Reviews

Tea and Murder: Stories of the Xuya Universe: The Citadel of Weeping Pearls & The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard

krissywtf's review

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

I enjoyed both stories. The detective story is definitely giving Sherlock Holmes vibes. 

themockingbird's review

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

mumay's review

challenging mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Just could hook me. I found myself drifting and not caring about the characters. Was more interested in the space aspect but there wasn’t enough of it and the mystery felt dry. 

tntknits's review

challenging emotional medium-paced

5.0

lastontheboat's review

adventurous mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.0

Elements reminded me of Ninefox Gambit and Ancillary Justice , which are both big positives.

corvus_corone's review

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emilyb_chicago's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

There are two novellas combined into this short story.

The Citadel of Weeping Pearls - This was a 5 star story for me. I was effortlessly incorporated into the this new and different far future, so far ahead that aspects of science seem almost magical. I loved the emotional journeys our characters went through and was on the edge of my seat toward the end.

The Tea Master and the Detective - This was a 3 star story for me. I love the unique view of mindships and the exploration of trauma for something so seemingly vulnerable. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery was a little heavy handed because it seemed squeezed and shaped to fit into a Sherlock and Watson model that did not work for me. The writing was still amazing and I think this was just a bad fit for me as a reader.

I will continue to explore de Bodard's worlds and stories as her blend of science and beautiful writing make my heart happy.

michaelklam's review

Had a hard time getting into The Citadel of Weeping Pearls, I think the audiobook format was just not the right fit for me and that story, but really enjoyed The Tea Master and the Detective 

mistwhisper117's review

adventurous mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The conclusion to the mystery of The Citadel of Weeping Pearls was not as satisfying as hoped.
As such, The Tea Master and the Detective was more enjoyable for me, and easier to follow with the story being told from only one point of view.

bookswithlydscl's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

2 novellas in one audiobook.
The Citadel of Weeping Pearls - sweeping, majestic space opera at its core dealing with female on female conflict. 
The Tea Master & the Detective - space Sherlock Holmes 

Connected by a universe but otherwise unconnected and can be read as standalone stories. 

I didn't truly connect to either story, but thought TCoWP was beautifully imagined with some interesting themes and a striking ending - 4*

TTM&TD was a 3.5* - I liked the concept and how the story unfolded but didn't love it.