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alivaster's review against another edition
4.0
I want to say that each story in this short story collection was engaging from start to finish, but like most anthologies, there are ones that are far superior and really only two that fell short. However, I will say that they were mostly all really good retellings of Asian myths and legends that are less mainstream, though it does include some popular creatures such as the kitsune. True to its title, it really does draw from all over Asia. This was a great introduction to other cultures and the writing overall was engaging and immersive. There are some creepy additions in this collection, but you can just skip over them easily if you need.
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable. Easy to read, not dumbed down for YA.
In judging each story's writing, I feel a little limited by not knowing the style of the original, and to what extent the author is imitating or acknowledging it.
There's a certain consistency through the set; I can't explain it but it's there. That's a good thing.
It's quite weird to be reading this alternately with chapters of Stephen Fry's new book on Greek mythology. Reminds us that evry culture has a rich set of folktales, and they run in parallel surprisingly often.
Recommended as a nice read between heavier books.
In judging each story's writing, I feel a little limited by not knowing the style of the original, and to what extent the author is imitating or acknowledging it.
There's a certain consistency through the set; I can't explain it but it's there. That's a good thing.
It's quite weird to be reading this alternately with chapters of Stephen Fry's new book on Greek mythology. Reminds us that evry culture has a rich set of folktales, and they run in parallel surprisingly often.
Recommended as a nice read between heavier books.
cluelesswonder's review against another edition
I’ve never been a fan of short stories unless they are all somewhat connected. I keep trying though.
mysticdreamer's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cedartonk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
syangaskhan's review against another edition
5.0
Some of these I liked a lot and some of them weren't my style, but overall a really solid collection of short stories. My favorite was Bullet, Butterfly.
rattification's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A lovely collection of short stories!
eireen's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
akookieforyou's review against another edition
3.0
Asian Readathon 2019
I've realized while reading this book that anthologies aren't really for me. I would much rather read one long story over a dozen or more short stories. My rating for this book is a three because I liked certain shorts, and didn't care for others, so a three seemed the best way to go. I really like and appreciate the idea behind this collection, and even though I didn't love every single one, I still learned something from each. I also must say that one of the most entertaining things about each story, was the authors' notes after each tale. I really liked seeing what was the inspiration for all of them.
My favorites were The Land of the Morning Calm, I think this one packed a lot of heart and emotion in such a short amount of pages; Still Star-Crossed had a lot of really interesting elements that I would love to have seen explored more in a full novel; and Eyes Like Candlelight being about Kitsune, one of the more interesting Japanese myths, had my attention the whole way through. Overall these ones were the most engaging and interesting to me.
My least favorites were Spear Carrier, the main character was annoying and I wasn't all that interested in his problems; and The Counting of Vermillion Beads was confusing at times, and I wish certain things could've been explained better.
I've realized while reading this book that anthologies aren't really for me. I would much rather read one long story over a dozen or more short stories. My rating for this book is a three because I liked certain shorts, and didn't care for others, so a three seemed the best way to go. I really like and appreciate the idea behind this collection, and even though I didn't love every single one, I still learned something from each. I also must say that one of the most entertaining things about each story, was the authors' notes after each tale. I really liked seeing what was the inspiration for all of them.
My favorites were The Land of the Morning Calm, I think this one packed a lot of heart and emotion in such a short amount of pages; Still Star-Crossed had a lot of really interesting elements that I would love to have seen explored more in a full novel; and Eyes Like Candlelight being about Kitsune, one of the more interesting Japanese myths, had my attention the whole way through. Overall these ones were the most engaging and interesting to me.
My least favorites were Spear Carrier, the main character was annoying and I wasn't all that interested in his problems; and The Counting of Vermillion Beads was confusing at times, and I wish certain things could've been explained better.