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mary_soon_lee's review
4.0
This is the fourth novella in the Tensorate series, a series that I'd call silkpunk science fantasy. It's a ferociously impressive series that explores themes of gender, revolution, and tyranny. The world Yang creates is its own vividly imagined place, but has more of an Asian character than one derived from Western sources (Homer, Tolkien, et al).
Though each novella can be read alone, they add up to more than their individual parts. I appreciated these connections despite having read the first two novellas nearly three years before the last two. That said, a reader with a more retentive memory, or one who read all four novellas in a row, would undoubtedly appreciate the connections more.
I particularly admire how the novellas are written in different styles and with different tones--for instance, the third novella, "The Descent of Monsters," is largely told through official reports, interview transcripts, and diary entries. This fourth novella is presented as a first person monologue delivered to a stranger over drinks. I found it a compelling, page-turning read, albeit one that contains considerable darkness. The characters are both victims and perpetrators of various evils.
I note that I was slightly disconcerted by an apparent inconsistency. Chapter three says that "The Protector is succeeded by the first child of the next generation of royals." Yet, in chapter five and again in chapters seven/eight, the succession appears to stay in the same generation without explanation. I may well have missed a detail or misunderstood something, but it did confuse me.
Overall: I highly recommend the Tensorate series in general, this fourth novella included.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Though each novella can be read alone, they add up to more than their individual parts. I appreciated these connections despite having read the first two novellas nearly three years before the last two. That said, a reader with a more retentive memory, or one who read all four novellas in a row, would undoubtedly appreciate the connections more.
I particularly admire how the novellas are written in different styles and with different tones--for instance, the third novella, "The Descent of Monsters," is largely told through official reports, interview transcripts, and diary entries. This fourth novella is presented as a first person monologue delivered to a stranger over drinks. I found it a compelling, page-turning read, albeit one that contains considerable darkness. The characters are both victims and perpetrators of various evils.
I note that I was slightly disconcerted by an apparent inconsistency. Chapter three says that "The Protector is succeeded by the first child of the next generation of royals." Yet, in chapter five and again in chapters seven/eight, the succession appears to stay in the same generation without explanation. I may well have missed a detail or misunderstood something, but it did confuse me.
Overall: I highly recommend the Tensorate series in general, this fourth novella included.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
emilybolivia's review
5.0
I LOVED this series. The varying literary styles from book to book was so fun and well-executed. Lady Han is a bad ass and I enjoyed her story here at the end.
mksultra's review against another edition
3.0
much different than the other books- quick, easy read. hekate was interesting, and i wish there could have been more direct conflict? but i recognize that's not how these women worked. the expanded world building outside of the capital was nice as well.
nachtblueher's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pachypedia's review against another edition
4.0
Este libro supone un nuevo cambio en el tipo de narración de esta serie, ahora tenemos a alguien contando su propia historia, que sucede antes del primer libro, en segunda persona. Me ha parecido muy interesante y dinámico, quizás porque es una novela corta.
mar's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Pregnancy, Child death, and Infertility
cozy_reading_times's review
4.0
This was a solid end to an interesting and unique series that makes me curious for what Neon Yang comes out next. Their first full-length novel is definitely something I look forward to now.