hilaryreadsbooks's review
Loved the premise of this book: a set of histories told by a dying mountain whisper, paired with the descriptions of the land. The author writes in the afterword that centuries ago these same mountains and rivers that exist in the present may have been occupied by fantastical creatures, animals, and humans--and he seeks to bring back some of that wonder and truth in mythology through writing about these histories. These histories felt particularly close to me because my roots are in Shaanxi Province, and I have been to its mountains, where my ancestors are buried.
However, I struggled with the storytelling. The plot in each individual storyline felt rushed, abrupt, and at times random--the characters hard to connect with. While I understand that this is how oral histories are typically told, as a reader of a physical book, it was hard to feel any of the magic these myths may have held.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, I struggled with the storytelling. The plot in each individual storyline felt rushed, abrupt, and at times random--the characters hard to connect with. While I understand that this is how oral histories are typically told, as a reader of a physical book, it was hard to feel any of the magic these myths may have held.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gore
Minor: Rape
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