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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I went into this thinking it was a standalone, but the ending makes me think otherwise.
I read Ninefox Gambit a few years back and Phoenix Extravagant reads more "YA" to me, as murky a term as that is.
I enjoyed the art and use of pigments and automatons, and it was nice to have a main character who recognises that they're not the awesome fighter and world saver, but in fact a bit inept at times.
I read Ninefox Gambit a few years back and Phoenix Extravagant reads more "YA" to me, as murky a term as that is.
I enjoyed the art and use of pigments and automatons, and it was nice to have a main character who recognises that they're not the awesome fighter and world saver, but in fact a bit inept at times.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
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 stars rounded to 5 because I keep thinking about this book and I really liked the nonbinary rep
I keep meaning to hop back into this, but never find the strength to do it. Feels like it's just weighing me down. I enjoyed what I read very much, but it just didn't quite suck me in. Still highly recommend though.
Wanted to read this for so many reasons (cover? Amazing. Queer rep? Yes please. Dragon automaton? Mmmmmmhmmmm), but I couldn't get into it. The characters feel so flat, and from reading reviews it seems that doesn't get any better. That's too important to me as a reader to push through.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I have always loved books within the steampunk genre, and Arazi is my childhood dream. I especially enjoy speculative fiction written by Asian authors, in Asian settings; it feels like home, very far away from home.
I thoroughly appreciated Lee's inclusion and handling of the nonbinary characters, as well as the bisexuality of everyone. It reminds me very much of how my ancestors lived, which is a past I take great comfort in-- and the same can be said for this book.
I loved the detail with which Lee built his world, especially down to the individual political level all the way from global conflict.I especially enjoyed that the Razanei's use of Hwagugin art reflects the way their colonization is a force that literally consumes and swallows up Hwagugin culture. I think all victims of colonization have felt that same loss, and I think that detail was a great symbol.
I thoroughly appreciated Lee's inclusion and handling of the nonbinary characters, as well as the bisexuality of everyone. It reminds me very much of how my ancestors lived, which is a past I take great comfort in-- and the same can be said for this book.
I loved the detail with which Lee built his world, especially down to the individual political level all the way from global conflict.
"Surely what mattered was an artist's ability to capture the inner spirit of the subject, and not the minutiae of its exterior appearance?"
.
Yoon Ha Lee presents a Science Fiction fanatical adventure that follows the non-binary protagonist Jebi; an artist whose dream is to become renowned for their craft, knowledge of imbuing pigments to create pieces that evoke emotion and feeling, and after taking an entrance exam to a prestigious, military art programme and being lead down a path of treachery and politics; they learn that knowledge is power, and having connections and personal-ties is a dangerous weapon within a world of warfare. They are taken under the wing of an elitist, and discreet group that house the mecha-dragon 'Arazi'; one who was falsely accused of actions against military force, learning the importance of pigment mixture and symbolism to follow commands; thus leading them on a path of betrayal and questioned loyalties.
.
The most compelling aspect of this book was the notion of artists links with warfare; how pigments determine the behaviour patterns of machines and mixing particular hues give certain commands and symbolism that affect the actions of the mecha-forms. The book started incredibly strong for me, with beautiful descriptions as told from Jebi's perspective (one that is interesting and unique with the they/them format). However, as the narrative progressed we lost the overly-poetic descriptions and the artistry became too involved with the political aspect of the plot; thus rendering the book into a more general scope. Although this was not necessarily a bad aspect from a development of plot perspective, for the uniqueness of the beginning it was just upsetting to witness the change. There are still moments of Jebi's perspective with overtly detailed descriptions that capture artistic quality, but much less so.
.
There is an incredible amount of diversity and representation within this book, all crafted in a 'normal' society that is accepting of all genders and sexualities that was gratifying and truly uplifting. However, due to the elements of War there is a clear racial divide of characters; between the 2 primary cultures. This created an interesting interplay of inter-personal relations of the protagonists/antagonists as it made the reader question motives and whether a character was likeable or not; particularly in reference to Jebi's lover Vei - both a War criminal and military assassin with a passionate and empathetic nature. This conflict made for deeper character development and nurturing that drew you through the pages to find out more of their past, present and future.
.
Even though my review is 'middle-of-the-road', this is still a beautiful and gripping tale with a unique perspective. And there wasn't a moment of narrative that was slow; so readers will be satisfied!
.
Yoon Ha Lee presents a Science Fiction fanatical adventure that follows the non-binary protagonist Jebi; an artist whose dream is to become renowned for their craft, knowledge of imbuing pigments to create pieces that evoke emotion and feeling, and after taking an entrance exam to a prestigious, military art programme and being lead down a path of treachery and politics; they learn that knowledge is power, and having connections and personal-ties is a dangerous weapon within a world of warfare. They are taken under the wing of an elitist, and discreet group that house the mecha-dragon 'Arazi'; one who was falsely accused of actions against military force, learning the importance of pigment mixture and symbolism to follow commands; thus leading them on a path of betrayal and questioned loyalties.
.
The most compelling aspect of this book was the notion of artists links with warfare; how pigments determine the behaviour patterns of machines and mixing particular hues give certain commands and symbolism that affect the actions of the mecha-forms. The book started incredibly strong for me, with beautiful descriptions as told from Jebi's perspective (one that is interesting and unique with the they/them format). However, as the narrative progressed we lost the overly-poetic descriptions and the artistry became too involved with the political aspect of the plot; thus rendering the book into a more general scope. Although this was not necessarily a bad aspect from a development of plot perspective, for the uniqueness of the beginning it was just upsetting to witness the change. There are still moments of Jebi's perspective with overtly detailed descriptions that capture artistic quality, but much less so.
.
There is an incredible amount of diversity and representation within this book, all crafted in a 'normal' society that is accepting of all genders and sexualities that was gratifying and truly uplifting. However, due to the elements of War there is a clear racial divide of characters; between the 2 primary cultures. This created an interesting interplay of inter-personal relations of the protagonists/antagonists as it made the reader question motives and whether a character was likeable or not; particularly in reference to Jebi's lover Vei - both a War criminal and military assassin with a passionate and empathetic nature. This conflict made for deeper character development and nurturing that drew you through the pages to find out more of their past, present and future.
.
Even though my review is 'middle-of-the-road', this is still a beautiful and gripping tale with a unique perspective. And there wasn't a moment of narrative that was slow; so readers will be satisfied!
I have to say I’m predisposed to like Phoenix Extravagant because Machineries of the Empire is one of my favourite series.
This is something new again, a gorgeous novel filled with complex and diverse characters set in a fantasy version Korea Hwaguk occupied by the Japanese – called Razanei. Jebi, the non-binary protagonist, Vei [redacted because spoilers] plus a wider cast including mecha dragons and fox spirits.
It would be easy to see this as easier than his previous series because the worldbuilding is more familiar; an analogue to worlds we recognise, unlike the more alien, numeric Hexarchate. But I found great depth in the constant colonial references, from Jebi’s initial obliviousness to the pain of their name change, to their complicity in engaging with the Razanei. Everything is considered; the cultural differences between art, food, even magic were explored with a subtle touch.
I was hooked from the beginning; I wanted to hold up every page and press it against other people’s faces and say ‘read it! look how good it is!’ There’s a strong balance between the lighter moments and the horrific consequences of the ongoing story. I don’t want to say too much, I’d hate to spoil anything for a novel this good.
Plus, who could resist this cover?
This is something new again, a gorgeous novel filled with complex and diverse characters set in a fantasy version Korea Hwaguk occupied by the Japanese – called Razanei. Jebi, the non-binary protagonist, Vei [redacted because spoilers] plus a wider cast including mecha dragons and fox spirits.
It would be easy to see this as easier than his previous series because the worldbuilding is more familiar; an analogue to worlds we recognise, unlike the more alien, numeric Hexarchate. But I found great depth in the constant colonial references, from Jebi’s initial obliviousness to the pain of their name change, to their complicity in engaging with the Razanei. Everything is considered; the cultural differences between art, food, even magic were explored with a subtle touch.
I was hooked from the beginning; I wanted to hold up every page and press it against other people’s faces and say ‘read it! look how good it is!’ There’s a strong balance between the lighter moments and the horrific consequences of the ongoing story. I don’t want to say too much, I’d hate to spoil anything for a novel this good.
Plus, who could resist this cover?
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Jebi was torn between saying 'You are embarrassing me' and 'I am going to take up my brush and make a painting of you that they will talk about for the next 10,000 years.'"
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
The magic system is stellar, the worldbuilding is lovely (and brutal), and you get to make a dragon friend, which improves any book a thousandfold. Lots of political intrigue, a paucity of right choices, and horrible consequences, avoids giving pat answers to hard questions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail