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Phoenix Extravagant

Yoon Ha Lee

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Jan 12, 2021 Tien rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, korea, lgbt

I've read & enjoyed a couple of this author's books and while the title of this one was kind of interesting, the cover wasn't at all attractive (to my eyes anyway). The description, as I've discussed with a few GR friends, do not sound particularly intriguing either. However, I started reading and was hooked within a 2-3 chapters. I stayed up late last night because I just couldn't stop until I realise I was going to be monstrously tired this morning & crabby with my kids (it's school holidays, I've read & enjoyed a couple of this author's books and while the title of this one was kind of interesting, the cover wasn't at all attractive (to my eyes anyway). The description, as I've discussed with a few GR friends, do not sound particularly intriguing either. However, I started reading and was hooked within a 2-3 chapters. I stayed up late last night because I just couldn't stop until I realise I was going to be monstrously tired this morning & crabby with my kids (it's school holidays, help!). I just finished the last third of the book and am feeling very sleepy...

Nonetheless, I loved it. I found the writing to be engaging and the plot very well paced. I must admit while I liked the protagonist at the beginning, they were not flawless and it became very obvious in the latter half. This, of course, did not detract from my liking the book and protagonists do need to learn and develop. This protagonist indeed matured and became ever more likeable at the end. I loved the book but I do have a list of wishlist but most I cannot divulge due to spoilers but one would be an alternate perspective. While it's noted as standalone, there is definitely potential for sequels [the ending was left quite open!] and maybe, if it happens, some of my wishes will come true ;)

Now, let's see if I can make the synopsis a little bit more appealing:

All Gyen Jebi wants to do is paint. While they & their sister live under the rule of Razanei, their perspectives on how differ. Their sister is doing all she can to eke out a living for them both and spoiled them as much as they could in art supplies etc. She's lost her wife 10 years ago and still grieving. Jebi wants more. They planned to earn more but when their sister found out their plan and disagreed, they were thrown out of home.

In desperation, Jebi bows down to pressures to work as an artist at the Ministry of Armor. And so, he learns of the secrets of automatons and finds out a top secret research the Ministry is planning to unleash on their home: Arazi, a dragon automaton. They need help and the only possibility is their sister... as perspectives & priorities clash, will they be able to agree on a way forward for all? ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 09, 2020 Kit marked it as to-read

Jan 10, 2021 Susan marked it as considering

Shelves: btm-oct, btm-jan

Feb 01, 2021 Cora marked it as tbr-on-hand · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, fantasy, dragons, american-author, lgbtq, hoopla-audio

May 03, 2022 [ JT ] marked it as recommended

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