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pastryghost's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
I absolutely adored this fantasy novella. It feels so rich and lived-in, the worldbuilding both strong & solid, yet slowly unfolding as the story plays. I was blown away by how full the world felt, despite being a short novella.
I loved the characters - from the loud and brash and argumentative bandits, to the mysterious and brutally-candid nun. The brashness of the bandits' talk was jolting at first - this is not a found family story where our protagonists hit it off right away. There's lots of tension! And at other times, I found myself laughing aloud at the ridiculous arguments and banter.
The story was lovingly rendered, unique, and captivating by the time it unfolds and the mysteries are revealed.
I loved the characters - from the loud and brash and argumentative bandits, to the mysterious and brutally-candid nun. The brashness of the bandits' talk was jolting at first - this is not a found family story where our protagonists hit it off right away. There's lots of tension! And at other times, I found myself laughing aloud at the ridiculous arguments and banter.
The story was lovingly rendered, unique, and captivating by the time it unfolds and the mysteries are revealed.
saschabookishowl's review
4.0
*4.25 stars *
I really enjoyed this! I was a bit hesitant going in because enjoyed pieces of Cho's novella The Terracotta Bride but not everything, but this one was great.
It took me a bit to get into this. Foremost I really enjoyed the characters, tension between characters and complex relations, but also the discussion on gender/sexuality, and the impressive world building for such a short book.
.. I kind of want a sequel?..
I really enjoyed this! I was a bit hesitant going in because enjoyed pieces of Cho's novella The Terracotta Bride but not everything, but this one was great.
It took me a bit to get into this. Foremost I really enjoyed the characters, tension between characters and complex relations, but also the discussion on gender/sexuality, and the impressive world building for such a short book.
.. I kind of want a sequel?..
gabalodon's review
5.0
I thought this delightful fun. A found family of bandits with some great characterizations and excellent banter. I only wish it was three times longer.
theeuphoriczat's review
3.0
I actually enjoyed reading this book. I really wanted it to be a bit longer.
Just read the synopsis and go into it. Too much and you will be spoiled.
Just read the synopsis and go into it. Too much and you will be spoiled.
cindypepper's review
3.0
As a novella, The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is an easy and elegant read. I only got faint "found family" vibes from this (sad, considering found family is one of my favorite tropes!), but I think that's more of the fault of the medium, since I felt like almost all of Guet's bonds with the bandits were tenuous at best. Ultimately, I felt like I was reading an excerpt of a much longer novel. Or even a written adaptation of a movie!
sazzit's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
essieruth's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Deadnaming
Minor: War
joanne_readss's review
4.0
I really liked this novella! It's a different kind of world than I'm used to in fantasy books. The ending was a twist and good!