Scan barcode
A review by gattolinos_nerdy_nook
In the Vanishers' Palace by Aliette de Bodard
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.75
This novella takes a well known classic and puts its own unique spin and cast of characters into it. This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a FxF romance and is inspired by Vietnamese myths and stories, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
If I really enjoyed this book why the 3.75 star and not a 4 star read? Well as much as I enjoyed it I did get lost with the world at times. It felt like I was meant to have some background knowledge that I did which left me wondering if we are in a whole different world, earth, or something between the two. There was a lot of reference to the past and whilst you can just take them and roll with it, it had me curious and wanting to know what had happened then, which took me away from the current story. Now a lot of this issue could just be that I'm unaware of Vietnamese myths and that could answer everything, but just know you might be a little out of the loop when reading this.
Despite that I did overall enjoy the book and it is something I want to read again. It has a wonder cast of characters, something that I really enjoyed was that wisdom and character growth was shared among younger and older characters.
I recommend this book for those who are wanting something different from their fairy tale retellings. It is a fun read that takes you to a whole different world that feels familiar and different all at the same time. It also has a diverse cast of characters that you will come to love.
If I really enjoyed this book why the 3.75 star and not a 4 star read? Well as much as I enjoyed it I did get lost with the world at times. It felt like I was meant to have some background knowledge that I did which left me wondering if we are in a whole different world, earth, or something between the two. There was a lot of reference to the past and whilst you can just take them and roll with it, it had me curious and wanting to know what had happened then, which took me away from the current story. Now a lot of this issue could just be that I'm unaware of Vietnamese myths and that could answer everything, but just know you might be a little out of the loop when reading this.
Despite that I did overall enjoy the book and it is something I want to read again. It has a wonder cast of characters, something that I really enjoyed was that wisdom and character growth was shared among younger and older characters.
I recommend this book for those who are wanting something different from their fairy tale retellings. It is a fun read that takes you to a whole different world that feels familiar and different all at the same time. It also has a diverse cast of characters that you will come to love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Death