King of the City — Michael Moorcock

The author of Mother London provides “another fabulous ride . . . as sprawling as a Victorian social novel and as vigorous as an eighteenth-century picaresque” (Kirkus, starred review).

The King of the City recounts the times and trials of quintessential Londoner Dennis Dover, former rock guitarist, photojournalist, and paparazzo. Though he may travel far and wide, London's many vagaries always seduce Denny home. And London is where Rosie Beck is -- Denny's brilliant, beautiful, socially conscious cousin.

Rosie has always been Denny's soul and soulmate. Since childhood they have been inseparable, delighting in a life with no limits. But now the metropolis that nurtured them is threatened by a powerful, unstoppable force that consumes the past and leaves nothing of substance in its wake.

The terminator is named John Barbican Begg. A hanger-on from Denny and Rosie's youth, he has become the morally corrupt center of their London and the richest, most rapacious creature in the Western Hemisphere. Now, as their cherished landmarks tumble, conspiracy, secrets, lies, and betrayal become the centerpieces of Rosie and Dennis's days. For Barbican has but one goal: to devour the entire world. And the only choice left is to join in, drop out . . . or plot to destroy.