A review by intothevolcano
A Fire Born of Exile by Aliette de Bodard

adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

A Fire Born of Exile contains some beautiful prose, but at times felt a bit slow for me. Whilst I was completely absorbed in the world de Bodard has built, and enjoyed my time reading it, I didn't always feel inclined to pick the book up again - especially during the first half. The third quarter of this book is certainly strongest, and where I felt the most invested in the characters and plot. The Xuya universe remains endlessly intriguing, but I this wasn't my favourite installment so far. 
3.5 rounded up to 4.
Thanks to Orion / Gallancz and Netgalley for the ARC.