A review by catapocalypse
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders by Aliette de Bodard

adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The first thing I recall reading from Aliette de Bodard was a short story about the dragon prince, Thuan, I think from before he was even married to his Fallen angel husband, Asmodeus. I hadn't been aware of this novella until I'd seen her promoting the second one, so I ordered both together in paperback instead of eBook (the covers are gorgeous, no regrets)!

Most of what I've read involving these characters takes place in their current home, in Paris, but this novella follows them on a visit to Thuan's family in their underwater realm. Thuan gets swept up in uncovering the troubles beneath the surface of dragon society, before they threaten to dampen the Lunar New Year festivities.

It's a good romp with the bookish dragon prince, his stabby husband, and political plotting. The second one is even better. Having read them, I now want to go back and find the other Dominion of the Fallen stories I've missed! 

While I don't think it's entirely necessary to have read any of the previous stories to enjoy this, since they do explain the basics where needed, it might help for context and general expectations for new readers.
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