A review by helenareadsbooks
Burning Roses by S.L. Huang

adventurous dark emotional reflective

• 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

In Burning Roses, S.L. Huang reimagines various fairytales and characters from Chinese mythology. In this magical and sapphic tale, we follow Rosa (Little Red Riding Hood) and Hou Yi (the archer). They’re both middle aged women running from their pasts who would prefer to be retired, but the world has other plans for them. Deadly sunbirds are ravaging the countryside, so the women join forces to hunt the birds and they reckon with their pasts along the way. 

 

This novella is really compelling! I love the way fairytales and mythology are woven into the story—it alternates between past and present, and each time Rosa reveals information about her past, we get glimpses of a reimagined fairytale. The retellings are fresh, honest, and a bit dark. The characters are messy and complex, and their anger and motivations felt real to me. We see them accept their mistakes and faults, grieve their losses, and have the courage to try again. The novella also gracefully comments on vengeance, corruption and sacrifice. 

 

There are two short stories that precede this book (available to read online for free), but I read them after the novella. I do feel like I got a complete story just by reading Burning Roses, but the short stories added context and were enjoyable.