Scotch is a Gehenna of the raccoon variety who has found a way to work as a private eye. This story uniquely blends science, animal psychology, and detective noir into a wonderful novel of found family, friendship, and political intrigue. There are several factions in the Gehenna areas of the city, and they are all in search of one country mouse – Dr. Meese. Scotch has been hired by one of the factions to locate the mouse and bring him in; and so, Scotch ends up in the middle of all the infighting to find and control the mouse.


Tchaikovsky is one of the most creative and prolific writers working in the SFF genre today. With this story, he has created a unique underworld in human cities that adds layer upon layer of conflict and intrigue. The audio narrator does a wonderful job with all the characters, and the story creates an atmosphere of the dark underbelly of the city! This is the 11th or 12th novel by Tchaikovsky that I have read, and I am continually amazed at the quality of the stories he puts out at such an unbelievably quick pace – 3 or 4 per year! This story offers some excellent dialogue, background on our characters, and hope for their short-lived existence. There is not a single SF story by Tchaikovsky that I have not enjoyed, and this one might be among the top five or so. I enjoyed this one so much that I have already preordered the Broken Binding Special Edition hardcover. I will continue to read Tchaikovsky’s catalogue, even if I never get caught up!!


Highly recommended. Releases June 23, 2026. 


#NetGalley #GreenCityWars #AdrianTchaikovsky

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