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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Definitely a fantastic anthology. I don't have a favorite story because to be honest I really liked all of them?
100% Recommend.
100% Recommend.
This is really more of a 3.5*. It was thoroughly interesting and I loved the format of the book: how each of the writers would explain the original myth after telling their version of the story. But I’m sad to say that I lost interest towards the latter part of the book to the point that I didn’t pick it up for several days. When I did finally pick it up, it was more of a push through than an enjoyable read.
I am South Asian as well and it felt really incredible seeing all these myths I’ve grew up hearing being represented in a singular book. Maybe that was a deterrent for me, or maybe I really did get bored, I’m not really certain. All I know is that this book lost me towards the end.
I am South Asian as well and it felt really incredible seeing all these myths I’ve grew up hearing being represented in a singular book. Maybe that was a deterrent for me, or maybe I really did get bored, I’m not really certain. All I know is that this book lost me towards the end.
This is really more of a 3.5*. It was thoroughly interesting and I loved the format of the book: how each of the writers would explain the original myth after telling their version of the story. But I’m sad to say that I lost interest towards the latter part of the book to the point that I didn’t pick it up for several days. When I did finally pick it up, it was more of a push through than an enjoyable read.
I am South Asian as well and it felt really incredible seeing all these myths I’ve grew up hearing being represented in a singular book. Maybe that was a deterrent for me, or maybe I really did get bored, I’m not really certain. All I know is that this book lost me towards the end.
I am South Asian as well and it felt really incredible seeing all these myths I’ve grew up hearing being represented in a singular book. Maybe that was a deterrent for me, or maybe I really did get bored, I’m not really certain. All I know is that this book lost me towards the end.
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This collection of stories is one of the best I've read in awhile. It's got various genres, and some stories both familiar and new to me.
There's a Hmong folk tale updated to a science fiction tale with robots, a modern high school group of friends taking revenge a la Ma Durga, a telling of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl in which she gets to tell her version of the tale, and many, many others.
I waited 6 months on a pre-order and was not disappointed.
There's a Hmong folk tale updated to a science fiction tale with robots, a modern high school group of friends taking revenge a la Ma Durga, a telling of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl in which she gets to tell her version of the tale, and many, many others.
I waited 6 months on a pre-order and was not disappointed.
That was a joyous dream come true. Was this book perfect? No. It was actually really not the greatest at times, and has a long list of flaws. But it feeds my hunger for Asian myths, has many books have their ever been before this?
My favourite stories were Forbidden Fruit, The Smile, Spear Carrier, Eyes Like Candlelight, and Bullet, Butterfly. I've heard a lot of people say the Hindus stories weren't strong, but I honestly thought all except Still Star-Crossed were pretty good, at least entertaining. Still Star-Crossed and The Crimson Cloak I didn't care for, but thankfully they were the only ones I really didn't like.
My main problem with this book were that it had some adult content. I think if it was avoided in Forbidden Fruit to story just wouldn't have been the same, but there were many tales where it should've just been avoided. Even though I loved Julie Kagawa's story, I really thought when she threw that in almost ruined it. And The Crimson Cloak was just overpowered by it, which was disgusting and distasteful.
I also think this book should've had at least one Arabic and/or Persian tale, but it didn't, causing the book to feel slightly incomplete. However, I was overjoyed to see a Laotian story included - a fascinating country with a rich literary culture much overlooked.
Story-by-Story reviews:
Forbidden Fruit by [a:Roshani Chokshi|13695109|Roshani Chokshi|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1544538355p2/13695109.jpg]: As I've mentioned, I am no fan of this author, thanks to her comments on anemia, but this story actually really caught me????? It was so weird and disturbing. I might have to read [b:The Gilded Wolves|39863498|The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves, #1)|Roshani Chokshi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525714353l/39863498._SY75_.jpg|53547018] after all.
Olivia's Table by [a:Alyssa Wong|8178928|Alyssa Wong|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1469819886p2/8178928.jpg]: I didn't really care about this one but it did make me hungry.
Steel Skin by [a:Lori M. Lee|7084159|Lori M. Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1368213295p2/7084159.jpg]: I didn't like the first half of this one, but I really liked the plot twist and ending. The kissing scene should've really been omitted, though. I can't wait for [b:Forest of Souls|51573880|Forest of Souls (Shamanborn, #1)|Lori M. Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576781387l/51573880._SX50_SY75_.jpg|70325351] to come out this year, especially after learning that this book will be Laotian, a culture I have much interest in but there are sadly so few books on.
Still Star-Crossed by [a:Sona Charaipotra|7359318|Sona Charaipotra|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1385065970p2/7359318.jpg] - OK, so that was disturbing, disgusting, creepy. and unnecessary. I never asked for a love triangle of which both mother and daughter are involved, and I never will.
The Counting of Vermillion Beads by [a:Aliette de Bodard|2918731|Aliette de Bodard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1261567215p2/2918731.jpg] - This was an enjoyable story, but I kind of thing it would have been better if they kept it as an evil-sister story instead of making them good friends to be # feminist.
The Land of the Morning Calm by [a:E. C. Myers|19076215|E. C. Myers|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] - This story was pretty creative and interesting. I didn't enjoy it too much on the first read, but I think I'll enjoy it better when I re-read it (which I obviously will). I like the idea of combining Korean myths into a video game world.
The Smile by [a:Aisha Saeed|8106586|Aisha Saeed|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1396461507p2/8106586.jpg] - This story was based on Mughal legends and I am pleased. I just have a grudge against Saeed because of Yes No Maybe So.
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by [a:Preeti Chhibber|15600901|Preeti Chhibber|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1496408704p2/15600901.jpg] - A fun, if mindless story. Def. going to look into this author's other books.
Nothing Into All by [a:Renée Ahdieh|4600197|Renée Ahdieh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1487663209p2/4600197.jpg] - This story was precious and interestingly very similar to stories I've read from European fairy tale treasuries, like the Brother's Grimm. I've heard both a lot of good and bad things about Ahdieh's books, I'll have to read them to see if I like them quiet as much as this tale.
Spear Carrier by [a:Rahul Kanakia|4114729|Rahul Kanakia|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578970946p2/4114729.jpg] - This felt like a pacifist retelling of the Mahabharata. I stan.
Code of Honor by [a:Melissa de la Cruz|21911|Melissa de la Cruz|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1521600969p2/21911.jpg] - This just felt # edgy. I can see why some may enjoy it, but it really wasn't for me (though it would make a pretty cool novel, if lengthened).
Bullet, Butterfly by [a:Elsie Chapman|5441417|Elsie Chapman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1351817206p2/5441417.jpg] - This felt like a gender-reversed version of Mulan and Romeo & Juliette, which made this story both familiar and a breath of new air at the same time. I want it as a full-length novel, please.
Daughter of the Sun by [a:Shveta Thakrar|5097748|Shveta Thakrar|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1543548224p2/5097748.jpg] - I didn't connect with this one too much, but I expect it will at re-read. I enjoyed Thakrar's writing, which is good, as my most-anticipated release this year is her novel [b:Star Daughter|52781202|Star Daughter|Shveta Thakrar|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572202419l/52781202._SX50_SY75_.jpg|66825697].
The Crimson Cloak by [a:Cindy Pon|2471183|Cindy Pon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1259643400p2/2471183.jpg] - I really didn't like this one. While not as bad as Still Star-Crossed, the writing reminded me of [b:Spin the Dawn|42815556|Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)|Elizabeth Lim|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542674036l/42815556._SY75_.jpg|58477266], just less flowery.
Eyes Like a Candlelight by [a:Julie Kagawa|2995873|Julie Kagawa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1257816454p2/2995873.jpg] - I love reading about kitsune and I love Kagawa writing about kitsune.
---------
Yahoooooo! I'm finally reading this! It starts with a story by Roshani Chockshi, who I have an intense disliking for (her Aru Shah series is incredibly rude to ill children), and ends with Julie Kagawa, who I've very much enjoyed her [b:Shadow of the Fox|36672988|Shadow of the Fox (Shadow of the Fox, #1)|Julie Kagawa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525104599l/36672988._SY75_.jpg|58459383] series. This book even has Laotian tales!
---------
OK someone tell me who forgot to tell me of this book's existence so that I can give them a good fussing. Thank you.
My favourite stories were Forbidden Fruit, The Smile, Spear Carrier, Eyes Like Candlelight, and Bullet, Butterfly. I've heard a lot of people say the Hindus stories weren't strong, but I honestly thought all except Still Star-Crossed were pretty good, at least entertaining. Still Star-Crossed and The Crimson Cloak I didn't care for, but thankfully they were the only ones I really didn't like.
My main problem with this book were that it had some adult content. I think if it was avoided in Forbidden Fruit to story just wouldn't have been the same, but there were many tales where it should've just been avoided. Even though I loved Julie Kagawa's story, I really thought when she threw that in almost ruined it. And The Crimson Cloak was just overpowered by it, which was disgusting and distasteful.
I also think this book should've had at least one Arabic and/or Persian tale, but it didn't, causing the book to feel slightly incomplete. However, I was overjoyed to see a Laotian story included - a fascinating country with a rich literary culture much overlooked.
Story-by-Story reviews:
Forbidden Fruit by [a:Roshani Chokshi|13695109|Roshani Chokshi|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1544538355p2/13695109.jpg]: As I've mentioned, I am no fan of this author, thanks to her comments on anemia, but this story actually really caught me????? It was so weird and disturbing. I might have to read [b:The Gilded Wolves|39863498|The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves, #1)|Roshani Chokshi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525714353l/39863498._SY75_.jpg|53547018] after all.
Olivia's Table by [a:Alyssa Wong|8178928|Alyssa Wong|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1469819886p2/8178928.jpg]: I didn't really care about this one but it did make me hungry.
Steel Skin by [a:Lori M. Lee|7084159|Lori M. Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1368213295p2/7084159.jpg]: I didn't like the first half of this one, but I really liked the plot twist and ending. The kissing scene should've really been omitted, though. I can't wait for [b:Forest of Souls|51573880|Forest of Souls (Shamanborn, #1)|Lori M. Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576781387l/51573880._SX50_SY75_.jpg|70325351] to come out this year, especially after learning that this book will be Laotian, a culture I have much interest in but there are sadly so few books on.
Still Star-Crossed by [a:Sona Charaipotra|7359318|Sona Charaipotra|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1385065970p2/7359318.jpg] - OK, so that was disturbing, disgusting, creepy. and unnecessary. I never asked for a love triangle of which both mother and daughter are involved, and I never will.
The Counting of Vermillion Beads by [a:Aliette de Bodard|2918731|Aliette de Bodard|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1261567215p2/2918731.jpg] - This was an enjoyable story, but I kind of thing it would have been better if they kept it as an evil-sister story instead of making them good friends to be # feminist.
The Land of the Morning Calm by [a:E. C. Myers|19076215|E. C. Myers|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] - This story was pretty creative and interesting. I didn't enjoy it too much on the first read, but I think I'll enjoy it better when I re-read it (which I obviously will). I like the idea of combining Korean myths into a video game world.
The Smile by [a:Aisha Saeed|8106586|Aisha Saeed|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1396461507p2/8106586.jpg] - This story was based on Mughal legends and I am pleased. I just have a grudge against Saeed because of Yes No Maybe So.
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by [a:Preeti Chhibber|15600901|Preeti Chhibber|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1496408704p2/15600901.jpg] - A fun, if mindless story. Def. going to look into this author's other books.
Nothing Into All by [a:Renée Ahdieh|4600197|Renée Ahdieh|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1487663209p2/4600197.jpg] - This story was precious and interestingly very similar to stories I've read from European fairy tale treasuries, like the Brother's Grimm. I've heard both a lot of good and bad things about Ahdieh's books, I'll have to read them to see if I like them quiet as much as this tale.
Spear Carrier by [a:Rahul Kanakia|4114729|Rahul Kanakia|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578970946p2/4114729.jpg] - This felt like a pacifist retelling of the Mahabharata. I stan.
Code of Honor by [a:Melissa de la Cruz|21911|Melissa de la Cruz|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1521600969p2/21911.jpg] - This just felt # edgy. I can see why some may enjoy it, but it really wasn't for me (though it would make a pretty cool novel, if lengthened).
Bullet, Butterfly by [a:Elsie Chapman|5441417|Elsie Chapman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1351817206p2/5441417.jpg] - This felt like a gender-reversed version of Mulan and Romeo & Juliette, which made this story both familiar and a breath of new air at the same time. I want it as a full-length novel, please.
Daughter of the Sun by [a:Shveta Thakrar|5097748|Shveta Thakrar|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1543548224p2/5097748.jpg] - I didn't connect with this one too much, but I expect it will at re-read. I enjoyed Thakrar's writing, which is good, as my most-anticipated release this year is her novel [b:Star Daughter|52781202|Star Daughter|Shveta Thakrar|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572202419l/52781202._SX50_SY75_.jpg|66825697].
The Crimson Cloak by [a:Cindy Pon|2471183|Cindy Pon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1259643400p2/2471183.jpg] - I really didn't like this one. While not as bad as Still Star-Crossed, the writing reminded me of [b:Spin the Dawn|42815556|Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)|Elizabeth Lim|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542674036l/42815556._SY75_.jpg|58477266], just less flowery.
Eyes Like a Candlelight by [a:Julie Kagawa|2995873|Julie Kagawa|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1257816454p2/2995873.jpg] - I love reading about kitsune and I love Kagawa writing about kitsune.
---------
Yahoooooo! I'm finally reading this! It starts with a story by Roshani Chockshi, who I have an intense disliking for (her Aru Shah series is incredibly rude to ill children), and ends with Julie Kagawa, who I've very much enjoyed her [b:Shadow of the Fox|36672988|Shadow of the Fox (Shadow of the Fox, #1)|Julie Kagawa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525104599l/36672988._SY75_.jpg|58459383] series. This book even has Laotian tales!
---------
OK someone tell me who forgot to tell me of this book's existence so that I can give them a good fussing. Thank you.
How I Came to Read This Anthology
I discovered this anthology thanks to Book Riot's 'Read Harder' 2021 challenge, task #10: "Read an SFF anthology edited by a person of colour" .
Unfortunately for me, this year's challenge includes many genres that don't appeal to me (romance, for example, is a genre in which I unfortunately never find my bearings, same with YA 'coming of age', or books destined to even younger audiences), or that don't correspond to genres I usually read, but that I am open to (non-fiction, some YA literature - especially horror!). So, I was glad to actually have to put in work to find a book that fits the challenges that come less naturally to me since the goal, after all, is to broaden one's horisons.
Except, Well, I Didn't Actually Read It
As I return to work, I need something to keep my mind occupied as I do some begning of the year data clean-up and updates. Honestly, it helps me focus. I'm less likely to find myself drifting off from less intelectually-engaging tasks if I can engage my mind in a way that does not interupt the 'copy-pasting' movements. Don't worry, I make sure to re-read what I've written sans-audio before I submit anything. I AM THOROUGH.
All this to say, this was an audio book. The narrator's voice was pleasant and well-suited to the fairytail mood of the anthology. I listened at 1.3x speed, which is more of an indication than a criticism as I always listen to audiobooks at anywhere between 1.15 to 1.4x the speed.
I Feel Like I'm Writing For One of Those Yummy-Mummy Recipe Blogs
You know the ones where the recipe never comes and it's just endless introduction, scene-setting, and anecdotes? Well, this is the part where you get to the recipe. Review.
Reviewing anthologies is hard - as I've mentionned before - because of the vast differences between works written by different people.
None of the stories in this anthology disappointed me. These obviously lovingly crafted re-tellings of myths/legends/fairytales from a wide array of Asian cultures all had an air of wonder and respect, a perhaps nostalgic gentleness. These are qualities I look for in mythical re-tellings - a sense of their age and cultural weight.
I also appreciate that each story comes with a note from the author on its origins.
Many update the myths to a modern settings while others take it even further, projecting them in a futuristic sci-fi setting (noatably, the Blade Runner-esque Steel Skin and the Black Mirror-ish The Land of the Morning Calm ).
But my favourite was the one told in the most traditional fashion. The Forbidden Fruit , a retelling/mashup/origin story based on the Maria Makiling legends, originating from the Philippins. Written with sensual, poetic, and classic fairytale-like beguiled wonderment by Roshani Chokshi (which, on an unrelated note, is a very beautiful name).
I discovered this anthology thanks to Book Riot's 'Read Harder' 2021 challenge, task #10: "Read an SFF anthology edited by a person of colour" .
Unfortunately for me, this year's challenge includes many genres that don't appeal to me (romance, for example, is a genre in which I unfortunately never find my bearings, same with YA 'coming of age', or books destined to even younger audiences), or that don't correspond to genres I usually read, but that I am open to (non-fiction, some YA literature - especially horror!). So, I was glad to actually have to put in work to find a book that fits the challenges that come less naturally to me since the goal, after all, is to broaden one's horisons.
Except, Well, I Didn't Actually Read It
As I return to work, I need something to keep my mind occupied as I do some begning of the year data clean-up and updates. Honestly, it helps me focus. I'm less likely to find myself drifting off from less intelectually-engaging tasks if I can engage my mind in a way that does not interupt the 'copy-pasting' movements. Don't worry, I make sure to re-read what I've written sans-audio before I submit anything. I AM THOROUGH.
All this to say, this was an audio book. The narrator's voice was pleasant and well-suited to the fairytail mood of the anthology. I listened at 1.3x speed, which is more of an indication than a criticism as I always listen to audiobooks at anywhere between 1.15 to 1.4x the speed.
I Feel Like I'm Writing For One of Those Yummy-Mummy Recipe Blogs
You know the ones where the recipe never comes and it's just endless introduction, scene-setting, and anecdotes? Well, this is the part where you get to the recipe. Review.
Reviewing anthologies is hard - as I've mentionned before - because of the vast differences between works written by different people.
None of the stories in this anthology disappointed me. These obviously lovingly crafted re-tellings of myths/legends/fairytales from a wide array of Asian cultures all had an air of wonder and respect, a perhaps nostalgic gentleness. These are qualities I look for in mythical re-tellings - a sense of their age and cultural weight.
I also appreciate that each story comes with a note from the author on its origins.
Many update the myths to a modern settings while others take it even further, projecting them in a futuristic sci-fi setting (noatably, the Blade Runner-esque Steel Skin and the Black Mirror-ish The Land of the Morning Calm ).
But my favourite was the one told in the most traditional fashion. The Forbidden Fruit , a retelling/mashup/origin story based on the Maria Makiling legends, originating from the Philippins. Written with sensual, poetic, and classic fairytale-like beguiled wonderment by Roshani Chokshi (which, on an unrelated note, is a very beautiful name).
Premise is cool, only an okay execution. Short stories written by novel writers often have the problem of not having an actual ending, instead just abruptly stopping.
These were particularly interesting stories to experience, most of which I'd never been exposed to before, which all lent to an enjoyable time. However, I didn't love any one more than the others which is unusual because I usually find at least one that I connect with overall. Not this time. The one that came closest was Julie Kagawa's story about the Kitsune (because I'm still not over her Shadow of the Fox series and this is the closest I'll get to it without actually rereading it).
Despite my neutral feelings, this isn't a terrible anthology and you should pick it up, if just for a little variety in your life. It introduced me to some new authors so I appreciate that too
Despite my neutral feelings, this isn't a terrible anthology and you should pick it up, if just for a little variety in your life. It introduced me to some new authors so I appreciate that too