A review by contemporarymeepsie
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The Water Outlaws tells the story of Lin Chong, who works for the Jianghu government as an Arms Instructor, training the imperial guard in all forms of weaponry. However, a petty Marshall turns her world completely on its head, brandishing her as a criminal and forcing her down the path to the bandits of Liangshan. What follows is an epic tale of heroism, family ties, duty and justice - for women, for the down trodden and for progressive thinkers that the Empire would otherwise destroy.
I really liked this book. At first I was a little unsure of the narrator as she sounded like an AI, especially when saying "scholars skills" but over time I got used to it. I was so invested in Lin Chong's story, captivated by some of the other characters that played major parts in the story and the ending had me hooked! I do wish the ending hadn't been left so open but I understand why it was done that way and it certainly helped to make the whole thing feel a lot more believable. Even if it is definitely fantasy. The fantasy elements were well considered and grounded, built in with a collection of believable grounded characters, to create a fun but substantial story.
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