Reviews

It is wonderful to have a novel-length story in the Xuya universe. We follow three characters and go deeply into each of them. Note for romance readers, though this has a romantic relationship, it isn't a mainline romance. This is a book of politics, cruelty, and revenge in the aftermath of a war. It is also a book about mercy and hope.

I'm not sure this should be the first book you read in the Xuya universe, I'd read [b:The Tea Master and the Detective|36686547|The Tea Master and the Detective (The Universe of Xuya)|Aliette de Bodard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511987651l/36686547._SX50_.jpg|58480498] or [b:Seven of Infinities|52645662|Seven of Infinities|Aliette de Bodard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584988732l/52645662._SX50_.jpg|78429571] first to learn more about mind ships.

stegofreak's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

bjorrdan's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

samkb's review against another edition

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3.0

“A Fire Born of Exile” is a political sci-fi drama centered on the enigmatic Quynh, who draws other characters into her orbit primarily for her own ends. The consequence of this is that Quynh is by far the most compelling character and everyone else falls very flat in comparison.
This is my second time reading a book by Aliette de Bodard and once again I found that the writing style just isn’t really my favorite. She has a real gift for setting up intricate plots and detailed worldbuilding, yet the story somehow fails to captivate.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

kpharoah's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional 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

lizshayne's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

This was one of those stories that embodies truth in advertising. I was sold on it as Lesbian space Count of Monte Cristo and it absolutely lives up to that claim and if that sounds good, you should also read it. And I particularly appreciated de Bodard’s discourse on the two forms of legal corruption - perverting justice by hiding the guilty from it and by using justice to be unjust.
It’s very well done.

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