On the HahaFiction shelf
City of Others
The DEUS Files · Book 1 · 2026
Audiobook available
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“In the sunny city of Singapore, the government takes care of everything—even the weird stuff.”Read the full description at Orbit publisher description
Paid link · We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. Affiliate disclosure
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.
A few distinguishing details
- A Singapore government team serving supernatural residents
- Undead ducklings with paperwork to complete
More funny urban fantasy
Sources & further reading
- Hachette lists City of Others by Jared Poon, ISBN 9780316585477, Trade Paperback, 368 pages; additional format is Audiobook Download (Unabridged), with no duration listed.
Publisher
- UK publisher
Publisher
- Publisher
Publisher
- Author interview
Author commentary
- Opening chapter
Reading sample
Something we should correct? Let us know.