Mislabeled as epic fantasy when this is high, second-world, urban fantasy. Not my thing, unfortunately. Maybe I'll try it again at another time.Mislabeled as epic fantasy when this is high, second-world, urban fantasy. Not my thing, unfortunately. Maybe I'll try it again at another time....more
I'm afraid I won't have much else new to add to the plethora of critiques for this story. Like others, I found the concept of merpeople being born of I'm afraid I won't have much else new to add to the plethora of critiques for this story. Like others, I found the concept of merpeople being born of pregnant African slaves being thrown overboard to be interesting and worth checking out. However, the story seems to avoid exploring this in a satisfying way. I found the beginning tough to sit through, with all of the anger and pushing towards the main character by her kin. It felt like a personal attack or like the characters were actively trying to be unbearable. Then the whole part about the character who found the human came out of nowhere and zig-zagged through plot points without direction. I felt lost halfway through and wanted to give up but instead just bumped up the speed like skimming but with my ears instead of eyes. I honestly didn't want to learn anymore. I felt like I had gotten all that the story and that nothing else would be groundbreaking or inspiring. I think the idea is strong enough to open up a world of novels/novellas and generate new stories but I hope that if it does, that those stories are better prepared and presented than this one....more
I received an ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review. This also means that my numbering was a bit off.
What a heart-breaking and excellent ride! ThI received an ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review. This also means that my numbering was a bit off.
What a heart-breaking and excellent ride! The world that is introduced here is gorgeous and wrathful in every possible way. The magic system is unique and expertly woven into the story without overtaking the moment. Each character is real and alive right off the page and the emotions they feel are easy to pick up and manifest into your own heart. It is obvious that a lot of research went into the building of this world and the characters within it. Though there were moments of confusion, especially when moving between languages, I could not have asked for a better story. All of the props to the author for her amazing storytelling.
This is the perfect book for someone who is looking to get into the world but is also looking for something higher than the traditional YA novel. This is what YA strives to be yet so often fails. I should hope that other authors take a look at Wang's work here and try to implement a similar work ethic. Truth be told, I might be spoiled for YA forever now, it's just that good.
I'll be rereading this one for sure. It's become a favorite. I just need to stop crying first....more
I thought Dozois would be continuing with his modern sword and sorcery finds from The Book of Swords, but I was wrong. This anthology does not have whI thought Dozois would be continuing with his modern sword and sorcery finds from The Book of Swords, but I was wrong. This anthology does not have what I want more of.
Might give it a redo some other time but disappointing for now....more
My second attempt at starting this series, and again I could not keep going. I am told his other series is much better so I'll try that instead. If I My second attempt at starting this series, and again I could not keep going. I am told his other series is much better so I'll try that instead. If I like it, I might give this one another shot....more
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