

The New York Times review stated, "In the face of current events, The City We Became takes a broad-shouldered stand on the side of sanctuary, family and love. Veneza: a young Black and Portuguese woman who works with Bronca at the Bronx Art Center.Jemisin notes that the antagonistic forces in the book oftentimes are metaphors for gentrification. White, mind-controlling fungal fronds, and x-shaped spider-like creatures. It appears in many forms, including the Woman in White, Dr. The Enemy: an infectious, otherworldly life form that wants to take over the newly born city of New York.He has a Chinese-inflected British accent. Hong Kong: the avatar of the city he is named for.His cigarette smoke can combat the Enemy. São Paulo: the avatar of the city he is named for.Her father is an abusive, racist cop who calls her " Apple", though her name means "dream". A 30-year-old white woman who lives with her parents on Staten Island. Aislyn Houlihan: the avatar of Staten Island.She can use mathematical imagination to change physical reality. Her first name means "she who sits on the lotus". A 25-year-old Tamil immigrant graduate student living in Queens. Padmini Prakash: the avatar of Queens.She is the oldest of the six avatars and thus the holder of the city's lexicon of knowledge. She has a PhD, a hot temper, and a son, and works at the Bronx art center. Bronca Siwanoy: the avatar of The Bronx.

A Black, middle-aged former rapper, lawyer, and current city councilwoman. Brooklyn "MC Free" Thomason: the avatar of Brooklyn.He can allow non-avatar New Yorkers to see the Enemy if he needs to use them.

When he becomes Manhattan's avatar, he loses most memory of his former life, representing his role as a new New Yorker.
