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

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

So I find the Xuya universe fascinating and this is a very refreshing take on space opera/post-Earth humanity.  This was an interesting story but I do have to deduct a few points because while the overwhelming mystery about what happened to the Citadel of Weeping Pearls....it isn't really the climax.

The whole thing kinda never really lands as a climax.  It does derail the tension a little.