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samusc's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
The cover is stunning and has been imprinted in my mind since before the book was released.
The nonbinary and polyamorous representation is well done.
The concept of wiping out an opponent's culture by actively destroying their artwork and turning the remains into a weapon is so meaningful, wow </spoiler/> !
I love that Jebi is an artist and not a soldier. The whole situation plays to the idea that for a successful revolution, anyone can contribute regardless of skill set.
The romance aspect of this story and Vei as a character is so unique.
What I loved most about this book is the humor in the voice given to Arazi .
I’d recommend Phoenix Extravagant to any fantasy fan, but especially those that have read a lot of Young Adult and are looking to branch out into Adult Fantasy. Jebi is 27 and somewhat ignorant of the world around them at the beginning, yet rebellious in the best ways. The language is approachable, the twists exhilarating, and the few sex related scenes handled with care.
The conclusion sets us up well for a sequel that I can’t wait to read. This book was a lovely introduction for me to Yoon Ha Lee’s work and I’m looking forward to more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Confinement and Sexual content
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Violence, Gore, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
anigoose's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really loved this. I don't quite even know what I'd compare it to in order to recommend it, but I just...it was such a solidly good book. Pleasant to read, you know? It helped that the audiobook was narrated by Emily Woo Zeller who is amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Ableism, Blood, and Vomit
cursedepub's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A fun, quick, and exciting adventure story. Not particularly complex, especially compared to Yoon Ha Lee's Machineries of Empire series, but still a balance of entertaining and thoughtful, with a darker tone at the end. I can't say I'm particularly impressed by the book - I found the characters mostly flat and was wishing for more depth and exploration overall - but its a good book if you want to just curl up and have a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Blood, Confinement, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual content
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