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

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This is a very short novella, but packs a lot of poignancy and intrigue. It follows a cleric named Chih and their talking hoopoe companion, Almost Brilliant, as they explore a recently unhidden location that once housed the late Empress In-yo during her years in exile. They meet Rabbit, an elderly woman who had served as handmaiden to the Empress, and she tells them stories related to various items as they take inventory. The stories piece together the secrets of In-yo's life and ascent to power.

I love a good series of related vignettes like this. It doesn't do anything super unpredictable, but I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their various relationships, and the worldbuilding. We only get a taste of the latter, but I look forward to reading the companion novella when I'm able!
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