justasking27's review
2.0
I really wanted to like these stories. The first one wasn't bad, but then it was all downhill from there..
lauredhel's review
4.0
I really liked a lot of the mythology and feel of The Tale of Yin, and I loved the recipes. (Even though I don't eat oysters!) I loved that it is set in a science fictional future, the human diaspora to other planets, but with magic as well. The relationship structure in this society is interesting, especially in the way that it just is - there's no historical exploration or overdescription, just there are pairs and triads and singles, and that's ok. In Chng's sparse prose, the magic system is similarly fascinatingly under-exposited. (Is that a word?) How does she manage to simultaneously have sparse prose and a lush world? It definitely adds to the mythic feel of the story.
Mostly I wanted "more", which is no bad thing - more depth, more description, more immersion - which is possibly partly a novella issue and possibly also just a personal preference thing.
There were quite a few little errors and inconsistencies which, properly copyedited, could have made a fair bit of difference to my reading experience. Overall though, I really liked this and will read more Chng.
Mostly I wanted "more", which is no bad thing - more depth, more description, more immersion - which is possibly partly a novella issue and possibly also just a personal preference thing.
There were quite a few little errors and inconsistencies which, properly copyedited, could have made a fair bit of difference to my reading experience. Overall though, I really liked this and will read more Chng.
imyril's review
3.0
Mirra is a magic-user in a village where magic is a man’s preserve. Fierce and independent, she is forced to leave her home when her secret is uncovered. Her travels – and those of her daughter Kindness – form a magical duology of self-discovery and self-worth.
I found I loved Of Oysters, Pearls and Magic (which left me with lots of good questions about world building and nuance), but was disappointed in the sequel The Path of Kindness (which left me with the wrong questions about protagonist behaviours and central relationships). However, I really like Chng's writing style, and her looping of themes to create a harmonious whole. That said, this edition could do with a good frisk by an editor to resolve issues with the text (wrong words, verb tense inconsistencies, etc).
Full review.
I found I loved Of Oysters, Pearls and Magic (which left me with lots of good questions about world building and nuance), but was disappointed in the sequel The Path of Kindness (which left me with the wrong questions about protagonist behaviours and central relationships). However, I really like Chng's writing style, and her looping of themes to create a harmonious whole. That said, this edition could do with a good frisk by an editor to resolve issues with the text (wrong words, verb tense inconsistencies, etc).
Full review.
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