Adrian Collins's Blog, page 118

REVIEW: Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Hyperion, the Hugo Award-winning 1989 novel by Dan Simmons, is one of the greatest classics of grimdark science fiction. An interstellar coalition of 29 th -century humans known as the Hegemony of Man is allied with the TechnoCore, an association of self-sentient artificial intelligence (AI) beings. The Hegemony and the TechnoCore join forces against the Ousters, a group of genetically modified superhumans bent on intergalactic domination.

The main plot of Hyperion involves seven travelers making a final pilgrimage to the distant planet of Hyperion before an expected invasion by the Ousters. Hyperion is famed for its legendary Time Tomb structures, which are believed to have originated from the future. The Time Tombs are guarded by a fearsome godlike creature known as the Shrike, who has a cultlike religious following.

Hyperion adopts the same narrative structure as The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer’s fourteenth century epic featuring stories told by a group of pilgrims who journey together to visit the Saint Thomas Becket shrine at Canterbury Cathedral. In Hyperion, six of the seven travelers share their stories leading to their current pilgrimage to see the Shrike. Dan Simmons adeptly adjusts his writing style for each of the six novellas within the outer framing story, spanning everything from horror to romance. The ominous, omnipotent presence of the Shrike is felt in the background of each story, haunting each of the narrators.

Oh, and one of the narrators is actually a spy in league with the Ousters.

The line between humanity and AI is blurred in Hyperion, most notably with the development of cybrids, AI-controlled beings with bodies grown from human DNA. In this sense, cybrids are the opposite of cyborgs, which have a biological consciousness but with a machine-enhanced body.

The stories in Hyperion are steeped in religion and references to classic literature. The first novella, “The Priest’s Tale,” is a horror story detailing the journey of two Catholic missionaries on Hyperion who are infected with a wormlike parasite known as the cruciform. The cruciform parasite takes the shape of a cross beneath their skin, leading to indescribable pain. After killing its host, the parasite can resurrect the host’s body, repeating the cycle of grief and suffering.

The second story, “The Soldier’s Tale,” features a Palestinian soldier engaged in military training through a series of simulated battles, where he is saved by a mysterious woman who becomes his lover. The central mystery of the story involves whether the woman is real and her motives for manipulating the soldier.

In “The Poet’s Tale,” a poet obsessively seeks artistic perfection by writing The Hyperion Cantos (also the name of Dan Simmons’s series of novels) using the Shrike as his muse. Whereas the narrators of the two previous stories represent major monotheistic religions, the poet takes a more pluralistic approach to theology, having embraced and rejected a surprising number of faiths throughout his life.

The next story, “The Scholar’s Tale,” features a Jewish scholar seeking a cure for his infant daughter, who has been aging backwards after being infected by a mysterious illness that reverses the arrow of time. Her illness first appeared when, as an adult archaeologist, she visited Hyperion to study the Time Tombs and had an encounter with the Shrike. Her father hopes that the Shrike will also have the cure. But he must find this cure before it’s too late, since his daughter’s birth would also mean her death. “The Scholar’s Tale” is the most heartbreaking of the stories in Hyperion. I particularly love the way it parallels the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.

“The Detective’s Tale” is both a hardboiled detective story and a bizarre romance between a private investigator and her client, a cybrid version of English poet John Keats. The real-life Keats died from tuberculosis in 1821 at the age of 25, leaving behind an unfinished epic poem titled Hyperion. In “The Detective’s Tale,” the cybrid Keats hires the detective to investigate his own murder, where the circumstances of his death are connected to the Shrike. In my favorite part of the story, the cybrid Keats recites the first canto from The Fall of Hyperion – A Dream, another unfinished gem by the real historical Keats.

The last story is from the Consul, the former governor of Hyperion. “The Consul’s Tale” is a love story complicated by time dilation, causing the two lovers to age at different rates. Besides revealing the origin of the Consul himself, “The Consul’s Tale” contains the most important information regarding the history of the war between the Hegemony and the Ousters.

Hyperion is an astoundingly prescient book given its publication date of 1989. Beyond the usual science fiction tropes of space travel and intergalactic politics, Dan Simmons nailed the ubiquitous role of artificial intelligence. Simmons also postulated the development of the WorldWeb, a network granting instantaneous travel and universal access to information. The actual invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee occurred in the same year as Hyperion’s publication.

Reading Hyperion is a transcendent experience. It is science fiction of the highest caliber and a multi-layered allegory of human existence in all its beauty and horror.

5/5

Read Hyperion by Dan Simmons

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REVIEW: The Rings of Power – Episode Three

The Rings of Power begins to hit its stride as we reach the third episode in Amazon’s expensive series based on the work of Lord of the Ring’s JRR Tolkien. The journey so far has been beautiful but bumpy, however, the latest episode is a sign that there is greatness ahead in this series. Brutal fights, intriguing characters, and a journey to a land not yet seen on any screen – The Rings of Power E3 is a treat for fans of Tolkien’s work.

The highlight of The Rings of Power E3 for Tolkien fans will be the time spent on the legendary island of Numenor. Elendil. Isildur. Galadriel. These iconic figures from the history of Middle-earth are all together on one island and Lord of the Rings fans will be buzzing to see these characters on screen for an extended period of time. As in the previous episodes, Morfydd Clark shines as the elven warrior. Trapped on the island, she uses her time to shine a light on the staggering difference in perspective for the short-lived humans and the immortal elven-kin. Casually mentioning that she knew the builder of one of the historic buildings on Numenor is another reminder of the difference between elves and the other races, something touched on in the previous episode with Elrond and
Durin. It is something that will be built upon moving forward as we all know the nature of men and how easily they can be corrupted in this universe as they long for the immortality of their neighbours. The Rings of Power E3 also seems to have its own version of Aragorn in Halbrand, a man filled with guilt and not too shabby in a fight who is fleeing his responsibility to his people.

The Rings of Power E3 is as stunning to look at as ever. Numenor is an incredible destination and it is amazing to see the way in which the Harfoots hide into their surroundings in a similar way to which Tolkien described the way in which Hobbits hid from men in the The Hobbit. The Harfoots work in a similar way to Hobbits in that they are the heart of the show; characters who will be swept up in the war to come. There are dark rumours of Sauron and the shadow of the rings and Nazgul to come add a darkness to the show that will suit fans of grimdark, who will also enjoy the brutal fight scenes in this episode. This may be Tolkien’s high fantasy but the fight scenes begin to show the brutality of those seen in The Wheel of Time and The Witcher. Arondir is trapped amongst orcs and as the elves fight back, we see some of the best work in the series. The orcs are searching for something, adding a bit of suspense to the episode before a huge fight breaks out including deaths that grimdark fans will surely appreciate.

Tighter, darker, but still as stunning as the previous episodes, The Rings of Power E3 is an episode that shows a series hitting its stride with a great cast and interesting worldbuilding that is building to something that could be exceptional. There’s brutality, beauty, and characters we know and love. The Rings of Power E3 is essential viewing not just for Tolkien fans, but for fans of all fantasy. Dark times are ahead, and I can’t wait!

Watch The Rings of Power on Prime.

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REVIEW: At the Edge of Time by Blind Guardian

Once more I return to listening to the albums of German power metal band Blind Guardian. While Nightfall in Middle Earth remains their best work (in my humble opinion), I’ve rarely found one of their albums that didn’t have some kickass tracks. In this case, I selected this one as my second favorite of the CDs because it is the one I listen to most along with Nightfall during my fantasy writing. I have some criticisms for their album but, well, it’s only my opinion.

In general, At the Edge of Time is a lot more traditional power metal album with some notable exceptions. Except Blind Guardians usual strong vocals, guitar work, and a more mixed selection of homages to various fantasy media among the songs rather than a singular focus on Tolkien’s Legendarium. In this case there are songs homaging the works of Michael Moorcock [“Tanelorn (Into the Void”), A Song of Ice and Fire (“War of the Thrones”), and Wheel of Time (“Wheel of Time”).

Oddly, I believe I have to bring special attention to the song “Curse my Name” which has a unique high pitched singing that separates it from the vast majority of heavy metal out there. It also has genuinely interesting subject matter with the execution of Charles I. Specifically, it’s based on The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates, a contemporary political tract written by John Milton (of Paradise Lost fame) that called for his execution.

I’m going to say that “War of Thrones” and “The Wheel of Time” are the two other standout tracks from the volume despite the fact it was meant to center on “A Voice in the Dark” that I just don’t find to be particularly memorable. I may be letting my love of fantasty influence my feelings but I love both tracks and listen to them repeatedly.

“War of Thrones” is a softer and more melodic ballad that talks about the fall of Westeros as the Others are coming to kill everyone while they’re fighting over the Iron Throne. It has a lot of wonderful winter imagery and is actually a pretty astute observation about the setting. It’s both beautiful as well as depressing.

“The Wheel of Time” by contrast almost feels like its own album that was compressed into a single nine minute track. It’s a big fantastic song with a lot of the folksy Medieval elements that was throughout Nightfall on Middle Earth. It tells the rough story of Rand al’Thor and how he’s going to be unable to escape his destiny of madness as well as conquering the world to face the Dark One. This is definitely the centerpiece of the album for me and could have been expanded to be its own Nightfall-esque work.

There’s a two-disc version of this album but I’ll be honest that you should probably not bother with the second disc. The orchestral versions of some songs aren’t really worth it while the demo for “Curse My Name” is the first thing I’ve ever heard of Blind Guardian that I’ve actually hated. They really improved on it for the main disc.

Listen to At the Edge of Time by Blind Guardian

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REVIEW: House of the Dragon – Episode 4 ‘King of the Narrow Sea’

House of the Dragon E4 continues its excellent run as cracks continue to grow between King Viserys and those around him. His brother Daemon is back following the brutal defeat of the Crab King and with one problem out of the way, more seem to appear for the weary Viserys, much like the disease spreading across the king’s skin…

Those on dragon watch may be disappointed by the lack of winged creatures in House of the Dragon E4 but the show more than makes up for it with more Prince Daemon, more Princess Rhaenyra, and definitely more sex and nudity – dispelling claims that House of the Dragon was going to be a watered-down Game of Thrones spin-off. Last week saw Daemon drag half a body across a battlefield, guts spilling out for all to see: this week saw the rogue prince drag his niece on a tour of King’s Landing’s more interesting areas – including a brothel, much to the delight of the forever scheming Hand of the King, Otto Hightower. There is less blood and guts in House of the Dragon E4 but it still delivers another episode full of tension as the key players of the inevitable conflict are pulled into place. Viserys looks weaker every time we lay eyes on him and the folk of Flea Bottom are laughing at his decision to name a woman as heir just as he begins to realise just how ambitious his Hand has been since Viserys lost his wife in childbirth.

House of the Dragon E4 is all about relationships: those that are breaking down and those being strengthened. Viserys pushes both Otto and Daemon away just as his brother draws closer to Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra grows closer to Ser Cristan Cole as her friendship with Alicent (her friend, queen, stepmother, etc…) hangs together by a thread. We begin to see that perhaps the young Targaryen is freer than Alicent, who stands beside barred windows with her crying child before being called to the bedroom by her ill, and much older, husband. Life really can suck for the people of Westeros and Game of Thrones has always excelled when focusing on the way people can be trapped by the expectations of their position. It is always interesting to watch those who seemingly have power be weighed down by the crown on their head. Robert Baratheon. Ned Stark. Viserys. Alicent. Rhaenyra. All seem to have everything but it does not make them happier. The poor people of Flea Bottom appear happier even as one man is casually murdered in the streets with fire blasted out everywhere you look.

Less swords and bloody guts than last week; more flesh and awkward sex. House of the Dragon E4 places all the big players in positions where they can seethe and whisper an urge for vengeance. No one comes out of this episode well and it allows the audience a chance to breathe before the Fire and Blood comes flying in. Four episodes in, any doubts about whether this Game of Thrones prequel could deliver have surely been burnt to a crisp.

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REVIEW: House of the Dragon – Episode 3 ‘King of the Narrow Sea’

House of the Dragon E4 continues its excellent run as cracks continue to grow between King Viserys and those around him. His brother Daemon is back following the brutal defeat of the Crab King and with one problem out of the way, more seem to appear for the weary Viserys, much like the disease spreading across the king’s skin…

Those on dragon watch may be disappointed by the lack of winged creatures in House of the Dragon E4 but the show more than makes up for it with more Prince Daemon, more Princess Rhaenyra, and definitely more sex and nudity – dispelling claims that House of the Dragon was going to be a watered-down Game of Thrones spin-off. Last week saw Daemon drag half a body across a battlefield, guts spilling out for all to see: this week saw the rogue prince drag his niece on a tour of King’s Landing’s more interesting areas – including a brothel, much to the delight of the forever scheming Hand of the King, Otto Hightower. There is less blood and guts in House of the Dragon E4 but it still delivers another episode full of tension as the key players of the inevitable conflict are pulled into place. Viserys looks weaker every time we lay eyes on him and the folk of Flea Bottom are laughing at his decision to name a woman as heir just as he begins to realise just how ambitious his Hand has been since Viserys lost his wife in childbirth.

House of the Dragon E4 is all about relationships: those that are breaking down and those being strengthened. Viserys pushes both Otto and Daemon away just as his brother draws closer to Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra grows closer to Ser Cristan Cole as her friendship with Alicent (her friend, queen, stepmother, etc…) hangs together by a thread. We begin to see that perhaps the young Targaryen is freer than Alicent, who stands beside barred windows with her crying child before being called to the bedroom by her ill, and much older, husband. Life really can suck for the people of Westeros and Game of Thrones has always excelled when focusing on the way people can be trapped by the expectations of their position. It is always interesting to watch those who seemingly have power be weighed down by the crown on their head. Robert Baratheon. Ned Stark. Viserys. Alicent. Rhaenyra. All seem to have everything but it does not make them happier. The poor people of Flea Bottom appear happier even as one man is casually murdered in the streets with fire blasted out everywhere you look.

Less swords and bloody guts than last week; more flesh and awkward sex. House of the Dragon E4 places all the big players in positions where they can seethe and whisper an urge for vengeance. No one comes out of this episode well and it allows the audience a chance to breathe before the Fire and Blood comes flying in. Four episodes in, any doubts about whether this Game of Thrones prequel could deliver have surely been burnt to a crisp.

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REVIEW: A Book of Blades

If you need a fix of sword and sorcery action, look no further than A Book of Blades, the new short story anthology from the gang at Rogues in the House Podcast.

Rogues in the House is named after one of the original Conan the Barbarian stories, published by Robert E. Howard in 1934. Howard’s unequalled legacy in the sword and sorcery subgenre is vibrantly displayed in A Book of Blades, with fifteen stories contributed by sixteen authors.

The list of authors includes established greats such as contemporary Conan author John C. Hocking, dark fantasy novelist John R. Fultz, and Howard Andrew Jones, author of The Chronicles of Sword and Sand series. A Book of Blades also features a bevy of emerging voices in the sword and sorcery subgenre.

A Book of Blades kicks off with “By the Sword,” John C. Hocking’s action-packed story of personal vengeance that will leave your heart racing. The mood darkens further in the next story, “Ghost Song” by Chuck Clark, which begins with a ghoulish scream and will prove to be a highlight for grimdark lovers.

One of my favorite stories in the anthology is “How They Fall” by Angeline B. Adams and Remco van Straten, the sole co-authored story in A Book of Blades. At only four pages, “How They Fall” is also the shortest story in the anthology, but these four pages pack a big emotional punch.

Another favorite is “Embracing Ember” by S.E. Lindberg, which is perhaps the most grimdark story in A Book of Blades. “Embracing Ember” connects to Lindberg’s Lords of Dyscrasia series and tells the story of a necromancer’s gore-filled struggles to raise his golem daughters.

I’d also like to mention “The City of the Screaming Pillars,” Cora Buhlert’s quest story of four travelers seeking long-lost treasure in an abandoned city in the middle of the desert. “The City of the Screaming Pillars” starts off as a standard quest story but then dives into much darker Lovecraftian territory.

As a special treat, the end of the book features a showcase of artwork from several artists, including Morgan King, director of the animated dark fantasy horror film, The Spine of the Night, and Sara Frazetta, granddaughter of the famed fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. Sara is also the founder of Frazetta Girls, a family initiative dedicated to maintaining the legacy of her pioneering grandfather.

A Book of Blades is a romp for sword and sorcery fans, a delightful mélange of classic quests, fast-paced action, weird horror, and even a touch of humor.

4.5/5

Read A Book of Blades

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REVIEW: The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the debut novel of Shauna Lawless. It is a thoroughly amazing historical fantasy from Ad Astra, the Science Fiction and Fantasy imprint of Head of Zeus. This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I am so pleased to be able to read it and provide a review for Grimdark Magazine.

This really is a fantastic novel and as debut I think Lawless has knocked it out of the park. I would put The Children of Gods and Fighting Men as one of my favourite books of the year because everything about it is done well. Lawless has seamlessly woven Irish mythology and history together and created a well-structured and paced novel which can be enjoyed if you know nothing about the history or folk lore of Ireland but, if you do, her attention to historical detail and accuracy adds to the pleasure of reading The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. If also (like me) you are a reader who will mispronounce words in your mind, Lawless has also provided a very handy glossary at the start of the novel showing the kingdoms of all the characters and their name pronunciations.

The fantasy elements of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men are low magic, and use the Irish legends of the Fomorians, hostile supernatural beings, and their rivals the Descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann. These factions are represented through the two narrative perspectives in the novel. Firstly Gormflaith, the widow of the King of Dublin and one of the last of the Fomorians, and Fódla, a Descendent with the power to heal. Through these two female voices Lawless has shown the novel in a unique way. There are no clear cut good or bad sides, and as women in medieval society neither Gormflaith nor Fódla hold power in their own rights. Though Gormflaith has the brains and political acumen to rival Cersei Lannister for maternal ambition and she holds a relatively high position in Dublin society, she frustratingly has to persuade and cajole those around her to try and further her plans. Fódla is less cunning and struggles with her enforced role as a spy on the humans. Both women though are very engaging and relatable. The other character are compelling and well written, even if they are not the main focuses of the novel.

The moral greyness of the characters in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men will absolutely appeal to fans of grimdark. The physical violence is less directly gritty or visceral than fantasy novels set in a similar era but this is absolutely down to the fact that the narrative perspectives are removed from those events. Lawless does not shy away from the violent realities of a tenth century world, but her main characters will either be watching from a distance or dealing with the aftermath of much of the bloody altercations. I would say also that due to the seldom seen nature of the magic in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men that it is definitely more a historical fantasy than a fantastical history. Personally, I loved these elements and the restrained way the plot moves forward emphasised the frustration the main characters must feel as they navigate (or are navigated) through nearly two decades of events. It may not be a fast-paced action packed novel, but this is beautifully written and totally captivating. I wish I had been able to sit and read it in one go.

I am so glad that The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the first in a trilogy because I really do want to read more from Lawless and this world. There was no palpitation inducing cliff hanger but the set is laid for the next novel and I am very excited to read where Lawless will take the story next. The second instalment in the Gael Song trilogy is The Words of Kings and Prophets and is slated for release in late 2023 which gives me plenty of time to indulge in a reread or two. A massive ‘thank you’ to the team at Ad Astra / Head of Zeus and Shauna Lawless for sending it over.

5/5

Read The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless

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REVIEW: The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette de Bodard

Aliette de Bodard’s The Red Scholar’s Wake was one of my most anticipated novels of 2022 and it did not disappoint. Inspired by the author’s Vietnamese heritage, this is the story of an arranged marriage between Xich Si, bot maker, data analyst, mother and scavenger and Rice Fish, sentient ship and space pirate leader. Part sapphic romance, part space opera, with mature characters in the prime of their lives – no twenty-year-olds finding their feet here – and all gorgeous prose. Aliette de Bodard is one of the strongest writers in SFF working today – her novella, Fireheart Tiger was just up for a Hugo last week and this is up on the same level in terms of writing and general craft.

When Rice Fish captures Xich Si’s ship, the latter expects to be tortured to death – or at the very least, an unpleasant imprisonment. So, when Rice Fish proposes a marriage alliance as the inciting incident of The Red Scholar’s Wake, Xich Si is taken aback, especially since Rice Fish, sentient ship, is famously married to the Red Scholar. Except, the Red Scholar has just died under mysterious circumstances, and this new alliance would be mutually beneficial, protecting them both and allowing Rice Fish to investigate her wife’s death. And of course, over the remainder of the story, they do, in fact, fall in love. But this isn’t a cheesy romance. This is a science fiction story that happens to have romantic elements. (Side note: with the amount of times I’m typing the words “rice” and “fish” and the context of Aliette’s Vietnamese heritage, I REALLY want some Vietnamese food now. Give me that fish sauce on rice.)

What made this truly stand out to me was Aliette’s writing. As mentioned above, Aliette’s prose is outstanding. It is descriptive and evocative without being overwrought, it is witty and full of emotion. Every character, every scene comes to life immediately and plastically, drawing the reader into this world of space pirates, family biological and found and relationships of all sorts. It is at times delicate, and at other times matter of fact and then again it will make you laugh out loud with dry wit. The characters’ maturity makes them stand out in a market saturated with coming-of-age stories across young adult and adult publishing, and it is a true breath of fresh air to read about protagonists coming into their story after a life well-lived, with attachments and history, knowing who they are and what they want. I could not recommend The Red Scholar’s Wake more.

Read The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette de Bodard

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REVIEW: Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing

Cowboy Bebop is widely regarded as one of the most influential anime series of all time, a classic with an almost universal reputation for quality that is beloved by a staggeringly large audience, which is remarkable how divisive the anime fandom has a tendency to be. Regardless of any other tastes and inclinations, practically all fans of anime can agree: Cowboy Bebop is top tier. The new graphic novel released by Titan, Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing managed to capture the tone and style of the original show and tell an all new tale that is fun, engrossing, and should more than satisfy fans of the anime.

Penned by Dan Watters and drawn by Lamar Mathurin, Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing tells a stylish, action-heavy, moody story that while aesthetically different from the original anime, is dead accurate tonally. The bulk of that accuracy lies with Watters and his ability to comfortably replicate the voices of the characters from the original series. Spike Spiegel reads like Spike, Faye and Jet “sound” like they’re supposed to. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the kinetic, dynamic compositions created by Mathurin in their page layouts and action sequences that are a lot of fun and guide the reader around the page at a solid clip. The colorists here are also integral (much as they are with any comic), with the tones and textures created by Roman Titov and Emilio Lecce really driving home the visual connection to the animated version of Cowboy Bebop.

The story that unfolds across the pages of Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing reads like something that could have been an animated episode and pays equal service to levity and seriousness, Watters deftly employing the acerbic wit of the Bebop’s crew to create truly humorous moments that are balanced by more quiet, pensive moments that creep close to tragedy. It goes a long way towards replicating the feel of the show, and creates an immersive experience that ultimately pays off in its believability.

For readers who have never experienced Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing is a fun, rollicking space caper jam packed with interesting characters and edge of your seat action that’s sure to satisfy. But if you are a fan of the original, I think there’s something truly special here, something that opens up the fascinating world and tells a whole new story in it that is just as captivating and worth investing in. Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing is a fantastic story for old fans and newcomers alike, a solid four stars that left me very much wanting more.

See you, space cowboy.

Read Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing

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REVIEW: Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the second book in Sue Lynn Tan’s Celestial Kingdom duology, following up on The Daughter of the Moon Goddess (see our review of the first book here). This follows Xingyin’s story a time after the events of the first book, and has quite a different feel to it. Where The Daughter of the Moon Goddess was focused on Xingyin growing up, maturing and finding out who she is as a person, wrapped in a quest story, this second part of the story is far less plot-driven and more concerned with politics and relationships than quests. Xingyin, as the daughter of a goddess, comes with inherent longevity, so this does continue the personal growth arc and she matures further, which I appreciated in many ways.

Where I think Heart of the Sun Warrior may lose a lot of readers who come to read reviews on Grimdark Magazine – from the subset who may have picked it up in the first place – is that, even more than The Daughter of the Moon Goddess, this utilises the YA trope of the love triangle. Now, that in itself is not a bad thing, and I found that the way it was implemented here was very well done, especially how it ultimately resolved. But even more than the first in the duology, this is a clear crossover novel, and one that I feel will not resonate as much with readers of Grimdark. While there is still extensive betrayal and moral quandry, much of it is ultimately solved by mature consideration, or, in some parts, melodrama. And while that made me enjoy my reading experience, it is far more wholesome than what we usually report on here.

Personally, I found Heart of the Sun Warrior a quick and entertaining read, compelling and lyrical. As The Daughter of the Moon Goddess, it is steeped in Chinese mythology, and packaged in a gorgeously designed book, both on the outside with a beautiful cover and on the inside with careful design and thoughtful details. And Harper Voyager makes the most stunning ARCs in the industry as well, so I can’t stop staring at the beautiful object. The writing itself matches that. Descriptive and emotive, with a strong focus on evoking atmosphere and distinctive characters, these books are great reads for anyone who likes books steeped in mythology, heroines determined to put themselves and their own development first and a good dose of balancing political needs. I did find the pacing was a bit slow at times, leading to tension dropping off a bit – I think the story could have done with a bit of a trim around the edges, but it was a very solid four star read for me. I know I’ll be rereading the duology again and again, as for me, these are just lovely books that hit the right spots.

Read Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

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