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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So the premise of this book is really interesting. Asian writers have been invited to retell favorite stories from their cultures.
These stories range from science fiction to fantasy to contemporary YA, and every one of them is finished with a short explanation from the author that states the original inspiration and why they made the choices they did. As with any anthology, these are not evenly amazing, and the author's commentaries are even more uneven.
The stories that are most successful (for me) are the ones that stick a little more closely to the original story or even reference that story, like The Crimson Cloak, which was probably one of my favorites.
Overall, this was an easy listen, and I enjoyed it a lot. It is probably a 3 overall, but I do think the underlying concept is really interesting and deserves points (and a star) for originality.
These stories range from science fiction to fantasy to contemporary YA, and every one of them is finished with a short explanation from the author that states the original inspiration and why they made the choices they did. As with any anthology, these are not evenly amazing, and the author's commentaries are even more uneven.
The stories that are most successful (for me) are the ones that stick a little more closely to the original story or even reference that story, like The Crimson Cloak, which was probably one of my favorites.
Overall, this was an easy listen, and I enjoyed it a lot. It is probably a 3 overall, but I do think the underlying concept is really interesting and deserves points (and a star) for originality.
I cannot believe I never added this book to my Read list! It is one of few anthologies where certain stories hit so hard that as soon as I saw the cover I went "I REMEMBER THAT ONE STORY WASN'T IT IN HERE???" and had to investigate. Sure enough I'd read it a couple months ago and just somehow neglected to put it on! I would honestly love to read it again... and I do need to make a library list anyway... :)
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A wonderful collection of short stories. Not all of them were winners but most of them were very enjoyable to read and a few were true gems.
Definitely read the author's notes after each story. Not only do they add context, but they also speak to the author's intent. That helped me appreciate what they were trying to do with their reimagining of a particular SE Asian myth or fairytale, even if the actual story didn't quite hit the mark.
Definitely read the author's notes after each story. Not only do they add context, but they also speak to the author's intent. That helped me appreciate what they were trying to do with their reimagining of a particular SE Asian myth or fairytale, even if the actual story didn't quite hit the mark.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Racism, Sexual content, Stalking
Minor: Transphobia, Excrement, Pregnancy
I don't like rating anthologies, but I really enjoyed a lot of these stories. The modern look into these folktales, myths and fairy tales was refreshing and a lot of fun. Glad I read this.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Third time reading an anthology and again, some stories were good whereas some were not. I think for some the plot acts as if its a longer book so the information needed for the reader is given too late. I did love however the little notes each author left at the end about the myth they based it on, very informative.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, this was a good anthology. As with all short story collections, some stories are stronger than others, but I liked the majority of them. It was great to get to learn about mythologies that are commonly overlooked.
Forbidden Fruit by Roshani Chokshi - 3.5 stars
I liked this story, but I didn't really get it.
Olivia's Table by Alyssa Wong - 4 stars
Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee - 4 stars
This story seems to reverse the meaning of it's inspiration, but I loved the story all on its own!
Still Star-Crossed by Sona Charaipotra - 5 stars
I want a novel length version of this!
The Counting of Vermillion Beeds by Aliette De Bodard - 3 stars
The Land of the Morning Calm by E.C. Myers - 5 stars
This one was seriously emotional - I was on the verge of tears sitting in the DMV.
The Smile by Aisha Saeed - 3 stars
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber - 2 stars
Nothing Into All by Renee Ahdieh - 2 stars
So the girl who's covered for her brother their entire lives ends up doing it yet again. Pffft, no thank you.
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia - 1 star
Dude-bro wants to be a hero, but then whines when the opportunity presents itself. Gross.
Code of Honor by Melissa de la Cruz - 3 stars
It was fine. The story was loosely tied to the Blue Bloods series, but it was not a good enough story to stand alone.
Bullet Butterfly by Elsie Chapman - 4 stars
Daughter of the Sun by Shveta Thakrar - 3 stars
The Crimson Cloak by Cindy Pon - 2.5 stars
"Dear Reader."
Eyes Like Candlelight by Julie Kagawa - 3 stars
I think I would have liked this story if it was a little bit longer. I liked where it was heading, but didn't feel emotionally attached to any of the characters.
Forbidden Fruit by Roshani Chokshi - 3.5 stars
I liked this story, but I didn't really get it.
Olivia's Table by Alyssa Wong - 4 stars
Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee - 4 stars
This story seems to reverse the meaning of it's inspiration, but I loved the story all on its own!
Still Star-Crossed by Sona Charaipotra - 5 stars
I want a novel length version of this!
The Counting of Vermillion Beeds by Aliette De Bodard - 3 stars
The Land of the Morning Calm by E.C. Myers - 5 stars
This one was seriously emotional - I was on the verge of tears sitting in the DMV.
The Smile by Aisha Saeed - 3 stars
Girls Who Twirl and Other Dangers by Preeti Chhibber - 2 stars
Nothing Into All by Renee Ahdieh - 2 stars
So the girl who's covered for her brother their entire lives ends up doing it yet again. Pffft, no thank you.
Spear Carrier by Rahul Kanakia - 1 star
Dude-bro wants to be a hero, but then whines when the opportunity presents itself. Gross.
Code of Honor by Melissa de la Cruz - 3 stars
It was fine. The story was loosely tied to the Blue Bloods series, but it was not a good enough story to stand alone.
Bullet Butterfly by Elsie Chapman - 4 stars
Daughter of the Sun by Shveta Thakrar - 3 stars
The Crimson Cloak by Cindy Pon - 2.5 stars
"Dear Reader."
Eyes Like Candlelight by Julie Kagawa - 3 stars
I think I would have liked this story if it was a little bit longer. I liked where it was heading, but didn't feel emotionally attached to any of the characters.