Reviews

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

lisamchuk's review against another edition

4.0

This short novella is very beautifully written, not a word wasted. We follow Cleric Chih and a talking bird as they piece together a story about the former empress, as told by an aged handmaiden while they all chronicle the items left behind in an old royal palace of sorts. The story is both sad and powerful, and the ending satisfying in a number of ways. It’s amazing to me how such a short novella can feel as impressive as a longer novel, so that speaks volumes about the author’s skill. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

sparklycowboy's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Quick, short read. I really enjoyed the narrative style of an elder recounting her life to a cleric. I found the story sweet. I am excited to read the sequel. 

nwells24's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lindsaymscott's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jasisreading's review against another edition

inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

terranaught's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

I'm so confused. Like I get it, but I don't GET it. I guess. Like I understand the gist of it, it's fairly clear. But it's only clear in the 2nd half where everything really happens and the first 70 pages just made me feel dumb. 

I just don't think I'm smart enough for this book honestly.

sydneyhylland's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.0

I read this as part of a reading challenge and was excited to try a book outside of my usual genres, but this was not for me. I found it really hard to follow and don’t think I captured what it was really about.

aangeri's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

lazuli_73's review against another edition

mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

hsaven's review

challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5