I love Aliette de Bodard style of writing and love all her series, my fav the Fallen. This is a well plotted novel that I enjoyed even if it's not a favorite.
The Xuya Universe is intriguing, a universe full of great characters and with a Vietnamese lifestyle very detailed.
I always end up craving some of the teas they drink and I'm not much of a tea drinker
The story starts in a very exciting way introducing us to XI Sich and Rice Fish, the main characters. Both interesting character, Xi Sich more shy while Rice Fish is a very seductive avatar.
It drags a bit as politics takes the front seat but it never stopped being entertaining.
The romance was a bit too fast but I rooted for the characters.
Aliette de Bodard never disappoints and this well plotted and fascinating novel is another example of her excellent storytelling and fascinating world building.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine