I knew going into this book that I had a high probability of liking it given the similarity of my fantasy takes to Jade from Jaderayreads(Youtube) who loves this book and series. The book did not disappoint. In fact, it delved far further into political intrigue than I expected given the premise of a prophesied chosen one turning out to not actually be the chosen one when someone else kills the big bad guy. I really love how
Chu subverted the chosen one trope and balanced multiple POVs. I will hopefully get to the sequels sooner rather than later.
I actually enjoyed this gender-bent Zorro retelling complete with magic although not for the Zorro comp which I think was added for marketing purposes. I would rather compare the main character to Robin Hood than Zorro based on the mantle she assumes, along with the help of her brother. (She mentions his participation within the first couple chapters. The marketing does not.) Proudman produced a solid debut which
dealt with the ramifications of colonialism – both Spanish (later Mexican) and American. I will read from this author again.
I, like many other reviewers, feel mixed/conflicted about my review and experience. I continue to marvel at Kuang’s chameleon like adherence to genre and her distinct skill at weaving social commentary into the story. I did not, however, engage with the characters, not in the positive way that I did with several of the characters from Babel (still one of my all-time favorite books) or negatively like I did with the main
character of Yellowface which ultimately lowered this book below Yellowface but above The Poppy War, making it my third favorite. I loved the esoteric discussions of hell – academic fantasy from Kuang never misses for me – but can see why many did not care for it. Ultimately, I land on the positive side although with a bit of mixed feelings.
Worthen’s trek through American history through the lense of charism thoroughly fascinated me. She handled complex, nuanced subjects with care, tracing a through-line that – although it does not connect directly form event to event – showcases just how these groups and individuals have so thoroughly shaped American history, leaving the door wide open for the situation we find ourselves in today. I strongly recommend this book.
T. Kingfisher never misses for me with her fairytale retellings and her fantasy in general. (Her horror may work for me as well; I simply have not tried it yet.) I loved her take on the Snow White story told through the eyes of an older female character and how Kingfisher wove in parts of the other Snow White tale, “Snow White and Rose Red.” Kingfisher embues her protagonist with a fire not often seen in women of that day (as in
when these original fairytales would have been written) and I love it. I also love that the protagonist got a love interest as well as how Kingfisher portrayed the relationships, I will continue to pick up every fantasy she releases and look forward to reading her backlist as well.
I loved this book. I wish I could recommend it for the book award committee I’m on but alas, Gupta was not born in the US, making the book ineligible. I will definitely add it to my classroom shelves though. This book tells the story of a Muslim family in India forced to flee because of increasing violence under the Hindu nationalist regime of N. Mohdi. (Gupta does not name any politicians or legislation by name which I appreciate since
that gives the book more staying power as well as opportunities for discussion.) The main character’s father flees first, forced to cross the Mexico/US border to reach a place to claim political asylum – a fully legal method of immigration – with the intent of sending for his wife and child – the main character- as soon as he can. When events in the US close that door under the guise of “chain migration,” the main character and her mother must make the trek as well. Wow. This book left me stunned and immediately motivated me to find a way to weave it into my lessons if not this school year, then the next. I, obviously, highly recommend this book.