Utterly magical and moving, The Night Tiger is a gorgeous story. The story pulled me into its atmospheric and lush world, sThe Night Tiger Yangsze Choo
Utterly magical and moving, The Night Tiger is a gorgeous story. The story pulled me into its atmospheric and lush world, steeped in Chinese and Malaysian history and culture. I loved the way the story unfolded, the interlinked plotlines, as the tension and stakes built throughout the tale.
The story follows two different and yet compelling characters. Ren, a young orphan who is dedicated to fulfilling the last wish of his previous master. And Ji Lin, the intelligent and strong girl who works as a dressmaker and moonlights at a dancehall to pay off her mother’s gambling debts.
I loved how Ji Lin’s relationships with her stepfather, mother and enigmatic stepbrother were portrayed in subtle, yet powerful ways. The relationships and emotions are complex, rich and beautiful – the slow burn yet constant tug between Ji Lin and Shin. Ren, who suffered so much in his young life, still wedged between his old and new master. The shifts between the character’s thoughts and points of view are seamless - a smooth immersion into each new chapter.
The setting was gorgeously crafted (1930s Malaya), rich and bursting with life through the vivid descriptions of foods, clothes and architecture. The folklore, superstitions and supernatural elements of the book were integrated so tightly, they flowed naturally into events of the ‘real world’ – adding a layer of enchantment to the tale.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is a fascinating wuxia-inspired fantasy, gorgeously written by Zen Cho.A gorgeous book - inside and out!
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is a fascinating wuxia-inspired fantasy, gorgeously written by Zen Cho. Great pacing and amazing characters which leap off the very first page. I especially loved the layers to the story, the mysteries surrounding the Order and the character dynamics between Tet Sang and Guet Imm . It's hard to pull yourself away from this one. The cover is an absolute work of art too - makes me wish I had the hard copy instead of the digital version....more
I was lucky to read an early version of Among Thieves - a gritty and exciting adult fantasy heist! I particularly loved the worldbuilding, thoroughly I was lucky to read an early version of Among Thieves - a gritty and exciting adult fantasy heist! I particularly loved the worldbuilding, thoroughly badass and morally gray characters, and intriguing plot which kept me guessing till the end! Am excited for the next book!...more
