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yelisiei's review against another edition
4.0
Great and highly underrated fantasy book, which has reminded me works of sir Terry Pratchett, but it was written before them. And the book also has very interesting Chinese setting. Fantastic read, highly recommended.
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
It's rare when I can't remember something about a book I've read, this gem has been on my shelf for 17 years and I know I LOVED it when I first read it but it was obviously time to read it again when I couldn't remember anything about it.
Fantastic characters. Mesmerizing riddle. And beautiful writing.
Fantastic characters. Mesmerizing riddle. And beautiful writing.
gormenghost's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
serindipity's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Enchanting and funny and whimsical, but above all, magical.
kaanivajjithalo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
5.0
logarithm's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, definitely recommend though not fully able to explain why
branomir's review against another edition
4.0
I'm very torn between 4 and 5 stars. For now I'm going to give 4 and plan to reread it at some point and come at it again somewhere in the future and perhaps then I'll give it the full 5.
The problem here was that it has been quite a long time since first learning of this book to acquiring it to actually sitting down and reading it. As such I had a very wrong impression of what kind of style I should be expecting and was a little thrown off in the beginning. The beginning also happens to be the weakest part of the book. It's great but it takes a while to get going and when I peruse through the negative reviews I see mostly people who DNF'ed after only 50 or so pages. I'm glad I persevered, though I never actually thought it was bad, but in the beginning I was leaning more towards a 3* rating. So herein lies my dilemma: I'm not sure of my early struggles were Hughart's fault or the result of me just having the wrong expectations and not immediately getting in the right mind-set for this book. Considering there are others who mention the beginning as well, I'm going to stick with my 4* for the time being.
Still I would recommend this book, it's a fairy-tale/myth in chinoiserie style that parodies old oriental folk tales. So don't expect anything woke or modern, it is very traditional but happily makes fun of itself. I think that is the mistake I made at first: this story doesn't take itself seriously and neither should you. That being said, it takes a little while to get going and at first it seems little more than a simple and silly folk tale. It isn't till much later on that you come realise how well and intricately woven the plot is, how none of the characters are entirely what they seem and how nothing happens by accident. Sections that to me seemed like "side quests" all ended up tying into the plot somehow and the ending is very wholesome and one of the reasons I was considering to 5* it.
At the end of the day I really enjoyed it, had quite a few laughs and plan to revisit it and its world in the near future. The style is a bit niche but if it sounds like something you'd enjoy I would for sure recommend you try and if necessary push through the beginning. Funny, well written and uplifting book!
The problem here was that it has been quite a long time since first learning of this book to acquiring it to actually sitting down and reading it. As such I had a very wrong impression of what kind of style I should be expecting and was a little thrown off in the beginning. The beginning also happens to be the weakest part of the book. It's great but it takes a while to get going and when I peruse through the negative reviews I see mostly people who DNF'ed after only 50 or so pages. I'm glad I persevered, though I never actually thought it was bad, but in the beginning I was leaning more towards a 3* rating. So herein lies my dilemma: I'm not sure of my early struggles were Hughart's fault or the result of me just having the wrong expectations and not immediately getting in the right mind-set for this book. Considering there are others who mention the beginning as well, I'm going to stick with my 4* for the time being.
Still I would recommend this book, it's a fairy-tale/myth in chinoiserie style that parodies old oriental folk tales. So don't expect anything woke or modern, it is very traditional but happily makes fun of itself. I think that is the mistake I made at first: this story doesn't take itself seriously and neither should you. That being said, it takes a little while to get going and at first it seems little more than a simple and silly folk tale. It isn't till much later on that you come realise how well and intricately woven the plot is, how none of the characters are entirely what they seem and how nothing happens by accident. Sections that to me seemed like "side quests" all ended up tying into the plot somehow and the ending is very wholesome and one of the reasons I was considering to 5* it.
At the end of the day I really enjoyed it, had quite a few laughs and plan to revisit it and its world in the near future. The style is a bit niche but if it sounds like something you'd enjoy I would for sure recommend you try and if necessary push through the beginning. Funny, well written and uplifting book!
hroafelme's review against another edition
4.0
A different book, another kind of fantasy. It's a very good book and the characters are interesting even with some of the flaws they have. You appear beside old Chinese myths and folklore and get put behind the scenes of them.
A piece I felt I was missing under the reading of Bridge of Birds was not knowing any Chinese folklore or myths. I never had that connection of what was happening.
A piece I felt I was missing under the reading of Bridge of Birds was not knowing any Chinese folklore or myths. I never had that connection of what was happening.