A review by maisiesleepywiredstudios
Small Shen by Kylie Chan

4.0

Small Shen in the prequel to White Tiger, telling the story behind how Gold and Jade came into the service of the Dark Lord.

Having read no Kylie Chan before this I felt her writing style was very easy to read but at times could be overly detailed and repetitive. I enjoyed the illustrations by Queenie as they helped with character descriptions and settings. My fave by far of Gold and his tea plantation.

I adored the back and forth between the time periods- it helped with world building and they complex and dense nature of the world. Chan creates this whimsical world that I got swept up in it. The backstory of Gold was told in a vignette style, short stories with a lesson that Gold learns. Also love his friendship with Jade.

The pacing was a little off a time as it picks up and then slams to a holt. which made it harder to invest in. Michelle while at first wasn't overly annoying as the character got more involved with the Shen/Mystic World she became unbearable and downright bratty at some points.

I understand that the world scared her and she was wanting to protect her child but seriously, your husband says it would be safer to go with him but you want to stay for a party? and press, those vultures rather than safety?

I digress. I overall found this book entertaining with good characters and intriguing plot.