Reviews

The Lay of Lilyfinger by G. V. Anderson

dembury's review

5.0

"The Lay if Lilyfinger" is such a gorgeously written and deeply-realized work, and it just sweeps the reader right into a fantastic world of music, heritage, storytelling, and the things that one is willing to give up in pursuit of something bigger. It's obvious that Anderson has so much of this world worked out and imagined; it is so SO easy to just step right into the story alongside the characters and follow them along. Anderson also has a vivid, strong prose that really suits the book - it's very descriptive without being superfluous (actually it's very fitting to the main character, Saaba-niszak, too). I saw on her website that Anderson is working on her first full-length novel and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

literaryliege's review

fast-paced

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

3.5

sevireads's review

5.0

In this short story of only 32 pages [a:G.V. Anderson|14177149|G.V. Anderson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] has crafted a fascinating, culturally rich fantasy world that I can only wish were explored in a work of larger volume. Safe to say this is one of the best Tor Shorts I have read in a while.

shellbellbell's review

4.0

This is a lovely and hopeful story about music and its links to culture and history - that of the victors and stolen from the oppressed. Also, dragon-people?

Free to read on tor.com: https://www.tor.com/2021/05/05/the-lay-of-lilyfinger-g-v-anderson/

paper_mache's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

nayyira's review

4.25

The way this new world is well-packed in so little pages — it’s brilliant. The themes of loss and home and colonialism are touched upon so beautifully. 
One of the best short stories I’ve ever read. 

ebazilereads's review

4.0

The Lay of Lilyfinger is a lovely short story from tor.com about a musician and her young apprentice who have traveled to play at a coming of age ceremony for a merchant's daughter.

I am amazed by the richness of the world building G. V. Anderson accomplished in 32 pages and found the story to be beautiful and moving. A wonderful free read!

lagunabayfables's review

5.0

Did not expect this to break my heart

crownoflaurel's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

bookishgalaxies's review

dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0