A review by hardbackednooks
The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-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? Yes

4.25

I initially read this book as part of a short story/novella collection released by Tor during Pride last year. I liked it well enough the first time around, but felt disconnected from the characters and world due to the length of the story and the time jumps used to move the plot along. On the second read-through, because I'd had time to ruminate on the story as a whole, I enjoyed it much more and was able to focus on the character arcs we did get rather than wishing we had more as I did in my first read. Overall, I appreciated the imaginative (if somewhat vague) approach to the magic system and how much it integrated with daily life for the Tensorate and Protectorate. I'm hoping to get more character examination and worldbuilding in the second book.
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