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ylshelflove's review against another edition
3.0
I was drawn to this book because of the ancient Chinese mythology. However, there was not much explanation or detail, the creatures and characters of legends just appeared and did what they came to do. I would have appreciated a bit more depth to Chinese lore.
Also, this book was confusing in places, especially concerning the opening of certain chapters. Those chapters usually opened in a situation almost completely unconnected to where the characters were seen last. After a page or two, the story would backtrack, revealing how the character had gotten to that situation in the first place. The abruptness of it all threw me off, and I often had to re-read the first five pages or so and flip back to the character's last chapter for some sort of a reference point.
Lastly, I believe it was implied what the twelve animals of the zodiac were. It could be that I interpreted the story wrong, but that's the impression I got. However, the animals that were mentioned are not zodiac animals. There are no cranes, foxes, or bears. This ambiguity or incorrectness made me wonder just how rooted this story was in Chinese mythology.
I will not be reading the next book in the series.
Also, this book was confusing in places, especially concerning the opening of certain chapters. Those chapters usually opened in a situation almost completely unconnected to where the characters were seen last. After a page or two, the story would backtrack, revealing how the character had gotten to that situation in the first place. The abruptness of it all threw me off, and I often had to re-read the first five pages or so and flip back to the character's last chapter for some sort of a reference point.
Lastly, I believe it was implied what the twelve animals of the zodiac were. It could be that I interpreted the story wrong, but that's the impression I got. However, the animals that were mentioned are not zodiac animals. There are no cranes, foxes, or bears. This ambiguity or incorrectness made me wonder just how rooted this story was in Chinese mythology.
I will not be reading the next book in the series.
techielibgrl's review against another edition
5.0
L.G. Bass makes a stunning debut in "Sign of the Qin," the first book of a series drawing on Chinese myth and legend. Taut, lushly written and wonderfully characterized, "Sign" is an enthralling fantasy with plenty of action, mythic monsters, and a dash of romance and destiny.
The emperor is horrified when he sees his newborn son, because the child has the mark of the Qin, a rebel sign, on his cheek. He throws out the child's mother, Silver Lotus, and secretly plots to kill the baby -- especially since the commoners adore him, since they believe he is the new Starlord, who will renounce his noble birth and be their savior. But the Starlord has a nursemaid and rebel allies who will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
A recent volcanic eruption has let all sorts of demons loose on the land, and the evil Lord of the Dead Yamu is also plotting against the Starlord's life, calling out vile shapeshifters and evil harpies. To combat him, the lords of heaven send the incorrigible trickster Monkey to take care of the innocent little boy as he comes closer to his rebel allies.
Like a flower, "Sign" has to unfold slowly and carefully. But Bass makes it worth the while, infusing the story with lots of character development and background information. Chinese legends aren't used very often in fantasy, allowing Bass's story to seem entirely fresh and original, complete with sea dragons and conveniently-placed goddesses.
Bass's writing is suitably detailed and solemn, with lots of details on swords, filthy streets and jewelry. The descriptions of things like moving tattoos or statues coming to life are astounding. But there's humor as well; the immortality-hungry Monkey provides most of it, but there is also the putrid demon kappa being defeated with good manners, or the elaborate funeral held for a woman who had only fainted. And most stunning of all are the action scenes, usually quite bloody, gritty and very fast-paced.
At first glance, Prince Zong (or "little Starlord") seems like a pretty typical Child of Destiny -- he walks and talks within days of being born, and has immense wisdom. But Bass makes him a little naive and very sweet. The twin rebels (who are also sons of a sea-dragon) White Streak and Black Whirlwind are also well-drawn. Even the villains like Yamu and the snivelling Emperor are well-written.
Bass provides a slow-moving but rich fantasy in "Sign of the Qin," and the finale promises more adventures to come. Fantastical, funny and grim, this is a definite must-read.
The emperor is horrified when he sees his newborn son, because the child has the mark of the Qin, a rebel sign, on his cheek. He throws out the child's mother, Silver Lotus, and secretly plots to kill the baby -- especially since the commoners adore him, since they believe he is the new Starlord, who will renounce his noble birth and be their savior. But the Starlord has a nursemaid and rebel allies who will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
A recent volcanic eruption has let all sorts of demons loose on the land, and the evil Lord of the Dead Yamu is also plotting against the Starlord's life, calling out vile shapeshifters and evil harpies. To combat him, the lords of heaven send the incorrigible trickster Monkey to take care of the innocent little boy as he comes closer to his rebel allies.
Like a flower, "Sign" has to unfold slowly and carefully. But Bass makes it worth the while, infusing the story with lots of character development and background information. Chinese legends aren't used very often in fantasy, allowing Bass's story to seem entirely fresh and original, complete with sea dragons and conveniently-placed goddesses.
Bass's writing is suitably detailed and solemn, with lots of details on swords, filthy streets and jewelry. The descriptions of things like moving tattoos or statues coming to life are astounding. But there's humor as well; the immortality-hungry Monkey provides most of it, but there is also the putrid demon kappa being defeated with good manners, or the elaborate funeral held for a woman who had only fainted. And most stunning of all are the action scenes, usually quite bloody, gritty and very fast-paced.
At first glance, Prince Zong (or "little Starlord") seems like a pretty typical Child of Destiny -- he walks and talks within days of being born, and has immense wisdom. But Bass makes him a little naive and very sweet. The twin rebels (who are also sons of a sea-dragon) White Streak and Black Whirlwind are also well-drawn. Even the villains like Yamu and the snivelling Emperor are well-written.
Bass provides a slow-moving but rich fantasy in "Sign of the Qin," and the finale promises more adventures to come. Fantastical, funny and grim, this is a definite must-read.
kaseyd's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
afterglobe's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting, quick read... but so jumbled and confused! I completely agree with all of the reviews that say that a follow-up book is in order. Seeing as this is meant to be a series, I definitely hope that is the case... However, it looks like it has been several years since this book came out and unfortunately, despite the fact that the book itself is fairly entertaining, it's just not a stand alone piece.
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