City of Others

Book 1 of The DEUS Files

Published by Orbit (US & UK)

City of Others is a contemporary fantasy set in Singapore, following a civil servant, Benjamin Toh, tasked with managing the city’s supernatural denizens.

It’s about bureaucracy and love and grief and heroism. It’s about learning to rest, to trust, and to let go.

Don’t worry. There are fights, jokes, monsters, and paperwork.

You should probably worry a little. Ben would.

Recognition

Orbit New Voices 2026

Library Journal ★

Shelf Awareness ★

Amazon Best SFF Books (Jan 2026)

Kobo Best of SFF (Jan 2026)

What people have said

"Poon debuts and launches an urban fantasy series with an impressive adventure about civil servants working to save the world from threats that most people don’t notice. Poon’s sharp wit, charming ensemble cast, and astute sense of Ben’s interior struggles make this a tense delight. Readers will be eager for more."

Publishers Weekly

"Folklore and fantastic elements blend seamlessly with ridiculous government bureaucracy and moving character arcs. A humorous yet emotional urban fantasy with excellent worldbuilding."

Library Journal

"Reminiscent of well-loved urban paranormal series of the late '90s and early aughts combined with contemporary workplace comedies, City of Others will resonate with fantasy fans and anyone who recognizes the importance of an unofficial office group chat. A loving sendup of life in civil service and a fascinating interdimensional adventure in one."

Shelf Awareness

"Themes of grief and responsibility are balanced by keen humor, often poking fun at bureaucracy. A standout debut."

Booklist

“Urban fantasy that vibes like The X-Men meets Parks and Recreation? A send-up of government bureaucracy that is also a magnificent homage to public service? Sign me up! I love it when a book makes me think, ‘I have never read anything like this before.’ City of Others is that book—such a unique and refreshing read!”

Megan Bannen, USA Today bestselling author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy

"Jared Poon has delivered a rollicking read with multicultural integrity, fan service, and literary excellence - this bizarre hybrid of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen / My Date with a Vampire / Yes Minister should be required reading for every aspiring / expiring public servant."

Joshua Ip, author of ownself say ownself