Reviews

Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo

rara2018's review against another edition

4.0

If there ever comes a day that I don’t immediately pick up the next Singing Hills Cycle story, that person is not me. The way Nghi Vo has managed to create a set of completely unrelated stories (other than a handful of consistent characters) feel like such a connected journey is incredible. This installation started off as my least favorite in the series—and, to be honest, also ended that way—but it contained one of the most heart wrenching and moving scenes I’ve read so far with Myriad Virtues alone at the table. Chih’s and Almost Brilliant’s friendship felt more complex and real than ever, and it was lovely to see Chih interact with people who have known them practically their whole lives for the first time, and to learn more about neixins. This story was one of grief, of losing someone close to you, of growing apart and growing different than those you love, of preparing yourself for changes yet to come, and of losing yourself. 

bullintheheather's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

soljovis's review against another edition

reflective sad

4.5

mercourier's review against another edition

emotional tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Another gem in this cycle. There is so much beauty in these books and I love them.

typedtruths's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

bookmarc's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

_toni's review

adventurous

3.75

thetainaship's review

emotional tense medium-paced

4.5

paperpaladin's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Back in the Singing Hills, Cleric Chih gets to reunite with friends and deal with the death of a loved one. So this book is about grief and how we handle it. It is also, like the other Singing Hills books, about memories and stories. This one specifically deals with the stories that are personal to use and what that means when someone is no longer around. I don't want to say much about this book but it is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

My rating system
1 - Did not enjoy
2 - Not irredeemable but has too many flaws to say I enjoyed
3 - Enjoyed it
4 - Great book but didn't love it
5 - Amazing book   

lilktcata's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0