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Waiting on a Bright Moon
Xin is an ansible, using her song magic to connect the originworld of the Imperial Authority and its far-flung colonies— a role that is forced upon magically-gifted women “of a certain closeness”. When a dead body comes through her portal at a time of growing rebellion, Xin is drawn deep into a station-wide conspiracy along with Ouyang Suqing, one of the station’s mysterious, high-ranking starmages.
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2017
58 people are currently reading
3812 people want to read
About the author
J.Y. Yang
59 books1,063 followersNeon Yang is the author of the Tensorate series of novellas from Tor.Com Publishing (The Red Threads of Fortune, The Black Tides of Heaven, The Descent of Monsters and The Ascent to Godhood). Their work has been shortlisted for the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Lambda Literary and Locus awards, while the Tensorate novellas were a Tiptree honoree in 2018. They have over two dozen works of short fiction published in venues including Tor.com, Uncanny Magazine, Lightspeed, Clarkesworld, and Strange Horizons.
Neon attended the 2013 class of Clarion West, and received their MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in 2016. In previous incarnations, they have been a molecular biologist, a writer for animation, comics and games, a science communicator, and a journalist for one of Singapore’s national papers.
Neon is currently based out of Singapore. They are queer and non-binary. Find them on Twitter as @itsneonyang, and otherwise at http://neonyang.com.
Neon attended the 2013 class of Clarion West, and received their MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in 2016. In previous incarnations, they have been a molecular biologist, a writer for animation, comics and games, a science communicator, and a journalist for one of Singapore’s national papers.
Neon is currently based out of Singapore. They are queer and non-binary. Find them on Twitter as @itsneonyang, and otherwise at http://neonyang.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
June 7, 2021
On the stage the colony’s four starmages stand arrayed in a rectangle: Tiger, phoenix, dragon, horse. Each of them clutches in both hands a long metal rod, painted the red of justice. They drown out the thousand murmuring voices by pounding the rods onto the stage floor in an accelerating crescendo. Echoes drill into skulls. The house lights dim; the show is about to begin.
Two masked figures haul a third onto the center of the stage. Traitor is naked except for the ropes that bind her hands in front of her. Once she had a name, but now and forever she will only be known as Traitor. Nine iterations of her family will be thus disgraced, their names wiped from the register and those two characters written in their place. Her skin is blanched funerary white but her face is swollen with the red of beaten flesh. They force her to her knees. The sound of bone against wood lingers.
You look at her face. Its shape is young, its features arranged in despair. This girl could be Officer Ouyang. This girl could be you.
i tend to pass over the novellas when i'm choosing what to read for my weekly tor-short undertaking because i'm usually squeezing 'em in during the few golden hours i have before my saturday workday, and it's better for me if i can honor my self-imposed commitment and still have time for other obligations before trotting off into the world to earn my keep.
but my pickings were slim, so i took the plunge with this one, and risk was rewarded—i loved this story and i'm grateful to have spent time in its bubble. it's not even *that* long, as far as novellas go, and yet, content-wise, it feels like i read a whole damn book. it is packed with details, rich and gooey with characters, setting, and the "it's complicated" relationship between magic and ideologies that scaffolds this imaginary-but-relatable world.
i didn't even mind the romance.
the writing is absolutely lovely—the delicate intimacy of sexual awakening, the righteous heat of rebellion, the bittersweet nature of absence—it's highly visual and simultaneously dense and light and i do not know how they managed that feat, but hats off.
i didn't realize at the time that this was the same author who wrote Circus Girl, The Hunter, and Mirror Boy; a tor shorty i read a few years back, but i'm hooked now, and hoping for more on the horizon.
read it for yourself here:
https://www.tor.com/2017/07/12/waitin...
come to my blog!!
January 9, 2019
Read it here!
This is a novella I feel a bit mixed on.
It certainly wasn't bad - I adore the writing style, and the themes were quite intriguing. The issue is that I didn't get quite enough invested in the characters or in the romance. All of it was cute, all of it was intriguing, but none of it was compelling enough.
There’s a tone sapphic women and nb people use to write about love that isn't usually - sometimes it is, but not usually - there when men write about love. I can 90% of the time tell whether a novella is about a straight men in about 20 seconds, and I would not class that as a good thing. This author writes in the Tone Of The Gays™️ and I love it.
This was a short novella and I want to try more by this author later, especially after really liking their earlier Tiger story.
Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Youtube
This is a novella I feel a bit mixed on.
It certainly wasn't bad - I adore the writing style, and the themes were quite intriguing. The issue is that I didn't get quite enough invested in the characters or in the romance. All of it was cute, all of it was intriguing, but none of it was compelling enough.
There’s a tone sapphic women and nb people use to write about love that isn't usually - sometimes it is, but not usually - there when men write about love. I can 90% of the time tell whether a novella is about a straight men in about 20 seconds, and I would not class that as a good thing. This author writes in the Tone Of The Gays™️ and I love it.
This was a short novella and I want to try more by this author later, especially after really liking their earlier Tiger story.
Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Youtube
September 29, 2020
Waiting on a Bright Moon
was so damn amazing. I really didn't expect to like this novella so much I just couldn't get enough and wanted to keep reading. I wouldn't mind if the author released a book in the same world building or a future set with the same characters.
I had to re-read some sentences because there were some hanzi so it was a little confusing but at the same time lovely. This novella passed by quickly, the whole plot just kept getting better and the romance between Xin and Suqing was so tender and warm I just wanted more chapters about them.
I had to re-read some sentences because there were some hanzi so it was a little confusing but at the same time lovely. This novella passed by quickly, the whole plot just kept getting better and the romance between Xin and Suqing was so tender and warm I just wanted more chapters about them.
February 6, 2025
Beautiful writing, it gave me that expansive happiness that can only be felt when I read sapphic books.
April 18, 2020
Probably more of a 4.5.
I’ve only read one novella by the author before but found it so beautiful, that I’m not surprised that this short story is also equally wonderful. In so few pages, the author is able to make us feel invested in the two characters and their budding romance, we start believing in their rebellion which wants to overthrow the extremely sadistic imperial authority, and we also understand the basics of the world and the magic system even though they are not always explained completely. It’s just masterful writing and I was totally captivated by it, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s works.
I’ve only read one novella by the author before but found it so beautiful, that I’m not surprised that this short story is also equally wonderful. In so few pages, the author is able to make us feel invested in the two characters and their budding romance, we start believing in their rebellion which wants to overthrow the extremely sadistic imperial authority, and we also understand the basics of the world and the magic system even though they are not always explained completely. It’s just masterful writing and I was totally captivated by it, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s works.
July 4, 2019
More of a 2.5 stars book.
The book is written in Second person POV and it is short story. Since it is a short story so there was no proper World building but I think the author has done a fine job in that regard. The book overall is a nice mixture of Science fiction and Fantasy but at the same time it was a little confusing and I wouldn't say that it is nicely written as I have to re-read many phrases to understand it.
The book is written in Second person POV and it is short story. Since it is a short story so there was no proper World building but I think the author has done a fine job in that regard. The book overall is a nice mixture of Science fiction and Fantasy but at the same time it was a little confusing and I wouldn't say that it is nicely written as I have to re-read many phrases to understand it.
September 13, 2017
Read here for free!
It's amazing how talented some people are, in that they are able to portray a strange, uncomfortable world full of things like "ansibles" and "starmages", and 3 paragraphs later you're like: "Ok. I get it, I'm invested, let's do this."
Yang's novella is set in a sci-fi universe and concerns the inhabitants of Eighth Colony. Tian is an ansible - a person with what I can only assume is a magical gift which allows her to create portals using a 2 way connection forged with singing voices. Suqing is a starmage - a powerful officer whose word is law. The two women begin a relationship amongst a rebellion that aims to overthrow the authoritarian government of the colonies.
The world Yang draws is violent and sadistic, featuring an execution that was utterly brutal. However, it's also tender, beautiful, and lyrically written. The relationships described are emotive and sympathetic, and the story itself might be full of hard edges, but it's ultimately warming. The incorporation of Chinese culture adds a really beautiful depth to the story, regardless of if you read Mandarin (I tried, but fell back on google translate!).
Go here for one of the songs mentioned in the story, and listen to it as you read!
It's amazing how talented some people are, in that they are able to portray a strange, uncomfortable world full of things like "ansibles" and "starmages", and 3 paragraphs later you're like: "Ok. I get it, I'm invested, let's do this."
Yang's novella is set in a sci-fi universe and concerns the inhabitants of Eighth Colony. Tian is an ansible - a person with what I can only assume is a magical gift which allows her to create portals using a 2 way connection forged with singing voices. Suqing is a starmage - a powerful officer whose word is law. The two women begin a relationship amongst a rebellion that aims to overthrow the authoritarian government of the colonies.
The world Yang draws is violent and sadistic, featuring an execution that was utterly brutal. However, it's also tender, beautiful, and lyrically written. The relationships described are emotive and sympathetic, and the story itself might be full of hard edges, but it's ultimately warming. The incorporation of Chinese culture adds a really beautiful depth to the story, regardless of if you read Mandarin (I tried, but fell back on google translate!).
Go here for one of the songs mentioned in the story, and listen to it as you read!
April 18, 2020
“I joined the rebellion so my fate wouldn’t be decided by men like you.”
A very interesting and magical novella. The choice to put the main character's narration in the 2nd POV was definitely not something I encounter that often but it somehow worked well here. I'd love to read a longer story on this and to see the characters, which have a lot of potential, be more flashed out. That sapphic rep, though... a dream.
You can read it here.
January 1, 2022
love a scifi sapphic short story.
love the incorporation of Chinese lyrics and the names*
love the incorporation of Chinese lyrics and the names*
August 13, 2019
Visit my blog for more bookish stuff!
This week I went back to Tor.com to take a look at another short story by JY Yang. I read another short story by Yang earlier this year and LOVED it, so was very interested to read something else by this author. You can read the short story for free here…
So some of you may not know this, but I majored in Chinese language and literature in college and I’ve actually spent a lot of time in China. I no longer have a day job that requires me to use Mandarin, so I’m growing rustier by the day, but suffice it to say that I know a lot about the Chinese language and culture. Lo and behold, this story has a lot of Chinese songs and poems interspersed throughout, along with many details that draw upon Chinese culture, so this added a fun element to the piece for me. I will say, though, that some translations for the Chinese text could go a long way in bridging the cultural gap for an English-speaking audience. I can understand not including a translation for a language with many English cognates, such as Spanish or French, but Chinese is decidedly not that.
I ultimately had a difficult time connecting with this story. It’s another one of those short stories where there is a ton of worldbuilding, but in the “thrown in the deep end of the pool” style. In media res-style details are tough enough in longer works, let alone in short fiction. All the details, with very little seeded explanation, made the whole narrative feel ungrounded. I also think this would be a doubly challenging story for readers who do not have any sort of background in Chinese; there are no translations provided for the Chinese text, and many Chinese cultural and historical touchpoints are thrown in without explanation. For example:
In the above quote, this was the first time I was hearing anything about the “Seventy Two Transformations.” In fact, this is the only time the transformations are mentioned in the entire story. However, a quick Google search revealed that the transformations are performed by a character in Journey to the West, a Chinese literary classic. I happen to think it’s cool that these referential details are included, but a little seeded explanation or context would be appreciated.
I also don’t understand why the author chose to put the whole piece in second POV. It’s a bold move that didn’t seem to add much to the story, and I’m curious to know the rationale behind the decision.
Whew, Short Tuesday has gone on a bit longer than I anticipated! To sum up, this was an interesting read, especially for someone with an interest in Chinese language and culture, but there were many aspects that took away from the story as a whole.
This week I went back to Tor.com to take a look at another short story by JY Yang. I read another short story by Yang earlier this year and LOVED it, so was very interested to read something else by this author. You can read the short story for free here…
So some of you may not know this, but I majored in Chinese language and literature in college and I’ve actually spent a lot of time in China. I no longer have a day job that requires me to use Mandarin, so I’m growing rustier by the day, but suffice it to say that I know a lot about the Chinese language and culture. Lo and behold, this story has a lot of Chinese songs and poems interspersed throughout, along with many details that draw upon Chinese culture, so this added a fun element to the piece for me. I will say, though, that some translations for the Chinese text could go a long way in bridging the cultural gap for an English-speaking audience. I can understand not including a translation for a language with many English cognates, such as Spanish or French, but Chinese is decidedly not that.
I ultimately had a difficult time connecting with this story. It’s another one of those short stories where there is a ton of worldbuilding, but in the “thrown in the deep end of the pool” style. In media res-style details are tough enough in longer works, let alone in short fiction. All the details, with very little seeded explanation, made the whole narrative feel ungrounded. I also think this would be a doubly challenging story for readers who do not have any sort of background in Chinese; there are no translations provided for the Chinese text, and many Chinese cultural and historical touchpoints are thrown in without explanation. For example:
Only the starmages have the ability to defeat the Starmage General. But their suits have a limiter that stops them from performing the Seventy Two Transformations, and that is under the Starmage General’s control.
In the above quote, this was the first time I was hearing anything about the “Seventy Two Transformations.” In fact, this is the only time the transformations are mentioned in the entire story. However, a quick Google search revealed that the transformations are performed by a character in Journey to the West, a Chinese literary classic. I happen to think it’s cool that these referential details are included, but a little seeded explanation or context would be appreciated.
I also don’t understand why the author chose to put the whole piece in second POV. It’s a bold move that didn’t seem to add much to the story, and I’m curious to know the rationale behind the decision.
Whew, Short Tuesday has gone on a bit longer than I anticipated! To sum up, this was an interesting read, especially for someone with an interest in Chinese language and culture, but there were many aspects that took away from the story as a whole.
November 30, 2020
Waiting on a Bright Moon is set in the outer space and it was woven with Chinese elements. Whilst the premise was really interesting, it didn't hold my attention all that much. I wanted to but I didn't feel connected to the characters or the romance or the rebellion. I liked the writing though, it was beautiful.
2 stars
2 stars
January 27, 2022
so short but so profound, i loved the writing immediately. the sapphic yearning!!!
August 9, 2022
“Is she watching? What is she thinking? How could she just stand there? But then, are you not also sitting where you are, and watching?”
3 stars! This was ok. I loved the writing, but the story in itself was flat and a bit confusing. I think this could have been very interesting had it been a bit longer (maybe 100 or 150 pages) and expanded on a bit more, because most of the book did not make sense to me.
Overall, while it has its flaws, it was a bit entertaining. I might check out more by this author in the future.
Content/ Trigger Warnings- Gore, Torture, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Homophobia, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Grief
Note- I have tried to include all the content warnings that I noticed, but there is no guarantee that I haven’t missed something.
“I joined the rebellion so my fate wouldn’t be decided by men like you.”
Review written on 6th August, 2022.
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DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/was average/Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/new favourite
September 5, 2020
A short story with a nice mix of sci-fi and fantasy. I thought the world-building was very imaginative and well executed for a novella this size. It was easy to picture it all in my head anyway (including that horrific execution scene!). The 2nd person narrative is not something I see a lot so that takes a page to get used to. I didn't know J. Y. Yang but I would certainly read more of them. These Tor short stories are a great way to broaden your horizon.
f/f
4 stars
f/f
4 stars
January 3, 2018
Read the story here: https://www.tor.com/2017/07/12/waitin...
2.5 stars
Nice idea but not very clear at times. There were hints of things that weren't completely explained and others that were just thrown out like we are supposed to know what they mean/signify.
There was a brief scene of torture that may bother some, (not extremely graphic) but to me it felt... mechanical/wooden.
I was interested enough to keep going till the end but my eyes still glazed over at times.
The ending was okay, but abrupt.
IMHO, this would have been better served as a full length novel or even a novella.
*I did enjoy the Love story, very sweet*
Quotes:
"The body arrives during the second refrain. It slaps on the receiving dial with the wet sound of rendered flesh, and the processing officer, a young woman fresh from the originworld, screams.
It’s the scream that alerts you. You didn’t see the body come in, didn’t witness its ungainly, sprawling materialisation through the white of the portal. When you lift your voice in concert with your song-sister on the originworld, the act consumes you. 怒发冲冠、凭栏处。You are in rapture. You see nothing and hear nothing but the music your twinned voices produce. 抬望眼、仰天长啸、壮怀激烈。Your existence dissolves from the throat outwards while you deform the shape of the universe: 三十功名尘与土、八千里路云和月。You are no longer a person, but ansible, transmitting matter and energy across light-years through your song.
Like a clawed hand, the woman’s scream shreds into this ecstasy. It tears you out of verse and chorus. You look, and there lies the thing on the dais: naked, skin flayed, flesh laid open in petals. It came through the portal you and your song-sister created across the yawning gaps of space. A man, eyes open and filmy. There’s no blood.
You scream. That too is a kind of song, of fear expressed in unorchestrated keys.
2.5 stars
Nice idea but not very clear at times. There were hints of things that weren't completely explained and others that were just thrown out like we are supposed to know what they mean/signify.
There was a brief scene of torture that may bother some, (not extremely graphic) but to me it felt... mechanical/wooden.
I was interested enough to keep going till the end but my eyes still glazed over at times.
The ending was okay, but abrupt.
IMHO, this would have been better served as a full length novel or even a novella.
*I did enjoy the Love story, very sweet*
Quotes:
"The body arrives during the second refrain. It slaps on the receiving dial with the wet sound of rendered flesh, and the processing officer, a young woman fresh from the originworld, screams.
It’s the scream that alerts you. You didn’t see the body come in, didn’t witness its ungainly, sprawling materialisation through the white of the portal. When you lift your voice in concert with your song-sister on the originworld, the act consumes you. 怒发冲冠、凭栏处。You are in rapture. You see nothing and hear nothing but the music your twinned voices produce. 抬望眼、仰天长啸、壮怀激烈。Your existence dissolves from the throat outwards while you deform the shape of the universe: 三十功名尘与土、八千里路云和月。You are no longer a person, but ansible, transmitting matter and energy across light-years through your song.
Like a clawed hand, the woman’s scream shreds into this ecstasy. It tears you out of verse and chorus. You look, and there lies the thing on the dais: naked, skin flayed, flesh laid open in petals. It came through the portal you and your song-sister created across the yawning gaps of space. A man, eyes open and filmy. There’s no blood.
You scream. That too is a kind of song, of fear expressed in unorchestrated keys.
November 21, 2020
beautiful story. i can’t read mandarin but that didn’t take away any enjoyment of the story.
August 5, 2019
rep: wlw mc’s, Asian inspired characters and setting
- These characters are in a dystopian world set in space but they get more girlfriends than me
- I hate sci fi because it’s confusing but this was really easy to follow (probably because it’s a novella)
- I liked the romance but it was difficult to connect to (not a fault of the writing because, again, it’s a novella and there isn’t much room for development)
- I LOVED the writing (people who say all f/f is badly written can catch these hands). It was interesting reading something from the second person perspective
February 4, 2020
actually more accurate would be 3.5 stars but i enjoyed this and the writing is really beautiful. i'm amazed that evrn though it's so short, the worldbuilding, plot and characters are well written and developped. now i'm really curious about the author's longer works 👀
May 24, 2023
I'm lately rating books as per my enjoyment which means even a complete ridiculously written piece if I enjoy it, I'm giving it a 4.
This piece right here was a complete case of short and sweet, a 'popcorn' read. And I was left wanting more. Its a me thing I guess, but I like to see the action happening, the pining for each other on the paper I guess I'm quite needy but that's how it is.
This book is quite good but its just that it was not for me.
This piece right here was a complete case of short and sweet, a 'popcorn' read. And I was left wanting more. Its a me thing I guess, but I like to see the action happening, the pining for each other on the paper I guess I'm quite needy but that's how it is.
This book is quite good but its just that it was not for me.
November 20, 2019
Waiting on a Bright Moon is a short story written by author J.Y Yang, and they are known for their Tensorate series.
This isn't a bad story at all. It is about Xin, an ansible. In this story, an Ansible is a person who is using song and music magic can connect vast distances. It is a role forced upon some woman who a talent for music magic. There are some intrigue and romances. Honestly, though, the issue I had with the story is that in this short story format, the worldbuilding and story did not have a chance to develop a clear picture in my mind. I was often confused and detached from the story, and had to go back and read multiple passages so that I understood what was going on.
I do commend the author on their use of language, though. They have a way of describing moments in a lush prose-like style that I appreciate. The lyrical style of it flowed from line to line.
Even now, the role of an Ansible is vague to me. I think with an extended format into novelette size; this would be a much more intriguing story. As it is, it was only midgrade for me.
This isn't a bad story at all. It is about Xin, an ansible. In this story, an Ansible is a person who is using song and music magic can connect vast distances. It is a role forced upon some woman who a talent for music magic. There are some intrigue and romances. Honestly, though, the issue I had with the story is that in this short story format, the worldbuilding and story did not have a chance to develop a clear picture in my mind. I was often confused and detached from the story, and had to go back and read multiple passages so that I understood what was going on.
I do commend the author on their use of language, though. They have a way of describing moments in a lush prose-like style that I appreciate. The lyrical style of it flowed from line to line.
Even now, the role of an Ansible is vague to me. I think with an extended format into novelette size; this would be a much more intriguing story. As it is, it was only midgrade for me.
August 17, 2025
"I joined the rebellion so my fate wouldn’t be decided by men like you."
One of the best fantasy worlds I've gotten to peer into in years. I am so sad it's not a full-length.
One of the best fantasy worlds I've gotten to peer into in years. I am so sad it's not a full-length.
July 15, 2017
See more of my reviews on my blog the Book Deviant
I was surprised when I opened this story to find it written in second person point of view. I wasn’t really expecting it, and, as far as I can remember, the last second person novel I read was one of those “choose-your-own-adventure” types where there are multiple endings and you have to choose based on your thoughts. Waiting on a Bright Moon is not one of those novels, but the second person writing didn’t take anything away from the story–in fact, it added so much feeling to it. I felt personally connected with the characters, and I honestly started to see myself in Xin’s character. I honestly had trouble keeping Xin’s gender straight because of the narrative, despite there being multiple points in the story where she is said to be female.
The world building was also mesmerizing. I was really curious about what being a Starmage meant, but by the end of the story I had fallen in love with the concept and Suqing’s abilities and character. Yang’s world building was flawlessly beautiful and entrancing, and I never wanted this short story to end. I want to know more. I want to know more about the rebellion, the other Colonies, the Authority, and what happens after.
I was also really interested in Xin’s ability as a ansible. Being an ansible seemed similar to being a Starmage, but it seemed like their power’s were more subtle, and less developed. My only wish is to know more about these abilities and what they mean and how they affect the personality of these characters. I just fell in love with their uniqueness and want to know more.
Although I couldn’t understand what it was saying, I loved Yang’s inclusion of the Chinese language. It appeared throughout the novella, adding a certain culture that I loved. Someone commented at the bottom of the story, saying that it’s beautiful as an English reader, but if you knew Chinese, then it would be so much more meaningful.
five stars - Overall?
I love short stories that rock my world, and this one is definitely one of those. I was not disappointed with how JY Yang’s writing is hyped, and, basically, this short story just made it harder for me to wait for their novellas.
Would I Recommend?
Yes? Why wouldn’t I? How is that even a question? Just, please, read it. It’s literally for free on Tor.com’s website, and, since I love this short story so much and since I’m a nice person, here’s a link.
I was surprised when I opened this story to find it written in second person point of view. I wasn’t really expecting it, and, as far as I can remember, the last second person novel I read was one of those “choose-your-own-adventure” types where there are multiple endings and you have to choose based on your thoughts. Waiting on a Bright Moon is not one of those novels, but the second person writing didn’t take anything away from the story–in fact, it added so much feeling to it. I felt personally connected with the characters, and I honestly started to see myself in Xin’s character. I honestly had trouble keeping Xin’s gender straight because of the narrative, despite there being multiple points in the story where she is said to be female.
The world building was also mesmerizing. I was really curious about what being a Starmage meant, but by the end of the story I had fallen in love with the concept and Suqing’s abilities and character. Yang’s world building was flawlessly beautiful and entrancing, and I never wanted this short story to end. I want to know more. I want to know more about the rebellion, the other Colonies, the Authority, and what happens after.
I was also really interested in Xin’s ability as a ansible. Being an ansible seemed similar to being a Starmage, but it seemed like their power’s were more subtle, and less developed. My only wish is to know more about these abilities and what they mean and how they affect the personality of these characters. I just fell in love with their uniqueness and want to know more.
Although I couldn’t understand what it was saying, I loved Yang’s inclusion of the Chinese language. It appeared throughout the novella, adding a certain culture that I loved. Someone commented at the bottom of the story, saying that it’s beautiful as an English reader, but if you knew Chinese, then it would be so much more meaningful.
five stars - Overall?
I love short stories that rock my world, and this one is definitely one of those. I was not disappointed with how JY Yang’s writing is hyped, and, basically, this short story just made it harder for me to wait for their novellas.
Would I Recommend?
Yes? Why wouldn’t I? How is that even a question? Just, please, read it. It’s literally for free on Tor.com’s website, and, since I love this short story so much and since I’m a nice person, here’s a link.
December 3, 2021
Update 02/12/2021
Find my reviews on : An Ode to Fiction
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Waiting on a Bright Moon is a short story about Tian an ansible of the Eight Colony that sing songs which functions as a connection to open portals between the colony and the origin world. One day a dead body passes through the portal which launched an investigation. Tian is then questioned by a starmage named Suqing a law enforcer in the colony. Together they form a relationship that blossomed through pain and trauma from the ripples of their past and current displays of the Empire's cruelty to stomp down the rebellion movement. Neon Yang's prose are as exquisite and beautifully rich with tenderness. The inclusion of Chinese lyrics into the story is a nice detail that I find charming. Though I wish I know what the lyrics meant while reading as I don't read Chinese but this didn't hinder me from enjoying the whole story. It is impressive that Neon Yang is able to pack a lot of emotion and connection within the pages. Written in first person from the perspective of Tian works well to wrap up the story and I liked that it leaves a question instead of an answer which fits the title well.
For those who are looking for a sapphic Sci-Fi with fantastical elements weaved in it, I highly recommend for you to read Waiting on a Bright Moon.
Find my reviews on : An Ode to Fiction
Buy the book :
Amazon | Read for FREE here!
When you lift your voice in concert with your song-sister on the originworld, the act consumes you.
Waiting on a Bright Moon is a short story about Tian an ansible of the Eight Colony that sing songs which functions as a connection to open portals between the colony and the origin world. One day a dead body passes through the portal which launched an investigation. Tian is then questioned by a starmage named Suqing a law enforcer in the colony. Together they form a relationship that blossomed through pain and trauma from the ripples of their past and current displays of the Empire's cruelty to stomp down the rebellion movement. Neon Yang's prose are as exquisite and beautifully rich with tenderness. The inclusion of Chinese lyrics into the story is a nice detail that I find charming. Though I wish I know what the lyrics meant while reading as I don't read Chinese but this didn't hinder me from enjoying the whole story. It is impressive that Neon Yang is able to pack a lot of emotion and connection within the pages. Written in first person from the perspective of Tian works well to wrap up the story and I liked that it leaves a question instead of an answer which fits the title well.
For those who are looking for a sapphic Sci-Fi with fantastical elements weaved in it, I highly recommend for you to read Waiting on a Bright Moon.
What the future holds, you cannot say. But you have your song. It is all that you have, and you have to pray that it will be enough.
July 13, 2017
read this, NOW. it's a fairly short novella, available on tor.com, so you really have no excuses. it's 200% better knowing the chinese literature references, but it's still AMAZING. Like, f/f chinese space rebels??? Amazingly lush writing? Ridiculously awesome worldbuilding?
If you loved Chirrut x Baze from Rogue One, go read this NOW.
If you loved Chirrut x Baze from Rogue One, go read this NOW.
February 14, 2018
Beautiful, sad and hopeful. And also really gay.
I loved it.
I loved it.
August 19, 2017
Meh. Nothing's really explained about the Authority and the Rebels. What are they fighting and why? The betrayal was too obvious. 2.5 stars.
January 25, 2018
Nope it did not work for me... it was confusing as hell and I had to re-read a phrase more than once in order to understand it or at least I thought I did... oh well disppointed really
August 17, 2025
4.5/5 stars
nahhhh i need a full-length novel of this PLEASE i'm so invested but i'm mad this isn't longer 😭
nahhhh i need a full-length novel of this PLEASE i'm so invested but i'm mad this isn't longer 😭
August 6, 2025
I wish this was longer, it’s weird to rate something so short but it’s pretty good for what it is
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