# City of Others

By Jared Poon · The DEUS Files, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/city-of-others-25fadc33/

Benjamin Toh’s department helps Singapore’s supernatural residents while keeping them out of public view. When a housing estate disappears during a routine visit, his small team must protect the rest of the city with the resources it already lacks.

## What makes it funny?

Necromancy still requires the right forms. Ben’s day begins with undead ducklings needing registration, while his official report keeps improving in presentation and losing useful information with every round of edits.

### The comedy at work

Poon gives magical emergencies familiar office obstacles. To keep colleagues away from a troublesome cat, the team announces that senior management is filming nearby. Fear of the bosses does the crowd control.

### Try this if…

For readers interested in Southeast Asian folklore and colleagues who become a chosen family. The author pairs bureaucratic frustration with affection for public service, and the story includes queer romance.

### Good to know

This opens The DEUS Files. The office jokes accompany a threat to the city, themes of grief and responsibility, and profanity in the opening chapter.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary · Fantasy
- On the shelf: Urban fantasy · Workplace comedy
- Kind of humor: Dry wit · Satire
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Story ingredients: Found family
- Format: Novel
- Length: 368 pages
- Audiobook: Available
- Published: 2026

## A few distinguishing details

- A Singapore government team serving supernatural residents
- Undead ducklings with paperwork to complete

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Hachette lists City of Others by Jared Poon, ISBN 9780316585477, Trade Paperback, 368 pages; additional format is Audiobook Download (Unabridged), with no duration listed.](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jared-poon/city-of-others/9780316585477)
- Publisher: [UK publisher](https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/jared-poon/city-of-others/9781405565042)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jared-poon/city-of-others/9780316585477)
- Author commentary: [Author interview](https://thenerddaily.com/jared-poon-city-of-others-author-interview)
- Reading sample: [Opening chapter](https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/orbit-books/excerpt-city-of-others-by-jared-poon)