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ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
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
This is such a fun book, especially since I went into it without really knowing what it was going to be about. But the play of storytelling and the talking tigers and the seamless and uncommented on queerness was delightful. I loved the idea of being sucked into a story despite oneself, and just kind of grudgingly giving in to wanting to hear what happened next, even if it could hurt you. Also, it's got such a fun sense of humor undercutting the danger of the situation. Very good, I was delighted.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death, Blood, and Murder
plantbasedbride's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
While the sequel to the stunning first installment of The Singing Hills Cycle is just as exquisitely written as its predecessor, I felt something was missing.
The world-building was incredible, as I have come to expect from Nghi Vo, but the two storylines didn't connect as seamlessly, nor was this story as gripping as expected.
I missed Almost Brilliant's presence and hope they return in the next novella, though I was happy to spend more time with Chih. I also felt a certain disconnect from the new characters introduced and didn't feel as swept up and emotionally moved as I did with The Empress of Salt and Fortune.
The world-building was incredible, as I have come to expect from Nghi Vo, but the two storylines didn't connect as seamlessly, nor was this story as gripping as expected.
I missed Almost Brilliant's presence and hope they return in the next novella, though I was happy to spend more time with Chih. I also felt a certain disconnect from the new characters introduced and didn't feel as swept up and emotionally moved as I did with The Empress of Salt and Fortune.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Violence
e_flah's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain was an entertaining, lyrical read. I loved the questions Vo raises about the factors that shape storytelling. This didn't quite have the magic of The Singing Hills Cycle #1 but was still a thoroughly lovely read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Violence
jayisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Nghi Vo delivers with another magical story within a story. It’s impressive how well she handles so many moving parts with such grace to craft a rich world and narrative to draw the reader in.
I actually enjoyed this particular installment more than the first. The story felt tighter with a slow but steady development of a curious courtship between a tiger and a scholar. For a novella, there was so much emotion packed into the story through love and tension.
I’m really looking forward to the next installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
monilib's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Stalking
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Stalking
marieketron's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.5
Full review to follow on the Lesbrary
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Stalking, and Death of parent
lauren_garcia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, and Violence
amyotheramy's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Stalking
wordwilderness's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What a delightfully weird novella. I don’t know how Nghi Vo came up with the idea to write a triple-narrative, hostile campfire story-time, but she’s a genius for that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Confinement, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Cannibalism
*Cannibalism: mentions of tigers eating other tigers; tigers with human forms threaten to eat humans; one scene where human bites own hand and a tiger feeds on their blood. *Sexual assault: attempted forced marriage; threat of rape is implied.