A review by vanillasweet
Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard

adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


This novella has a special place in my heart as I am Vietnamese. I loved seeing my language and culture come to life in this story. I don't often get to read something like this. 

The worldbuilding is not expansive, but it's enough to get a clear picture of everything. I felt like I could relate distinctly to Thanh with her struggle to either be who her mother wants her to be or choose to do things for herself. The other characters are also vivid. I loved Giang and her protectiveness, how she may not understand everything about humans, but she does understand what she feels. Eldris is quite the villain, I could tell that she was slotted to be one from the beginning, but her relationship with Thanh was also something I saw as fleeting. 

Of course, the novella isn't without its fault. I found it too short to fully flesh everything out. The romance between Thanh and Giang was instant. I would have preferred the author to use "chị" and "em" instead of "Big sis" and "lil sis", since it sounds less weird than its translation. But other than that, I don't have much qualms about it because I do have cultural understanding. 

Overall, I had a good time reading this novella and I would love to get the chance for more like this.
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