A review by shanaqui
Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo

adventurous reflective fast-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

4.0

Received to review via Netgalley.

I didn't love Into the Riverlands as much as I loved the second book of this series, but it was very enjoyable all the same. (Though I always want more of the neixin, Almost Brilliant, who travels with Chih and records what they do. Sure, Almost Brilliant is there to record what happens, but there's a personality there too, and I enjoy that aspect of their interactions.)

This one is full of little details that slowly build up, and you have to keep your eyes open to collect the stories and put them together -- just as Chih does. I found that process really enjoyable -- though I wish, like Chih, that they'd been able to collect the story in the subject's own words...

I also enjoy that though Chih is kind and wishes people well, they're not particularly brave or practical. They sort of comfortably go along expecting that, as a cleric, others will look after them. Which doesn't sound like something to like, but it is actually enjoyable to follow a character who is flawed like this, but still overall a good person. Lots of us are good more in intent than execution, after all.