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Dragons and Blades #1
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders
From the author of the critically acclaimed Dominion of the Fallen trilogy comes a tale of dragons, and Fallen angels—and also kissing, sarcasm and stabbing.
Lunar New Year should be a time for familial reunions, ancestor worship, and consumption of an unhealthy amount of candied fruit.
But when dragon prince Thuan brings home his brooding and ruthless husband Asmodeus for the New Year, they find not interminable family gatherings, but a corpse outside their quarters. Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation; Thuan, who gets dragged into the political plotting he’d sworn off when he left, is less enthusiastic.
It’ll take all of Asmodeus’s skill with knives, and all of Thuan’s diplomacy, to navigate this one—as well as the troubled waters of their own relationship….
A sparkling standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows The House of Sundering Flames. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves
Lunar New Year should be a time for familial reunions, ancestor worship, and consumption of an unhealthy amount of candied fruit.
But when dragon prince Thuan brings home his brooding and ruthless husband Asmodeus for the New Year, they find not interminable family gatherings, but a corpse outside their quarters. Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation; Thuan, who gets dragged into the political plotting he’d sworn off when he left, is less enthusiastic.
It’ll take all of Asmodeus’s skill with knives, and all of Thuan’s diplomacy, to navigate this one—as well as the troubled waters of their own relationship….
A sparkling standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows The House of Sundering Flames. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2020
60 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Aliette de Bodard
266 books2,238 followersAliette de Bodard lives and works in Paris. She has won three Nebula Awards, an Ignyte Award, a Locus Award, a British Fantasy Award and four British Science Fiction Association Awards, and was a double Hugo finalist for 2019 (Best Series and Best Novella).
Her most recent book is Fireheart Tiger (Tor.com), a sapphic romantic fantasy inspired by pre colonial Vietnam, where a diplomat princess must decide the fate of her country, and her own. She also wrote Seven of Infinities (Subterranean Press), a space opera where a sentient spaceship and an upright scholar join forces to investigate a murder, and find themselves falling for each other. Other books include Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders and its standalone sequel Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances, (JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.), fantasy books of manners and murders set in an alternate 19th Century Vietnamese court. She lives in Paris.
Her most recent book is Fireheart Tiger (Tor.com), a sapphic romantic fantasy inspired by pre colonial Vietnam, where a diplomat princess must decide the fate of her country, and her own. She also wrote Seven of Infinities (Subterranean Press), a space opera where a sentient spaceship and an upright scholar join forces to investigate a murder, and find themselves falling for each other. Other books include Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders and its standalone sequel Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances, (JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.), fantasy books of manners and murders set in an alternate 19th Century Vietnamese court. She lives in Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
September 24, 2024
I seem to run hot and cold with de Bodard, depending on her subject matter and the extent to which she involves relationships. The Mayan series (Obsidian and Blood, Servant of the Underworld), nominally about a priest and various murders/untoward events, was bloody and fascinating. The Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in the space (the Xuya universe)-spanning short-stories with sentient ships have been equally interesting, although I haven't read very far into that collection. The series set in Paris with the fae was a big fat 'meh,' and I suspect this one will be more of the same. OH! I just now realized this is book 3.5 in that same series. Yep. Confirmed that series is not for me.
Though nominally a stand-alone, this is a court drama built on relationships, first about the relationships between the fallen angel Asmodeus and his husband, Thuan, and secondly, between the relationships at the Court of Dragons Thuan hails from. They are home for Lunar New Year, when one of the Court members is killed, and previously bored Asmodeus discovers something to interest him. Unlike a traditional mystery, where the story is about the person murdered, to date, everything in the story is about the web around the person. It is a chessboard setting, and the murdered person is a pawn; this is not the murder of a queen and discovering how the steps occurred.
Though nominally a stand-alone, this is a court drama built on relationships, first about the relationships between the fallen angel Asmodeus and his husband, Thuan, and secondly, between the relationships at the Court of Dragons Thuan hails from. They are home for Lunar New Year, when one of the Court members is killed, and previously bored Asmodeus discovers something to interest him. Unlike a traditional mystery, where the story is about the person murdered, to date, everything in the story is about the web around the person. It is a chessboard setting, and the murdered person is a pawn; this is not the murder of a queen and discovering how the steps occurred.
Read
June 13, 2020A delightful standalone novella in the Dominion of the Fallen world. I haven't read these yet, though I adore the author's other worlds (Viet-infused space opera and Aztec mythology murder mystery) so I have some catching up to do, but this made me want to, intensely. Beautiful writing, weird and magical world, fascinating culture and politics, and compelling characters: what more do you need?
We just get a brief look into the relationship of the two leads but it's plenty to make it clear I need to know lots more. Has some very, very sharp edges, too, giving the mystery high stakes. And a gorgeous cover.
I had an ARC from the author.
We just get a brief look into the relationship of the two leads but it's plenty to make it clear I need to know lots more. Has some very, very sharp edges, too, giving the mystery high stakes. And a gorgeous cover.
I had an ARC from the author.
February 3, 2021
Reread review
I remember liking this novella when I first read it last year and the two main characters Thuan and Asmodeus really left an impression on me. But picking this up again after binging the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy is an entirely different experience.
The dynamic of their relationship felt much more palpable to me and I could understand the intricacies of their interactions. At the same time, I could also see how the circumstances from the trilogy could have led to the mystery in the dragon kingdom and Thuan’s role in everything brings more clarity to why he is so desperate to solve the mystery and protect the kingdom. I also really liked Asmodeus a lot more this time, for being the ruthless Fallen he is but also fiercely protective of those he deems his own.
While I still maintain that this novella can be read and enjoyed by itself, it’s a lot better if you know everything that happened in the trilogy. I can’t wait to read all the short stories set in this world too because I’m not yet done with it.
First time review
I definitely had hoped to start the Dominion of the Fallen series last month before I got to this novella, but I’ve been in a very unfortunate reading slump for a while now. But I’m thankful I was able to finish this one and it being short and interesting definitely helped.
While I’m completely unfamiliar with the Parisian world of the original trilogy, I didn’t feel very lost in this new dragon realm. The descriptions of the world as well as the different kinds of creatures who exist here, as well as the seamless integration of Viet culture was all very beautifully done and it’s definitely one reason I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s works. While the resolution of the murder mystery itself didn’t take very long, the author managed to keep the stakes very high despite the low page count and I enjoyed it.
But the best part was definitely the way the characters interacted with each other. Thuan is a dragon prince who married out and had some unpleasant experiences in court before, but he is still a kind, bookish soul and feels loyal towards his family. He is also an idealist and wishes to do things the right way, even if they are not always practical. That’s why his ruthless fallen angel husband Asmodeus is perfectly complementary with his much more pragmatic outlook and absolute certainty in protecting what’s his. The relationship dynamics between them is fascinating and the dialogue/banter is just a delight to read and I just kept wishing that we would get a much more longer version of their story. The other character who is written very well is the Empress Dowager (Thuan’s grandmother) and even contemplating what she and Asmodeus might do if they team up sends shudders down my spine, but I’m sure it’ll be a very fun but murderous story.
Overall, this was a fun murder mystery novella that works well as a stand-alone but definitely leaves you wanting to know more about this world as well as the characters. It’s a good mix of banter, court intrigue and protocols as well as some subtle commentary about the need for rooting out corruption and changing the existing status quo when it’s not working for the people. I hope I get out of my slump completely very soon so that I can get started with the original trilogy. And I would recommend it to anyone who is finding it hard these days to read big fantasy books but still want to experience a new world in few pages.
I remember liking this novella when I first read it last year and the two main characters Thuan and Asmodeus really left an impression on me. But picking this up again after binging the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy is an entirely different experience.
The dynamic of their relationship felt much more palpable to me and I could understand the intricacies of their interactions. At the same time, I could also see how the circumstances from the trilogy could have led to the mystery in the dragon kingdom and Thuan’s role in everything brings more clarity to why he is so desperate to solve the mystery and protect the kingdom. I also really liked Asmodeus a lot more this time, for being the ruthless Fallen he is but also fiercely protective of those he deems his own.
While I still maintain that this novella can be read and enjoyed by itself, it’s a lot better if you know everything that happened in the trilogy. I can’t wait to read all the short stories set in this world too because I’m not yet done with it.
First time review
I definitely had hoped to start the Dominion of the Fallen series last month before I got to this novella, but I’ve been in a very unfortunate reading slump for a while now. But I’m thankful I was able to finish this one and it being short and interesting definitely helped.
While I’m completely unfamiliar with the Parisian world of the original trilogy, I didn’t feel very lost in this new dragon realm. The descriptions of the world as well as the different kinds of creatures who exist here, as well as the seamless integration of Viet culture was all very beautifully done and it’s definitely one reason I’m looking forward to reading more of the author’s works. While the resolution of the murder mystery itself didn’t take very long, the author managed to keep the stakes very high despite the low page count and I enjoyed it.
But the best part was definitely the way the characters interacted with each other. Thuan is a dragon prince who married out and had some unpleasant experiences in court before, but he is still a kind, bookish soul and feels loyal towards his family. He is also an idealist and wishes to do things the right way, even if they are not always practical. That’s why his ruthless fallen angel husband Asmodeus is perfectly complementary with his much more pragmatic outlook and absolute certainty in protecting what’s his. The relationship dynamics between them is fascinating and the dialogue/banter is just a delight to read and I just kept wishing that we would get a much more longer version of their story. The other character who is written very well is the Empress Dowager (Thuan’s grandmother) and even contemplating what she and Asmodeus might do if they team up sends shudders down my spine, but I’m sure it’ll be a very fun but murderous story.
Overall, this was a fun murder mystery novella that works well as a stand-alone but definitely leaves you wanting to know more about this world as well as the characters. It’s a good mix of banter, court intrigue and protocols as well as some subtle commentary about the need for rooting out corruption and changing the existing status quo when it’s not working for the people. I hope I get out of my slump completely very soon so that I can get started with the original trilogy. And I would recommend it to anyone who is finding it hard these days to read big fantasy books but still want to experience a new world in few pages.
March 19, 2025
Time for some quick maths, yay!
de Bodard's refreshingly non-eurocentric and deliciously original worldbuilding (as per usual) + a book nerd dragon price and hisasshole fallen angel husband + Lunar New Year + the underwater kingdom of the Seine + shape-shifting Annamite dragons + orcas + Paris as the seat of the dragon kingdom + Vietnamese culture + secret societies + drug trafficking + A MIDDLE-AGED CRAB WOMAN + political shenanigans - somewhat unlikeable main characters I just couldn't connect with and didn't care much about (I wasn't a fan of their couple dynamics, either) - too much talking, not enough action - disjointed, confusing story =
P.S. Still want to give the sequel a try,because I'm masochistic like that that's how much I love this world 😬.
[Pre-review nonsense]
Well that was disappointing as fish.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
de Bodard's refreshingly non-eurocentric and deliciously original worldbuilding (as per usual) + a book nerd dragon price and his
P.S. Still want to give the sequel a try,
[Pre-review nonsense]
Well that was disappointing as fish.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
July 7, 2020
Synopsis: Lunar New Year festival is approaching in the domain of the Vietnamese dragons. Dragon prince Thuan and his Fallen Angel husband Asmodeus come to this underwater realm to celebrate with the High Court family. Instead, they get entangled in a murder investigation and in the court intrigues.
“An investigation? Into matters of disloyalty? With powers to ignore the constraints of the law?” Asmodeus looked like a child who’d just been handed a red envelope full of unexpected money. “I stand corrected. This might be rather less boring a stay than I’d thought.”
Review: This spinoff of Bodard's Dominion of the Fallen trilogy is a standalone novella. I haven't read the novels, but another spinoff novelette, The Death of Aiguillon, back in 2015, as well as several other of her short stories in different settings. Bodard never let me down so far, and this novella is not only promising but indeed very satisfying. The plot line is interesting and comes to a fine conclusion. The ever nearly exploding, sarcastic, loyal, and dark Asmodeus remembers me of Amazon's series Lucifer. Although I'm not a fan of romance fantasy, his queer relationship with his opposite character Thuran is quite entertaining; I'm just somewhat unsure if I'd qualify it as gay, because they are not really males, right? The author's beautiful prose draws me into the stunning Vietnamese setting with court extravagances and byzanthine rules. The story discussed also deeper themes like abuse of power, justice, and loyalty which gave me something more on the way than just the plot - this adds an additional star to the otherwise good story.
A delightful, entertaining story, which I highly recommend.
“An investigation? Into matters of disloyalty? With powers to ignore the constraints of the law?” Asmodeus looked like a child who’d just been handed a red envelope full of unexpected money. “I stand corrected. This might be rather less boring a stay than I’d thought.”
Review: This spinoff of Bodard's Dominion of the Fallen trilogy is a standalone novella. I haven't read the novels, but another spinoff novelette, The Death of Aiguillon, back in 2015, as well as several other of her short stories in different settings. Bodard never let me down so far, and this novella is not only promising but indeed very satisfying. The plot line is interesting and comes to a fine conclusion. The ever nearly exploding, sarcastic, loyal, and dark Asmodeus remembers me of Amazon's series Lucifer. Although I'm not a fan of romance fantasy, his queer relationship with his opposite character Thuran is quite entertaining; I'm just somewhat unsure if I'd qualify it as gay, because they are not really males, right? The author's beautiful prose draws me into the stunning Vietnamese setting with court extravagances and byzanthine rules. The story discussed also deeper themes like abuse of power, justice, and loyalty which gave me something more on the way than just the plot - this adds an additional star to the otherwise good story.
A delightful, entertaining story, which I highly recommend.
May 29, 2020
Murder husbands and Dragon Kingdom politics!
Of Dragon, Feasts and Murder is a novella set in the Dominion of the Fallen universe that can be read as a standalone, but I especially recommend it to fans of the series who want to have a more detailed understanding of the Dragon Kingdom. It was my favorite setting in the series, and as all places in this universe, it's far from free of its own brand of rot (literally and not).
One of the things I appreciated the most about this novella was how it refused to fall into a simplistic portrayal of any side. There are people who are firmly in the wrong, but the core reason beneath the murderous political machinations is the fact that necessary change isn't happening.
At the same time, I'm surprised by how long it took me to read this? Maybe because most of this is made up of talking, and while I did really like said talking - I live for Thuan and Asmodeus' thorny relationship dynamic - I didn't feel much tension or urgency, which is unusual for a murder mystery.
Anyway this would get four stars only for referring to Asmodeus as "sweet, murderous delight". (No seriously the Empress Dowager's scenes!!)
Of Dragon, Feasts and Murder is a novella set in the Dominion of the Fallen universe that can be read as a standalone, but I especially recommend it to fans of the series who want to have a more detailed understanding of the Dragon Kingdom. It was my favorite setting in the series, and as all places in this universe, it's far from free of its own brand of rot (literally and not).
One of the things I appreciated the most about this novella was how it refused to fall into a simplistic portrayal of any side. There are people who are firmly in the wrong, but the core reason beneath the murderous political machinations is the fact that necessary change isn't happening.
At the same time, I'm surprised by how long it took me to read this? Maybe because most of this is made up of talking, and while I did really like said talking - I live for Thuan and Asmodeus' thorny relationship dynamic - I didn't feel much tension or urgency, which is unusual for a murder mystery.
Anyway this would get four stars only for referring to Asmodeus as "sweet, murderous delight". (No seriously the Empress Dowager's scenes!!)
Read
May 23, 2020This was a lot of fun! I love the idea of a murder mystery during Tết and this was a short and good one!
- Follows Thuan, a Vietnamese dragon prince, who brings his ruthless fallen angel husband, Asmodeus, home for Lunar New Year/Tết. When they get entangled in a murder mystery, the dynasty's fate is on the line unless they stop the perpetrator.
- Even though this follows the events after the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy, this worked well as a standalone and I enjoyed it.
- I thought the setting of the murder taking place during Lunar New Year was brilliant. It reminded me a lot of the piety, bureaucracy and propriety that's upheld during that time, and how these things were inadvertently obstacles for solving the mystery.
- I won't lie, I'm now really interested to pick up the Dominion of the Fallen - it sounds so interesting and I love the idea of fallen angels? I wanna know more!
I was provided a review copy by the author. This does not influence my opinion of the book.
Trigger/content warning:
- Follows Thuan, a Vietnamese dragon prince, who brings his ruthless fallen angel husband, Asmodeus, home for Lunar New Year/Tết. When they get entangled in a murder mystery, the dynasty's fate is on the line unless they stop the perpetrator.
- Even though this follows the events after the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy, this worked well as a standalone and I enjoyed it.
- I thought the setting of the murder taking place during Lunar New Year was brilliant. It reminded me a lot of the piety, bureaucracy and propriety that's upheld during that time, and how these things were inadvertently obstacles for solving the mystery.
- I won't lie, I'm now really interested to pick up the Dominion of the Fallen - it sounds so interesting and I love the idea of fallen angels? I wanna know more!
I was provided a review copy by the author. This does not influence my opinion of the book.
Trigger/content warning:
July 12, 2020
My gut feeling is that this feels - and I say this in tones of entertained delight - like Dominion of the Fallen fanfic. What if everybody's favourite (okay, fine, MY favourite) queer couple got embroiled in a murder investigation and dragon kingdom politics? Expect more romance and some stabbing as the twin Heads of House Hawthorn renew their commitment to complicating one another's lives in the best possible way. Bonus content: Thuan's terrifying torture-grandma, who thinks Asmodeus is cute.
CUTE.
Full review
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
CUTE.
Full review
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
This review and others can be read on my blog, Black Forest Basilisks. Many thanks to the publisher for providing this review copy!
This is a fast-paced novella chock full of intrigue, murder, and the fantastic. De Bodard thrusts the reader into her Dominion of the Fallen universe head-first and expects them to sink or swim to keep up. Personally, I found it to be an energetic experience; as this was my first introduction to her world, there was something new on each page to keep me eagerly flipping the page for more. An underwater Vietnamese dragon city below Paris? Crab shifters? Possible poisonings? I was here for it at every turn.
Truly, though, it’s not the worldbuilding that carries this novel. It’s the two main characters: Thuan, a dragon shifter prince, and Asmodeus, a Fallen angel. Their relationship is complex and charming, with Thuan’s bookish nature often grating against the impetuous, violent ways of Asmodeus. Being surrounded by Thuan’s extended family is something of a challenge for Asmodeus, given that he’s more of a “solve problems by stabbing” sort of person. Here, however, he must exercise at least a small amount of diplomacy if they’re meant to find the murderer hiding in a house of conniving dragons.
I’m eager to read more of Aliette de Bodard’s work, especially the books focused on Asmodeus and Thuan.
Thank you to SFWA for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Other reviews can be read on my blog, Black Forest Basilisks. Alternatively, follow me on Twitter for books, cats, and sourdough.
“Corpses don’t really have stories to tell, unless that dreadfully bored husband of yours has a way to raise the dead.”
As it happened, he did. It was a costly spell that relied on the victim being a Fallen, which wasn’t going to work there. Thuan debated lying about it, and decided not. It would be easy enough to see Asmodeus wasn’t doing necromancy. “I’m afraid not,” he said. “But he’s full of nasty surprises.”
Mostly the nasty ones that came at the end of a blade when one least expected it.
This is a fast-paced novella chock full of intrigue, murder, and the fantastic. De Bodard thrusts the reader into her Dominion of the Fallen universe head-first and expects them to sink or swim to keep up. Personally, I found it to be an energetic experience; as this was my first introduction to her world, there was something new on each page to keep me eagerly flipping the page for more. An underwater Vietnamese dragon city below Paris? Crab shifters? Possible poisonings? I was here for it at every turn.
Truly, though, it’s not the worldbuilding that carries this novel. It’s the two main characters: Thuan, a dragon shifter prince, and Asmodeus, a Fallen angel. Their relationship is complex and charming, with Thuan’s bookish nature often grating against the impetuous, violent ways of Asmodeus. Being surrounded by Thuan’s extended family is something of a challenge for Asmodeus, given that he’s more of a “solve problems by stabbing” sort of person. Here, however, he must exercise at least a small amount of diplomacy if they’re meant to find the murderer hiding in a house of conniving dragons.
I’m eager to read more of Aliette de Bodard’s work, especially the books focused on Asmodeus and Thuan.
Thank you to SFWA for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Other reviews can be read on my blog, Black Forest Basilisks. Alternatively, follow me on Twitter for books, cats, and sourdough.
June 22, 2020
I adore the dark and fabulous world of Aliette de Bodard's Dominion of the Fallen series, and my favorite stories of all in this series are her standalone romantic fantasy spin-off novellas, like Of Breath and Earth and Courtship and now this delicious romantic mystery set in the magical dragon kingdom underneath the Seine river.
The worldbuilding of the underwater kingdom is just gorgeously vivid and well-done - it's always been my favorite setting in her postapocalyptic Parisian world - and I loved getting a whole novella set here, full of astonishingly lovely visual details that kept taking my breath away. The hero of this novella is Thuan - a dragon prince who was married off in Book 2 to the amoral Head of Hawthorn House in aboveground Paris, a fallen angel named Asmodeus who tortures his enemies for pleasure BUT is also ruthlessly protective of every one of his dependents (and his husband, too). When Thuan comes back home to the dragon kingdom for a holiday visit with his husband, he finds himself swept up into court intrigue and a series of murders that could threaten his family's dynasty - and his marriage.
The cultural clashes between Asmodeus and his in-laws are inevitable even before the murders begin around them - and I loved the complexity of the situation, as thoughtful, bookish, and kind Thuan is torn between loyalty to his family and his own culture vs the frustrations of his own past and the real injustices around him. (Not that the aboveground world of the fallen angels is any LESS unjust - it's only differently so - which makes it burn all the more, of course, when Asmodeus points out those injustices in the dragon kingdom around them.)
It's all fast-paced and exciting and full of fabulously snarky lines that made me laugh, clever and twisty political intrigue, and intensely simmering tension between Thuan and Asmodeus (who may be married AND in love and yet still have a lot to work on in terms of mutual trust).
And oh, the ending is *perfect* on all fronts. <3
I hope there will be many more adventures set in this world!
The worldbuilding of the underwater kingdom is just gorgeously vivid and well-done - it's always been my favorite setting in her postapocalyptic Parisian world - and I loved getting a whole novella set here, full of astonishingly lovely visual details that kept taking my breath away. The hero of this novella is Thuan - a dragon prince who was married off in Book 2 to the amoral Head of Hawthorn House in aboveground Paris, a fallen angel named Asmodeus who tortures his enemies for pleasure BUT is also ruthlessly protective of every one of his dependents (and his husband, too). When Thuan comes back home to the dragon kingdom for a holiday visit with his husband, he finds himself swept up into court intrigue and a series of murders that could threaten his family's dynasty - and his marriage.
The cultural clashes between Asmodeus and his in-laws are inevitable even before the murders begin around them - and I loved the complexity of the situation, as thoughtful, bookish, and kind Thuan is torn between loyalty to his family and his own culture vs the frustrations of his own past and the real injustices around him. (Not that the aboveground world of the fallen angels is any LESS unjust - it's only differently so - which makes it burn all the more, of course, when Asmodeus points out those injustices in the dragon kingdom around them.)
It's all fast-paced and exciting and full of fabulously snarky lines that made me laugh, clever and twisty political intrigue, and intensely simmering tension between Thuan and Asmodeus (who may be married AND in love and yet still have a lot to work on in terms of mutual trust).
And oh, the ending is *perfect* on all fronts. <3
I hope there will be many more adventures set in this world!
February 28, 2021
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was fun! Thuan, a Vietnamese dragon prince, visits his home to celebrate Tet, along with his husband, the fallen angel Asmodeus. Of course, they get roped into solving a murder and thwarting a plot to delegitimise the empress. Nice and cozy – in a stabby way.
What I loved the most was their dynamic – Thuan is very proper and diplomatic, with a bookish reputation, while Asmodeus tends to want to murder his way through problems. It makes for some excellent interactions.
I haven’t read any other Dominion of the Fallen books yet, but now I’m thinking I probably should!
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
Recommended to: those who like “opposites attact” kind of relationships and murder mysteries
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Well, this was fun! Thuan, a Vietnamese dragon prince, visits his home to celebrate Tet, along with his husband, the fallen angel Asmodeus. Of course, they get roped into solving a murder and thwarting a plot to delegitimise the empress. Nice and cozy – in a stabby way.
What I loved the most was their dynamic – Thuan is very proper and diplomatic, with a bookish reputation, while Asmodeus tends to want to murder his way through problems. It makes for some excellent interactions.
I haven’t read any other Dominion of the Fallen books yet, but now I’m thinking I probably should!
Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 4/5
Recommended to: those who like “opposites attact” kind of relationships and murder mysteries
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
May 19, 2024
This is how you get me to read a murder mystery that turns into full fledged court intrigue and political.
That sounds like a horrible book and probably not how this book would be described by others.
Anyway, it was a fast read, I enjoyed the characters, the world and the story flowed.
Listened to the audiobook and it was just as much fun on a revisit.
That sounds like a horrible book and probably not how this book would be described by others.
Anyway, it was a fast read, I enjoyed the characters, the world and the story flowed.
Listened to the audiobook and it was just as much fun on a revisit.
September 8, 2024
Buddy read with my two GR reading besties over at Worlds Beyond the Margins, here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
As much as I love the world and the characters of Thuan and Asmodeus, and the murder-assassination-overthrow-the-kingdom plot, there was some quality missing for me here, that the earlier books had. The book didn't have the same sense of writing style that the larger trilogy has, that je ne sais quoi, I don't know, of sadness at a sense of loss, and decay, and longing for a glorious past that is no more.
I can't believe there's only one more novella to read in this series!
As much as I love the world and the characters of Thuan and Asmodeus, and the murder-assassination-overthrow-the-kingdom plot, there was some quality missing for me here, that the earlier books had. The book didn't have the same sense of writing style that the larger trilogy has, that je ne sais quoi, I don't know, of sadness at a sense of loss, and decay, and longing for a glorious past that is no more.
I can't believe there's only one more novella to read in this series!
Read
July 7, 2020I have some broad knowledge of the Dominion of the Fallen setting, but the books still wait for me on my kindle. I thought “Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders” might be a good taster of the series. I don’t yet know whether it is, but I know I’m intrigued and want to read the whole series even more.
What strikes me most after a few days mulling over the book, is the mixture of tones. On one hand, there is a fair share of playfulness and humour in the setup of “a couple goes to visit the family of one of the spouses... except they’re an imperial dynasty”, as well as the dynamic between Thuan – a bookish dragon prince who abhors political games and left his family’s domain behind – and Asmodeus – a charming and murderous fallen angel (it's a bit like if “Hannibal” featured a non-abusive relationship and was a rom-com).
On the other hand, we have the backdrop of a struggling kingdom and topics of inequality, justice, political unease, oppression. While on their visit, Thuan and Asmodeus are thrown into a murder investigation that’s quickly revealed to have wider implications. In the course of the investigation, Thuan struggles with loyalty to his family and his desire to be left in piece, as well as some blind spots resulting from his privileged upbringing.
Those two aspects mesh together pretty well, although I was occasionally confused about how seriously I should take stuff like Asmodeus’ propensity for murder (in the end I think he’s far more discriminate and restrained than Thuan gives him credit for) or one character advocating executions as a way of restoring order (but the ethos of the book ultimately leans towards kindness, not despotic rule).
The style of the book is detailed but very clear and the plot strikes a great balance between the intrigue and personal scenes between Thuan and Asmodeus. I greatly enjoyed how much of the book was dialogue driven, with a lot of space devoted to the way things are phrased, what is said and unsaid, the characters trying to parse what the other party is communicating and untangle the complex webs of meaning. Because of that the book felt tense even though there wasn't a lot of action as such.
This is a short and entertaining read, a hybrid of crime story and romance (in typical romance fashion Thuan and Asmodeus experience some conflict and while their marriage is never really threatened, both of them seem to grow a little by the end and learn to appreciate the other’s perspective on the situation) with some pleasantly weighty socio-political considerations. I am eager to dive into the main series.
Note: I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What strikes me most after a few days mulling over the book, is the mixture of tones. On one hand, there is a fair share of playfulness and humour in the setup of “a couple goes to visit the family of one of the spouses... except they’re an imperial dynasty”, as well as the dynamic between Thuan – a bookish dragon prince who abhors political games and left his family’s domain behind – and Asmodeus – a charming and murderous fallen angel (it's a bit like if “Hannibal” featured a non-abusive relationship and was a rom-com).
On the other hand, we have the backdrop of a struggling kingdom and topics of inequality, justice, political unease, oppression. While on their visit, Thuan and Asmodeus are thrown into a murder investigation that’s quickly revealed to have wider implications. In the course of the investigation, Thuan struggles with loyalty to his family and his desire to be left in piece, as well as some blind spots resulting from his privileged upbringing.
Those two aspects mesh together pretty well, although I was occasionally confused about how seriously I should take stuff like Asmodeus’ propensity for murder (in the end I think he’s far more discriminate and restrained than Thuan gives him credit for) or one character advocating executions as a way of restoring order (but the ethos of the book ultimately leans towards kindness, not despotic rule).
The style of the book is detailed but very clear and the plot strikes a great balance between the intrigue and personal scenes between Thuan and Asmodeus. I greatly enjoyed how much of the book was dialogue driven, with a lot of space devoted to the way things are phrased, what is said and unsaid, the characters trying to parse what the other party is communicating and untangle the complex webs of meaning. Because of that the book felt tense even though there wasn't a lot of action as such.
This is a short and entertaining read, a hybrid of crime story and romance (in typical romance fashion Thuan and Asmodeus experience some conflict and while their marriage is never really threatened, both of them seem to grow a little by the end and learn to appreciate the other’s perspective on the situation) with some pleasantly weighty socio-political considerations. I am eager to dive into the main series.
Note: I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I liked it! It’s my first Aliette de Bodard and while it's meant to work as a standalone, I missed out on a lot of nuance/magical worldbuilding explanation by not reading the previous books first. I was a bit confused by the couple dynamic, particularly by Asmodeus. It's clear that he likes doling out torture/fear, and I felt like I lacked crucial backstory about the fallen angels and Parisian houses.
All of which to say: this novella is fun, but maybe not the best starting point in the series because it leads to many unanswered questions (things I'm sure would've been answered in previous books). This confusion affected my enjoyment a little bit, but I still liked the novella. Hence the 3.5 stars! I am now really interested in going through de Bodard's backlist because the writing was great.
- Married couple featuring a bookish dragon prince and his fallen angel husband.
- Bringing home your murderous husband for the holidays (Lunar New Year) to a royal dragon family gathering can get... complicated with murder and threats to undermine the royal dynasty.
- Investigation of political conspiracy that seeks to topple the Vietnamese underwater dragon royal dynasty (a secret society is trying to show that the Mandate of Heaven for the current empress has been withdrawn).
- Lots and lots of queer characters, both main and side. I think... almost everyone is queer? I loved it.
This novella was marketed to me as “High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world; perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi's The Gilded Wolves.”
This is a perfect description and I want to include it in my review because I can’t think of a better marketing hook. If that sounds like your thing, then you might like Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders!
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked it! It’s my first Aliette de Bodard and while it's meant to work as a standalone, I missed out on a lot of nuance/magical worldbuilding explanation by not reading the previous books first. I was a bit confused by the couple dynamic, particularly by Asmodeus. It's clear that he likes doling out torture/fear, and I felt like I lacked crucial backstory about the fallen angels and Parisian houses.
All of which to say: this novella is fun, but maybe not the best starting point in the series because it leads to many unanswered questions (things I'm sure would've been answered in previous books). This confusion affected my enjoyment a little bit, but I still liked the novella. Hence the 3.5 stars! I am now really interested in going through de Bodard's backlist because the writing was great.
- Married couple featuring a bookish dragon prince and his fallen angel husband.
- Bringing home your murderous husband for the holidays (Lunar New Year) to a royal dragon family gathering can get... complicated with murder and threats to undermine the royal dynasty.
- Investigation of political conspiracy that seeks to topple the Vietnamese underwater dragon royal dynasty (a secret society is trying to show that the Mandate of Heaven for the current empress has been withdrawn).
- Lots and lots of queer characters, both main and side. I think... almost everyone is queer? I loved it.
This novella was marketed to me as “High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world; perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi's The Gilded Wolves.”
This is a perfect description and I want to include it in my review because I can’t think of a better marketing hook. If that sounds like your thing, then you might like Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders!
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2021
2.5 I don't know what it is with me and Bodard's Dominion of the Fallen books, I just don't get on with them. I did not like The House of Shattered Wings and this wasn't much better. It's puzzling, because I enjoy her Xuya universe stories very much and I tend to love Asian-inspired settings. The world-building is by far the best part of this one as well, but the story itself feels disjointed and mildly confusing, the romantic/sensual elements jarring (there are also some frustrating editing errors). Probably the main reason I prefer this to The House of Shattered Wings is that it's shorter and I rounded it up because I assume it would have been a richer experience if I had read the second and third books in the trilogy.
dnf
January 11, 2021Jan 10, 2021: DNF early on
This style of writing and occasionally clumsy grammar just isn’t my cuppa. Neither is the impetus to over describe clothing, furnishings, and surroundings in painful detail. Quit while I was ahead.
This style of writing and occasionally clumsy grammar just isn’t my cuppa. Neither is the impetus to over describe clothing, furnishings, and surroundings in painful detail. Quit while I was ahead.
July 26, 2020
From the author of the critically acclaimed Dominion of the Fallen trilogy comes a tale of dragons, and Fallen angels—and also kissing, sarcasm and stabbing.
Lunar New Year should be a time for familial reunions, ancestor worship, and consumption of an unhealthy amount of candied fruit.
But when dragon prince Thuan brings home his brooding and ruthless husband Asmodeus for the New Year, they find not interminable family gatherings, but a corpse outside their quarters. Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation; Thuan, who gets dragged into the political plotting he’d sworn off when he left, is less enthusiastic.
It’ll take all of Asmodeus’s skill with knives, and all of Thuan’s diplomacy, to navigate this one—as well as the troubled waters of their own relationship….
A sparkling standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows The House of Sundering Flames. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves (less)
Review.
Dear Aliette de Bodard,
Considering how much I loved "Dominion of the fallen" trilogy and considering that Tuan and Asmodeus were one of my favorite characters ( if not the favorite characters) and certainly my favorite couple, I had a pretty good hunch that I will enjoy this novella and happily clicked .
I did! I did enjoy it a lot. The blurb promised tons of fun and I thought it delivered. I was pretty sure romance won't let me down, but I was a bit hesitant about mystery part of the plot. Not because I don't trust this writer's skill to take me through any plot, but simply because of the length of the story. I don't think one can develop a sophisticated mystery plot in 79 pages . Of course as it often happens, I should have known better.
The author made the best use of 79 pages. The mystery plot is not really sophisticated in a sense that we have complex investigation and trying to find who did it. No, when the relative who has a position of influence in court asks Thuan to help look into the murder with the help of his husband, the relative gives him a name of the suspect already and that suspect is one of the villains ( if we are taking things literally ). What our heroes trying to find out is why and what exactly they were planning and to prevent bad things from happening.
And of course, of course we see Thuan and Asmodeus' interacting more, communicating more, moving forward with their relationship while doing very dangerous things, while having the core of their delightful personalities intact. Asmodeus, enjoying causing some pain to some people, while being his overprotective self of the dependents of his House and of his husband. Thuan, struggling to make sense of his past and his future and still caring for his Home while not living there was a pleasure to read about. I loved how it was clear that both men ( I know they are dragon and fallen angel, but they look very male, so they are men for me too ) loved each other even when they were disagreeing about how to do things:
““Please, Asmodeus. I’m just asking you to stand by me,” Thuan said. He tried to slip free of the net, but his chest and lower half were still encased in what felt like an unbreakable hold of khi-water. “Because it’s important to me, and it’s going to take way too much time to get me free.” “Emotional blackmail?”
“No,” Thuan said. “Because blackmail is when you don’t have a choice. You do.” “So you’ll forgive me if I just free you and we walk away from this, instead of warning the Empress or whoever it is I should be risking my neck for?” Asmodeus’s voice was sharp. He laid a hand on the net on Thuan’s chest, and Fallen magic contracted it until Thuan’s breath was a diffuse, throbbing fire in his lungs. “Don’t lie, Thuan.””.
It is very much not a fluffy story, but I dont remember ever reading fluff from this writer, but it is has love ( not just romantic love) and Romance, it really does and of course there is some social commentary as well which once again should not be news for anyone who read this writer's work before.
I wanted intimate scene between Thuan and Amodeus and the brief one at the end was a treat - not explicit, but truly intimate to me.
Grade: A-
Lunar New Year should be a time for familial reunions, ancestor worship, and consumption of an unhealthy amount of candied fruit.
But when dragon prince Thuan brings home his brooding and ruthless husband Asmodeus for the New Year, they find not interminable family gatherings, but a corpse outside their quarters. Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation; Thuan, who gets dragged into the political plotting he’d sworn off when he left, is less enthusiastic.
It’ll take all of Asmodeus’s skill with knives, and all of Thuan’s diplomacy, to navigate this one—as well as the troubled waters of their own relationship….
A sparkling standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows The House of Sundering Flames. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of The Untamed, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves (less)
Review.
Dear Aliette de Bodard,
Considering how much I loved "Dominion of the fallen" trilogy and considering that Tuan and Asmodeus were one of my favorite characters ( if not the favorite characters) and certainly my favorite couple, I had a pretty good hunch that I will enjoy this novella and happily clicked .
I did! I did enjoy it a lot. The blurb promised tons of fun and I thought it delivered. I was pretty sure romance won't let me down, but I was a bit hesitant about mystery part of the plot. Not because I don't trust this writer's skill to take me through any plot, but simply because of the length of the story. I don't think one can develop a sophisticated mystery plot in 79 pages . Of course as it often happens, I should have known better.
The author made the best use of 79 pages. The mystery plot is not really sophisticated in a sense that we have complex investigation and trying to find who did it. No, when the relative who has a position of influence in court asks Thuan to help look into the murder with the help of his husband, the relative gives him a name of the suspect already and that suspect is one of the villains ( if we are taking things literally ). What our heroes trying to find out is why and what exactly they were planning and to prevent bad things from happening.
And of course, of course we see Thuan and Asmodeus' interacting more, communicating more, moving forward with their relationship while doing very dangerous things, while having the core of their delightful personalities intact. Asmodeus, enjoying causing some pain to some people, while being his overprotective self of the dependents of his House and of his husband. Thuan, struggling to make sense of his past and his future and still caring for his Home while not living there was a pleasure to read about. I loved how it was clear that both men ( I know they are dragon and fallen angel, but they look very male, so they are men for me too ) loved each other even when they were disagreeing about how to do things:
““Please, Asmodeus. I’m just asking you to stand by me,” Thuan said. He tried to slip free of the net, but his chest and lower half were still encased in what felt like an unbreakable hold of khi-water. “Because it’s important to me, and it’s going to take way too much time to get me free.” “Emotional blackmail?”
“No,” Thuan said. “Because blackmail is when you don’t have a choice. You do.” “So you’ll forgive me if I just free you and we walk away from this, instead of warning the Empress or whoever it is I should be risking my neck for?” Asmodeus’s voice was sharp. He laid a hand on the net on Thuan’s chest, and Fallen magic contracted it until Thuan’s breath was a diffuse, throbbing fire in his lungs. “Don’t lie, Thuan.””.
It is very much not a fluffy story, but I dont remember ever reading fluff from this writer, but it is has love ( not just romantic love) and Romance, it really does and of course there is some social commentary as well which once again should not be news for anyone who read this writer's work before.
I wanted intimate scene between Thuan and Amodeus and the brief one at the end was a treat - not explicit, but truly intimate to me.
Grade: A-
July 20, 2020
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and to the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I haven't read the main trilogy yet, but after reading this short story I can say that I am really curious and that I hope to start the series really soon!
The story is short, but it leaves you wanting more, the worldbuilding is magical and interesting. I need to know more about it, because it is complex and so full of interesting things! And the characters were intriguing. I think that you would have enjoyed them more if you have read the main trilogy beforehand, but they are intriguing, they seem quite complex, real and a great, even if original and with some issues, couple. So yeah, I need more and I need it now!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and to the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I haven't read the main trilogy yet, but after reading this short story I can say that I am really curious and that I hope to start the series really soon!
The story is short, but it leaves you wanting more, the worldbuilding is magical and interesting. I need to know more about it, because it is complex and so full of interesting things! And the characters were intriguing. I think that you would have enjoyed them more if you have read the main trilogy beforehand, but they are intriguing, they seem quite complex, real and a great, even if original and with some issues, couple. So yeah, I need more and I need it now!!!
June 16, 2020
I have a new favorite power couple?? Seriously, this novella is a delight to read. Vietnamese-inspired worldbuilding and delicious court intrigue, all driven by a slightly dysfunctional, mostly wholesome power couple. Asmodeus and Thuan have a delightful chemistry together, and while it’s clear that the two could benefit from several rounds of couples counseling, it’s easy to see their devotion and loyalty to each other underneath their bickering. I loved the contrast between Asmodeus’ blunt ‘I’ll murder anyone who gets in my way’ attitude and Thuan’s softer, diplomatic approach, with a side of “Oh no, what did he do this time”. Muder/Diplomacy is just such a good pairing trope.
For better or for worse, I felt very little suspense despite the murder mystery plot. Part of this was due, I think, to the fact that Asmodeus was written as such a powerful figure that I never felt that the combined powers of Asmodeus and Thuan could fail. Were Thuan’s diplomacy and attempted political maneuvering’s to fail, Asmodeus would simply pick up the trail and threaten/blackmail/murder enough people to victory. Not, perhaps, the most elegant solution to a problem, but certainly a solution.
This is my first foray into the Dominion of the Fallen series, but having read this, I’m more than excited to pick up the rest of the series. I’m certainly interested in reading more about these two, their antics, and how they first met. Despite the short novella, de Bodard has built a rich world around Thuan’s river-kin, and some fascinating insinuations to Asmodeus’ own Hawthorn Court back in Paris.
Overall, I rate this book a 5/5. I adored Asmodeus and Thuan, their bickering and snark, but also their sheer loyalty to one another. While not the first book in the series, Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders is a fantastic starting point for tehe Dominion of the Fallen series and left me wanting more!
For better or for worse, I felt very little suspense despite the murder mystery plot. Part of this was due, I think, to the fact that Asmodeus was written as such a powerful figure that I never felt that the combined powers of Asmodeus and Thuan could fail. Were Thuan’s diplomacy and attempted political maneuvering’s to fail, Asmodeus would simply pick up the trail and threaten/blackmail/murder enough people to victory. Not, perhaps, the most elegant solution to a problem, but certainly a solution.
This is my first foray into the Dominion of the Fallen series, but having read this, I’m more than excited to pick up the rest of the series. I’m certainly interested in reading more about these two, their antics, and how they first met. Despite the short novella, de Bodard has built a rich world around Thuan’s river-kin, and some fascinating insinuations to Asmodeus’ own Hawthorn Court back in Paris.
Overall, I rate this book a 5/5. I adored Asmodeus and Thuan, their bickering and snark, but also their sheer loyalty to one another. While not the first book in the series, Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders is a fantastic starting point for tehe Dominion of the Fallen series and left me wanting more!
July 28, 2020
Thanks to Aliette de Bodard for the ARC in exchange for my honest review, sorry for posting it two weeks late.
This is a standalone novella in her Dominion of the Fallen universe. I read it with no prior knowledge of the world and was able to follow along alright. I do have some questions about the worldbuilding, the action takes place in an underwater Vietnamese dragon city under Paris, so yeah, how did that happen? I must know. I’m planning to read the other books in the series cause I’ve been drawn in and I’m very curious.
This short novella is a murder mystery and a tale of court intrigue. Thuan, bookish/diplomacy dragon husband drags Asmodeous murder/murder fallen angel husband to his family for the Lunar New Year celebrations, only to get embroiled in murder and political plots. I absolutely loved these two characters and the relationship dynamic between them. Thuan hates all the politics but wants to help his family, and definitely does not want to make things worse. Asmodeous is very excited about solving the murder mystery, only his methods are far more stab first, ask questions never. Another great character is the murder grandma, who is sweetly fond of murder husband and his ways.
Check out more reviews on my blog www.dianthaa.com
This is a standalone novella in her Dominion of the Fallen universe. I read it with no prior knowledge of the world and was able to follow along alright. I do have some questions about the worldbuilding, the action takes place in an underwater Vietnamese dragon city under Paris, so yeah, how did that happen? I must know. I’m planning to read the other books in the series cause I’ve been drawn in and I’m very curious.
This short novella is a murder mystery and a tale of court intrigue. Thuan, bookish/diplomacy dragon husband drags Asmodeous murder/murder fallen angel husband to his family for the Lunar New Year celebrations, only to get embroiled in murder and political plots. I absolutely loved these two characters and the relationship dynamic between them. Thuan hates all the politics but wants to help his family, and definitely does not want to make things worse. Asmodeous is very excited about solving the murder mystery, only his methods are far more stab first, ask questions never. Another great character is the murder grandma, who is sweetly fond of murder husband and his ways.
Check out more reviews on my blog www.dianthaa.com
July 26, 2020
Review originally published at Fantasy Literature.
Last Friday night, I was feeling indecisive about what to read, so I emailed a friend and listed the options I was considering: YA Historical Fantasy? Creepy Medical SF? I admitted I was leaning toward Snarky Murder Novella. “It’s Friday,” she said, encouraging me to treat myself with Snarky Murder Novella, and I’m very glad I did.
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders is part of Aliette de Bodard’s DOMINION OF THE FALLEN series, coming between book three, The House of Sundering Flames, and a fourth book yet to be released. However, it is written to stand on its own; you don’t have to have read any of the previous books. I hadn’t, but I definitely will after this.
Thuan is a dragon (he can shift between dragon and human form). He is returning to his home, the underwater citadel ruled by his aunt, for the Tet holiday. With him is his husband, Asmodeus, a fallen angel. It’s not long before trouble finds them, in the form of a dead body in the palace. Thuan’s cousin, who heads the secret police, enlists him to help investigate. He has certain advantages as a spy; any strange behavior or lapses in protocol will be chalked up to his long absence.
The setting is really cool. It’s a Vietnamese-based underwater palace complex (there’s a bubble around it so land-dwellers can breathe) with coral and algae in the gardens. The court is made up of a variety of aquatic shapeshifters — dragons, orcas, crabs, fish. It’s a progressive society in some ways; gender makes no difference to what positions you can hold or who you can marry. In other ways, it’s stratified and restrictive, not to mention the palace intrigue that Thuan describes as “a nest of hornets.”
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders isn’t really a traditional mystery. Thuan learns pretty quickly who, or at least what faction, committed the murder. The question is less whodunit and more why, in two senses of the word. Why is this group angry? (They have some legitimate grievances.) And why are they doing the specific things they’re doing — what are they trying to accomplish?
At first, Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation because he’d love a chance to make some trouble and stab some folks. Later, though, he decides the danger to Thuan is too great, and he urges a return home to House Hawthorn. Thuan, though, feels obligated to stay and figure it out, and is afraid that failure could mean the deaths of his whole family. This becomes a source of tension between the two.
And now that I’ve made this all sound very serious — and a lot of it is! — it is definitely a Snarky Murder Novella. De Bodard lightens the mood with dry humor. The bond between Thuan and Asmodeus is also a bright spot, as is their commitment to protecting everyone they’ve taken under their wings.
Unsurprisingly, my friend was right, and this was just the thing for a Friday night. You’ll probably like it too, if you enjoy mysteries, court intrigue, sarcasm, and diversity (both in the human sense and in terms of the variety of magical beings portrayed). It has sold me on the DOMINION OF THE FALLEN series, and I plan to read the first book, The House of Shattered Wings, very soon.
Last Friday night, I was feeling indecisive about what to read, so I emailed a friend and listed the options I was considering: YA Historical Fantasy? Creepy Medical SF? I admitted I was leaning toward Snarky Murder Novella. “It’s Friday,” she said, encouraging me to treat myself with Snarky Murder Novella, and I’m very glad I did.
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders is part of Aliette de Bodard’s DOMINION OF THE FALLEN series, coming between book three, The House of Sundering Flames, and a fourth book yet to be released. However, it is written to stand on its own; you don’t have to have read any of the previous books. I hadn’t, but I definitely will after this.
Thuan is a dragon (he can shift between dragon and human form). He is returning to his home, the underwater citadel ruled by his aunt, for the Tet holiday. With him is his husband, Asmodeus, a fallen angel. It’s not long before trouble finds them, in the form of a dead body in the palace. Thuan’s cousin, who heads the secret police, enlists him to help investigate. He has certain advantages as a spy; any strange behavior or lapses in protocol will be chalked up to his long absence.
The setting is really cool. It’s a Vietnamese-based underwater palace complex (there’s a bubble around it so land-dwellers can breathe) with coral and algae in the gardens. The court is made up of a variety of aquatic shapeshifters — dragons, orcas, crabs, fish. It’s a progressive society in some ways; gender makes no difference to what positions you can hold or who you can marry. In other ways, it’s stratified and restrictive, not to mention the palace intrigue that Thuan describes as “a nest of hornets.”
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders isn’t really a traditional mystery. Thuan learns pretty quickly who, or at least what faction, committed the murder. The question is less whodunit and more why, in two senses of the word. Why is this group angry? (They have some legitimate grievances.) And why are they doing the specific things they’re doing — what are they trying to accomplish?
At first, Asmodeus is thrilled by the murder investigation because he’d love a chance to make some trouble and stab some folks. Later, though, he decides the danger to Thuan is too great, and he urges a return home to House Hawthorn. Thuan, though, feels obligated to stay and figure it out, and is afraid that failure could mean the deaths of his whole family. This becomes a source of tension between the two.
And now that I’ve made this all sound very serious — and a lot of it is! — it is definitely a Snarky Murder Novella. De Bodard lightens the mood with dry humor. The bond between Thuan and Asmodeus is also a bright spot, as is their commitment to protecting everyone they’ve taken under their wings.
Unsurprisingly, my friend was right, and this was just the thing for a Friday night. You’ll probably like it too, if you enjoy mysteries, court intrigue, sarcasm, and diversity (both in the human sense and in terms of the variety of magical beings portrayed). It has sold me on the DOMINION OF THE FALLEN series, and I plan to read the first book, The House of Shattered Wings, very soon.
May 16, 2020
Oh that was such a good novella. Imagine a family reception where you have to drag your cranky foreigner husband and then you get involved into family drama. Except that the family drama is a few murders and a plot to undermine a dynasty. And your husband is actually a fallen angel with a sadistic streak and a very specific, and bloody, sense of loyalty. I need to read more of the Dominion of the Fallen, the novella does read as a standalone but I think it's even better when you have more context.
Thanks to the author for the review copy! Full review to come closer to release date.
Thanks to the author for the review copy! Full review to come closer to release date.
August 5, 2020
Galley kindly provided by Aliette de Bodard
Five Reasons to Read this Book
Rep: Vietnamese bi mc, gay mc, Vietnamese side characters
Five Reasons to Read this Book
Rep: Vietnamese bi mc, gay mc, Vietnamese side characters
June 20, 2020
My Rating : 3.75🌟
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Kindle/ Netgalley/ June2020
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Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
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This book follows our main characters Thuan and Asmodeous where they try to uncover a killing and try to navigate the politics of the contrast courts.
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First, I loved that name and the cover and I requested the book without realising this was a novella and that too for a trilogy. But I didn't feel that once I started reading the book. It would have given me more insight to the characters and their personalities if I have read the trilogy, but I was still able to grasp the situation and the characters had their own unique personality to them. I loved the way they co trast and compliment each other and how they work.
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Second, I absolutely loved the politics and the way the dialogues were written with an underlying meaning and how Thuan tried so very hard to keep his high spirited husband at bay! It was funny yet I felt bad for him ! Asmodeous is a strong, sarcastic yet a dominating character and I loved his presence. The subtle way(That means not so subtle😂) the characters interacted with their surprise guest was hilarious!
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Coming to the story line and pacing, I loved the setting of the story in this novella. Thuan getting to see his old home, Asmodeous trying to fit in, and Thuan realizing his worth because of his husband. It's so heartwarming! It was steadily paced, and I finished this book in a single sitting!
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Overall, this book had everything I wanted, dragons, shifters, magic, royal politics, head strong husbands, annoying decision making, established relationship, kidnapping and a rescue by the prince charming ! I'm definitely going to read the trilogy now that I've read the novella!
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Kindle/ Netgalley/ June2020
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Thank you so much Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
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This book follows our main characters Thuan and Asmodeous where they try to uncover a killing and try to navigate the politics of the contrast courts.
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First, I loved that name and the cover and I requested the book without realising this was a novella and that too for a trilogy. But I didn't feel that once I started reading the book. It would have given me more insight to the characters and their personalities if I have read the trilogy, but I was still able to grasp the situation and the characters had their own unique personality to them. I loved the way they co trast and compliment each other and how they work.
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Second, I absolutely loved the politics and the way the dialogues were written with an underlying meaning and how Thuan tried so very hard to keep his high spirited husband at bay! It was funny yet I felt bad for him ! Asmodeous is a strong, sarcastic yet a dominating character and I loved his presence. The subtle way(That means not so subtle😂) the characters interacted with their surprise guest was hilarious!
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Coming to the story line and pacing, I loved the setting of the story in this novella. Thuan getting to see his old home, Asmodeous trying to fit in, and Thuan realizing his worth because of his husband. It's so heartwarming! It was steadily paced, and I finished this book in a single sitting!
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Overall, this book had everything I wanted, dragons, shifters, magic, royal politics, head strong husbands, annoying decision making, established relationship, kidnapping and a rescue by the prince charming ! I'm definitely going to read the trilogy now that I've read the novella!
July 8, 2020
Seamos honestas, cuando leí que Aliette de Bodard había escrito una novella perfecta para fans de "The Untamed", no necesité mucho más para querer leérmela. Luego leí un poco más de la sinopsis y resultó estar ambientada en un París devastado y mi interés fue en aumento. Aunque forma parte de la serie de "Dominion of the Fallen", se puede leer perfectamente sin haber leído los anteriores (que ya tengo en mi carrito de la compra, por supuesto, porque quiero saber más de este mundo, muchas gracias).
En esta novela corta el príncipe dragón Thuan y su marido Asmodeus visitan por Año Nuevo a la familia del primero, y lo que promete ser una reunión familiar política y aburrida, termina siendo una intriga palaciega con sangre de por medio. Alguien aparece muerto, y se sabe quién le ha asesinado pero no quién es la víctima, ¿qué más se necesita para querer seguir leyendo? Y, por supuesto, la investigación es de todo menos calmada.
"You have to understand the game is rigged. That if you play by the rules, there will always be someone to bend them to their advantage, or set them aside".
Thuan, la rata de biblioteca, y Asmodeus, el gato aburrido que juega con sus presas, no podrían ser más diferentes, y por eso funcionan tan bien juntos. Cada uno tiene una manera diferente de hacer las cosas, y aunque tienen la opción de no implicarse demasiado en los asuntos de un reino que no es el suyo, los dos deciden meterse hasta la cocina. Thuan, porque es su familia, y Asmodeus porque aunque le prendería fuego a todo y se iría sin más, quiere a Thuan.
"Second Aunt watched him, for a while. "The bookish one," she said.
"Sometimes books are what we need."
La única pena es que se me haya hecho tan corta la historia, porque me hubiera gustado ver más a Thuan y Asmodeus en otros contextos, como en la casa Hawthorne. Pero cumple todo lo que promete: ambientación fantástica, intrigas palaciegas y maridos molones.
(Reseña más amplia en La Nave Invisible más adelante).
En esta novela corta el príncipe dragón Thuan y su marido Asmodeus visitan por Año Nuevo a la familia del primero, y lo que promete ser una reunión familiar política y aburrida, termina siendo una intriga palaciega con sangre de por medio. Alguien aparece muerto, y se sabe quién le ha asesinado pero no quién es la víctima, ¿qué más se necesita para querer seguir leyendo? Y, por supuesto, la investigación es de todo menos calmada.
"You have to understand the game is rigged. That if you play by the rules, there will always be someone to bend them to their advantage, or set them aside".
Thuan, la rata de biblioteca, y Asmodeus, el gato aburrido que juega con sus presas, no podrían ser más diferentes, y por eso funcionan tan bien juntos. Cada uno tiene una manera diferente de hacer las cosas, y aunque tienen la opción de no implicarse demasiado en los asuntos de un reino que no es el suyo, los dos deciden meterse hasta la cocina. Thuan, porque es su familia, y Asmodeus porque aunque le prendería fuego a todo y se iría sin más, quiere a Thuan.
"Second Aunt watched him, for a while. "The bookish one," she said.
"Sometimes books are what we need."
La única pena es que se me haya hecho tan corta la historia, porque me hubiera gustado ver más a Thuan y Asmodeus en otros contextos, como en la casa Hawthorne. Pero cumple todo lo que promete: ambientación fantástica, intrigas palaciegas y maridos molones.
(Reseña más amplia en La Nave Invisible más adelante).
June 22, 2022
Asmodeus and Thuan are in the Dragon Kingdom for a visit. Thuan is stressed, while Asmodeus is a little bored. Then Thuan is drafted into looking into a threat to the kingdom, a murder happens, and Asmodeus begins having a great time investigating, and hanging out with Thuan's equally violent grandmother.
I love de Bodard's writing, as I find the textures of her imagery so sharp. And gentle Thuan paired with stabby Asmodeus is a hoot. Not to mention the difficulties both have, for different reasons, in navigating the expectations, intrigue and strife in the Dragon Kingdom.
de Bodard's crumbling France is so beautifully realized, and I love the way she weaves in commentary on the injustices prevalent both above and below the Seine, all while showing how conflicted Thuan is by both his homes, and how difficult he finds being back with his scheming family, and being known only as the bookish, unimportant prince.
I'm so glad there's another story after this one as Thuan and Asmodeus continue to figure out how to be with one another and manage their respective duties.
I love de Bodard's writing, as I find the textures of her imagery so sharp. And gentle Thuan paired with stabby Asmodeus is a hoot. Not to mention the difficulties both have, for different reasons, in navigating the expectations, intrigue and strife in the Dragon Kingdom.
de Bodard's crumbling France is so beautifully realized, and I love the way she weaves in commentary on the injustices prevalent both above and below the Seine, all while showing how conflicted Thuan is by both his homes, and how difficult he finds being back with his scheming family, and being known only as the bookish, unimportant prince.
I'm so glad there's another story after this one as Thuan and Asmodeus continue to figure out how to be with one another and manage their respective duties.
June 16, 2023
Vacation read 3/5! Only jotting down this review a month+ late... it's fine.
I enjoyed this, but I think not as much as I would have if I was actually familiar with the characters and their relationship. I felt like I was missing a lot of context and backstory there. As always, though, Aliette de Bodard knocks it out of the park with worldbuilding, and I particularly enjoy the adamant way she centers Vietnam as a global power in... all of her work that I've read so far. It really casts a light on the sheer lack of imagination of other SF/F writers who replicate existing power structures in futuristic or fantastical worlds.
I enjoyed this, but I think not as much as I would have if I was actually familiar with the characters and their relationship. I felt like I was missing a lot of context and backstory there. As always, though, Aliette de Bodard knocks it out of the park with worldbuilding, and I particularly enjoy the adamant way she centers Vietnam as a global power in... all of her work that I've read so far. It really casts a light on the sheer lack of imagination of other SF/F writers who replicate existing power structures in futuristic or fantastical worlds.
February 27, 2022
COURT INTRIGUE AT ITS FINEST
Also now, I really want to read the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy 👀
Also now, I really want to read the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy 👀
June 5, 2023
3,75 ⭐
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders", A Dragons and Blades Story, univers Dominion of the Fallen, Aliette de Bodard 🐲🍵
C'est le Nouvel An Lunaire, une occasion de célébrer et de se retrouver en famille tout en ingurgitant une quantité astronomique de fruits confits ! Mais lorsque Thuan, le Prince dragon amoureux des livres et son mari le terrible Asmodeus découvrent un cadavre à l'extérieur de leur quartier, les vacances prennent un tour différent. Entre deux tasses de thé, l'enquête sous fond de complot politique est lancée...
J'ai lu l'an dernier, le très bon et très original "The Tea Master and the Detective" de l'univers Xuya, toujours de Aliette de Bodard et j'avais adoré la richesse de cette courte Novella ! 🤩
On garde ici le même format, et sur une centaine de pages je suis à nouveau emporté ! 👏 Bravo !! 😱😍
On se retrouve en plein complot politique dans une cour impériale d'inspiration Vietnamienne en plein royaume sous marin, sous la Seine !! De Bodard nous propose donc une Uchronie de Fantasy à la sauce Murders Mystery, avec des personnages EXTRÊMEMENT charismatiques, drôles et aux dialogues piquants et tordants à souhait ! On a fait cette lecture à deux avec @laboiteauxlivres.eloise et on est tombé sous le charme diabolique d'une grand mère fort sympathique 😂😇
Nous avons rencontré l'autrice à L'Ouest Hurlant et bien que n'ayant jamais lu sa série Dominion, De Bodard nous a affirmé que nous pouvions tout à fait lire cette novella sans problème. Et en effet, on est immergé très rapidement. Et pour quelqu'un comme moi qui aime lire dans l'ordre de parution, mais qui ne voulait pas me lancer dans une énième longue série : c'était parfait ! 😅 J'ai trouvé malgré tout qu'il me manquait forcément un peu de background sur certains éléments mais très honnêtement RIEN de dérangeant ! Je suis juste passé au début de ma lecture de "je ne lirai que la novella" à "ouai OK c'est bon, je veux lire toute la série !" 💕😂
C'est un coup de maître, car en effet, la novella se sufit à elle même et pourtant l'autrice a su piquer mon intérêt pour cet univers que je trouve génial ! 😍
D'une Novella, me voilà donc parti pour une nouvelle série 😅
Avis Lecture 🧐 📖 "Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders", A Dragons and Blades Story, univers Dominion of the Fallen, Aliette de Bodard 🐲🍵
C'est le Nouvel An Lunaire, une occasion de célébrer et de se retrouver en famille tout en ingurgitant une quantité astronomique de fruits confits ! Mais lorsque Thuan, le Prince dragon amoureux des livres et son mari le terrible Asmodeus découvrent un cadavre à l'extérieur de leur quartier, les vacances prennent un tour différent. Entre deux tasses de thé, l'enquête sous fond de complot politique est lancée...
J'ai lu l'an dernier, le très bon et très original "The Tea Master and the Detective" de l'univers Xuya, toujours de Aliette de Bodard et j'avais adoré la richesse de cette courte Novella ! 🤩
On garde ici le même format, et sur une centaine de pages je suis à nouveau emporté ! 👏 Bravo !! 😱😍
On se retrouve en plein complot politique dans une cour impériale d'inspiration Vietnamienne en plein royaume sous marin, sous la Seine !! De Bodard nous propose donc une Uchronie de Fantasy à la sauce Murders Mystery, avec des personnages EXTRÊMEMENT charismatiques, drôles et aux dialogues piquants et tordants à souhait ! On a fait cette lecture à deux avec @laboiteauxlivres.eloise et on est tombé sous le charme diabolique d'une grand mère fort sympathique 😂😇
Nous avons rencontré l'autrice à L'Ouest Hurlant et bien que n'ayant jamais lu sa série Dominion, De Bodard nous a affirmé que nous pouvions tout à fait lire cette novella sans problème. Et en effet, on est immergé très rapidement. Et pour quelqu'un comme moi qui aime lire dans l'ordre de parution, mais qui ne voulait pas me lancer dans une énième longue série : c'était parfait ! 😅 J'ai trouvé malgré tout qu'il me manquait forcément un peu de background sur certains éléments mais très honnêtement RIEN de dérangeant ! Je suis juste passé au début de ma lecture de "je ne lirai que la novella" à "ouai OK c'est bon, je veux lire toute la série !" 💕😂
C'est un coup de maître, car en effet, la novella se sufit à elle même et pourtant l'autrice a su piquer mon intérêt pour cet univers que je trouve génial ! 😍
D'une Novella, me voilà donc parti pour une nouvelle série 😅
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