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The Hand, the Eye and the Heart
“A rising star of fantasy fiction.” The Times"Zoë Marriott has created something truly special.” Lauren James, author of The Loneliest Girl in the Universe"Richly imagined yet sharply topical. You’ll fall in love with Zhi.” L. A. Weatherly, author of the Angel trilogyZhilan was assigned female at birth. Despite a gift for illusions, they know they are destined to live out their life within the confines of the women’s quarter. But when civil war sets the empire aflame, Zhilan is determined save their disabled father from the battlefield. By taking his place. Surviving brutal army training as a boy – Zhi – is only the first challenge. In the glittering court of the Land of Dragons, love and betrayal are two sides of the same smile, and soon the fate of a nation rests on Zhi’s shoulders. But to win, they must decide where their heart truly belongs…
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2019
33 people are currently reading
3167 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Marriott
17 books806 followersZoë has known that she wanted to be a writer since she read 'The Magic Faraway Tree' by Enid Blyton at age eight. She's never changed her mind in all the years since then.
She completed her first manuscript - a truly embarrassing romance novel - at age sixteen, and kept on writing books and submitting them until she had collected rejections from nearly very publisher in the UK and two in Australia. She eventually got her first publishing contract when she was twenty-two - but had to wait until she was twenty-four to see that book published (The Swan Kingdom). Her books have been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year, and have won a Junior Library Guild Selection, a USBBY Outstanding International Listing, the Hillingdon Book Award and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Prize. Over the years she's worked as an admin assistant, a dental nurse, a civil servant, and a reader for a literary scout. She has designed and run over one hundred creative writing workshops in schools and libraries, and from 2017-19 she was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at York St. John University.
She lives in a little house in a town by the sea, with a manic spaniel called Ruskin (otherwise known as Demon Dog, Trash Puppy, Snaggletooth, or the supervillain in training) and far too many books. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Writing at the Open University, and working on her first novel for adults.
She completed her first manuscript - a truly embarrassing romance novel - at age sixteen, and kept on writing books and submitting them until she had collected rejections from nearly very publisher in the UK and two in Australia. She eventually got her first publishing contract when she was twenty-two - but had to wait until she was twenty-four to see that book published (The Swan Kingdom). Her books have been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, shortlisted for the Leeds Book Award and the Lancashire Book of the Year, and have won a Junior Library Guild Selection, a USBBY Outstanding International Listing, the Hillingdon Book Award and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation Prize. Over the years she's worked as an admin assistant, a dental nurse, a civil servant, and a reader for a literary scout. She has designed and run over one hundred creative writing workshops in schools and libraries, and from 2017-19 she was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at York St. John University.
She lives in a little house in a town by the sea, with a manic spaniel called Ruskin (otherwise known as Demon Dog, Trash Puppy, Snaggletooth, or the supervillain in training) and far too many books. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Creative Writing at the Open University, and working on her first novel for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 27, 2019
Dear world,
Scrolling down the reviews for this book has been a mistake I will long regret. Rather than the constructive criticism and appreciative reviews I was expecting to find here I am reading comments of people who haven’t read the book and moan about cultural appropriation and the supposed injustice of non-trans people writing about trans characters.
For any person out there wondering if they should read this book I will give you my honest opinion on the story. For those who were offended by the previous paragraph or are looking for controversial opinions to spice up their day please scroll on, I plan to continue.
First of all, I would like to say that this is an excellent read. Being allergic to romance I was pleased to find a book with a strong plot and sensible romantic subplot. Although I found the end to be a bit rushed on the romance front, it took nothing away from my overall enjoyment. Although I did notice similarities with the story of Mulan, it didn’t scream “Mulan” at me beyond the first chapter. It’s a story of its own, with visible inspiration but a personality of its own and I liked that it went beyond a rewriting. Besides despite being non-Asian I love Asian culture. I know it's a crime but what can I say, I live a sinful life. I don't know how accurate the representation of this Asian-INSPIRED world was compared to actual Asian history but it worked for me. I found it to be an interesting setting with an atmosphere of its own. And I believe that's really all you can ask of a fictious world.
Now, concerning cultural appropriation, I would like to say a few words. I’m all for protecting unique cultures and taking pride in your origins. I think culture makes us richer people and I’m not ashamed to flaunt my own whenever I can. And by my own, I mean all three of them. Yes, indeed, I’m one of THOSE people. You know, with ORIGINS. I won’t say what origins since I don’t believe that’s particularly pertinent to the point I’m trying to make.
In any case, to all “Asian voices” offended by this book (I’ve read a number of you in the comments) I’d like to perhaps point out that you’re writing in English and that’s probably a cultural appropriation. In fact, let’s just sue America for making English its national language since it’s clearly a cultural appropriation of horrific proportions. And while we’re at it lets ban Americans, or any non-Irish person for that matter, from celebrating St Patrick’s Day, because, you know, cultural appropriation. And yes, while we’re at it, let us never study another language but our own. We wouldn’t want to wrongfully appropriate someone else’s culture and offend them by accident, would we?
You think this is total nonsense? I’m glad we agree.
We live in a global. We may or may not like this fact, but here we are anyway. I consider it to be a great privilege that despite living in different countries we are all able to exchange about our favorite novels on Goodreads. And that's thanks to globalisation. Culture may have been, at times, a victim of globalisation, but that doesn't mean we have to make it a martyr. The fact is looking at cultures other than our own allow us to understand other people better. Sometimes we might get it wrong but al least we try. Imagine if we all just kept our own stuff. I guess no one would know James Bond and if a French person met an Indian in the street it would equate to meeting an alien. Maybe they wouldn't even communicate. Or maybe they would just kill each other on sight. Who knows.
Moving on, other people who may or may not recognize themselves have expressed reservations concerning a queer author writing about a trans character. Frankly I fail to see how that might be a problem, but since I’m already wasting my time on this temper tantrum I suppose I’ll address the topic.
Offended LGBTQ+ person, I think you’re right. We should all take a page from the KKK’s book and live all in our separate boxes. I mean since we’re all so proud of the colour of our skin and our sexuality but don’t want to mingle, I guess we can all just stay apart. We can have straight white people box, a gay Asian box, a trans POC box, and all the rest too. Straight white writers will write about straight white characters, to be read by straight white people. We’ll all never look beyond ourselves and shy away from anything that might be slightly different. I’m sure that will lead us to a more functional and inclusive society. Don’t you?
So no, I’m not against protecting cultures, I don’t think cultural appropriation is total bull either, nor do I think we should allow offending representations of the LGBTQ+ community, however I do think that none of that occurs in this book. In my mind, there is a clear difference between a representation of a black person and a RACIST depiction of a black person. One is perfectly fine, the other perfectly condemnable. And that applies to many things in life. It's all about how it's done, how it's felt and how it's meant.
All of the above is, of course, only my opinion and no one has to share it. I encourage everyone to read this book and make their own opinion about the story. To all those who have commented without reading, read the damn book. And then come back. We’ll be ready to hear what you have to say then. (that's the royal 'we' right there)
- From: a serious reader.
Scrolling down the reviews for this book has been a mistake I will long regret. Rather than the constructive criticism and appreciative reviews I was expecting to find here I am reading comments of people who haven’t read the book and moan about cultural appropriation and the supposed injustice of non-trans people writing about trans characters.
For any person out there wondering if they should read this book I will give you my honest opinion on the story. For those who were offended by the previous paragraph or are looking for controversial opinions to spice up their day please scroll on, I plan to continue.
First of all, I would like to say that this is an excellent read. Being allergic to romance I was pleased to find a book with a strong plot and sensible romantic subplot. Although I found the end to be a bit rushed on the romance front, it took nothing away from my overall enjoyment. Although I did notice similarities with the story of Mulan, it didn’t scream “Mulan” at me beyond the first chapter. It’s a story of its own, with visible inspiration but a personality of its own and I liked that it went beyond a rewriting. Besides despite being non-Asian I love Asian culture. I know it's a crime but what can I say, I live a sinful life. I don't know how accurate the representation of this Asian-INSPIRED world was compared to actual Asian history but it worked for me. I found it to be an interesting setting with an atmosphere of its own. And I believe that's really all you can ask of a fictious world.
Now, concerning cultural appropriation, I would like to say a few words. I’m all for protecting unique cultures and taking pride in your origins. I think culture makes us richer people and I’m not ashamed to flaunt my own whenever I can. And by my own, I mean all three of them. Yes, indeed, I’m one of THOSE people. You know, with ORIGINS. I won’t say what origins since I don’t believe that’s particularly pertinent to the point I’m trying to make.
In any case, to all “Asian voices” offended by this book (I’ve read a number of you in the comments) I’d like to perhaps point out that you’re writing in English and that’s probably a cultural appropriation. In fact, let’s just sue America for making English its national language since it’s clearly a cultural appropriation of horrific proportions. And while we’re at it lets ban Americans, or any non-Irish person for that matter, from celebrating St Patrick’s Day, because, you know, cultural appropriation. And yes, while we’re at it, let us never study another language but our own. We wouldn’t want to wrongfully appropriate someone else’s culture and offend them by accident, would we?
You think this is total nonsense? I’m glad we agree.
We live in a global. We may or may not like this fact, but here we are anyway. I consider it to be a great privilege that despite living in different countries we are all able to exchange about our favorite novels on Goodreads. And that's thanks to globalisation. Culture may have been, at times, a victim of globalisation, but that doesn't mean we have to make it a martyr. The fact is looking at cultures other than our own allow us to understand other people better. Sometimes we might get it wrong but al least we try. Imagine if we all just kept our own stuff. I guess no one would know James Bond and if a French person met an Indian in the street it would equate to meeting an alien. Maybe they wouldn't even communicate. Or maybe they would just kill each other on sight. Who knows.
Moving on, other people who may or may not recognize themselves have expressed reservations concerning a queer author writing about a trans character. Frankly I fail to see how that might be a problem, but since I’m already wasting my time on this temper tantrum I suppose I’ll address the topic.
Offended LGBTQ+ person, I think you’re right. We should all take a page from the KKK’s book and live all in our separate boxes. I mean since we’re all so proud of the colour of our skin and our sexuality but don’t want to mingle, I guess we can all just stay apart. We can have straight white people box, a gay Asian box, a trans POC box, and all the rest too. Straight white writers will write about straight white characters, to be read by straight white people. We’ll all never look beyond ourselves and shy away from anything that might be slightly different. I’m sure that will lead us to a more functional and inclusive society. Don’t you?
So no, I’m not against protecting cultures, I don’t think cultural appropriation is total bull either, nor do I think we should allow offending representations of the LGBTQ+ community, however I do think that none of that occurs in this book. In my mind, there is a clear difference between a representation of a black person and a RACIST depiction of a black person. One is perfectly fine, the other perfectly condemnable. And that applies to many things in life. It's all about how it's done, how it's felt and how it's meant.
All of the above is, of course, only my opinion and no one has to share it. I encourage everyone to read this book and make their own opinion about the story. To all those who have commented without reading, read the damn book. And then come back. We’ll be ready to hear what you have to say then. (that's the royal 'we' right there)
- From: a serious reader.
March 26, 2021
Q: So is the main character of this book trans? Are you trans or queer?
A: I think of Zhi's gender identity as falling under that umbrella, and wrote them with the intention of presenting them to my readers that way - personally, I believe Zhi to be what contemporary westerners would probably call gender fluid or maybe, more broadly, non-binary. But readers are free to interpret the character's gender in any way they like. During the writing of this book I was going through a personal reassessment of my gender identity and I explored some of those feelings through Zhi's journey, but I wasn't yet comfortable putting a label on myself or being out. However, in the time since the book's publication I've come to accept myself as a demigirl, a person whose gender identity is fluid and can swing between feminine and agender, without any masculine aspects (so far). I also consider myself to be queer. However, I don't believe that writers should have to offer up a list of their own marginalisations in order to be considered qualified to write, as long as they're willing to do thorough research and reach out to the communities that they're writing about and take their opinions seriously. It may often be intrusive and unsafe to ask writers these kinds of questions, or traumatising to them depending on their experiences. So maybe reconsider asking questions like this in the future unless a writer has openly stated that their work is #ownvoices.
Q: Is it true this book is a retelling of 'Mulan'?
A: It isn't a direct retelling of any one story. It is heavily inspired by several different versions of the Ballad of Mulan - including the original poem and many subsequent, ever-evolving retellings within Chinese culture such as the Chinese Opera. The original spark of inspiration came from my frustration with Disney's Mulan and my interest in the subtext of the song 'Reflection'. But the main character of The Hand, the Eye and the Heart is not Mulan. The protagonist of this book is Zhi. It's really important to me that this is clear, because Mulan is such a revered and significant figure and I'm not seeking to mess with her. So I'm not claiming to retell 'the true story of Mulan' here. Zhi's journey definitely echoes Mulan's - but this is about paying homage to a legendary heroine and a heroic archetype, not subverting or revising Mulan's story.
Q: Is the book set in China?
A: It's set in an imaginary place called The Land of Dragons or the Red Empire. This (again) is heavily influenced by Chinese history, especially the Tang Dynasty - but only in the same way that, say, George R. R. Martin's Westeros is influenced by England in the Middle Ages. It is not intended to be a historically accurate portrayal of China. It's a fantasy. There's magic and all kinds of made up people and places and events, as well as many people and places and events which take history as a jumping off point for fantastical extrapolation. The Big Bad, for example, is a mixture of a bandit King referred to in one version of Mulan's story (a man called Leopard Skin) and a real general who rebelled against the Emperor during the Tang Dynasty.
Q: Did you have sensitivity readers who were Chinese or trans?
A: I was lucky enough to have advice and support from several other trans and non-binary people throughout the writing of the book. Once it was finished I had two trans sensitivity readers. One is a dear friend (and fellow YA writer) who kindly offered to read the first draft. The other is a very talented poet who we found through the organisation Inclusive Minds, and he read the nearly-finished version. I tried my absolute best to act on and incorporate every comment or suggestion that both of them made. I also had really valuable help from several readers (and friends and family members of readers) of Chinese and East Asian heritage throughout the writing of the book, and a sensitivity read from another lovely friend who is Chinese, and also an English professor at Singapore university. She made quite a difference to the finished product too. I thank the writing gods for all these amazing folks.
A: I think of Zhi's gender identity as falling under that umbrella, and wrote them with the intention of presenting them to my readers that way - personally, I believe Zhi to be what contemporary westerners would probably call gender fluid or maybe, more broadly, non-binary. But readers are free to interpret the character's gender in any way they like. During the writing of this book I was going through a personal reassessment of my gender identity and I explored some of those feelings through Zhi's journey, but I wasn't yet comfortable putting a label on myself or being out. However, in the time since the book's publication I've come to accept myself as a demigirl, a person whose gender identity is fluid and can swing between feminine and agender, without any masculine aspects (so far). I also consider myself to be queer. However, I don't believe that writers should have to offer up a list of their own marginalisations in order to be considered qualified to write, as long as they're willing to do thorough research and reach out to the communities that they're writing about and take their opinions seriously. It may often be intrusive and unsafe to ask writers these kinds of questions, or traumatising to them depending on their experiences. So maybe reconsider asking questions like this in the future unless a writer has openly stated that their work is #ownvoices.
Q: Is it true this book is a retelling of 'Mulan'?
A: It isn't a direct retelling of any one story. It is heavily inspired by several different versions of the Ballad of Mulan - including the original poem and many subsequent, ever-evolving retellings within Chinese culture such as the Chinese Opera. The original spark of inspiration came from my frustration with Disney's Mulan and my interest in the subtext of the song 'Reflection'. But the main character of The Hand, the Eye and the Heart is not Mulan. The protagonist of this book is Zhi. It's really important to me that this is clear, because Mulan is such a revered and significant figure and I'm not seeking to mess with her. So I'm not claiming to retell 'the true story of Mulan' here. Zhi's journey definitely echoes Mulan's - but this is about paying homage to a legendary heroine and a heroic archetype, not subverting or revising Mulan's story.
Q: Is the book set in China?
A: It's set in an imaginary place called The Land of Dragons or the Red Empire. This (again) is heavily influenced by Chinese history, especially the Tang Dynasty - but only in the same way that, say, George R. R. Martin's Westeros is influenced by England in the Middle Ages. It is not intended to be a historically accurate portrayal of China. It's a fantasy. There's magic and all kinds of made up people and places and events, as well as many people and places and events which take history as a jumping off point for fantastical extrapolation. The Big Bad, for example, is a mixture of a bandit King referred to in one version of Mulan's story (a man called Leopard Skin) and a real general who rebelled against the Emperor during the Tang Dynasty.
Q: Did you have sensitivity readers who were Chinese or trans?
A: I was lucky enough to have advice and support from several other trans and non-binary people throughout the writing of the book. Once it was finished I had two trans sensitivity readers. One is a dear friend (and fellow YA writer) who kindly offered to read the first draft. The other is a very talented poet who we found through the organisation Inclusive Minds, and he read the nearly-finished version. I tried my absolute best to act on and incorporate every comment or suggestion that both of them made. I also had really valuable help from several readers (and friends and family members of readers) of Chinese and East Asian heritage throughout the writing of the book, and a sensitivity read from another lovely friend who is Chinese, and also an English professor at Singapore university. She made quite a difference to the finished product too. I thank the writing gods for all these amazing folks.
May 29, 2019
Zhi(lan) is the eldest child of the house of Hua. Their father was a highly accomplished, skilled warrior who retired to the country to marry and raise children, and keeps his sword skills sharp by teaching them to Zhi, who prefers such physical training to the more sedate womanly arts expected of them. When all adult males are being drafted into war against the Leopard, who wishes to usurp the throne from the emperor, 17-year-old Zhi declares themself a boy in order to take the place of their father. Zhi knows it won’t be easy to maintain their new identity, but cannot anticipate the level of adventure and depth of political intrigue their new life will draw them into, nor how their talents -- and even their sense of self -- will be tested.I really enjoyed this! It starts off with a bang, and the action and tension never stop. Zhi is constantly solving problems or being challenged, and the resourcefulness and cleverness they find within themself both impressed and delighted me. Some of the situations are seemingly impossible and truly terrifying, and even though I kept telling myself, “It’s a first person narrative! You know Zhi will come out all right,” I still held my breath through the scariest parts where I couldn’t see how on earth that would be the case.
Zhi’s gender identity made a fascinating backdrop to the rest of the story. In most “girl pretends to be a boy” stories, at the end, the girl seems to happily return to her femininity once the need to appear male has passed. This book asks the question, “What if ‘pretending’ to be a boy actually makes the ‘girl’ aware of their own non-binary gender identity? How do they address it in a society that has no concept of, and no vocabulary for, gender fluidity? How do you think of yourself if you are simultaneously both male and female, but at the same time, neither one?” This questioning unfolds slowly across the rest of the plot, as Zhi’s experiences and interactions force them to confront and recognize different parts of themself.
The rest of the characters are equally complex. No one in this book has simple or pure motives. No one exists merely as a prop or sidekick to Zhi; they are all heroes in their own stories, focused on their own success and happiness, and their own secrets. My dark heart was very happy to find some backstabbing and double-crossing going on, and to find myself surprised by who was doing it, as well.
I found it intriguing that this book appears to be set in the same world as Shadows on the Moon, as Zhi’s magical talent is the same as Suzume’s, and it made sense to me that the shadow weaving talent would have a different name (“banner breaking”) in a different country. But at the same time, every time I read the words “banner breaker,” I kept thinking “shadow weaver” to keep the familiarity of what I knew before. Clearly I am resistant to change.
This is another book I had to order from the Book Depository because it’s not available in the US. And that’s a shame, because it’s got such a well-meshed combination of a character-driven story set against action and intrigue. I really loved it.
Full disclosure: I’ve known this author as an online friend for years, so I am inclined to like her books. :-)
December 23, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
From what I read about this book before reading it, people were talking about it being a retelling of Mulan – Fact is I’ve only seen snippets of the Disney film but not the entire thing and I know the partial story behind the film so I can see some similarities, I believe this is a story inspired by Mulan but not a retelling. This book is more than a young girl wanting to be a soldier and pretending to be male, this is about a young girl who feels that she has been born into the wrong gender.
As a young girl Zhilan saves her family from an attack by raising the alarm that soldiers were coming to kill her family. Her father is disabled after being injured in battle. When a civil war breaks Zhilan now seventeen takes his place as a male soldier Zhi and must become a warrior.
The world in which The Hand, the Eye and the Heart is set is magical and for anyone loving fantasy novels you will probably enjoy this aspect of it. It also features a main character who is trying to discover themselves and understand their sexuality. There is also a beautifully portrayed romance within the pages too.
The book was heavy going at times but I enjoyed Zhilan/Zhi and their story, they were an exceptionally likeable and strong character. The book flowed and I enjoyed the story more than I thought I would as I’ve been putting off reading the book for a while now as I’m not much of a historical lover so I wasn’t sure how I would take to it.
This is a book that has lots happening the whole way through. From love, loss, war, death, battles, romance, adventure, magic, and a young person trying to understand who they truly are within and fighting to be that person on the outside.
From what I read about this book before reading it, people were talking about it being a retelling of Mulan – Fact is I’ve only seen snippets of the Disney film but not the entire thing and I know the partial story behind the film so I can see some similarities, I believe this is a story inspired by Mulan but not a retelling. This book is more than a young girl wanting to be a soldier and pretending to be male, this is about a young girl who feels that she has been born into the wrong gender.
As a young girl Zhilan saves her family from an attack by raising the alarm that soldiers were coming to kill her family. Her father is disabled after being injured in battle. When a civil war breaks Zhilan now seventeen takes his place as a male soldier Zhi and must become a warrior.
The world in which The Hand, the Eye and the Heart is set is magical and for anyone loving fantasy novels you will probably enjoy this aspect of it. It also features a main character who is trying to discover themselves and understand their sexuality. There is also a beautifully portrayed romance within the pages too.
The book was heavy going at times but I enjoyed Zhilan/Zhi and their story, they were an exceptionally likeable and strong character. The book flowed and I enjoyed the story more than I thought I would as I’ve been putting off reading the book for a while now as I’m not much of a historical lover so I wasn’t sure how I would take to it.
This is a book that has lots happening the whole way through. From love, loss, war, death, battles, romance, adventure, magic, and a young person trying to understand who they truly are within and fighting to be that person on the outside.
Read
April 13, 2019Please listen to queer Asian voices regarding this book and its cultural appropriation and whitewashing.
April 2, 2019
The magic of writing of The Red Empire is a fairytale land. The author was inspired to write this book by serval version of the traditional Chinese story of Mulan. To me this story flowed like poetry which in some certain books I enjoy reading the story like poetry. This book may contain depictions of deadnaming and misgendering. I found the characters Zhilan to be a seven year old girl, however being in the world she lives in I rather thought of her being like a tomboy. Zhilan has to save her father from being killed. The greatest battle is to be who you are. After reading this delightful imaginary story I would like to read Shadows On The long by Zoe Marriott. Thank you so much walker books for sending me this well written book.
April 15, 2019
This re-telling of Mulan has left me divided. I love Mulan and I was very much looking forward to this book. However, cultural appropriation is a problem, especially in connection to that book.
It started off alright: Zhilan becomes Zhi in order to take her father's place in the war against the Leopard. She befriends a fellow soldier, is very successful and is promoted to work with the Young General (who is also very handsome). While living a life as a man, (s)he transgresses the boundaries of gender. She also has crushes on her fellow soldier plus the general. So far, so good.
The second part of the book was just bad. I could no longer understand the characters' motives, I thought it was just unbelievably neat that !!!SPOILERS!!! her other love interest did not only survive but is also a woman, she managed to escape from the leopard's 'den', could save the Emperor (a woman as well...) and defeat the General who was very evil after all. The happy ending is just so terribly unbelievable, it was just too much and Zhi stopped evolving half-way through the book and became an imba stock character with magical abilities... Zhi's journey from woman to a non-binary person was not described well, it just wasn't believable and felt as if it was written by a cis author (which it was). (And yes, I am not trans myself but I have read my fair share of novels, poems and memoirs written by trans persons.)
Anybody else really hated the second half of the novel? Queer people, what did you think of Zhi's 'transition'?
Furthermore, the entire problem of cultural appropriation is a thing: a white, cis author writes about a trans-character from China (ah, yes, it's a secondary world, but it's super close to China) and changes the story so much that one no longer recognizes where it came from but profits because it jumps on the "Mulan" hype-train. Problematic af, especially if queer or Asian critics are not taken seriously. (And I, as a white reader, did not like how Westernized and modern in his beliefs concerning gender our hero was because it just felt wrong.)
Readers from China or with a Chinese background, what did you think?
However, I strongly believe that the imagination is the writer's only limitation. Yet, one can take care and be a bit more considerate when appropriating motifs, mythologies or entire stories from a different culture. Yes, a white author should not be limited to writing white characters and a black author should not be limited to writing about 'black' issues and a queer writer should not be limited to write about queer characters only, BUT if you write about something or someone different from what you are and what you know, you should be a bit careful. This author wasn't.
I would love to read a fantasy re-telling of Mulan written by someone who actually has a bit more insight into the background of the story. Please.
2,5 Stars
It started off alright: Zhilan becomes Zhi in order to take her father's place in the war against the Leopard. She befriends a fellow soldier, is very successful and is promoted to work with the Young General (who is also very handsome). While living a life as a man, (s)he transgresses the boundaries of gender. She also has crushes on her fellow soldier plus the general. So far, so good.
The second part of the book was just bad. I could no longer understand the characters' motives, I thought it was just unbelievably neat that !!!SPOILERS!!! her other love interest did not only survive but is also a woman, she managed to escape from the leopard's 'den', could save the Emperor (a woman as well...) and defeat the General who was very evil after all. The happy ending is just so terribly unbelievable, it was just too much and Zhi stopped evolving half-way through the book and became an imba stock character with magical abilities... Zhi's journey from woman to a non-binary person was not described well, it just wasn't believable and felt as if it was written by a cis author (which it was). (And yes, I am not trans myself but I have read my fair share of novels, poems and memoirs written by trans persons.)
Anybody else really hated the second half of the novel? Queer people, what did you think of Zhi's 'transition'?
Furthermore, the entire problem of cultural appropriation is a thing: a white, cis author writes about a trans-character from China (ah, yes, it's a secondary world, but it's super close to China) and changes the story so much that one no longer recognizes where it came from but profits because it jumps on the "Mulan" hype-train. Problematic af, especially if queer or Asian critics are not taken seriously. (And I, as a white reader, did not like how Westernized and modern in his beliefs concerning gender our hero was because it just felt wrong.)
Readers from China or with a Chinese background, what did you think?
However, I strongly believe that the imagination is the writer's only limitation. Yet, one can take care and be a bit more considerate when appropriating motifs, mythologies or entire stories from a different culture. Yes, a white author should not be limited to writing white characters and a black author should not be limited to writing about 'black' issues and a queer writer should not be limited to write about queer characters only, BUT if you write about something or someone different from what you are and what you know, you should be a bit careful. This author wasn't.
I would love to read a fantasy re-telling of Mulan written by someone who actually has a bit more insight into the background of the story. Please.
2,5 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
I was initially wary going into this as the author is white, writing a Mulan retelling, but seems to have done her research and contacted people who know a lot more about the subject (however I'm also white so cannot be certain). I really enjoyed the trans aspect of this though, and thought it was brilliantly written.
I loved that this was a standalone fantasy, with romance, but the focus was on Zhi's identity and their struggles to pass as male in the army camp they're assigned to. I felt this was paced really well, not being too slow, but also not trying to cram too much in, so the standalone aspect works very well here.
For me, the ending was so good. I loved the final chapter of the older Zhi, telling their story to a younger generation. The story overall reminded me of Mulan, but didn't feel like it was a direct copy and paste, while still feeling unique and original.
I loved that this was a standalone fantasy, with romance, but the focus was on Zhi's identity and their struggles to pass as male in the army camp they're assigned to. I felt this was paced really well, not being too slow, but also not trying to cram too much in, so the standalone aspect works very well here.
For me, the ending was so good. I loved the final chapter of the older Zhi, telling their story to a younger generation. The story overall reminded me of Mulan, but didn't feel like it was a direct copy and paste, while still feeling unique and original.
August 25, 2019
I liked this book. Very very much. I'm Chinese, this is my culture. And I'm fairly bewildered by how many people are saying that this is cultural appropriation.
I read it to its end, I didn't find it annoying, I didn't hate. It was surprising, but it was from my own perspective not completely out there. It takes the retelling of Mulan in a different way, but still very much honoring the way it was told.
It's a story about loyalty. And I had my own feelings that there was something really wrong with the Young General from the absolute beginning.
It takes liberties. And seems to be inspired and set in the times of Wu Zetian, although again this can be placed into literally any era if possible. And the story makes itself a fantasy, so I won't even try to touch that. Because it doesn't ever represent itself as a historical fantasy, but is more than happy to place it elsewhere.
And this is a Mulan retelling, which can very well be in almost any dynasty. Mulan is not the sole one. But she is the most famous myth, because to the Chinese eyes she is the embodiment of filial piety, giving herself up was wrong in the eyes of culture, but she did it for the sake of her family.
That was the key thing here, this was the same running theme. One which makes the story so welcomed, and works so well here. It is at the end of the day about Zhilan trying to do so. And becoming a soldier was key.
The book was so readable. Most of it was nicely tied up, while having a really original take on it. Not to mention, covering up some of the details which would not have made any sense.
But there are girls who in the right style would be taken for boys, it isn't really that hard, but the added touch of illusions certainly explained it.
I read it to its end, I didn't find it annoying, I didn't hate. It was surprising, but it was from my own perspective not completely out there. It takes the retelling of Mulan in a different way, but still very much honoring the way it was told.
It's a story about loyalty. And I had my own feelings that there was something really wrong with the Young General from the absolute beginning.
It takes liberties. And seems to be inspired and set in the times of Wu Zetian, although again this can be placed into literally any era if possible. And the story makes itself a fantasy, so I won't even try to touch that. Because it doesn't ever represent itself as a historical fantasy, but is more than happy to place it elsewhere.
And this is a Mulan retelling, which can very well be in almost any dynasty. Mulan is not the sole one. But she is the most famous myth, because to the Chinese eyes she is the embodiment of filial piety, giving herself up was wrong in the eyes of culture, but she did it for the sake of her family.
That was the key thing here, this was the same running theme. One which makes the story so welcomed, and works so well here. It is at the end of the day about Zhilan trying to do so. And becoming a soldier was key.
The book was so readable. Most of it was nicely tied up, while having a really original take on it. Not to mention, covering up some of the details which would not have made any sense.
But there are girls who in the right style would be taken for boys, it isn't really that hard, but the added touch of illusions certainly explained it.
November 5, 2019
Goddamn.
Firstly, can I just say that I LOVE the story of Mulan, so I was so excited to read this when I heard about it. But this book is so much more than a retelling of Mulan. If includes betrayal and the difference between love and interest, it includes heaps of LGBTQ+ stuff and it includes a fascinatingly morally grey storyline. Because do you trust the person who killed an innocent woman for power or the person that killed hundreds of people for revenge?
The Hand, the Eye and the Heart has some of the sweetest romance ever, as well as having some amazing transgender messages and something that made me truly understand being pansexual. The writing was stunning, the characters were better, and the COVER. Or at least my cover is gorgeous.
God bless my dead Caitlin, who recommended this to me.
Firstly, can I just say that I LOVE the story of Mulan, so I was so excited to read this when I heard about it. But this book is so much more than a retelling of Mulan. If includes betrayal and the difference between love and interest, it includes heaps of LGBTQ+ stuff and it includes a fascinatingly morally grey storyline. Because do you trust the person who killed an innocent woman for power or the person that killed hundreds of people for revenge?
The Hand, the Eye and the Heart has some of the sweetest romance ever, as well as having some amazing transgender messages and something that made me truly understand being pansexual. The writing was stunning, the characters were better, and the COVER. Or at least my cover is gorgeous.
God bless my dead Caitlin, who recommended this to me.
March 29, 2019
Just. Wow.
Words to come soon. Must think.
Words to come soon. Must think.
March 5, 2019
I am super excited each time there is a new Zoë Marriott book but also utterly terrified. I am a Fangirl. I will happily admit this. I fawn/swoon/flail over these stories in a way I rarely do with books. So new book = petrified. Because? My expectations are so high. What if this one doesn't deliver?! BUT then Zoë Marriott throws out that opening like the one we have here and you know it's going to be AMAZING!!!
As always Zoë's mastery of crafting words transports you into the story so effortlessly that you’ll be halfway through the book before you even realise. The worldbuilding is wonderful, the descriptions perfect. Enough detail that Zhi’s surroundings are painted around you as you journey with them but never so much that you feel that they distract from the tale.
The Hand, The Eye and the Heart has so many layers of brilliant writing. Zhi’s story is not just a “Mulan retelling”, first impressions of the characters are never straightforward, encounters are never just that. And relationships? Friendships? There is so much more below the surface.
Without giving anything away, here are some my highlights:
Zhi figuring out who they are
Yang Jie’s story
Zhi and Wu Jiang relationship and why it’s important
If we had to summarise my feelings about The Hand, The Eye and the Heart it would be that Zoë Marriott emotional broke me. Put me back together and then broke me again. Well done. (It might not sound it but that’s a good thing!)
As always Zoë's mastery of crafting words transports you into the story so effortlessly that you’ll be halfway through the book before you even realise. The worldbuilding is wonderful, the descriptions perfect. Enough detail that Zhi’s surroundings are painted around you as you journey with them but never so much that you feel that they distract from the tale.
The Hand, The Eye and the Heart has so many layers of brilliant writing. Zhi’s story is not just a “Mulan retelling”, first impressions of the characters are never straightforward, encounters are never just that. And relationships? Friendships? There is so much more below the surface.
Without giving anything away, here are some my highlights:
Zhi figuring out who they are
Yang Jie’s story
Zhi and Wu Jiang relationship and why it’s important
If we had to summarise my feelings about The Hand, The Eye and the Heart it would be that Zoë Marriott emotional broke me. Put me back together and then broke me again. Well done. (It might not sound it but that’s a good thing!)
Read
February 12, 2019[Gifted]
Zoe Marriott has mastered the art of the retelling. She combines cultural touchstones with carefully researched historical setting to create something truly special.
Zoe Marriott has mastered the art of the retelling. She combines cultural touchstones with carefully researched historical setting to create something truly special.
June 23, 2019
I was honestly surprised when I saw all the controversy blowing up over this as I have read almost all of Zoe Marriott's previous books, which often take inspiration from Japanese, Chinese or Korean culture. I had always seen her as an author who was showing a deep love and respect for these cultures. Yet, in this book this was called out as problematic.
I know that publishing has changed and I will be the first person to say that #ownvoices books are important and that there should be space for creators from every culture, language, religion and sexuality to be represented. I understand the argument that an author from the 'mainstream' writing a book that draws on marginalised identities should not be 'taking up space' that could be occupied by an #ownvoices author.
However, I worry slightly about the recent tendency to immediately jump on any author who tries to write something outside of their own experience. I attended a workshop last year where we discussed cultural appropriation and cultural touchstones in fiction and how to write without 'taking' from another culture or identity. It is possible to write outside of your own experience, but proper research and sensitivity readers must be a part of the process. Based on the author's notes, it seems like this author has done her due diligence, although I acknowledge that I am not from either of the offended communities in this book therefore cannot fully judge. All I can say is that I believe that each and every person's experience of the world is completely different, despite the many things we have in common, so how one character experiences their transition (for example, Zhi in this book) might not represent how everyone does.
I understand the criticisms, but I also believe that people should read this book themselves to decide and be aware that people will read it in many different ways.
When Disney made Mulan they were roundly criticized for appropriating Chinese culture, whereas Kung Fu Panda also infuriated many in China because they believed that only Chinese actors and directors had the right to create a story so firmly based in Chinese culture. I am not saying that they don't have a point, but I also believe that there should be creative freedom, obviously accompanied by appropriate research and consultation.
Putting the controversy to one side to actually look at the book for the moment - I enjoyed the story and found Zhi a sympathetic character. I particularly liked how the romance that developed did not follow the predictable path, although the ending became a little confusing. After reading this book I went to rad more about being non-binary and 'deadnaming' as I didn't know much and I intend to educate myself further on these matters. Saying this is not to negate any criticisms of the book, but to acknowledge that because of this book some readers may become more educated about the issues being discussed, which will hopefully lead to greater understanding all around.
I know that publishing has changed and I will be the first person to say that #ownvoices books are important and that there should be space for creators from every culture, language, religion and sexuality to be represented. I understand the argument that an author from the 'mainstream' writing a book that draws on marginalised identities should not be 'taking up space' that could be occupied by an #ownvoices author.
However, I worry slightly about the recent tendency to immediately jump on any author who tries to write something outside of their own experience. I attended a workshop last year where we discussed cultural appropriation and cultural touchstones in fiction and how to write without 'taking' from another culture or identity. It is possible to write outside of your own experience, but proper research and sensitivity readers must be a part of the process. Based on the author's notes, it seems like this author has done her due diligence, although I acknowledge that I am not from either of the offended communities in this book therefore cannot fully judge. All I can say is that I believe that each and every person's experience of the world is completely different, despite the many things we have in common, so how one character experiences their transition (for example, Zhi in this book) might not represent how everyone does.
I understand the criticisms, but I also believe that people should read this book themselves to decide and be aware that people will read it in many different ways.
When Disney made Mulan they were roundly criticized for appropriating Chinese culture, whereas Kung Fu Panda also infuriated many in China because they believed that only Chinese actors and directors had the right to create a story so firmly based in Chinese culture. I am not saying that they don't have a point, but I also believe that there should be creative freedom, obviously accompanied by appropriate research and consultation.
Putting the controversy to one side to actually look at the book for the moment - I enjoyed the story and found Zhi a sympathetic character. I particularly liked how the romance that developed did not follow the predictable path, although the ending became a little confusing. After reading this book I went to rad more about being non-binary and 'deadnaming' as I didn't know much and I intend to educate myself further on these matters. Saying this is not to negate any criticisms of the book, but to acknowledge that because of this book some readers may become more educated about the issues being discussed, which will hopefully lead to greater understanding all around.
July 15, 2021
Тру аннотация: приходит Мулан в армию - а там Мулан!
☆ язык простой, но с военными терминами и благородными речами, может заебать.
☆ первую половину тренировка в лагере, потом пару стычек, дорога в столицу и дворцовые интриги. В интригах самая мякотка, потому что надо вычислить ассасинистых ассасинов. И все заверте, и сюжет пошел не по сказке.
☆ героиня не просто поступила в армию вместо папки, а грезит военным делом и погонами генерала. Одобряю.
☆ я в Китае ни в зуб ногой, но выглядит все ну вылитый древний Китай. Есть немножко магии, но чисто чтобы пояснить, как Мулан так долго никто не раскусил.
☆ в армии героиня первым делом корешится с хилым и смазливым, но хитрым сослуживцем (место для жиирного спойлера), и этот сослуживец влюбляется в нее "как в мужика". И наша Мулан страшно переживает, что друг у нее гей и бросит ее, как только узнает, что она девочка. А тут еще ассасины не дремлют.
Вдобавок там есть кросивый командир с широкими плечами, который тоже не дремлет и положил глаз на героиню, но как на бабу.
Сама Мулан за военными маневрами уже забыла, какого она пола.
Короче, килотонна лулзов, товарищи. Орала чаечкой с любовного треугольника всю дорогу. Особенно со спойлера.
☆ Варнинг! Есть неприятные описания трупов, несколько смертей в прямом эфире и только пара лесбийских поцелуев. А жаль, я бы еще посмотрела.
☆ злодей с мотивацией и даже на человека похож. Аж жалко его под конец стало.
☆ финал не всрат! Ура!
☆ рейтинг 3,78, но не бойтесь, это просто какие-то идиоты зашеймили книгу за неправильную трансгендерность и плохой Китай.
☆ короче, пять звезд.
☆ язык простой, но с военными терминами и благородными речами, может заебать.
☆ первую половину тренировка в лагере, потом пару стычек, дорога в столицу и дворцовые интриги. В интригах самая мякотка, потому что надо вычислить ассасинистых ассасинов. И все заверте, и сюжет пошел не по сказке.
☆ героиня не просто поступила в армию вместо папки, а грезит военным делом и погонами генерала. Одобряю.
☆ я в Китае ни в зуб ногой, но выглядит все ну вылитый древний Китай. Есть немножко магии, но чисто чтобы пояснить, как Мулан так долго никто не раскусил.
☆ в армии героиня первым делом корешится с хилым и смазливым, но хитрым сослуживцем (место для жиирного спойлера), и этот сослуживец влюбляется в нее "как в мужика". И наша Мулан страшно переживает, что друг у нее гей и бросит ее, как только узнает, что она девочка. А тут еще ассасины не дремлют.
Вдобавок там есть кросивый командир с широкими плечами, который тоже не дремлет и положил глаз на героиню, но как на бабу.
Сама Мулан за военными маневрами уже забыла, какого она пола.
Короче, килотонна лулзов, товарищи. Орала чаечкой с любовного треугольника всю дорогу. Особенно со спойлера.
☆ Варнинг! Есть неприятные описания трупов, несколько смертей в прямом эфире и только пара лесбийских поцелуев. А жаль, я бы еще посмотрела.
☆ злодей с мотивацией и даже на человека похож. Аж жалко его под конец стало.
☆ финал не всрат! Ура!
☆ рейтинг 3,78, но не бойтесь, это просто какие-то идиоты зашеймили книгу за неправильную трансгендерность и плохой Китай.
☆ короче, пять звезд.
August 19, 2020
That was beautiful. I wasn't originally keen on reading this book, I only knew it was lgbtq+ and fantasy (both things I love) but something held me back. I decided to read it after all and I'm so happy I did. The plot and action starts right away on the first page. I fell in love with the main character and with so many more characters, there was a special connection all throughout the book.
This book shows that it's ok to be different and follow your dreams, that things might not always work out as planned but you have to be strong, believe in yourself and your family.
I reccomend this book to you who love plot twists, who love Mulan and who's confused about your identity, because you're strong.
This book shows that it's ok to be different and follow your dreams, that things might not always work out as planned but you have to be strong, believe in yourself and your family.
I reccomend this book to you who love plot twists, who love Mulan and who's confused about your identity, because you're strong.
Want to read
July 24, 2019why did I not realize this is a glorious Mulan retelling?? I must have it
April 16, 2022
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK AND THE CHARACTERS AND JUST AAAAA
May 11, 2019
I’m a little disappointed in this book - bits were really enjoyable but some of it was just a let down. I’m staying out of the cultural debate on the book and taking it just as a story at the moment.
The things I liked were the concept of barrier breaking magic, and the Mulan inspiration. And I mostly liked Zhi’s realisations about their gender. However I wanted them to be a little more obvious. Like not wanting to show their “true”’face to someone she doesn’t like isn’t the same as feeling generally uncomfortable with it, so I want them to have a little more thought on why they were uncomfy with it. But I do love that their gender identity wasn’t simple and the book didn’t flinch from that.
However I guessed some of the reveals (most of them) as they weren’t well disguised. And the ending felt like a massive let down. The general in particular made me want to punch him on the regular, but there’s a scene about 60 pages from the end that is particularly punchy.
Sorry if this is confusing, as I’m trying to not spoil the story, but a lot of the worst parts are at the end.
In short, the story isn’t bad, but it’s certainly not the best out there, and there are probably better stories around the mulan legend.
The things I liked were the concept of barrier breaking magic, and the Mulan inspiration. And I mostly liked Zhi’s realisations about their gender. However I wanted them to be a little more obvious. Like not wanting to show their “true”’face to someone she doesn’t like isn’t the same as feeling generally uncomfortable with it, so I want them to have a little more thought on why they were uncomfy with it. But I do love that their gender identity wasn’t simple and the book didn’t flinch from that.
However I guessed some of the reveals (most of them) as they weren’t well disguised. And the ending felt like a massive let down. The general in particular made me want to punch him on the regular, but there’s a scene about 60 pages from the end that is particularly punchy.
Sorry if this is confusing, as I’m trying to not spoil the story, but a lot of the worst parts are at the end.
In short, the story isn’t bad, but it’s certainly not the best out there, and there are probably better stories around the mulan legend.
May 26, 2020
Oh my ancestors, this was something!
Asi jedna z nejlepších knih, minimálně jedna z nejlepších za tento rok. Tohle opravdu překvapilo, chytilo, zaujalo, nepustilo, zabavilo, ohromilo, prostě všechno.
(Delší komentář později)
Tahle knížka bohužel není tolik známá ani v zahraničí a v překladu u nás určitě nevyjde (nejen z toho důvodu), ale angličtina to nebyla těžká, i když se jednalo o fantasy, takže určitě můžu doporučit! Je k sehnání jak na bookdepository, v nějakých knihovnách (odtud pochází můj výtisk) nebo i v nabídce českých knihkupectvích.
Asi jedna z nejlepších knih, minimálně jedna z nejlepších za tento rok. Tohle opravdu překvapilo, chytilo, zaujalo, nepustilo, zabavilo, ohromilo, prostě všechno.
(Delší komentář později)
Tahle knížka bohužel není tolik známá ani v zahraničí a v překladu u nás určitě nevyjde (nejen z toho důvodu), ale angličtina to nebyla těžká, i když se jednalo o fantasy, takže určitě můžu doporučit! Je k sehnání jak na bookdepository, v nějakých knihovnách (odtud pochází můj výtisk) nebo i v nabídce českých knihkupectvích.
October 17, 2021
Honestly, I was pretty satisfied with this as a book. Despite the fact that I would have preferred more time be dedicated to the exploration of the protagonist's identity and the possibly unnecessary almost unbelievable upping of stakes in some portions of the novel, I thought this was an entertaining read. I really am so easily swayed by atmospheric writing and the descriptive language that set the scene from the get go really charmed me. Not revolutionary overall but I appreciated the queer representation provided in this rather skilful retelling. Would recommend to fans of empowering YA literature!
Rating: 4.5/5
Rating: 4.5/5
April 8, 2022
I listened to the audio of this book and unfortunately I was never gripped . Possibly as it was an audio. Possibly because it was first person which I don't like
I liked the twist on the Mulan story though.
I can see some people loving this, but wasn't for me
I liked the twist on the Mulan story though.
I can see some people loving this, but wasn't for me
October 18, 2021
kind of like Mulan to be honest
April 21, 2019
"I didn't know him at all. And he didn't know me. We had colluded to keep our interactions on the shallowest level in every respect. Me, because I hadn't really wanted a relationship with him, hadn't wanted to play the role of "girl" for anyone, but had been too cowardly to admit it to myself or him. And he? Because he hadn't believed there was any other way to interact with me. He hadn't thought there was more to know".
It's not often that non-binary characters are presented appropriately or respectfully within fiction. Which isn't to say that I can speak to the representation, but rather to how believable I found it to be and how happy I was with how the author handled this information. Often, the very knowledge that a character is non-binary, or gender-fluid in any way, would be frequently peppered throughout the book; almost deliberately rehashing this fact to the point of it becoming the main focus of the story. In doing so, it feels disrespectful, forced and unnecessary, rather than just an accepted fact about the character and this just gets under my skin. Marriott doesn't do this at all. Despite being a tale of a daughter disguised as a son, Zhilan is very swiftly defined as a person assigned female at birth, who is considering their gender, sexuality and becoming accepting of what made them that person, rather than the features which apparently defined them as one gender or another. I really appreciated the representation and actually enjoyed watching Zhilan embrace those thoughts throughout the book.
The story itself is sold as a sort of Mulan retelling. In reality, this has been researched past the point of the Disney fable and it feels unfair to really call it that. Rather, this is a standalone fantasy (a rarity and something I really appreciate as a reader with too many series to get through!) which admittedly does feature some similar themes to Mulan, but is ostensibly a new story in its own right.
Zhilan has a gift for illusions and an aptitude for fighting. To protect a fragile father, Zhilan uses this gift to disguise as a soldier and takes his place. This comprises the first quarter of the book, which frankly was so good I couldn't put it down, as the wider story begins to unfold shortly thereafter. The plot is fast, ferocious in part and contained enough detail to build a believable world, without becoming too detailed as to detract from the story. Zhilan is a quick-witted and observant narrator who is easy to become invested in, has predictable but totally relatable reasoning and fights for honour rather than brutality. It really feels as though Zhilan earns the status of "hero", rather than simply being awarded it from being gifted and this sets them apart from the typical "special" protagonist with a heroic title.
Whilst I can't speak for the representation of POC or for the culture, I did enjoy reading about it and I thought the world-building was beautiful. I struggled with some of the similar names, largely due to my own unfamiliarity with them, and this occasionally made it harder to follow the story. Equally, aside from Zhilan, I didn't really feel I knew the secondary characters that well and this made understanding their motives less engaging for me; it's really important for me that I connect with each of the characters, because to really love a story I feel as though I need to understand why choices are made and what underpins a character at heart. The villain, in particular, was especially poorly developed.
I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy beautiful world-building, fast moving plots and a satisfying ending. I look forward to seeing what Marriott does next.
ARC provided free from Walker Books in exchange for an honest review.
It's not often that non-binary characters are presented appropriately or respectfully within fiction. Which isn't to say that I can speak to the representation, but rather to how believable I found it to be and how happy I was with how the author handled this information. Often, the very knowledge that a character is non-binary, or gender-fluid in any way, would be frequently peppered throughout the book; almost deliberately rehashing this fact to the point of it becoming the main focus of the story. In doing so, it feels disrespectful, forced and unnecessary, rather than just an accepted fact about the character and this just gets under my skin. Marriott doesn't do this at all. Despite being a tale of a daughter disguised as a son, Zhilan is very swiftly defined as a person assigned female at birth, who is considering their gender, sexuality and becoming accepting of what made them that person, rather than the features which apparently defined them as one gender or another. I really appreciated the representation and actually enjoyed watching Zhilan embrace those thoughts throughout the book.
The story itself is sold as a sort of Mulan retelling. In reality, this has been researched past the point of the Disney fable and it feels unfair to really call it that. Rather, this is a standalone fantasy (a rarity and something I really appreciate as a reader with too many series to get through!) which admittedly does feature some similar themes to Mulan, but is ostensibly a new story in its own right.
Zhilan has a gift for illusions and an aptitude for fighting. To protect a fragile father, Zhilan uses this gift to disguise as a soldier and takes his place. This comprises the first quarter of the book, which frankly was so good I couldn't put it down, as the wider story begins to unfold shortly thereafter. The plot is fast, ferocious in part and contained enough detail to build a believable world, without becoming too detailed as to detract from the story. Zhilan is a quick-witted and observant narrator who is easy to become invested in, has predictable but totally relatable reasoning and fights for honour rather than brutality. It really feels as though Zhilan earns the status of "hero", rather than simply being awarded it from being gifted and this sets them apart from the typical "special" protagonist with a heroic title.
Whilst I can't speak for the representation of POC or for the culture, I did enjoy reading about it and I thought the world-building was beautiful. I struggled with some of the similar names, largely due to my own unfamiliarity with them, and this occasionally made it harder to follow the story. Equally, aside from Zhilan, I didn't really feel I knew the secondary characters that well and this made understanding their motives less engaging for me; it's really important for me that I connect with each of the characters, because to really love a story I feel as though I need to understand why choices are made and what underpins a character at heart. The villain, in particular, was especially poorly developed.
I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy beautiful world-building, fast moving plots and a satisfying ending. I look forward to seeing what Marriott does next.
ARC provided free from Walker Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2020
That ending! Wow! Those last two chapters chanced everything.
June 1, 2019
I've never read anything by Marriott before, but when the book was included in the bookboxclub our paths crossed. A few disclaimers to begin with: 1. I'm an emotional reader. If a book doesn't make me feel anything, there will always be something missing. 2. I've never really had a click with the story of Mulan, since it's a story that has literally no personal connection with me.
And I think both of these things truly showed while reading this book. From the very first page until the very last one I didn't really feel anything. I didn't really care about the characters, about their love stories, about their struggles or about their fate. I can't exactly say why it didn't work for me, but it felt like the story lacked true emotion. Most likely because literally every character plays a role and we can never see and experience them in their full glory of being themselves completely.
But, if the book had gotten a very good and interesting plot that could have partly made up for that. But to be honest, I didn't think the book had either. For big chunks of the book nothing is happening. Characters are training, riding on horses and writing letters. Once in a while there is a chapter with some action, but it's always very brief and since I didn't really care about the characters anyway, I didn't really feel the rush during those scenes either. What the story mostly lacks is depth and layers. The plot is very straight forward and superficial.
And even though the Chinese names were very present, the city and the country never came to life for me. It lacked atmosphere and soul. The story could have taken place anywhere. If the characters would have carried another name, the story would have been the same set in France or America or Norway or Russia.
Maybe I simply wasn't in the right mood for this book. Maybe the lack of a personal connection with the issues in this book and the story of Mulan cloud my judgement. Maybe it's me and not the book. But I was not very impressed and even a little underwhelmed.
And I think both of these things truly showed while reading this book. From the very first page until the very last one I didn't really feel anything. I didn't really care about the characters, about their love stories, about their struggles or about their fate. I can't exactly say why it didn't work for me, but it felt like the story lacked true emotion. Most likely because literally every character plays a role and we can never see and experience them in their full glory of being themselves completely.
But, if the book had gotten a very good and interesting plot that could have partly made up for that. But to be honest, I didn't think the book had either. For big chunks of the book nothing is happening. Characters are training, riding on horses and writing letters. Once in a while there is a chapter with some action, but it's always very brief and since I didn't really care about the characters anyway, I didn't really feel the rush during those scenes either. What the story mostly lacks is depth and layers. The plot is very straight forward and superficial.
And even though the Chinese names were very present, the city and the country never came to life for me. It lacked atmosphere and soul. The story could have taken place anywhere. If the characters would have carried another name, the story would have been the same set in France or America or Norway or Russia.
Maybe I simply wasn't in the right mood for this book. Maybe the lack of a personal connection with the issues in this book and the story of Mulan cloud my judgement. Maybe it's me and not the book. But I was not very impressed and even a little underwhelmed.
September 19, 2023
3.75-4 out of 5 stars for me
May 6, 2019
DNF. Did not finish.
I started reading and felt a LOT of deja vu. The beginning is very close to the first chapters of Shadows on the Moon (by the same author). Then we are revealed the magical ability of Zhilan and her father testing her, want to guess what it is? An ability almost the exact copy of what Suzume (Shadows on the Moon) has. The similarities carry on throughout the book. It felt like Suzume had written her retelling of Mulan with a Mary Sue character.
Despite the Red Empire being inspired by Chinese culture, it is very similar to the Moonlit Lands (inspired by Japanese culture) and to me, that is odd, as they are not that similar culturally. However, both fictional lands are very similar and I couldn't difference them as I can Chinese and Japanese cultures. The Red Empire feels like a slightly less magical version of the Moonlit Lands.
So, in summary, the reason I did not finish this book and gave up on it was that the it felt like the same setting and character, just renamed and with slightly different clothes. The stories which aren't at all similar (or not the original setting of Cinderella and Mulan respectively) have become very similar plots and therefore I wasn't enjoy this book. (I love Mulan retellings, and there's so many good ones and many more coming soon, but this is more of a Shadows of the Moon retelling with a bit of Mulan in it).
I started reading and felt a LOT of deja vu. The beginning is very close to the first chapters of Shadows on the Moon (by the same author). Then we are revealed the magical ability of Zhilan and her father testing her, want to guess what it is? An ability almost the exact copy of what Suzume (Shadows on the Moon) has. The similarities carry on throughout the book. It felt like Suzume had written her retelling of Mulan with a Mary Sue character.
Despite the Red Empire being inspired by Chinese culture, it is very similar to the Moonlit Lands (inspired by Japanese culture) and to me, that is odd, as they are not that similar culturally. However, both fictional lands are very similar and I couldn't difference them as I can Chinese and Japanese cultures. The Red Empire feels like a slightly less magical version of the Moonlit Lands.
So, in summary, the reason I did not finish this book and gave up on it was that the it felt like the same setting and character, just renamed and with slightly different clothes. The stories which aren't at all similar (or not the original setting of Cinderella and Mulan respectively) have become very similar plots and therefore I wasn't enjoy this book. (I love Mulan retellings, and there's so many good ones and many more coming soon, but this is more of a Shadows of the Moon retelling with a bit of Mulan in it).
December 1, 2024
“There is nothing simple in the world that the world cannot make impossibly complicated.”
This story touches on so many things, it’s amazing.
There’s a bit of Mulan (which it’s inspired by, too) -the way it all starts, but with added fantasy and before you know it, you’re in a completely different story full of friendship, betrayal and many, many fights. It’s woven together amazingly and the world -the magic, feels so unique.
There are very few moments where it dragged just a little, but it’s impressive how this whole story was fit into one book without things missing or being written too easily. There need to be more fantasy books like this -stand alone’s done so well.
And lastly the epilogue!! It was super cute. Exactly the kind of whimsy, the kind of fun that you need after the deepness of the story. It’s written uniquely, and still somehow fits in the story. And, most importantly, gives the perfect kind of closure.
How this book is not well known yet, beats me. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone whose cup of tea these kind of stories are.
I’m a little torn on what to rate it exactly -as a full 5⭐️ it might not entirely be, but it’s definitely above a 4.5⭐️ so rating in favour no matter what.
This story touches on so many things, it’s amazing.
There’s a bit of Mulan (which it’s inspired by, too) -the way it all starts, but with added fantasy and before you know it, you’re in a completely different story full of friendship, betrayal and many, many fights. It’s woven together amazingly and the world -the magic, feels so unique.
There are very few moments where it dragged just a little, but it’s impressive how this whole story was fit into one book without things missing or being written too easily. There need to be more fantasy books like this -stand alone’s done so well.
And lastly the epilogue!! It was super cute. Exactly the kind of whimsy, the kind of fun that you need after the deepness of the story. It’s written uniquely, and still somehow fits in the story. And, most importantly, gives the perfect kind of closure.
How this book is not well known yet, beats me. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone whose cup of tea these kind of stories are.
I’m a little torn on what to rate it exactly -as a full 5⭐️ it might not entirely be, but it’s definitely above a 4.5⭐️ so rating in favour no matter what.
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