A review by savvylit
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

This short novella is home to an excellently-crafted and believable fairytale world. Vo immediately plunges readers into the life of empress In-yo and her handmaiden, Rabbit. In-yo is an intelligent and sly empress from northern lands. Rabbit is a fierce, loyal, and quick-witted handmaiden and friend. Chih is a reserved and wise cleric. Almost Brilliant is a feisty, smart hoopoe. As Chih and Almost Brilliant learn of the significance of Rabbit and In-yo's friendship, readers are completely immersed in a slowly-revealed feminist epic. As this is such a short book, it's hard to say much more without spoiling the story. Just read it!

Though I am normally not much of a fantasy reader, I found myself riveted by Rabbit's stories. Vo's writing is perfectly paced and evocative. I'm now quite looking forward to reading the second novella in this trilogy!
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