A Return Before This Land Implodes

by Prim Sutchiewcharn

In four months, Loenix’s world will implode. Literally.


A subject of a universe where lands randomly implode with only a year’s notice, sending its people to new lands with new lives, Loenix has always told herself she’s ready, there’s nothing left to lose. Still, to secure her future, she strikes a deal with the Mancer, who sends her on a quest to find an ‘old heart’. Failure will cost Loenix’s soul. With nothing but a riddle and her twin brother’s ghost to guide her, she sets off on a journey in her dying land, where the past and possible future promise healing, a path that only reinforces life’s impermanence.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2024

About the author

Author of The Bridging Flower (2020), The Bringing Flower (2021), Crumbling Celestial Secrets (2023), and A Return Before This Land Implodes (2024)
Most active on Instagram @primsutchiewcharn

Reviews

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: although I've tried to make this review totally subjective, there may be some bias as I do know the author personally. Also, my interpretations might be completely wrong so don't take me seriously.

Firstly, this story is a lot deeper than the plot/concept. Especially if you know the author or have followed her works, you will realize the additional significance of some moments, concepts, and even some specific lines. My personal interpretation is that A Return Before This Land Implodes has some semi-autobiographical elements and that overall, it is a story about self acceptance.
Now, before you argue with me, I thought that many of the moments are more symbolic in relevance. In my opinion, the blurb is not the best summary of the story because it's less about impermanence and more about identity, if not the impermanence of identity. And if we stick to this reading, which is supported by multiple lines throughout the novel: Loenix (the protagonist) finding her parents is symbolic for finding her past self again. The fact that in the end, their relationship isn't restored wholly, also supports the idea that she "was never lost" and just changed. Something similar could be argued for Loenix's brother's reappearance and disappearance, leading to the end scene. If you consider Loenix's backstory, this is also supported. It's a story about accepting new versions of yourself even though you might still mourn the past.
About the concept of lands imploding, I feel that it supported the plot but was always more of a side quest. Though I wish that it had actually happened, I found the ending satisfactory and meaningful. The cyclical ending that is also done in Prim's The Ifliaborn series makes another appearance here, and it makes it all the better because she alludes to it in the dedication.
Overall, the story is a little illogical, at least for me Did the 'riddle' stop being relevant too quickly?, but the pacing worked in the favor of the plot, and I like how easy it is to read and finish. While the plot itself isn't unique and is slightly startling, I enjoyed it a lot. Side characters are portrayed realistically and when you read you do feel as if you are in the protagonist's head. This gets 4/5 stars from me because the story could have been more engaging.

[KWJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decently shorter than the author's other works. I was able to complete within a single sitting. Author has said that it's supposed to be a more personal/metaphorical story but I personally found the plot unengaging. Some parts feel illogical too. The main concept wasn't as prominent and important in the story which was a let-down. Some scenes and little moments definitely hurt, though- these were the highlight for me.