A review by pewter
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

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

3.0

Phoenix Extravagant has all the right ingredients, but doesn't land the characters. It's got an interesting plot, unique alternate historical world-building, imaginative ideas, non-binary protagonist, numerous LGBTQ supporting cast, and some great word-work. However, the main character Jebi is just not compelling, and the rest of the cast are not fleshed out enough to get to know. And as a queer artist myself, you'd think I'd feel a lot of kinship for Jebi. But I just don't. A flawed main character CAN be interesting, but in this case they may be a bit too mundane for a fantasy book - I just wasn't invested. I really wish I was.