The Scar

About “The Scar”

China Mieville's The Scar, a 2002 novel, is set in the same world as his Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Perdido Street Station. The story follows Bellis Coldwine, a linguist who escapes New Crobuzon after being linked to Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin, a scientist who caused chaos in the city. She travels aboard a ship with prisoners and slaves, many of whom have been transformed into strange biological creatures. Alongside her are other travelers fleeing New Crobuzon. The ship is attacked by pirates, and the survivors arrive at Armada, a city built from the remains of pirated ships. Armada is ruled by the Lovers and offers equality to all inhabitants, but no one is allowed to leave. Bellis, trapped and determined to uncover the truth, searches for information about Armada's hidden purpose. The novel explores dark, mysterious forces beneath the ocean that hold a terrifying mission.