ciolaceum 's review for:

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo

4.25

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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This one really pulled me in— a marvelously well-done story with a sharper, more cohesive structure than the first. The shift between perspectives felt smooth and intentional, but not so blended that you lose the contrast. I’d dare say it handles this even better than The Empress of Salt and Fortune.

Vo’s use of dual storytelling— two sides of the same tale is beautifully layered. Emotional, sometimes contradictory, and always deliberate.

Its full of tension and danger, with our cleric literally fleeing hungry tigers while coaxing out a story that may or may not save their life. Romantic stakes and life-or-death stakes working hand in hand.