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theduchess93's review
5.0
A beautifully written fantasy about two queer folk on a quest to find their voices and rediscover hope. I'll absolutely be reading everything else in the Birdverse after this!
amber_hastings's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The writing is quite beautiful but I felt almost offended at the way the author has seemingly not considered how the reader is going to navigate this complex world. There were many opportunities to walk us through it, giving us more context for the societal rules and explanation of the magic systems. I know there are some companion stories floating around but as they're not traditionally published it was difficult to find them. I also found the two voices didn't feel distinct enough, meaning I was often unsure which character I was meant to be reading. Overall a nice experience in terms of letting the beautiful imagery wash over me, but I couldn't really feel hooked or engaged in the characters or the plot.
harleynyx's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
lezreadalot's review against another edition
4.0
It is wrong to make a treasure of another, however tenderly kept.
3.5 stars. Certain events over the last couple of years have just really made me love and appreciate fiction that follows older people, having adventures, living their lives, struggling with some of the same decisions as younger protagonists. It's even more impactful when they're older queer and trans protagonists. So I really really liked this, especially the fantasy, the gods, how queerness and transness is a part of the world. Two trans elders, Uiziya, a woman who transitioned as a young girl, and a nameless man who only very recently underwent the change, go on a journey to find her aunt Benesret. Uiziya, a weaver, wants to learn the final weave from her, and the nameless man wants her to name him.
I'm definitely glad I read the prequel novelette, which gives us more insight into the man's relationship with this grandchildren (one of whom is nonbinary) and his past relationships, especially the one that basically emotionally blackmailed him into delaying his transition for forty years because she didn't want to be with a man. Transphobia and cissexism play a big part of the story, so definitely tread lightly. But I really liked how the author wrote about it, especially how the nameless man navigated his manhood as a person brought up in a very gendered society, where men and women had very strict roles and lived apart; he was never a part of the men's quarters in all his 60-odd years. We get some interesting conversations about gender roles and belonging. I really liked the friendship that grew between Uiziya and the man. The magic system is interesting, though I still don't think I quite have a handle on deepnames and how they work. There's a bit of action and intrigue, a lot of cool cultural stuff and world-building (I really like the concept of the assassins and their garments) and a satisfying ending.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Paul Boehmer, and enjoyed it quite a bit. It was really emotional but also lively narration, and I always felt like he was giving it 110%. It made for an intense listen. This was a great story in an intriguing world; I'll probably check out their other short stories!
Content warnings:
Spoiler
injury, death, torture, transphobia, misgenderinglizzderr's review
5.0
This lyrical, poignant novella is an absolutely stunning work of art. Lemberg takes deep feelings about gender, love and family, aging, and death, and weaves them together into a captivating tale of two friends’ journey across the desert in search of answers, and so much more. I got to hear Lemberg read the poem in which this novella has its origins earlier this month, but I would still call this my first proper sojourn into the Birdverse, and what a thrilling introduction it was. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
alliemackie's review
5.0
Wonderful, rich queer fairytale. I cannot wait for more from the Birdverse!
wishbea's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Torture, Death, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Gore, and Blood
Minor: Self harm
pearlc's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a delightful story that felt very fairytalesque as it followed two 60 somethings on a journey to find themselves. The story rests on their friendship and the commonalities between them as much as the differences. Ultimately the theme of embracing change as the way forward in life is a good one.
aliu6's review
4.0
4 stars
Uiziya has waited forty years for her aunt to return so she can finish learning how to make the four great weaves. For the sake of his lover, the nameless man temporarily known as nen-sasaïr has waited forty years to transform into his true body. Both seek Uiziya's aunt, Benesret; Uiziya wants guidance, nen-sasaïr wants a name. They travel across the desert together, only to get caught up in a more dangerous quest to challenge the Ruler of Iyar and take back his greatest treasure.
This book was really different, and in a good way. It's set in a world where people are born with deepnames that determine the strength of their magic. The four great weaves are of wind, sand, hope, and death, and a weave of wind allows its user to transform into their true body. There are different cultures of people, with different customs, especially relating to whether women are allowed to have magic.
Concept-wise, I really loved the book. It has obvious allusions to aspects of the LGBTQIA community, and it really makes you think and see things in a different way. Plot-wise, the story is quite interesting and never felt like it was dragging. I will say that it was a little basic. This book definitely triggered a lot of thoughts, but I don't think that much actually happened. The complexities come from the storytelling, and I was back and forth between loving it and being annoyed by it.
The story alternates between first person POV for Uiziya and nen-sasaïr. To be honest, this was a bit jarring for me in the beginning. The POV switches quite often, with some events being retold from both POVs, and it was kind of hard for me to keep track, especially when there wasn't much difference in their voices for me.
The author made certain stylistic choices (e.g. lots of repetition of phrases) that made the book read almost like poetry. I liked this for the most part, although it seemed excessive at times.
Another thing about the book is that it really throws you right into the deep end. I was quite confused for the beginning of the book, and little by little, pieces about the world came together. I understand the logic behind allowing readers to discover the world for themselves, but it was a little much when I just wanted a relaxing read.
All in all, I would recommend this book. It's a quick read and will make you think afterwards.
** I received an ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Uiziya has waited forty years for her aunt to return so she can finish learning how to make the four great weaves. For the sake of his lover, the nameless man temporarily known as nen-sasaïr has waited forty years to transform into his true body. Both seek Uiziya's aunt, Benesret; Uiziya wants guidance, nen-sasaïr wants a name. They travel across the desert together, only to get caught up in a more dangerous quest to challenge the Ruler of Iyar and take back his greatest treasure.
This book was really different, and in a good way. It's set in a world where people are born with deepnames that determine the strength of their magic. The four great weaves are of wind, sand, hope, and death, and a weave of wind allows its user to transform into their true body. There are different cultures of people, with different customs, especially relating to whether women are allowed to have magic.
Concept-wise, I really loved the book. It has obvious allusions to aspects of the LGBTQIA community, and it really makes you think and see things in a different way. Plot-wise, the story is quite interesting and never felt like it was dragging. I will say that it was a little basic. This book definitely triggered a lot of thoughts, but I don't think that much actually happened. The complexities come from the storytelling, and I was back and forth between loving it and being annoyed by it.
The story alternates between first person POV for Uiziya and nen-sasaïr. To be honest, this was a bit jarring for me in the beginning. The POV switches quite often, with some events being retold from both POVs, and it was kind of hard for me to keep track, especially when there wasn't much difference in their voices for me.
The author made certain stylistic choices (e.g. lots of repetition of phrases) that made the book read almost like poetry. I liked this for the most part, although it seemed excessive at times.
Another thing about the book is that it really throws you right into the deep end. I was quite confused for the beginning of the book, and little by little, pieces about the world came together. I understand the logic behind allowing readers to discover the world for themselves, but it was a little much when I just wanted a relaxing read.
All in all, I would recommend this book. It's a quick read and will make you think afterwards.
** I received an ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.