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A review by iam
The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved The Six Deaths of the Saint, so I was very excited to read another short story by Alix E. Harrow - and The Knight and the Butcherbird did not disappoint.
For a short story, this does an amazing job building both the world and the characters, establishing a sense of how the setting works as well as plenty of emotional engagement.
The apocalyptic setting isn't particularly novel, per se, but still fresh enough and executed excellently. I loved the idea of the conclaves, and the secretaries, who are basically storytellers and keepers or lore and knowledge in a world where no technology or reliable storage exists anymore. One of my favourite details was how, this was, popculture still lives on, and how historical or literary records are indistiguishable.
The twist of what the demons are, and what is going on with the knight, were not entirely unexpected, but super fun, and the pacing was excellent. The reveals are staggered together perfectly, and give you just enough emotional investment to really hit you as you read.
I also really loved the feelings of hope and determination this story fills you with, despite the simultaneous feeling of dread and futility of the setting.
I'm not usually a fan of short stories, but this one pushes all the right buttons, and I cannot wait to reread this every few years, knowing it'll hit the same very single time.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For a short story, this does an amazing job building both the world and the characters, establishing a sense of how the setting works as well as plenty of emotional engagement.
The apocalyptic setting isn't particularly novel, per se, but still fresh enough and executed excellently. I loved the idea of the conclaves, and the secretaries, who are basically storytellers and keepers or lore and knowledge in a world where no technology or reliable storage exists anymore. One of my favourite details was how, this was, popculture still lives on, and how historical or literary records are indistiguishable.
The twist of what the demons are, and what is going on with the knight, were not entirely unexpected, but super fun, and the pacing was excellent. The reveals are staggered together perfectly, and give you just enough emotional investment to really hit you as you read.
I also really loved the feelings of hope and determination this story fills you with, despite the simultaneous feeling of dread and futility of the setting.
I'm not usually a fan of short stories, but this one pushes all the right buttons, and I cannot wait to reread this every few years, knowing it'll hit the same very single time.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.