A review by fabichirinos
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I really liked the book, it was exciting and fun. I grew fond of the cast of characters and the ending was disheartening, seeing
all the culture of the Hin disappear before their very eyes and the shi'fu' last stand
left me looking forward for the next book. I realized the story mirrors the Century of Humiliation in China, mixed with some of the current struggle of Chinese ethnic clans, like the Uyghur. Even though, Zen's clan reminds me of Manchuria. This tinge of realism really caught me in the story. However, I think
the "betrayal" of Zen was very mild, and I don't get why Lan is so angry at him, like, ok he lied. But she also wished to get t othe Demon Gods before the Elantians, an do what ??? talk with them so they dispersed into the qí. I get it was for th  plot so they separate, but it could have been done better
  I also liked how the author handled the themes of colonialism, war, abuse, very tactful and saying enough to get their point across. An overall good book!

3.75/5⭐
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