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richardleis's review
4.0
It took me a little while to get into "A Portrait of the Desert in Personages of Power, Pt. 1" by Rose Lemberg, but it eventually worked its magic. The characters, especially the protagonist, are so compelling and I was won over by the complex interpersonal relationships against the complex universe that surrounds them. The final scenes of Part 1 as characters begin to recognize the assumptions they have made about each other were really powerful and left me excited to jump into Part 2, which I will do very soon…
"Ora et Labora" by Theodore McCombs is a powerful story set in a fully-realized world in which mathematics and religion construct a barrier–perhaps a protective one despite all of its horrors–around society’s castoffs. There are hints about some of the story’s secrets early in the piece, but I glossed over them because I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from such a dangerous tale. As the truth is revealed, the story comes into sharp, visceral focus even as the future is left ambiguous. The end comes with lots of ramifications to think about.
Other elements I enjoyed about this story: the imagery and beautiful language to describe an awful circumstance; the way my sympathies as a reader changed as more information was revealed; the use of religious jargon (lots of words I had to look up, but I found that really fun); the characters and how they are revealed in small details that take on greater meaning later in the story.
"Ora et Labora" by Theodore McCombs is a powerful story set in a fully-realized world in which mathematics and religion construct a barrier–perhaps a protective one despite all of its horrors–around society’s castoffs. There are hints about some of the story’s secrets early in the piece, but I glossed over them because I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from such a dangerous tale. As the truth is revealed, the story comes into sharp, visceral focus even as the future is left ambiguous. The end comes with lots of ramifications to think about.
Other elements I enjoyed about this story: the imagery and beautiful language to describe an awful circumstance; the way my sympathies as a reader changed as more information was revealed; the use of religious jargon (lots of words I had to look up, but I found that really fun); the characters and how they are revealed in small details that take on greater meaning later in the story.
cloudwriter's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
scrow1022's review
5.0
Two incredible stories. I adore Rose Lemberg's writing and this story is breathtaking, there's so much to think about and to feel. (Part I of the novella is in this issue and it continues in #230 - I haven't yet finished it because I'm trying to read slowly and take everything in.) And then I was fascinated by Theodore McCombs story - this satisfied something deep in me and I may need to just go meditate on it for a while.
bookdeviant's review
5.0
See more of my reviews on my blog the Book Deviant
I would like to thank Rose Lemberg for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I may not be able to give this more than five stars on Goodreads or on my blog (I guess it's my blog so I could give it more stars but I like everything staying lined up with Goodreads so..), but, in my heart, Rose Lemberg gets all the damn stars in the sky.
Lemberg artfully opens up their new novella with a short legend, one of which is truly entrancing. That's something that you'll always find in anything written by Lemberg. The way they set up their universe, the way they write so intimately within it, you can tell that these stories will not only be beautiful, but also impactful. I was not even 15 pages in before I found myself crying about consent and pronouns at 1:30 in the morning. That is not a joke. Portrait goes into in-depth discussions about consent, but it also touches on smaller things, like respecting pronouns and trust. There were moments when I would shut off my reader just to hug it to my chest I was so moved with the words Lemberg had put on the page.
The Old Royal is bigender, and that is mentioned not only multiple times in the novella, but it also goes into how the Old Royal likes to shift between genders. Then, there was also a minor character, Marvushi, who had some gender fluidity, as they went from they/them to she/her pronouns and back to they/them. There are multiple nonbinary characters all throughout Portrait, some nb from the beginning, some realizing it later on, and it was wonderful, and so realistic. I especially loved the mentioned Sandbird Festival, where the Old Royal helps nonbinary individuals change their body into their image. Like, holy shit I want that??
In addition to Lemberg's exquisite writing as well as the diverse set of characters, this piece also tackled heavy topics. Consent, and what it means, pronouns and respecting them (there was one character who "didn't get" neutral pronouns and instead used he/him and I nearly SCREAMED), as well as sadism, and being a survivor of traumatic events. Lemberg delved into these topics with no hesitation, and that's not something you see often. Someone willing to discuss these topics in literature.
five (million) stars - Overall?
Rose Lemberg continues to blow me away. After Geometries of Belonging and Portrait, I know that I have found one author that will never disappoint me. I realize that it's a stretch to say that, but the #OwnVoices nonbinary rep, specifically bigender, has been flawless, and everything else about Lemberg's work has been nothing but gorgeous.
Would I Recommend?
Love High Fantasy? Love diversity? Love really cool world building? Or how about being inclusive in experiences, kinks, genders, sexualities, backgrounds, lives, etc? Love just being utterly blown away by an author's writing? Then read anything by Rose Lemberg.
Trigger warning for kink, edgeplay, and discussions of trauma, mentions of suicide, misgendering.
I would like to thank Rose Lemberg for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I may not be able to give this more than five stars on Goodreads or on my blog (I guess it's my blog so I could give it more stars but I like everything staying lined up with Goodreads so..), but, in my heart, Rose Lemberg gets all the damn stars in the sky.
Lemberg artfully opens up their new novella with a short legend, one of which is truly entrancing. That's something that you'll always find in anything written by Lemberg. The way they set up their universe, the way they write so intimately within it, you can tell that these stories will not only be beautiful, but also impactful. I was not even 15 pages in before I found myself crying about consent and pronouns at 1:30 in the morning. That is not a joke. Portrait goes into in-depth discussions about consent, but it also touches on smaller things, like respecting pronouns and trust. There were moments when I would shut off my reader just to hug it to my chest I was so moved with the words Lemberg had put on the page.
The Old Royal is bigender, and that is mentioned not only multiple times in the novella, but it also goes into how the Old Royal likes to shift between genders. Then, there was also a minor character, Marvushi, who had some gender fluidity, as they went from they/them to she/her pronouns and back to they/them. There are multiple nonbinary characters all throughout Portrait, some nb from the beginning, some realizing it later on, and it was wonderful, and so realistic. I especially loved the mentioned Sandbird Festival, where the Old Royal helps nonbinary individuals change their body into their image. Like, holy shit I want that??
In addition to Lemberg's exquisite writing as well as the diverse set of characters, this piece also tackled heavy topics. Consent, and what it means, pronouns and respecting them (there was one character who "didn't get" neutral pronouns and instead used he/him and I nearly SCREAMED), as well as sadism, and being a survivor of traumatic events. Lemberg delved into these topics with no hesitation, and that's not something you see often. Someone willing to discuss these topics in literature.
five (million) stars - Overall?
Rose Lemberg continues to blow me away. After Geometries of Belonging and Portrait, I know that I have found one author that will never disappoint me. I realize that it's a stretch to say that, but the #OwnVoices nonbinary rep, specifically bigender, has been flawless, and everything else about Lemberg's work has been nothing but gorgeous.
Would I Recommend?
Love High Fantasy? Love diversity? Love really cool world building? Or how about being inclusive in experiences, kinks, genders, sexualities, backgrounds, lives, etc? Love just being utterly blown away by an author's writing? Then read anything by Rose Lemberg.
Trigger warning for kink, edgeplay, and discussions of trauma, mentions of suicide, misgendering.
vidholf's review
5.0
I highly recommend the audio version of this story, read by C.S.E. Cooney. I cannot imagine a better voice for the tale told; I got goosebumps within the first 30 seconds. Cooney conveys the power that the protagonist holds, the power held in each of the main characters, the power held by their adversaries. http://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/audio/bcs-200-a-portrait-of-the-desert-in-personages-of-power/
This story has layers. I found my attention wandering at times in the first half, not quite yet used to the rhythm of the tale - only to be gut-gripped by how important something became later, in the nuance, the weight, the delivery, the texture of a moment. The inflection of the meaning changes in the telling.
This story has everything I look for in a drama: focused on relationships, exquisite in the tension between individuals, and beautifully told where prose feels drawn taut by poems. It is the only story I can think of that has gotten the dynamics of trust right.
If you read for character, if you fall into the sensuousness of words, if unbridled strength seems always rooted upon utter vulnerability... Read this. Listen to it.
This story has layers. I found my attention wandering at times in the first half, not quite yet used to the rhythm of the tale - only to be gut-gripped by how important something became later, in the nuance, the weight, the delivery, the texture of a moment. The inflection of the meaning changes in the telling.
This story has everything I look for in a drama: focused on relationships, exquisite in the tension between individuals, and beautifully told where prose feels drawn taut by poems. It is the only story I can think of that has gotten the dynamics of trust right.
If you read for character, if you fall into the sensuousness of words, if unbridled strength seems always rooted upon utter vulnerability... Read this. Listen to it.
mariahaskins's review
5.0
Wow. How to describe this intricately woven, exquisitely crafted, stunning masterpiece by Rose Lemberg? As always, Lemberg’s prose is spellbinding, and if you’ve followed their Birdverse stories, this novella is a must-read – it delves deep into the history, spirituality, and mythology of that world. Love, transformation, magic, lust, longing, pain and desire – so many threads are woven together in this tale. Breathtaking storytelling.
mikewhiteman's review
5.0
A Portrait Of The Desert In Personages Of Power, Pt. I - Rose Lemberg *****
Fantastic. Beautiful prose, examining the interplay between two very different powers, one old and one young. Uses of power, attraction and consent between those with power and those without. All set in a fascinating world of magic, against a background history of the world's Bird deity. Loved it.
Ora Et Labora - Theodore McCombs ****
Initially reminded me of Neal Stephenson's Anathem, establishing the setting of a closed off mathematical/religious abbey. But in this case the "Disordered" have been sent here for a different reason and the establishment of the order and its religious trappings may be an attempt to defend the Disordered. Really enjoyed the little hints gradually building up to the reveal and the possible futures offered by the ending. Only complaint would be that the reasoning for establishing the abbey and adopting the religious aspects felt a bit weak.
Fantastic. Beautiful prose, examining the interplay between two very different powers, one old and one young. Uses of power, attraction and consent between those with power and those without. All set in a fascinating world of magic, against a background history of the world's Bird deity. Loved it.
Ora Et Labora - Theodore McCombs ****
Initially reminded me of Neal Stephenson's Anathem, establishing the setting of a closed off mathematical/religious abbey. But in this case the "Disordered" have been sent here for a different reason and the establishment of the order and its religious trappings may be an attempt to defend the Disordered. Really enjoyed the little hints gradually building up to the reveal and the possible futures offered by the ending. Only complaint would be that the reasoning for establishing the abbey and adopting the religious aspects felt a bit weak.
forestofglory's review
4.0
I bit of had trouble getting into this and keeping the characters straight. Probable didn't help that I was jettlaged. Once I got into it I enjoyed it. Some very beautiful writing, interesting characters and cool world building. It definitely nice to learn more about how magic works in the Birdverse. Also the main character is non-binary so worth checking out if you are looking for more representation.(content note: sadomasochism)
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