Scan barcode
A review by paperindy
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a lovely little novella tucked into a world of surprising richness for its length. The Empress of Salt and Fortune is story-within-a-story set in a vivid fantastical world that reveals itself as it goes.
I think the blurb is a little overexcited calling this an indictment of monarchy, but nonetheless it is an interesting story of power and dynasty, that unravels layers of intrigue and does leave you wanting for more knowledge about this world.
There was at times a distinct allegory-type feel to the writing which I’m not entirely sure how I felt about. I admittedly got a bit lost occasionally in what exactly Rabbit was asking if we understood (although I was admittedly reading it in between naps so it might have just been my tired brain.)
Overall, worth the read, potentially worth a re-read, and I will happily pick up the next in the series too.
I think the blurb is a little overexcited calling this an indictment of monarchy, but nonetheless it is an interesting story of power and dynasty, that unravels layers of intrigue and does leave you wanting for more knowledge about this world.
There was at times a distinct allegory-type feel to the writing which I’m not entirely sure how I felt about. I admittedly got a bit lost occasionally in what exactly Rabbit was asking if we understood (although I was admittedly reading it in between naps so it might have just been my tired brain.)
Overall, worth the read, potentially worth a re-read, and I will happily pick up the next in the series too.