ashurredly's reviews
453 reviews

There were bits and pieces of this book that I enjoyed, but overall, it was a frustrating read. Much of the first half seemed unnecessary and many of the characters acted in ways that didn't seem true to who they were. I enjoyed newer characters like Zomi and Thera, but overall, this was not satisfying.

UPDATE: April 1st (not a joke though). The first time I gave this two stars, on my reread I'm giving it five. I do still think that many of the decisions made don't make sense (why on earth would Kuni or Jia allow the men who almost killed Phyro to live?). BUT I love books with intrigue, this one is full of it, and I've sort of recalibrated my thoughts on this story as being like the fantastic tales told/referenced in the book itself. The details may not add up, but the point is the overall lesson being explored.

There are moments when I can see Ken Liu's translator brain working in this book and it's very fun. The book jumps around a bit too much and Zomi is weirdly incompetent in a way that doesn't make sense given the previous novel. BUT I'm a softy for the philosophy on love that Liu presents and I really want the last book NOW.

This was fantastic! Funny in some places, awful and sad in others. 10/10 would recommend.

I'm not sure I understood a lot of this book, but I enjoyed what it was trying to do with form.