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A review by catsandbookstacks
Ebony Gate by Ken Bebelle, Julia Vee
3.5
*Thank you to @torbooks and @netgalley for the eARC.
Ebony Gate is the first book in an urban fantasy trilogy with Asian mythology roots and complex worldbuilding. I picked this up because of the comp to an Asian John Wick set in San Francisco.
There are over the top action sequences with a retired assassin, but add magical abilities. This book is fun and explores themes of finding one's home, new identity, traditions and grief.
Emiko has abandoned her duties as her family's Blade and became a hermit in San Francisco. She tries to keep everyone at arms length in order to protect them, especially after the massacre that named her the "Butcher of Beijing."
She's an interesting character who strives to fulfil her family duty when a Talon (favour) is called and ends up requesting assistance from the Tran siblings. Freddy and Fiona are entertaining, both with opposing personalities, and Freddy stood out in scenes. I also look forward to seeing more Adam, Andie and Tessa.
The novel happens over a short period of time but the pacing drags at times due to overwriting and repetition. I couldn't place what was feeling off for me until I read another review where they mentioned heavy handed omniscient reveals, which made it a little less interesting.
Emiko is also not as smart as she should be for an assassin? She talks about how she was training and how she's gotten sloppy - but she's super sloppy?
Overall, I enjoyed Ebony Gate for its fun and action-packed adventure. It intrigues me enough to want to continue the trilogy, though I do hope that the writing is tightened up in future books.
Ebony Gate is the first book in an urban fantasy trilogy with Asian mythology roots and complex worldbuilding. I picked this up because of the comp to an Asian John Wick set in San Francisco.
There are over the top action sequences with a retired assassin, but add magical abilities. This book is fun and explores themes of finding one's home, new identity, traditions and grief.
Emiko has abandoned her duties as her family's Blade and became a hermit in San Francisco. She tries to keep everyone at arms length in order to protect them, especially after the massacre that named her the "Butcher of Beijing."
She's an interesting character who strives to fulfil her family duty when a Talon (favour) is called and ends up requesting assistance from the Tran siblings. Freddy and Fiona are entertaining, both with opposing personalities, and Freddy stood out in scenes. I also look forward to seeing more Adam, Andie and Tessa.
The novel happens over a short period of time but the pacing drags at times due to overwriting and repetition. I couldn't place what was feeling off for me until I read another review where they mentioned heavy handed omniscient reveals, which made it a little less interesting.
Emiko is also not as smart as she should be for an assassin? She talks about how she was training and how she's gotten sloppy - but she's super sloppy?
Overall, I enjoyed Ebony Gate for its fun and action-packed adventure. It intrigues me enough to want to continue the trilogy, though I do hope that the writing is tightened up in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Minor: Xenophobia