Take a photo of a barcode or cover
luvstephanie 's review for:
Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame
by Neon Yang
This is a poignant and richly imagined queer fantasy novella that intertwines dragon-slaying, political intrigue, and personal identity. The story follows Yeva, a legendary guildknight whose life has been defined by her role as a dragon slayer. Encased in armor and detached from her past, Yeva is dispatched to the reclusive kingdom of Quanbao, where dragons are revered rather than hunted. There, she encounters Lady Sookhee, the enigmatic monarch of Quanbao, leading Yeva to question her loyalties and her past.
I really enjoyed everything in this novella from the characters and how they interacted to the world-building. Yeva’s journey from a detached warrior to someone rediscovering her identity is portrayed with nuance. The developing relationship between Yeva and Lady Sookhee was enticing, and I really enjoyed how this ended up.
Despite the novella length, the book offers a vivid portrayal of its setting. The cultural contrasts between Yeva’s homeland and Quanbao are explored thoughtfully, enhancing the story’s depth. Understanding the world and the dragons was such a key part to the book, and I was constantly intrigued.
This is a beautifully crafted novella that delves into themes of identity, duty, and personal transformation. It is a compelling blend of fantasy and character development, and a clear read for anyone who loves queer fantasy.
I really enjoyed everything in this novella from the characters and how they interacted to the world-building. Yeva’s journey from a detached warrior to someone rediscovering her identity is portrayed with nuance. The developing relationship between Yeva and Lady Sookhee was enticing, and I really enjoyed how this ended up.
Despite the novella length, the book offers a vivid portrayal of its setting. The cultural contrasts between Yeva’s homeland and Quanbao are explored thoughtfully, enhancing the story’s depth. Understanding the world and the dragons was such a key part to the book, and I was constantly intrigued.
This is a beautifully crafted novella that delves into themes of identity, duty, and personal transformation. It is a compelling blend of fantasy and character development, and a clear read for anyone who loves queer fantasy.