A review by sashas_books
The Citadel of Weeping Pearls by Aliette de Bodard

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I am very fond of Aliette de Bodard's Xuya universe, with its intricate imagery and beautiful world-building. Unfortunately, this particular novella did not sing to me in the same way as "On a Red Station, Drifting" or "The Tea Master and the Detective". I still enjoyed it, but in a detached way, without being emotionally invested in either the story or the characters. The resolution felt like dust scattered by the wind - that was the idea, I think, but it left me dissatisfied.

Still looking forward to more Xuya and other books by de Bodard, though :)