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canaanmerchant's review against another edition
4.0
I once wanted to write a book about someone in a resistance who could control automatons with special instructions.
I never got around to it because turns out I don’t like writing books but boy am I glad I got to read a real Author’s take on this.
I never got around to it because turns out I don’t like writing books but boy am I glad I got to read a real Author’s take on this.
humblebee20's review against another edition
4.0
What a wonderful book! This book takes a little time to get going but once it does, I was floored by how natural the author brings you into the world. As someone who is gender-queer, I can not overstate how nice it was to have multiple characters (including the main character) use they/them and it not be an "issue" that had to be solved or a main focus of the book. I read fantasy and sci-fi for the cool worlds and fun intricacies, and this book shows how easy it is to have a sci-fi setting that accepts those who fall outside the gender binary. Sure nb/gq people face a lot of scrutiny in real life, but fantasy and sci-fi serve as an escape, and I love that nb people get to experience cool mechs and revolution without there needing to be a big fuss about it. The are also instances of poly relationships, a character that uses it/its, and other lgbtq relationships that serve as more than forced rep, and more like people that exist in this world. The author delivers in spades in this regard.
Otherwise, I think this book doesn't pull any punches with the plot, although it can be a bit tricky at times to keep all the politicking straight. Pacing too felt a little weird, but overall kept me pretty excited about where the story is headed. No clue if there will be a sequel, but I loved what I read and I am so thankful to the author for making a story where I could freely say "wow, they're just like me" in a story with cool magic and robots.
Otherwise, I think this book doesn't pull any punches with the plot, although it can be a bit tricky at times to keep all the politicking straight. Pacing too felt a little weird, but overall kept me pretty excited about where the story is headed. No clue if there will be a sequel, but I loved what I read and I am so thankful to the author for making a story where I could freely say "wow, they're just like me" in a story with cool magic and robots.
hannahhbic's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely devoured this book. I've only ever read [b:Dragon Pearl|34966859|Dragon Pearl (Thousand Worlds, #1)|Yoon Ha Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517413544l/34966859._SX50_.jpg|56241840] by this author and couldn't wait to get my hands on more. Phoenix Extravagant is about an (in our terms) enby person named Jebi (they/them), and the intersection of colonization, art, and war. It's about code switching and surviving under colonial rule. But most of all? It's about DRAGONS!! We don't meet Arazi until 1/3rd of the way into the book, but the storybuilding is necessary first. The plot takes off like a rocket after Jebi and Arazi meet. Be patient with the setting and anticipate (wartime) violence. Side note: the cover of this book is so beautiful that I want it on my freakin wall!
Thank you to NetGalley for a preview ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a preview ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
woolerys's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Characters - 3/5
World-building - 4/5
Personal tastes - 4/5
TOTAL: 3.6
The main character and the dragon (it’s not a spoiler to say there’s a dragon, right? it’s on the cover) are the highlights. I found the MC very relatable—wanting to ignore the political tensions they are enmeshed in, not wanting to truly hurt anybody, just wanting to paint!
I wish there had been as much deeply-felt emotional angst around the love interest as there was for the sibling relationship. Not that I minded the sibling relationship getting higher priority, it just felt like for the romantic relationship, a lot of emotion was implied rather than described.
The world-building was also cool, with a focus on visual arts and their underlying philosophies. The magic felt a bit runaway as the story went on but the concept was original and intriguing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
Moderate: War
Minor: Torture
crimsoncor's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this. It reads like it should be a light, airy fantasy, but is really a dark and some what depressing novel about colonization. Jebi is such a nebish of a protagonist and it is delightful. The magic system was unique and fascinating. and that ending.
"wheeeee moon people"
Oh shit everyone we know is going to die
What a way to end a book. But that is very typical of this book; the knife is always sharp, but most of time is very subtle.
Oh yeah, there is also a super-funny-in-a-dry-way philosophical dragon.
Spoiler
"wheeeee moon people"
Oh shit everyone we know is going to die
What a way to end a book. But that is very typical of this book; the knife is always sharp, but most of time is very subtle.
Oh yeah, there is also a super-funny-in-a-dry-way philosophical dragon.
ghostoast's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
decembermagpie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
mollybeans's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There's a lot that I love here: the worldbuilding, the magic system, the prose, the women with swords, the mechanical dragon. I think that Yoon Ha Lee accomplished exactly what he set out to do with this book. Unfortunately, I think that the concept is just fundamentally not super compelling for me. The execution is as strong as it could have possibly been, but Jebi just isn't an interesting enough main character for me. I would have loved either a more slice of life story or a more action-packed story, but again, those aren't the books the author wanted to write, and that's okay. I will absolutely be reading his other work cause I think there's a lot of good stuff here. I did wish the book was longer, but I do appreciate a good quick fantasy standalone.
The first and second half of this book are very distinct in terms of vibes and pacing. I preferred the second half, but I think the first half may work better for a lot of readers. Very much a personal taste thing.
Anyway, this book isn't a new favorite, but it did leave a positive impression and I would definitely recommend it.
The first and second half of this book are very distinct in terms of vibes and pacing. I preferred the second half, but I think the first half may work better for a lot of readers. Very much a personal taste thing.
Anyway, this book isn't a new favorite, but it did leave a positive impression and I would definitely recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, Death, Violence, and Xenophobia