Literature · 2020 · urban fantasy
In The City We Became, New York City is alive—its five boroughs personified as adults who become avatars of their neighborhoods. When a cosmic, otherworldly force threatens to consume the city, these avatars must unite, despite their differences, to protect their home. The novel explores identity, community, and resistance, blending fantastical battles with sharp social commentary. The fate of New York depends on whether its people can stand together.
Unofficial fan work — not affiliated with the rights holders.
Awakenings
How the boroughs discover their power and purpose.
Convergences
Alliances and conflicts among the avatars and their allies.
Intrusions
The machinations and bargains of the Enemy.
Landmarks
Iconic New York places touched by magic and memory.
Totems
Objects and symbols of power that shape the struggle.
Manny
Lead
Brooklyn Thomason
Ally
Bronca Siwanoy
Heart
Aislyn Houlihan
Rival
Padmini Prakash
Witness
Lead
A young Latino man in his twenties, sharp brown eyes, close-cropped black hair, medium build. Wears a tailored dark jacket, button-up, and jeans—stylish but practical. His stance is alert, as if ready to run or fight, and his expression mixes wonder and determination.
Curious, quick-thinking, resourceful, but haunted by lost memories. Central avatar, connects the boroughs.
Ally
Black woman, late 30s, with natural hair in a bold afro, warm brown skin, and a commanding presence. Wears a vintage band tee under a leather jacket, chunky boots, and statement earrings. Her silhouette is confident and upright, exuding leadership.
Protective, passionate, outspoken, a born leader with a creative soul. Former rapper, now city councilwoman; supports and challenges Manny.
Heart
Indigenous woman, early 60s, with long gray-black hair in a braid, deep-set eyes, and a weathered, wise face. Wears layered sweaters and scarves, practical pants, and sturdy shoes. Her posture is grounded, her gaze both warm and steely.
Fiercely intelligent, compassionate, carries the weight of history. Director of an art center; keeps the group anchored to real stakes.
Rival
White woman, early 20s, pale skin, long red-blonde hair, often pulled back. Slim, with a tense, almost haunted posture. Wears a faded hoodie, jeans, and sneakers, her palette cooler and more washed-out than the others.
Isolated, anxious, desperate for approval, torn between sides. Queens avatar, manipulated by the Enemy; in conflict with the others.
Witness
South Asian woman, late 20s, dark brown skin, wavy black hair in a loose ponytail, glasses. Wears a bright scarf, patterned tunic, and jeans, with a shoulder bag full of notebooks and gadgets. Her eyes are observant, her bearing thoughtful.
Analytical, creative, quietly witty, sees patterns others miss. Mathematics grad student, interpreter of the city’s magic.
Painterly urban fantasy: vivid, moody cityscapes; layered textures echoing subway tiles, graffiti, and rain-soaked streets. Characters wear contemporary, borough-distinctive clothing—streetwear, business attire, vintage, or practical. Lighting shifts with city weather: neon, dusk, storm, or morning haze.
Story-weather as light: stormy, neon-lit, or golden-hour glow. Painterly illustration, layered with cloth, paper, and urban grit.
