I started reading this book expecting a thriller or typical crime fiction, but the fictional location and the bizarre scenario of the two cities makes this more similar to an urban fantasy novel. 
 I enjoyed following Borlu's story, and I was fascinated by the idea of Breach and Orciny, but I became frustrated with the lack of explanation of things mentioned on a regular basis. I found it hard on several occasions to follow what was going on in the story either because of inherent political or legal ideas that I felt needed expansion. 
 So although this wasn't my favorite novel, I like Mieville's storytelling skills and might give one of his other works a try in the future.