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A review by apple_atcha_reading
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another solid installment in the Singing Hills series. I love that these short stories are interconnected, but could be read in any order and still make sense.
In this installment we see Cleric Chih back home in Singing Hills, where they discover their beloved Cleric Tien has passed. Family members from Cleric Tien's former life before joining Singing Hill believe they have a right to Cleric Tien's body and a say in how their passing is handled.
This was what I would describe as more of a slice of life installment, with hints of mysticism throughout. It's much more reflective, and we spend more time with Cleric Chih going through Cleric Tien's belongings and archives, as well as spending time in the aviary visiting Almost Brilliant <and their new chick>. The speaking ceremony (funeral) was incredibly touching and made me tear up. It was clearly emotional and difficult for all involved, no matter how close they were to Cleric Tien. In the aftermath of the funeral and <smashing of the gates, seeing how powerful grief is. Myriad Virtue's expression of grief was so emotionally charged and what I took to be a representation of how people will never truly be gone as long as their are people who remember them and share their stories.>
Overall, it was a very thoughtful and touching story of grief and how it effects everyone around the person, especially those who knew them best. Nghi Vo is an auto buy author for me and I sincerely hope she continues this series.
In this installment we see Cleric Chih back home in Singing Hills, where they discover their beloved Cleric Tien has passed. Family members from Cleric Tien's former life before joining Singing Hill believe they have a right to Cleric Tien's body and a say in how their passing is handled.
This was what I would describe as more of a slice of life installment, with hints of mysticism throughout. It's much more reflective, and we spend more time with Cleric Chih going through Cleric Tien's belongings and archives, as well as spending time in the aviary visiting Almost Brilliant <and their new chick>. The speaking ceremony (funeral) was incredibly touching and made me tear up. It was clearly emotional and difficult for all involved, no matter how close they were to Cleric Tien. In the aftermath of the funeral and <smashing of the gates, seeing how powerful grief is. Myriad Virtue's expression of grief was so emotionally charged and what I took to be a representation of how people will never truly be gone as long as their are people who remember them and share their stories.>
Overall, it was a very thoughtful and touching story of grief and how it effects everyone around the person, especially those who knew them best. Nghi Vo is an auto buy author for me and I sincerely hope she continues this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse