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olivialandryxo 's review for:
The Bird and the Blade
by Megan Bannen
CW: torture, death, suicide
I’m not sure what to think of this book. It’s a Mongolian-era fantasy with ghosts, riddles, and political intrigue. I hadn’t seen anyone talking about it.
The good:
✩ I’ve never read a book set in the Mongolian era or focused on that empire, so that was interesting.
✩ I liked Jinghua’s backstory. It added an extra layer to the story.
✩ Timur started the story as a completely unlikable prickwaffle, but by the end, he managed to grow on me somewhat?? He’s a cynical old goat but I think he does have some semblance of a heart, and I have him to thank for one of my new favorite phrases: “Go suck used tea leaves.”
✩ The timeline was unique – it switched between the present, when Khalaf was trying to solve the riddles, to the past, leading up to present events. I think it would’ve been okay chronological, but I do appreciate spicing it up a bit.
The bad:
✩ Although I liked her backstory, Jinghua seemed to be a rather plain character. She was so in love with Khalaf and unsure of whether or not to act on it that I couldn’t really get to know her.
✩ On that note, I didn’t know a story could be so focused on romance without actually including any kind of romantic relationship. Jinghua was pining for Khalaf constantly, but status and necessity and different goals kept them apart, blah blah blah. This isn’t what I signed up for.
✩ I’m not sure what to think of Khalaf himself. He felt too good, if that makes sense. Sure, he was irrational from time to time, but he was also attractive and philosophical and could quote religious phrases and various poets at the drop of a hat. Who does that? I can appreciate a well-learned love interest, but that’s a bit over the top. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
✩ What the flip flop was that ending?? There was so much drama and tension and defiance and then…well. It wasn’t terrible, it did wrap things up, but it was undeniably disappointing.
I went into this curious and hopeful, but it didn’t work so well for me. Although I’d say it’s an average read, I think it has potential to be someone’s favorite.
I’m not sure what to think of this book. It’s a Mongolian-era fantasy with ghosts, riddles, and political intrigue. I hadn’t seen anyone talking about it.
The good:
✩ I’ve never read a book set in the Mongolian era or focused on that empire, so that was interesting.
✩ I liked Jinghua’s backstory. It added an extra layer to the story.
✩ Timur started the story as a completely unlikable prickwaffle, but by the end, he managed to grow on me somewhat?? He’s a cynical old goat but I think he does have some semblance of a heart, and I have him to thank for one of my new favorite phrases: “Go suck used tea leaves.”
✩ The timeline was unique – it switched between the present, when Khalaf was trying to solve the riddles, to the past, leading up to present events. I think it would’ve been okay chronological, but I do appreciate spicing it up a bit.
The bad:
✩ Although I liked her backstory, Jinghua seemed to be a rather plain character. She was so in love with Khalaf and unsure of whether or not to act on it that I couldn’t really get to know her.
✩ On that note, I didn’t know a story could be so focused on romance without actually including any kind of romantic relationship. Jinghua was pining for Khalaf constantly, but status and necessity and different goals kept them apart, blah blah blah. This isn’t what I signed up for.
✩ I’m not sure what to think of Khalaf himself. He felt too good, if that makes sense. Sure, he was irrational from time to time, but he was also attractive and philosophical and could quote religious phrases and various poets at the drop of a hat. Who does that? I can appreciate a well-learned love interest, but that’s a bit over the top. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
✩ What the flip flop was that ending?? There was so much drama and tension and defiance and then…well. It wasn’t terrible, it did wrap things up, but it was undeniably disappointing.
I went into this curious and hopeful, but it didn’t work so well for me. Although I’d say it’s an average read, I think it has potential to be someone’s favorite.