A review by rorikae
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee is an engaging military sci-fi story that delves into a unique world.
The story centers around disgraced Captain Kel Cheris, who is given the opportunity to redeem herself by retaking a star fortress. To do this, Cheris allies herself with the undead Shuos Jedao, whose ghost is paired with her so that she can hear his voice in her head. As they work to retake the Fortress of Scattered Needles, Cheris learns more about Jedao's past and the truth behind what has long made others consider him mad.
Yoon Ya Lee creates an engaging and unique world in 'Ninefox Gambit.' The political machinations that are going on behind the scenes, paired with Cheris' story interweave to create an engaging plot. I think one of the really strong points of the story is how we slowly learn more about Jedao through his memories. Lee slowly peels away at Jedao's madness to learn more about what drove him to do what he has become infamous for.
I would recommend reading this story instead of listening to it as I often found myself confused while listening. The complexity of the world, including a lot of really specific vocabulary, means that you have to pay close attention to follow along with what is happening, especially as we move between Cheris' story and Jedao's past. If you like military science fiction and complex worlds, I highly recommend 'Ninefox Gambit.' I'm interested to see what happens next, especially as we learn more about the world and Jedao.
The story centers around disgraced Captain Kel Cheris, who is given the opportunity to redeem herself by retaking a star fortress. To do this, Cheris allies herself with the undead Shuos Jedao, whose ghost is paired with her so that she can hear his voice in her head. As they work to retake the Fortress of Scattered Needles, Cheris learns more about Jedao's past and the truth behind what has long made others consider him mad.
Yoon Ya Lee creates an engaging and unique world in 'Ninefox Gambit.' The political machinations that are going on behind the scenes, paired with Cheris' story interweave to create an engaging plot. I think one of the really strong points of the story is how we slowly learn more about Jedao through his memories. Lee slowly peels away at Jedao's madness to learn more about what drove him to do what he has become infamous for.
I would recommend reading this story instead of listening to it as I often found myself confused while listening. The complexity of the world, including a lot of really specific vocabulary, means that you have to pay close attention to follow along with what is happening, especially as we move between Cheris' story and Jedao's past. If you like military science fiction and complex worlds, I highly recommend 'Ninefox Gambit.' I'm interested to see what happens next, especially as we learn more about the world and Jedao.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Suicide