A review by ryuutchi
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Final determination on To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X Chang: If you like romantasy with independent protags and have a high tolerance for both navel-gazing about the violence of colonization AND heterosexual relationships that involve White Privilege, you might enjoy it. 

The main character is a poor woman from a formerly noble house in a China-analogue fantasy world that has recently been colonized by technocratic "Romans". The romantic lead is the second in line for the Roman throne (who wants to use her death magic to take over both worlds). OTOH, she walks out at the end and joins the rebellion, so the narrative is not unaware of itself.

IMO it's a little too hetero for me, and too focused on the protagonist's extremely narrow first person perspective. It feels claustrophobic and like there are a lot of political nuances that would have enriched the book if the author had been willing to let her protagonist talk and listen to more people.


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