Reviews

I am very fond of Aliette de Bodard's Xuya universe, with its intricate imagery and beautiful world-building. Unfortunately, this particular novella did not sing to me in the same way as "On a Red Station, Drifting" or "The Tea Master and the Detective". I still enjoyed it, but in a detached way, without being emotionally invested in either the story or the characters. The resolution felt like dust scattered by the wind - that was the idea, I think, but it left me dissatisfied.

Still looking forward to more Xuya and other books by de Bodard, though :)

cinnamonandpancakes's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I didn't find this story very gripping, which is probably why it took me quite so long to finish it, despite it being a fascinating mystery. That being said, being more gripping would probably take away from the style and story being told. Some stories are by nature slow and this is one of them. I personally would have preferred more worldbuilding but I don't think that's necessarily a flaw, just a personal preference.

Content Warnings

slipstream's review

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4.0

Not as good as some of the other Xuya stories, but still quite good

jjreads331's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

houdini117's review

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reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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