Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“The company engineered desire and sold it as experience.” But in Tobacco City, a novella by author Ricardo Novaes, the company did much more than that: it disguised a hellish dystopia as success. Meet Matheus Reis, a power-hungry corporate cog ravenous for advancement no matter what the cost. Seeking unchecked and limitless power, Matheus joins a predatory company about to release a new cigarette—something far more insidious and addictive than anything the world has ever seen before. Unsatisfied with the smashing success of this new product, Matheus pitches something even more addictive and deadlier, as corporate leadership salivates at projected profits. Driven and single-minded like a predatory shark, Matheus stops at nothing to get what he wants, including willingly stepping into a moral abyss.

Deliberately cold and depressing, akin to visiting a morgue, yet simultaneously brilliant, Tobacco City by Ricardo Novaes is a unique and mesmerizing tale. The simple plot centers on a man's unbridled ambition, while themes of morality, greed, a lack of empathy, and profit at the expense of lives make the narrative dark and somber. Character development is light, as the concise story focuses on the enigmatic protagonist who not only remains unredeemed but also remains unsatisfied, even after his quick rise to power. The slightly unorthodox writing style, a byproduct of the translation from the author's native Portuguese, adds further charm. With its fast pace and sublime atmosphere, Tobacco City is an excellent read for fans seeking modern tales exposing the worst of corporate culture.