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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The concept of the story is great, and the characters had great potentials, but something just felt missing from the story. It felt like the author tried to put so many ideas in the story that it got too crowded. The magic was very confusing and I felt that the dragon was more of a filler to the story. I would have rather read more about the revolution and the war. The ending felt too rushed which was sad considering how slow the first couple of chapters were.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The plot and characters are interesting, conceptually, but the execution wasn't all that compelling to me.
The writing style is very straightforward and, personally, I'm a fan of more descriptive, flowery writing, so the book was doomed to be an average read from the start for me. But, in addition to that, I felt like so much focus was given to Jebi's personal concerns and their lack of understanding what was going on a lot of the time that the plot fell a bit flat. Reluctant heroes are a common trope, but Jebi went beyond being a reluctant hero to feeling like a side character surrounded by main characters that somehow became our lead anyway, which, while, not entirely unenjoyable became tiring/irritating at a certain point.
Plus a lot of the progress felt it was pushed forward by Jebi's impulsiveness, things happening to Jebi that they had no control over, or other characters suddenly bowing to the whims of what the plot demanded and it made a lot of the developments feel forced/unnatural. The character relationships also felt less developed than I would have liked them to be.
The writing style is very straightforward and, personally, I'm a fan of more descriptive, flowery writing, so the book was doomed to be an average read from the start for me. But, in addition to that, I felt like so much focus was given to Jebi's personal concerns and their lack of understanding what was going on a lot of the time that the plot fell a bit flat. Reluctant heroes are a common trope, but Jebi went beyond being a reluctant hero to feeling like a side character surrounded by main characters that somehow became our lead anyway, which, while, not entirely unenjoyable became tiring/irritating at a certain point.
Plus a lot of the progress felt it was pushed forward by Jebi's impulsiveness, things happening to Jebi that they had no control over, or other characters suddenly bowing to the whims of what the plot demanded and it made a lot of the developments feel forced/unnatural. The character relationships also felt less developed than I would have liked them to be.
Poor Jebi. They tried so hard to get along as an artist, one of a conquered people in a recently conquered land, without being political. They very quickly find themselves in over their head in situations where they have no choice but to be political.
Phoenix Extravagant is a stand alone silkpunk novel set in fantasy version of Korea under Japanese rule. Magic is real and automata – machines powered by magic patrol the streets for the Razanei. Jebi isn’t a chosen one, or the best or bravest, they are trying to get along in a difficult world. The choices that they make put them on the path to being a pawn, and then deciding whether or not to stay a pawn.
Jebi is geu-ae, non-binary. They live with their older sister, Bongsunga, whose wife was a soldier killed during the Razanei invasion six years earlier. As an artist not affiliated with the conqueror’s government, they have been dependent on their sister for food and shelter and want to be able to contribute financially. When the book opens, Jebi has acquired a Razanei name and is taking the Ministry of Art’s exam hoping to get a job. The Razanei like order and cleanliness and they pay on time.
Eventually they are coerced into a job with the Ministry of Armor where they are the artist in charge of Arazi – an experimental war machine in the shape of a dragon. Jebi is placed under the supervision of Vei, a Razanei woman who is the Prime Duelist (something like a Samurai) for the ministry. As awful as an experimental war machine in the shape of a dragon sounds, it is so much worse.
Phoenix Extravagant was a gripping read. Since our point of view comes from Jebi, there’s a constant feeling that more is happening than we understand. It’s like a puzzle that the reader has to put together from pieces that aren’t obvious and many are not what they appear. The world building is great and once the story gets going I couldn’t put it down. As much as I’d like to think I would be one of the heroic characters who rushes into danger on principle, I know I’d be more like Jebi, just wanting to survive without being hassled. Arazi is wonderful and will be a reader favorite.
Phoenix Extravagant is out October 20. I received this as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Phoenix Extravagant is a stand alone silkpunk novel set in fantasy version of Korea under Japanese rule. Magic is real and automata – machines powered by magic patrol the streets for the Razanei. Jebi isn’t a chosen one, or the best or bravest, they are trying to get along in a difficult world. The choices that they make put them on the path to being a pawn, and then deciding whether or not to stay a pawn.
Jebi is geu-ae, non-binary. They live with their older sister, Bongsunga, whose wife was a soldier killed during the Razanei invasion six years earlier. As an artist not affiliated with the conqueror’s government, they have been dependent on their sister for food and shelter and want to be able to contribute financially. When the book opens, Jebi has acquired a Razanei name and is taking the Ministry of Art’s exam hoping to get a job. The Razanei like order and cleanliness and they pay on time.
Eventually they are coerced into a job with the Ministry of Armor where they are the artist in charge of Arazi – an experimental war machine in the shape of a dragon. Jebi is placed under the supervision of Vei, a Razanei woman who is the Prime Duelist (something like a Samurai) for the ministry. As awful as an experimental war machine in the shape of a dragon sounds, it is so much worse.
Phoenix Extravagant was a gripping read. Since our point of view comes from Jebi, there’s a constant feeling that more is happening than we understand. It’s like a puzzle that the reader has to put together from pieces that aren’t obvious and many are not what they appear. The world building is great and once the story gets going I couldn’t put it down. As much as I’d like to think I would be one of the heroic characters who rushes into danger on principle, I know I’d be more like Jebi, just wanting to survive without being hassled. Arazi is wonderful and will be a reader favorite.
Phoenix Extravagant is out October 20. I received this as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I wanted to love this book so badly. A sci-fi/fantasy retelling of Japan’s occupation of Korea with mechanical dragons and a non-binary artist as the main character? That sounds amazing, and there were parts of this book I really loved. Unfortunately, a majority of it disappointed me.
The characters are cardboard. I couldn’t make sense of any of their personalities; I didn’t know what certain characters motivations were, why they said or did the things they did, etc. Even when there was conflict—which was also quite lacking—I didn’t feel any suspense because I didn’t care whether these characters were going to live and die. Additionally, because the characters fell flat, the main relationship of the story felt out of place. What did Jebi and Vei see in one another? I couldn’t tell you.
The magic system, while intriguing, confused me immensely. These deceased painters’ artworks can be made into magic paint and living painters’ can’t, but why? What are the extent of the abilities of the paint and grammars? How was this discovered? How does it really work? I see what the author was trying to do and I really love the idea of it, but the execution left me wanting more.
There were also a lot of scenes I felt didn’t matter and made the plot disjointed, as well as a lot of telling instead of showing. The pacing was off at times and I feel like we weren’t told enough about certain things for the plot have any impact. The ending was also dissatisfying and felt almost nonsensical because certain elements of it weren’t built up enough.
If it was a longer book, or turned into a duology, I feel like the confusion and poor pacing could have been dealt with and Yoon Ha Lee could have built on things more. Overall a very interesting but unfortunately underdeveloped book.
The characters are cardboard. I couldn’t make sense of any of their personalities; I didn’t know what certain characters motivations were, why they said or did the things they did, etc. Even when there was conflict—which was also quite lacking—I didn’t feel any suspense because I didn’t care whether these characters were going to live and die. Additionally, because the characters fell flat, the main relationship of the story felt out of place. What did Jebi and Vei see in one another? I couldn’t tell you.
The magic system, while intriguing, confused me immensely. These deceased painters’ artworks can be made into magic paint and living painters’ can’t, but why? What are the extent of the abilities of the paint and grammars? How was this discovered? How does it really work? I see what the author was trying to do and I really love the idea of it, but the execution left me wanting more.
There were also a lot of scenes I felt didn’t matter and made the plot disjointed, as well as a lot of telling instead of showing. The pacing was off at times and I feel like we weren’t told enough about certain things for the plot have any impact. The ending was also dissatisfying and felt almost nonsensical because certain elements of it weren’t built up enough.
If it was a longer book, or turned into a duology, I feel like the confusion and poor pacing could have been dealt with and Yoon Ha Lee could have built on things more. Overall a very interesting but unfortunately underdeveloped book.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Phoenix Extravagant might be one of the most unique and original novels I've read. The concept is brilliant. The writing, while not particularly challenging, is solid, and I enjoyed the way Jebi's voice comes through. It was certainly a very enjoyable read, and definitely one I'd recommend to others, even if it isn't the most technically dazzling writing
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this book, but I also didn’t really know anything about it going in other than the main character is non-binary (thankfully not used as a plot device; they just are). I could see why some readers would be disappointed that it isn’t more about dragons given the very cool one on the cover, but if you lose that expectation, you can have a good time!
What I liked:
It isn’t often in a fantasy story that you get a main character who isn’t this badass saving the world basically on their own. Instead Jebi is gentle in their approach to the world while being fiercely loyal (and maybe just a little petty).
The story has a unique (if unexplored) magic system based in the destruction of past art. Which art is worth saving and which pieces are unimportant enough to sacrifice? Not an easy question, especially for an artist.
One last positive—I really appreciate that this book doesn’t take the topic of colonization and simplify it to a binary: all good or all bad. While there are characters that feel that way, the main perspective the reader gets is much less sure and, in my opinion, much more accurate. It pushes readers to think instead of telling them how to do that.
Things I didn’t like:
Jebi is supposed to be nearly 27. They do not act how would expect their age (I am that age) to act, and I found them a little irritating at times.
There were also times where I didn’t follow what happened between one scene and the next. It would usually be explained a few lines later, but I went back and reread a few parts to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
Last note: Jebi’s sister is a jerk.
What I liked:
It isn’t often in a fantasy story that you get a main character who isn’t this badass saving the world basically on their own. Instead Jebi is gentle in their approach to the world while being fiercely loyal (and maybe just a little petty).
The story has a unique (if unexplored) magic system based in the destruction of past art. Which art is worth saving and which pieces are unimportant enough to sacrifice? Not an easy question, especially for an artist.
One last positive—I really appreciate that this book doesn’t take the topic of colonization and simplify it to a binary: all good or all bad. While there are characters that feel that way, the main perspective the reader gets is much less sure and, in my opinion, much more accurate. It pushes readers to think instead of telling them how to do that.
Things I didn’t like:
Jebi is supposed to be nearly 27. They do not act how would expect their age (I am that age) to act, and I found them a little irritating at times.
There were also times where I didn’t follow what happened between one scene and the next. It would usually be explained a few lines later, but I went back and reread a few parts to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
Last note: Jebi’s sister is a jerk.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was surprised to learn Phoenix Extravagant wasn’t Yoon Ha Lee’s debut novel – many of its shortcomings are typical of new writers, such as repetitive phrasing and telling rather than showing. It’s a shame, really, because it had potential. A book about a nonbinary artist in a dystopian world of sigil-powered automata is a fantastic pitch, but the execution is so-so.
An issue throughout is the emotionality lacking depth or simply not landing. I partially blame the protagonist, Jebi, who is pretty apathetic for the most part. If they don’t care about anything, why should I? But I think the problem runs deeper than that, because even moments which elated or terrified or shocked Jebi fell flat for me. Take their relationship with Vei for example. There is no chemistry between them and the whole affair comes out of nowhere. I am told that they are in love but I’m not made to feel it.
In many ways, Jebi simply isn’t protagonist material. They’re an asshole and they don’t have the charisma to make up for it. Characters as unpleasant as they are are best confined to short stories and novellas, I feel – that way you don’t have to endure them for too long. Jebi is also frustratingly passive. On the rare occasions that they do take action, it always backfires thanks to their glaring incompetence. I know their lack of agency is a reflection of the oppressive system they find themself trapped within, but the way they kept blurting out secrets or wandering off and immediately getting captured was even more annoying and less compelling than their head-down resignation to the status quo.
There are more plot holes and inconsistencies than I can count. For example, the financial struggles of Jebi and their sister Bongsunga are sometimes front-and-centre and sometimes completely forgotten about in scenarios where it really should have affected the outcome. I was often left feeling like I was going crazy. To say nothing of the scenes that happen out of nowhere as though the author suddenly remembered they’re important to the plot. I already mentioned the awkward romance, but I also want to talk about the torture scene, which seems to exist purely to justify the later killing of Hafanden. It doesn’t really serve any purpose besides presenting Hafanden as an irredeemable villain. Were it not for that one scene, would he have deserved execution? It’s an interesting question which the story doesn’t seem to want to grapple with.
Which brings me to Arazi... Arazi is a magical mechanical dragon designed to be used as a weapon, but subtle sabotage in its creation caused it to be a staunch pacifist. That is, until the final act. During an ambush, Arazi kills Hafanden in order to save Jebi’s life. An act of justified violence, maybe, but violence nonetheless, and lethal violence at that. Arazi was a bit bummed out but it didn’t have time to sit with the implications of what it had done. Its defining trait – its pacifism and its refusal to kill – had just been tested and ultimately contradicted, and with nowhere near the gravity a moment like that deserves.
Throughout the book, Arazi puts forward intriguing philosophical questions that get pushed aside to be dealt with later. And, of course, they’re never followed up on. I'm not expecting the author to construct an exhaustive thesis on the nature of the soul and the self, but some exploration of these concepts in the story would be nice. Arazi and the other automata are constantly sidelined despite the book being about them.
There are so many issues I could pick apart but I think I’ll stop here. Between the flat characters, the lack of follow-through on interesting concepts, and the inconsistencies throughout, Phoenix Extravagant is hard to recommend. That said, it’s largely inoffensive. I appreciate what the author was going for, at least, even if it feels half-baked. I don’t think it’s bad but I’m glad I’m done with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder, War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Excrement, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Drug use, Gore, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Medical content, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Abandonment
adventurous
medium-paced
The only reason I docked stars is because I felt like the ending didn't fit the book.
Would I buy absolutely anything by Yoon Ha Lee at this point? Yes. Was I super excited to read a fantasy novel by the author of the very techy sci-fi Machineries of Empire series? Also yes. Was I very intrigued by the concept of a mecha dragon -- but make it magic and not electronic? Yes. Did I maybe over-hype myself for this book? I think yes.
There was a lot I liked about this. I liked that the protagonist was a soft, conflict-avoidant non-binary artist, who somehow stumbles into a situation that could turn a way. Arazi the magical mecha dragon is full of personality and is just a lot of fun.
But I don't know, maybe the pacing didn't always work for me? Maybe there were too many moments of confusion? Maybe I was disappointed in the ending? Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, I just really wanted to LOVE it and didn't quite.
There was a lot I liked about this. I liked that the protagonist was a soft, conflict-avoidant non-binary artist, who somehow stumbles into a situation that could turn a way. Arazi the magical mecha dragon is full of personality and is just a lot of fun.
But I don't know, maybe the pacing didn't always work for me? Maybe there were too many moments of confusion? Maybe I was disappointed in the ending? Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, I just really wanted to LOVE it and didn't quite.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
personally I really enjoyed this book - but I can see why many people wouldn't love this one. As much as I loved it, there are a few things in teh writing style that I think you would either love or hate. For me this was just a really intriguing read and I always wanted to keep reading and keep reading more and I was on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters and the ending kind of blew my mind and I'm wondering if we'll ever get a companion spinoff because I just loved the world and would love to see what happens after the events of this book. It doesn't even have to follow any of the main characters from this book I just want more!!!