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The Story of the Hundred Promises
A loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” that centers queer and trans characters
Trans sailor Darragh Thorn has made a comfortable life for himself among people who love and accept him. Ten years after his exile from home, though, his sister asks him to reconcile with their ailing father. Determined to resolve his feelings rather than just survive them, Darragh sets off on a quest to find the one person who can heal a half-dead man: the mysterious enchanter who once gave him the magic he needed to become his true self. But so far as anyone knows, no one but Darragh has seen the enchanter for a century, and the fairy tales that survive about em give more cause for fear than hope. In lush and evocative prose, and populated with magical trees and a wise fox, The Story of the Hundred Promises is a big-hearted fantasy suffused with queer optimism.
Trans sailor Darragh Thorn has made a comfortable life for himself among people who love and accept him. Ten years after his exile from home, though, his sister asks him to reconcile with their ailing father. Determined to resolve his feelings rather than just survive them, Darragh sets off on a quest to find the one person who can heal a half-dead man: the mysterious enchanter who once gave him the magic he needed to become his true self. But so far as anyone knows, no one but Darragh has seen the enchanter for a century, and the fairy tales that survive about em give more cause for fear than hope. In lush and evocative prose, and populated with magical trees and a wise fox, The Story of the Hundred Promises is a big-hearted fantasy suffused with queer optimism.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2022
28 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 13, 2022
This book made me cry in the middle of an airport. I love the story of Darragh, a transmasc sailor, going back home to visit his dying father and then going on a quest to find the legendary Enchanter who helped him to transform himself when he was a child. I hope every queer person (and everyone else) who loves fantasy checks out this book. It is full of trans, agender, non-binary and asexual representation, along with widespread use and acceptance of neo-pronouns. And gratutious kindness! The whimsical, quirky tone of this book and its loving reinvention of fairy-tale forms reminded me of Daniel Lavery, in a very good way. I never wanted this book to end! The Story of the Hundred Promises is the trans fable the world needs right now.
July 30, 2022
I am a big fan of "Beauty and the Beast," and collect hundreds of books about it, so I'm always looking for new takes in all genres and styles, even those I don't usually read otherwise. In my exploring of various retellings, I've read gay B&B retellings, lesbian B&B retellings, and even found an asexual aromantic B&B retelling, and was impressed by how the authors of the better-written ones made the fairy tale's core themes work for their retooled versions. But that was the trick, they stuck to the theme, whereas this one merely touches on it.
The claim in the blurb is correct, this book is indeed a "loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"." So loose I wouldn't call it a retelling but an inspired-by story at best and not without hesitation, because it only uses the fairy tale's transformation element as a springboard to launch its own original storyline with a trans protagonist and doesn't follow the core theme of the tale beyond this small splattering of B&B and some B&B imagery here and there. And that's why this book didn't work for me as I expected, I came for the B&B retelling part, so if you take that off the table, it becomes just another Fantasy story once its selling point for me is gone and I am left unable to get immersed in or connect with it. Other readers that aren't so particular about fairy tale retellings as I am might like this book, however, because this yarn does have some interesting parts.
Thank you to Forest Avenue Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The claim in the blurb is correct, this book is indeed a "loose retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"." So loose I wouldn't call it a retelling but an inspired-by story at best and not without hesitation, because it only uses the fairy tale's transformation element as a springboard to launch its own original storyline with a trans protagonist and doesn't follow the core theme of the tale beyond this small splattering of B&B and some B&B imagery here and there. And that's why this book didn't work for me as I expected, I came for the B&B retelling part, so if you take that off the table, it becomes just another Fantasy story once its selling point for me is gone and I am left unable to get immersed in or connect with it. Other readers that aren't so particular about fairy tale retellings as I am might like this book, however, because this yarn does have some interesting parts.
Thank you to Forest Avenue Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley, for the Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Neil Cochrane created a beautiful, heartbreaking, delightful, and engrossing world in The Story of the Hundred Promises. I am seldom moved to tears by written words, but this fairy tale had me crying for the characters and for my younger, queer, self; I wonder how things could have been different if the books I read as a teen and young adult had representation like this. The Story of the Hundred Promises needs to be in every high school and public library.
The book summary describes it as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but I completely forgot about that for much of the story. I've only seen the Disney movie anyway, and never read any other adaptations. I suspect that for lovers of Beauty and the Beast, there will be more references to the story than I noticed personally, but having an intimate knowledge of that tale is not necessary to fully appreciate this novel. This world has its own unique mythos.
The pacing, details, and stories-within-a-story style were perfect- chef's kiss! Cochrane's writing style throughout felt ethereal, like a bedtime story, and comes complete with a happily-ever-after that left me satisfied. As a queer person, I felt an intimate emotional connection with the characters, and I suspect that connection would feel even deeper for a trans person. The emotions and experiences of the characters are authentic in the way only an Own Voices story can be, and my heart is full of gratitude that Cochrane wrote this story to share with us.
Neil Cochrane created a beautiful, heartbreaking, delightful, and engrossing world in The Story of the Hundred Promises. I am seldom moved to tears by written words, but this fairy tale had me crying for the characters and for my younger, queer, self; I wonder how things could have been different if the books I read as a teen and young adult had representation like this. The Story of the Hundred Promises needs to be in every high school and public library.
The book summary describes it as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but I completely forgot about that for much of the story. I've only seen the Disney movie anyway, and never read any other adaptations. I suspect that for lovers of Beauty and the Beast, there will be more references to the story than I noticed personally, but having an intimate knowledge of that tale is not necessary to fully appreciate this novel. This world has its own unique mythos.
The pacing, details, and stories-within-a-story style were perfect- chef's kiss! Cochrane's writing style throughout felt ethereal, like a bedtime story, and comes complete with a happily-ever-after that left me satisfied. As a queer person, I felt an intimate emotional connection with the characters, and I suspect that connection would feel even deeper for a trans person. The emotions and experiences of the characters are authentic in the way only an Own Voices story can be, and my heart is full of gratitude that Cochrane wrote this story to share with us.
September 3, 2022
Fresh takes on familiar fairytales. Transmasc and non-binary MCs. Queerness baked into everything.
Ditch your transmisic family, find an enchanter who is maybe? mean to everyone but you and then sail the world for a while.
Come home and be the epic hero you were always meant to be, find a new family and live happily ever after.
This is *not* a Beauty and the Beast retelling though. Calibrate your expectations accordingly. Took me a while to figure that out and I was frustrated until I did.
Folktales but Make it Gay
[I received a copy of this book from my editor for review. This is not that review ;)]
Ditch your transmisic family, find an enchanter who is maybe? mean to everyone but you and then sail the world for a while.
Come home and be the epic hero you were always meant to be, find a new family and live happily ever after.
This is *not* a Beauty and the Beast retelling though. Calibrate your expectations accordingly. Took me a while to figure that out and I was frustrated until I did.
Folktales but Make it Gay
[I received a copy of this book from my editor for review. This is not that review ;)]
March 18, 2022
I enjoyed every moment of this lovely, ethereal queer story.
Every thread is woven so smoothly, layering on and complicating each other in delightful, impressive ways that drew me seamlessly through the book. The aesthetic of the world and setting is immaculate.
I adore Darragh’s philosopher’s soul, and his ponderings throughout.
This is a beautiful book.
Thanks to the author for the digital ARC.
Every thread is woven so smoothly, layering on and complicating each other in delightful, impressive ways that drew me seamlessly through the book. The aesthetic of the world and setting is immaculate.
I adore Darragh’s philosopher’s soul, and his ponderings throughout.
This is a beautiful book.
Thanks to the author for the digital ARC.
January 11, 2022
Love of all sorts weaves throughout this fantastic tale like rose vines. Oh also trans and queer characters in high fantasy settings WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?
September 5, 2022
The Story of the Hundred Promises by Neil Cochrane
Edition: Ebook, 400 pages, on sale 04. October 2022
Disclaimer: I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!
First of all:
This story is advertised as a loose retelling of The Beauty and the Beast but... it is SO MUCH MORE!
I mean, yeah, there is a guy who got turned into a Beast and there are roses but we also get an amazing take on gender, critique on the destruction of the environment, a beautiful told fairy tale in this magical way only fairy tales can be told!
I adore the writing style, the pacing and the overall construction of the story. It is so well built and captured me from the first page on.
The take on gender, how it is addressed and demonstrated by the characters is so wholesome and interesting, I feel very jealous that we don't do that in real life. It would make so many things better.
The characters are very well fleshed out and absolutely amazing. Their struggles are reliable, especially how Merrigan despairs over humans. My heart broke alongside eirs and I just wanted to hug them.
This book plays with the classic components of a fairy tale and gives them a kind of modern spin without taking the magic from it. I adored every page and I will definitely buy this book because it sparked a lot of joy in me as a nonbinary person who grew up with well-loved fairy tale books.
I recommend this book to every person who likes fairy tales and who is interested in broadening their horizon a bit.
5/5 ⭐️
Edition: Ebook, 400 pages, on sale 04. October 2022
Disclaimer: I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!
First of all:
This story is advertised as a loose retelling of The Beauty and the Beast but... it is SO MUCH MORE!
I mean, yeah, there is a guy who got turned into a Beast and there are roses but we also get an amazing take on gender, critique on the destruction of the environment, a beautiful told fairy tale in this magical way only fairy tales can be told!
I adore the writing style, the pacing and the overall construction of the story. It is so well built and captured me from the first page on.
The take on gender, how it is addressed and demonstrated by the characters is so wholesome and interesting, I feel very jealous that we don't do that in real life. It would make so many things better.
The characters are very well fleshed out and absolutely amazing. Their struggles are reliable, especially how Merrigan despairs over humans. My heart broke alongside eirs and I just wanted to hug them.
This book plays with the classic components of a fairy tale and gives them a kind of modern spin without taking the magic from it. I adored every page and I will definitely buy this book because it sparked a lot of joy in me as a nonbinary person who grew up with well-loved fairy tale books.
I recommend this book to every person who likes fairy tales and who is interested in broadening their horizon a bit.
5/5 ⭐️
October 2, 2022
The Story of the Hundred Promises (coming out October 4th!) is absolutely one of my favorite reads of this year, and I've read more than 100 books this year so I do not say that lightly. I dragged my feet finishing this book because I did not want it to end. Absolutely beautiful storytelling and prose. I already miss the world and the characters now that it's over.
Thank you NetGalley, Neil Cochrane, and Forest Avenue Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
Thank you NetGalley, Neil Cochrane, and Forest Avenue Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
December 14, 2023
life is too short for boring books ✌️✌️
awesome queer rep, boring everything else
awesome queer rep, boring everything else
November 4, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this title...even if I'm a little late! 4.5-5 stars
---
Before even beginning the story I was intrigued by this book. Not only was the cover simple yet gorgeous, but the description of the story was sweetly straightforward while hooking me with the final line.
The manner in which gender and queer culture as a whole is explained and shown in the book is beautiful. I appreciate the explanation of the Spivak pronouns by Neil Cochrane and I hope that it's a method that will be used more often in modern media. Along with the pronouns the world was fleshed out to have various cultural ways of expressing who you are to others. Using a person's titles, and sailor's tattoos alongside the blessings/rituals were all great ways to tell someone how you identify yourself as well as just introduce yourself in general. We are even shown how these shifts in culture came to be.
I do want to state that the author is smart to say this is a "loose retelling of 'Beauty and the Beast.'" Do not think of this as a Beauty and the Beast story. I started this book thinking of certain moments of the "Beauty and the Beast" story instead of focusing on what was actually happening, trying to see a connection. Don't get me wrong, there are strong references and obvious connections, but it's a good re-telling in that it uses similar themes and story beats without doing the EXACT same story. Going with this mindset made those connections feel more like cool easter eggs than anything else.
Our two main characters, Darragh and Merrigan are amazing. While they do feel like fairy-tale characters to some degree they are more emotionally engaged and wise than some classic fairy-tale characters. There are moments when Darragh and Merrigan came come off as too trusting or too kind but it's also the kindness of these characters that I love and it makes me emotionally connected to them both. As both of these characters have suffered and struggled to get to this point in their lives, their kindness is that much more beautiful.
The story is also fantastic in showing that while they both have gone through so much their journeys are not yet over and finding and supporting each other pushes them that much farther into a happier self. The entire story is about self-discovery even in a world that seemingly is already more outwardly accepting than ours, it's a strong story about humanity overall. This is perfect when your story incorporates the world's fairytales and folk tales as part of a character's history. The usage of the fairytales was so much fun while also setting up characters long before we meet some of them when we get to Merrigan's section, kind of like more easter eggs.
The characters are captivating and the world is shown as an ever-evolving place, as it should be. I really enjoyed how the queer culture was written as it just made sense and the writing itself was extremely beautiful, it was such a pleasant read. I highly recommend this book!
"A name was no small thing. Names were identity, or at least the herald of it in the world, for a name could travel ahead of a person and linger behind them."
---
Before even beginning the story I was intrigued by this book. Not only was the cover simple yet gorgeous, but the description of the story was sweetly straightforward while hooking me with the final line.
"The Story of the Hundred Promises is a big-hearted fantasy suffused with queer optimism."
The manner in which gender and queer culture as a whole is explained and shown in the book is beautiful. I appreciate the explanation of the Spivak pronouns by Neil Cochrane and I hope that it's a method that will be used more often in modern media. Along with the pronouns the world was fleshed out to have various cultural ways of expressing who you are to others. Using a person's titles, and sailor's tattoos alongside the blessings/rituals were all great ways to tell someone how you identify yourself as well as just introduce yourself in general. We are even shown how these shifts in culture came to be.
I do want to state that the author is smart to say this is a "loose retelling of 'Beauty and the Beast.'" Do not think of this as a Beauty and the Beast story. I started this book thinking of certain moments of the "Beauty and the Beast" story instead of focusing on what was actually happening, trying to see a connection. Don't get me wrong, there are strong references and obvious connections, but it's a good re-telling in that it uses similar themes and story beats without doing the EXACT same story. Going with this mindset made those connections feel more like cool easter eggs than anything else.
Our two main characters, Darragh and Merrigan are amazing. While they do feel like fairy-tale characters to some degree they are more emotionally engaged and wise than some classic fairy-tale characters. There are moments when Darragh and Merrigan came come off as too trusting or too kind but it's also the kindness of these characters that I love and it makes me emotionally connected to them both. As both of these characters have suffered and struggled to get to this point in their lives, their kindness is that much more beautiful.
The story is also fantastic in showing that while they both have gone through so much their journeys are not yet over and finding and supporting each other pushes them that much farther into a happier self. The entire story is about self-discovery even in a world that seemingly is already more outwardly accepting than ours, it's a strong story about humanity overall. This is perfect when your story incorporates the world's fairytales and folk tales as part of a character's history. The usage of the fairytales was so much fun while also setting up characters long before we meet some of them when we get to Merrigan's section, kind of like more easter eggs.
The characters are captivating and the world is shown as an ever-evolving place, as it should be. I really enjoyed how the queer culture was written as it just made sense and the writing itself was extremely beautiful, it was such a pleasant read. I highly recommend this book!
August 4, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Forest Avenue Press for this eARC!
The Story of the Hundred Promises is an absolutely delightful book. Whimsical and fairytale-ish it tells a heartwarming story of Darragh, and Merrigan, and pulls the reader into a world full of joy and warmth. This book is queer optimism at its finest and is bound to leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings. All the characters are incredibly kind and gracious towards one another and Darragh and his chosen family radiate love and comfort.
I couldn't recommend this book more!
The Story of the Hundred Promises is an absolutely delightful book. Whimsical and fairytale-ish it tells a heartwarming story of Darragh, and Merrigan, and pulls the reader into a world full of joy and warmth. This book is queer optimism at its finest and is bound to leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings. All the characters are incredibly kind and gracious towards one another and Darragh and his chosen family radiate love and comfort.
I couldn't recommend this book more!
August 22, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a joy to read. For such a fun, fluffy read it really delved into some deeper subject matter that was beautifully handled. The story explores love in all its forms and the discovery of self. Morality, gender, and environmentalism are major themes as well. It was so well written that it didn’t get bogged down by these heavier themes and topics, which I found really refreshing. It really explored the nuances of gender in a very simple and practical way that I’ve never seen in fiction before. The writing style does feel a bit flowery, which I’m not usually a fan of, but I think that it’s a smart choice in this case because it makes the book feel and read like a fairy tale.
I did struggle to get through part 2 a bit because it was hard to see how Merrigan’s backstory related to Darragh’s journey, but once those connections were made I was sucked back in. I adored all the characters so much, and their relationships developed in such a beautiful way.
Overall, it’s a very queer, magical, whimsical, warm fuzzy delight of a book, complete with a happily ever after. I’m so so excited that queer kids will get to see themselves in this story and feel all the hope and love and joy radiating from the pages like I did.
This book was such a joy to read. For such a fun, fluffy read it really delved into some deeper subject matter that was beautifully handled. The story explores love in all its forms and the discovery of self. Morality, gender, and environmentalism are major themes as well. It was so well written that it didn’t get bogged down by these heavier themes and topics, which I found really refreshing. It really explored the nuances of gender in a very simple and practical way that I’ve never seen in fiction before. The writing style does feel a bit flowery, which I’m not usually a fan of, but I think that it’s a smart choice in this case because it makes the book feel and read like a fairy tale.
I did struggle to get through part 2 a bit because it was hard to see how Merrigan’s backstory related to Darragh’s journey, but once those connections were made I was sucked back in. I adored all the characters so much, and their relationships developed in such a beautiful way.
Overall, it’s a very queer, magical, whimsical, warm fuzzy delight of a book, complete with a happily ever after. I’m so so excited that queer kids will get to see themselves in this story and feel all the hope and love and joy radiating from the pages like I did.
October 15, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
The Story of the Hundred Promises is a fairytale-based fantasy about a trans man who sets out to find the reclusive enchanter who gave him the magic thorn that helped him transition. He does this with the intention of asking em to to help keep his father alive, so that he can have a reckoning about his father's rejection of him.
Darragh makes for an interesting MC, likeable but with understandable anger, and I also really liked a lot of the supporting characters.
However, the best element of this book for me was its world-building, which included excellent inclusion of trans, non-binary and aromantic characters. It's set in a world where different gender indenties have been normalised (though not entirely, as seen by Darragh's father's transphobia) and there are systems to know another person's gender indenty instead of assuming, such as through how they introduce themselves or other makers (like tattoos that denote their gender). However, this world was not always like this, as we see through the enchanter's POV.
Another aspect that worked well was this swap in POV, as we see first the world how it currently is through Darragh's POV, and we also see the tales of the enchanter as told in story books, and then we swap to the enchanter's viewpoint and see eir life from childhood, including how the world used to be and the reality of what the stories were based on.
Speaking of the tales, I always enjoy stories within stories and this was put to good use here, looking at how the same story can be told in different ways.
My only real issue is I thought the pace dragged in the middle and I think this is because this is where Darragh and the enchanter met and (possible spoiler?) the romance between them felt a little forced, which really disconnected me from the last third of the novel.
Overall though, still a good read with interesting characters and fascinating world-building.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Story of the Hundred Promises is a fairytale-based fantasy about a trans man who sets out to find the reclusive enchanter who gave him the magic thorn that helped him transition. He does this with the intention of asking em to to help keep his father alive, so that he can have a reckoning about his father's rejection of him.
Darragh makes for an interesting MC, likeable but with understandable anger, and I also really liked a lot of the supporting characters.
However, the best element of this book for me was its world-building, which included excellent inclusion of trans, non-binary and aromantic characters. It's set in a world where different gender indenties have been normalised (though not entirely, as seen by Darragh's father's transphobia) and there are systems to know another person's gender indenty instead of assuming, such as through how they introduce themselves or other makers (like tattoos that denote their gender). However, this world was not always like this, as we see through the enchanter's POV.
Another aspect that worked well was this swap in POV, as we see first the world how it currently is through Darragh's POV, and we also see the tales of the enchanter as told in story books, and then we swap to the enchanter's viewpoint and see eir life from childhood, including how the world used to be and the reality of what the stories were based on.
Speaking of the tales, I always enjoy stories within stories and this was put to good use here, looking at how the same story can be told in different ways.
My only real issue is I thought the pace dragged in the middle and I think this is because this is where Darragh and the enchanter met and (possible spoiler?) the romance between them felt a little forced, which really disconnected me from the last third of the novel.
Overall though, still a good read with interesting characters and fascinating world-building.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2022
“You do not have to be what they say you are.”
1 Sentence Summary: Ten years after Darragh is thrown out from home for being transgender, he discovers his father is dying and sets off on a quest to find the mysterious Enchanter who had helped him transition when he was younger so that he can save his father and finally get some closure.
My Thoughts: I’m so conflicted in how to rate this!! Part 1 was so boring I was ready to give it 2 or 3 stars, but then I got to Part 2 and it was a solid 4 stars maybe even 5. Part 3 and Part 4 were relatively good as well. So ahh idk.
I guess the main issue was that I could not bring myself to care less about Darragh. He was so flat and boring and I couldn’t connect with him at all, which is probably why I hated Part 1 bc it was all from his pov. Also the writing seemed way too flowery like it was trying too hard to be pretty but instead bored me to death. And it also felt kind of preachy and there was far too much telling rather than showing.
BUT THEN Part 2 was so good!!! I really got pulled into the story, the writing was better, it had a more fairytale vibe, and I loved Merrigan!
Parts 3 and 4 were better than the beginning but not as good as Part 2, although I did really like the ending. However, I was not completely on board with the romance, because Merrigan is thousands of years old and literally knew Darragh when he was a child, which is just weird. And they didn’t really have any chemistry in my opinion.
So, overall, if the whole book had been from Merrigan’s pov and there wasn’t a romance I would definitely have given it 5 stars. Alas, I almost dnf’d it (but am glad I didn’t).
“Why not just accept difference, when it does no harm?”
Merrigan frowned. “Because humans are creatures of fear.”
(Also, I have no idea why this is being marketed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling because it’s really not. It’s definitely Beauty and the Beast inspired, but in no way is it a retelling.)
Recommend to: Fans of fairytales, magical forests, and queer representation.
(Warnings: death)
“May your path be smooth, and naught but kindness meet your ears, and your belly full, and all the skies above you clear.”
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD
What a blessing having this book in the world. I didn't want to finish it so it took me a few days to do it tbh. I am so glad I was given the opportunity of reading this book, it's so necessary with all the representation it has and it's queer optmistic and we need more of this in this world!
What caught my attention at first was that the book is described as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I love queer retellings of fairytales. But this book gave me so much more than a retell. I loved the world built there; the fables, the true story of Merrigan, the life at sea and family that is built with Sidra, the love in all its forms - I even forgot it was loosely based on beauty and the beast because it became irrelevant as the book is really really good in itself.
So special to all queer people having this book in the world, but actually everyone should read it.
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD
What a blessing having this book in the world. I didn't want to finish it so it took me a few days to do it tbh. I am so glad I was given the opportunity of reading this book, it's so necessary with all the representation it has and it's queer optmistic and we need more of this in this world!
What caught my attention at first was that the book is described as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I love queer retellings of fairytales. But this book gave me so much more than a retell. I loved the world built there; the fables, the true story of Merrigan, the life at sea and family that is built with Sidra, the love in all its forms - I even forgot it was loosely based on beauty and the beast because it became irrelevant as the book is really really good in itself.
So special to all queer people having this book in the world, but actually everyone should read it.
September 15, 2022
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This story reminds me of a comfort bedtime story. It’s very much written as storybook fairytales are. However, the book very beautifully handles and covers transgender, non-binary and asexual topics. Throughout the book they also openly and acceptingly uses all forms of pronouns, though a bit different than some of the ones we use today. However, I appreciate the author giving us a break down / reference list in the front of the book that clearly explains each one. After the first two chapters, I no longer had to refer back to it.
This book refers to itself a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. For those going in thinking it will be obvious comparisons, be warned, it is an extremely loose retelling. However, I could see themes throughout the book, the references to roses, the beast and importantly the Enchanter and Belle. The characters, Frederick, Merrigan and Darragh loosely represent these characters. Going in, I would think of this as the background story of the Enchanter who cursed beast in the original Beauty and the Beast. I would also recommend, as you read the book, you consider how tales and narratives change depending on who tells the story.
This book has multiple POVs and alternates between past and present. Another note is mini fairy tales are weaved throughout the book as standalone chapters. I think the author did a good job incorporating these.
This story reminds me of a comfort bedtime story. It’s very much written as storybook fairytales are. However, the book very beautifully handles and covers transgender, non-binary and asexual topics. Throughout the book they also openly and acceptingly uses all forms of pronouns, though a bit different than some of the ones we use today. However, I appreciate the author giving us a break down / reference list in the front of the book that clearly explains each one. After the first two chapters, I no longer had to refer back to it.
This book refers to itself a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. For those going in thinking it will be obvious comparisons, be warned, it is an extremely loose retelling. However, I could see themes throughout the book, the references to roses, the beast and importantly the Enchanter and Belle. The characters, Frederick, Merrigan and Darragh loosely represent these characters. Going in, I would think of this as the background story of the Enchanter who cursed beast in the original Beauty and the Beast. I would also recommend, as you read the book, you consider how tales and narratives change depending on who tells the story.
This book has multiple POVs and alternates between past and present. Another note is mini fairy tales are weaved throughout the book as standalone chapters. I think the author did a good job incorporating these.
listed
January 10, 2022Aro character https://twitter.com/ClH2OArs/status/1...
August 12, 2022
6% in offfff I can't do no more
September 30, 2022
Read a physical ARC
Content warning: queerphobia (specifically against aromantic and asexual people), transphobia, gender dysphoria, menstruation
The Story of the Hundred Promises is a fantasy novel that centers queer people and queerness in a fairy tale setting that feels lived in steeped, steeped in a familiar aesthetic and the trappings of a classic, complete with curses, magicians, fae, and more. Darragh, a trans sailor, is summoned to his family home where his father lies dying. To help, he goes on a quest to find the magician who helped him tradition several years ago.
The story that follows is full of tenderness, hard-won acceptance, and magic.
This story is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast in the loosest way. There’s a Beauty, and there’s a Beast, but they don’t interact like that. There’s a labyrinth and a magician. Fairy tales play a role, but there’s no single story that proves the direct inspiration. My absolute favorite thing within this book’s pages are the mastery of story-telling both on a macro and micro level. In Part 1, there are fairy tales told and they are structured and crafted just like those we might find familiar. It’s clear Cochrane did his research with regards to style and prose, while making choices within the main story to tie them all together. It was really fun as a reading to follow the threads and see which characters made their appearances within the main story.
The frankness that the characters and their discussions around love and their place in a society that struggles to understand them feel organic and honest in a way that leaves the reader with a full heart, especially when their own queer experience might not fit neatly in a box or in a way easy to convey to others. The way Cochrane makes it fit in with the milieu of fairy tale is nothing short of masterful and enchanting, taking the reader on a compelling character-driven journey infused with magic and destiny.
Swoony and romantic in the way it uses the structure and tropes of fairy tales to tell a story that’s unequivocally queer, definitely must-read for fantasy fans.
Content warning: queerphobia (specifically against aromantic and asexual people), transphobia, gender dysphoria, menstruation
The Story of the Hundred Promises is a fantasy novel that centers queer people and queerness in a fairy tale setting that feels lived in steeped, steeped in a familiar aesthetic and the trappings of a classic, complete with curses, magicians, fae, and more. Darragh, a trans sailor, is summoned to his family home where his father lies dying. To help, he goes on a quest to find the magician who helped him tradition several years ago.
The story that follows is full of tenderness, hard-won acceptance, and magic.
This story is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast in the loosest way. There’s a Beauty, and there’s a Beast, but they don’t interact like that. There’s a labyrinth and a magician. Fairy tales play a role, but there’s no single story that proves the direct inspiration. My absolute favorite thing within this book’s pages are the mastery of story-telling both on a macro and micro level. In Part 1, there are fairy tales told and they are structured and crafted just like those we might find familiar. It’s clear Cochrane did his research with regards to style and prose, while making choices within the main story to tie them all together. It was really fun as a reading to follow the threads and see which characters made their appearances within the main story.
The frankness that the characters and their discussions around love and their place in a society that struggles to understand them feel organic and honest in a way that leaves the reader with a full heart, especially when their own queer experience might not fit neatly in a box or in a way easy to convey to others. The way Cochrane makes it fit in with the milieu of fairy tale is nothing short of masterful and enchanting, taking the reader on a compelling character-driven journey infused with magic and destiny.
Swoony and romantic in the way it uses the structure and tropes of fairy tales to tell a story that’s unequivocally queer, definitely must-read for fantasy fans.
readers-advisory
May 18, 2024Review notes from PerpetualPages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpPNe...
- "This is an indie-published trans fantasy romance written by a queer and trans author. It's about a sailor named Darrag Thorn, who is trans and basically had to rebuild his life from the ground up after coming out to his father and being disowned by his family. But now he has adventures all over the world and is surrounded by a new family who love him exactly as he is. Things seem to be going well for him until his sister suddenly arrives at their latest docking point and begs him to come make amends with their now-ailing father before he dies. But Darrag has no interest in reconciling. He has no intention of making amends with a dying man, but rather decides to find a way to heal his father so he can tell him exactly how much he sucks and force him to live with that knowledge... And he knows the only person powerful enough to possess that kind of magic is the mysterious, wandering enchanter who once gave him the magic he needed to become the man he truly is."
-"CW: experienced deadnaming, misgendering, transphobia, aphobia; references to disownment; and some descriptions of child abuse."
- "Heartwarming, magical, refreshing."
- Beauty and the Beast retelling.
- Magic is a normal part of life.
- Folktales about one of the characters between chapters.
- Protagonist is gentle, caring, compassionate.
- "So the story's definitely exploring that gap between perception and reality with both main characters until they meet in the middle."
- "A romance story that unapologetically centers asexuality and aromanticism."
- "Even though identity is only one small piece of any of these characters, it ties into a larger conversation the story is having about resisting compulsory reactions, liberating oneself from forced expectations, being very intentional about who you bring into your life and the way you move through the world."
- "It's whimsical, it's magical, it's thoughtful, it's deeply emotional."
- "This is an indie-published trans fantasy romance written by a queer and trans author. It's about a sailor named Darrag Thorn, who is trans and basically had to rebuild his life from the ground up after coming out to his father and being disowned by his family. But now he has adventures all over the world and is surrounded by a new family who love him exactly as he is. Things seem to be going well for him until his sister suddenly arrives at their latest docking point and begs him to come make amends with their now-ailing father before he dies. But Darrag has no interest in reconciling. He has no intention of making amends with a dying man, but rather decides to find a way to heal his father so he can tell him exactly how much he sucks and force him to live with that knowledge... And he knows the only person powerful enough to possess that kind of magic is the mysterious, wandering enchanter who once gave him the magic he needed to become the man he truly is."
-"CW: experienced deadnaming, misgendering, transphobia, aphobia; references to disownment; and some descriptions of child abuse."
- "Heartwarming, magical, refreshing."
- Beauty and the Beast retelling.
- Magic is a normal part of life.
- Folktales about one of the characters between chapters.
- Protagonist is gentle, caring, compassionate.
- "So the story's definitely exploring that gap between perception and reality with both main characters until they meet in the middle."
- "A romance story that unapologetically centers asexuality and aromanticism."
- "Even though identity is only one small piece of any of these characters, it ties into a larger conversation the story is having about resisting compulsory reactions, liberating oneself from forced expectations, being very intentional about who you bring into your life and the way you move through the world."
- "It's whimsical, it's magical, it's thoughtful, it's deeply emotional."
April 11, 2025
When he hears his father is dying, Darragh makes one last effort to reconcile with his apparently transphobic family, but Pops is in a coma, so Darragh heads to the only place he can think of to find a cure: the sorcerer who helped him discover his true body. Along the way, he reads many conflicting tales of the sorcerer's cruelty. Then the POV changes, and we get to see things from the sorcerer's perspective, reframing those old tales and reminding us that rumors are often told to serve someone's purposes.
There's more to the plot, notably some stuff that might remind you of Beauty and the Beast in a very loose sense. My initial impression of this book is that it's trying very hard to have a lot of queer representation. A+. Lots of queer folks in here. Other than that, there wasn't a lot that drew me to part one or Darragh. He was a little too pure for this world, which ruined him as a character because there wasn't enough conflict. But in part 2, we get all the conflict we could have hoped for and a new take on the brooding fae prince. The ending was heart-stopping, and this book kept surprising me by avoiding that classic "Everything would have been fine, but." I liked that, and I'm glad that there were so many happy endings for queer folks. If you're looking for a magical story with a lot of queer representation, I'd definitely direct your attention to this book.
There's more to the plot, notably some stuff that might remind you of Beauty and the Beast in a very loose sense. My initial impression of this book is that it's trying very hard to have a lot of queer representation. A+. Lots of queer folks in here. Other than that, there wasn't a lot that drew me to part one or Darragh. He was a little too pure for this world, which ruined him as a character because there wasn't enough conflict. But in part 2, we get all the conflict we could have hoped for and a new take on the brooding fae prince. The ending was heart-stopping, and this book kept surprising me by avoiding that classic "Everything would have been fine, but." I liked that, and I'm glad that there were so many happy endings for queer folks. If you're looking for a magical story with a lot of queer representation, I'd definitely direct your attention to this book.
March 18, 2023
my heart is so full :,)
featured
April 1, 2024https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Frederick from The Story of the Hundred Promises is aromantic!
Frederick from The Story of the Hundred Promises is aromantic!
August 2, 2022
I received this as an ARC from Net Galley.
I really loved this story.
For a book that didn't actually have a lot of tension, and was more a discovery of self, I was enraptured.
It really is fantasy with queer optimism. I could see the loose ties to Beauty & the Beast. Not a retelling, but pulling some elements from the story.
I loved the writing, the multiple POVs and the build up of who the Enchanter appeared to be, and then who e was.
This is a 5 star read. However, I'm taking a star off because the culmination of everything at the end has a big plot hole that I can't get over. I hope they fix this prior to publishing because the book is so good!
I really loved this story.
For a book that didn't actually have a lot of tension, and was more a discovery of self, I was enraptured.
It really is fantasy with queer optimism. I could see the loose ties to Beauty & the Beast. Not a retelling, but pulling some elements from the story.
I loved the writing, the multiple POVs and the build up of who the Enchanter appeared to be, and then who e was.
This is a 5 star read. However, I'm taking a star off because the culmination of everything at the end has a big plot hole that I can't get over. I hope they fix this prior to publishing because the book is so good!
July 21, 2022
The readers guide describes this as "queer optimism", and I can't think of a better description. The author absolutely delights in the characters; you can feel their love and joy radiating out of the pages as they find themselves, with each other and with the world around them. Plus, queer pirates and magic users, who doesn't love that? The pace starts slow, but builds until the intricate pieces laid at the beginning come together to a satisfying and, well, queerly optimistic ending.
June 27, 2023
This is one of those books I would willingly wipe from my memory so I could experience it anew, and it has been living rent-free in my head since I finished it yesterday. The Story of the Hundred Promises is a brave, beautiful story, one that centres queer love and healing, one that looks an unkind world in the eye and says "you deserve kindness; you deserve justice and healing and closure; yes, you". The fine line it walks between queer compassion and queer rage is breathtaking.
When it comes to queer rep in fiction, there are stories about people who happen to be queer, and there are queer stories. I generally prefer the latter, so it's no surprise to me that this story suckered me in, but it also does a pretty good job of being both.
Darragh's story isn't about him being trans, but it can't ignore the fact that he is. His transness and queerness is intertwined with who he is and enriches his character without making him feel one dimensional or tokenistic. The same gentle, examining, unflinching treatment is given to all the characters, major and minor alike. Many of their conversations - about love, about difference, about a changing world - feel like they could only have been written by a queer person.
(Side note: I love that despite being told of trans characters physically transitioning and having plenty of sex, we never know what anyone's genitals are. We don't get to know what's in Darragh's pants, we don't get to know Merrigan's birth sex - these things are hinted at but the characters keep their privacy and we are reminded that it doesn't matter if we know. I adore this.)
The basic premise is this: Darragh, a trans sailor made homeless as a teen by his transphobic father, has made a life at sea with his found family. He's visited by his estranged sister who pleads with him to reconcile with their dying father. Having decided to go, not to reconcile, but to confront his father and demand an explanation, he arrives to find him in an alchemically induced coma. He makes something of a snap decision to seek out a person who visited him as a child and gave him a magical thorn that allowed him to physically transition, and ask em to heal his father enough to have the conversation.
This setup was the only part of the narrative that felt a little clunky to me; Darragh doesn't speak to his father for ten years, then suddenly decides to abandon his entire life to try and heal him. At this point he doesn't even know the legends of the enchanter - he finds this out later - so it really is a complete shot in the dark. However, it's written so well that you end up understanding Darragh's emotions and impulses - why he might have buried those feelings for years and now find them important to resolve.
I love the tension and depth this gives Darragh's character; throughout the narration his warmth and kindness for other people shines through. He loves his found family, is a generous lover in his frequent sexual liaisons, and shows thoughtless kindness to complete strangers - I particularly enjoyed the brief interaction with the man he meets at an inn who has been travelling in the rain. Darragh, having just taken the last room, gives it up for the man and sleeps in the stables. In the morning the man offers him a book in thanks and Darragh, cheekily, requests a kiss - although only once he has sussed out that the man is actually attracted to him.
His character is beautifully drawn in moments like these, and his gentle, confident, non-toxic masculinity makes him instantly likeable. Yet he openly admits a desire to wake his dying father so that he can demand answers from him. This duality of compassion and anger occupies so many queer hearts - we want to give others the love and acceptance we often lack, but we want justice for what was denied us - and it's beautifully shown in Darragh.
Having committed to the "find the enchanter" narrative and giving us selected fairy tales about em, you'd think the story would become a straightforward quest; however, it nimbly changes direction, giving us the enchanter Merrigan's backstory. E becomes a relateable, human (well, half) character in eir own right, rather than just a legend - and we see how legends and heresay can distort our perceptions of a person. Learning the stories again as they truly happened adds an extra dimension to the book, showing us the prejudices of the characters and the society they live in.
Merrigan's relationship to the forest, eir ethereal demeanour yet all-too-human vulnerability and frustration, is beautifully drawn. I loved seeing eir initial optimism and joy in being able to return to the human world, and then watching it slowly fray as e becomes disillusioned with them.
When the narratives come together again we see Merrigan not as a mysterious, guiding figure from Darragh's past but as a person with eir own vulnerabilities. We see Darragh through eir eyes, not as a child (despite Merrigan being hundreds of years older than them) but as an equal who helps draw Merrigan out of eir pain and vulnerability.
Having thus far been reading a quest story, I expected to be a bit thrown at Darragh spending months in the forest. It feels like the story should stall, but it doesn't, because of its utter dedication to the characters and their feelings; Darragh admits to himself that he came in search of something (healing for his father) and he's not sure he wants it any more.
Once we the MCs began to properly interact, I was quite happy with the Studio Ghibli-style slow build gentle relationship and light plot, but at this point the story changes direction again - somehow making it work without feeling stilted or awkwardly paced - and plot unfolds smoothly and devastatingly, linking Darragh's family and Merrigan's history with masterful ease. It also gives us a bonus serving of budding romance cut short and leaves us on the edge of our seats anticipating a reunion. This story has a villain, but her origins are shown along with Merrigan's and the narration treats her with grace and understanding.
The aromantic characters were cleverly woven into the story and plot. Frederick's story is ultimately overshadowed a little by the main romance but his character gets plenty of stage time too (and closure). His friendship with Merrigan is lovely and their discussions about not being accepted for their queerness are tender and beautiful and heartbreakingly real. Their friendship feels incredibly important and not in any way lesser than the romantic or sexual relationships in the story. I also love the representation of both an aro character who seems to desire no sexual relationships, and an aro character who enjoys casual sex and affection.
This book touched parts of me I didn't know existed, brought me near tears, and made me feel healed in ways I didn't know I needed. It will live in my heart for a very long time. Very much looking forward to more from this author.
When it comes to queer rep in fiction, there are stories about people who happen to be queer, and there are queer stories. I generally prefer the latter, so it's no surprise to me that this story suckered me in, but it also does a pretty good job of being both.
Darragh's story isn't about him being trans, but it can't ignore the fact that he is. His transness and queerness is intertwined with who he is and enriches his character without making him feel one dimensional or tokenistic. The same gentle, examining, unflinching treatment is given to all the characters, major and minor alike. Many of their conversations - about love, about difference, about a changing world - feel like they could only have been written by a queer person.
(Side note: I love that despite being told of trans characters physically transitioning and having plenty of sex, we never know what anyone's genitals are. We don't get to know what's in Darragh's pants, we don't get to know Merrigan's birth sex - these things are hinted at but the characters keep their privacy and we are reminded that it doesn't matter if we know. I adore this.)
The basic premise is this: Darragh, a trans sailor made homeless as a teen by his transphobic father, has made a life at sea with his found family. He's visited by his estranged sister who pleads with him to reconcile with their dying father. Having decided to go, not to reconcile, but to confront his father and demand an explanation, he arrives to find him in an alchemically induced coma. He makes something of a snap decision to seek out a person who visited him as a child and gave him a magical thorn that allowed him to physically transition, and ask em to heal his father enough to have the conversation.
This setup was the only part of the narrative that felt a little clunky to me; Darragh doesn't speak to his father for ten years, then suddenly decides to abandon his entire life to try and heal him. At this point he doesn't even know the legends of the enchanter - he finds this out later - so it really is a complete shot in the dark. However, it's written so well that you end up understanding Darragh's emotions and impulses - why he might have buried those feelings for years and now find them important to resolve.
I love the tension and depth this gives Darragh's character; throughout the narration his warmth and kindness for other people shines through. He loves his found family, is a generous lover in his frequent sexual liaisons, and shows thoughtless kindness to complete strangers - I particularly enjoyed the brief interaction with the man he meets at an inn who has been travelling in the rain. Darragh, having just taken the last room, gives it up for the man and sleeps in the stables. In the morning the man offers him a book in thanks and Darragh, cheekily, requests a kiss - although only once he has sussed out that the man is actually attracted to him.
His character is beautifully drawn in moments like these, and his gentle, confident, non-toxic masculinity makes him instantly likeable. Yet he openly admits a desire to wake his dying father so that he can demand answers from him. This duality of compassion and anger occupies so many queer hearts - we want to give others the love and acceptance we often lack, but we want justice for what was denied us - and it's beautifully shown in Darragh.
Having committed to the "find the enchanter" narrative and giving us selected fairy tales about em, you'd think the story would become a straightforward quest; however, it nimbly changes direction, giving us the enchanter Merrigan's backstory. E becomes a relateable, human (well, half) character in eir own right, rather than just a legend - and we see how legends and heresay can distort our perceptions of a person. Learning the stories again as they truly happened adds an extra dimension to the book, showing us the prejudices of the characters and the society they live in.
Merrigan's relationship to the forest, eir ethereal demeanour yet all-too-human vulnerability and frustration, is beautifully drawn. I loved seeing eir initial optimism and joy in being able to return to the human world, and then watching it slowly fray as e becomes disillusioned with them.
When the narratives come together again we see Merrigan not as a mysterious, guiding figure from Darragh's past but as a person with eir own vulnerabilities. We see Darragh through eir eyes, not as a child (despite Merrigan being hundreds of years older than them) but as an equal who helps draw Merrigan out of eir pain and vulnerability.
Having thus far been reading a quest story, I expected to be a bit thrown at Darragh spending months in the forest. It feels like the story should stall, but it doesn't, because of its utter dedication to the characters and their feelings; Darragh admits to himself that he came in search of something (healing for his father) and he's not sure he wants it any more.
Once we the MCs began to properly interact, I was quite happy with the Studio Ghibli-style slow build gentle relationship and light plot, but at this point the story changes direction again - somehow making it work without feeling stilted or awkwardly paced - and plot unfolds smoothly and devastatingly, linking Darragh's family and Merrigan's history with masterful ease. It also gives us a bonus serving of budding romance cut short and leaves us on the edge of our seats anticipating a reunion. This story has a villain, but her origins are shown along with Merrigan's and the narration treats her with grace and understanding.
The aromantic characters were cleverly woven into the story and plot. Frederick's story is ultimately overshadowed a little by the main romance but his character gets plenty of stage time too (and closure). His friendship with Merrigan is lovely and their discussions about not being accepted for their queerness are tender and beautiful and heartbreakingly real. Their friendship feels incredibly important and not in any way lesser than the romantic or sexual relationships in the story. I also love the representation of both an aro character who seems to desire no sexual relationships, and an aro character who enjoys casual sex and affection.
This book touched parts of me I didn't know existed, brought me near tears, and made me feel healed in ways I didn't know I needed. It will live in my heart for a very long time. Very much looking forward to more from this author.
October 31, 2022
This story was everything I wanted it to be and more! The romance, the inclusion, the setting, the pace — it all worked for me. While it did take me a bit to ease into the world, when it picked up it REALLY picked up and I was hooked all the way through. I loved our MC Darragh and was deeply invested in his journey. Merrigan's arc was beautiful and I love how the author weaved in little hints of the Beauty and the Beast story. I wouldn't call it a retelling. but it definitely honors bits and pieces of the tale in wonderful ways throughout. The writing was very lyrical which may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it matched the tone perfectly. I loved the use of neo-pronouns and the asexual rep, which I rarely see in a story like this. It was beautiful, haunting, thought-provoking, with an ending that left me in joyful tears. Honestly, it was a 5-star read for me!
January 9, 2026
2023: 5.0
2025: 4.5
Average: 4.75
2025: 4.5
Average: 4.75
May 2, 2023
Decent but not particularly engaging or exciting. Kinda just... is. Not a lot of action or deep character connections. The vision of gender is positive but lacking in scope. It only portrays gender as we know it in queer circles now, not managing to fully imagine anything beyond what we have to work with now. Perhaps new material for people unfamiliar with neopronouns and nonbinary people, though, and this is a strength.
I don't love the format of the story. The style and structure change according to an inconsistent rhythm, going from character-led scenes to suddenly disconnected observations from a distant omniscient narrator using stiff, dated language. It's like the book isn't sure whether it's a folktale or standard novel. I just got tired of it. I don't love the "For I saw x..." construction and it's everywhere in the book. Starting sentences with "for" like that is an inept way to try to make a book sound like an old legend.
It's so slow, which is the biggest problem. At no point did I feel excited. I barely managed to care about the MC. We don't really get to know anyone other than him despite meeting multiple people. It's odd to run into so many people who don't seem to truly matter on an emotional level. I already feel myself forgetting the world and its magic system. Nothing made an impact.
Gender is a major topic, and I was excited about this most of all. It's OK. It's very much stuck in the 2020's framework for gender. That isn't wrong per se, just uncreative and anachronistic. For example, the MC proacticely offers people his title so that people know which pronouns he uses. And the book specifically says he's doing this to share his "pronouns" in these scenes. My issue here is that sharing a gendered title is definitely a way to tell someone your pronouns, but more importantly, it tells them your GENDER. In our current discourse around gender in the west, pronouns are the lightning rod for the discussion of gender, drawing ire and acting as the bare minimum standard for decency. But that's not where the conversation will end! So in an entirely different world with trans and nonbinary people widely accepted as normal (though not guaranteed respect or safety), you'd think the norm would be identifying someone's gender first and foremost, and their pronouns would be understood as a result. Basically, the reverse of how we discuss it now (pronouns established first as a way to communicate gender). The way we do it right now is very much a result of our current cultural climate and the fight for basic acknowledgment. Seeing our real-world limitations imposed on this universe is frustrating. There are several other examples beyond pronouns, too. Overall, it's a discouraging, unimaginative vision for marginalized genders.
This book actually had me thinking, "Oh, great, fantasy transphobia," which surprised me. Normally I'm not one to say that kind of thing--I like when our world's issues are explored explicitly in fantasy, rather than veiled! I think the reason it annoyed me here is because it feels like a limitation on the story. The story fails to imagine gender beyond our current framework despite its efforts (using neopronouns, gender markers, etc.). It doesn't effectively look to the future or to the past or to something new entirely, although it tries. And I think it's still a meaningful look at gender that will mean a lot to many readers. It might even be someone's first book with trans and nonbinary characters, which makes it much more exciting and comforting. Not everyone is as impatient and desperate as I am for books offering a creative vision for gender. (Sigh. But when we look at gender as a way to create ourselves, creativity is a balm. I really am impatient and desperate.)
I don't love the format of the story. The style and structure change according to an inconsistent rhythm, going from character-led scenes to suddenly disconnected observations from a distant omniscient narrator using stiff, dated language. It's like the book isn't sure whether it's a folktale or standard novel. I just got tired of it. I don't love the "For I saw x..." construction and it's everywhere in the book. Starting sentences with "for" like that is an inept way to try to make a book sound like an old legend.
It's so slow, which is the biggest problem. At no point did I feel excited. I barely managed to care about the MC. We don't really get to know anyone other than him despite meeting multiple people. It's odd to run into so many people who don't seem to truly matter on an emotional level. I already feel myself forgetting the world and its magic system. Nothing made an impact.
Gender is a major topic, and I was excited about this most of all. It's OK. It's very much stuck in the 2020's framework for gender. That isn't wrong per se, just uncreative and anachronistic. For example, the MC proacticely offers people his title so that people know which pronouns he uses. And the book specifically says he's doing this to share his "pronouns" in these scenes. My issue here is that sharing a gendered title is definitely a way to tell someone your pronouns, but more importantly, it tells them your GENDER. In our current discourse around gender in the west, pronouns are the lightning rod for the discussion of gender, drawing ire and acting as the bare minimum standard for decency. But that's not where the conversation will end! So in an entirely different world with trans and nonbinary people widely accepted as normal (though not guaranteed respect or safety), you'd think the norm would be identifying someone's gender first and foremost, and their pronouns would be understood as a result. Basically, the reverse of how we discuss it now (pronouns established first as a way to communicate gender). The way we do it right now is very much a result of our current cultural climate and the fight for basic acknowledgment. Seeing our real-world limitations imposed on this universe is frustrating. There are several other examples beyond pronouns, too. Overall, it's a discouraging, unimaginative vision for marginalized genders.
This book actually had me thinking, "Oh, great, fantasy transphobia," which surprised me. Normally I'm not one to say that kind of thing--I like when our world's issues are explored explicitly in fantasy, rather than veiled! I think the reason it annoyed me here is because it feels like a limitation on the story. The story fails to imagine gender beyond our current framework despite its efforts (using neopronouns, gender markers, etc.). It doesn't effectively look to the future or to the past or to something new entirely, although it tries. And I think it's still a meaningful look at gender that will mean a lot to many readers. It might even be someone's first book with trans and nonbinary characters, which makes it much more exciting and comforting. Not everyone is as impatient and desperate as I am for books offering a creative vision for gender. (Sigh. But when we look at gender as a way to create ourselves, creativity is a balm. I really am impatient and desperate.)
November 3, 2022
I can barely begin to adequately express how wonderful this book was. The fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, reimagined with a trans boy, was always going to be something that I would enjoy, but the delight of The Story of the Hundred Promises goes far beyond that.
The most wonderful thing about it is the world-building. This goes further than anything else I’ve ever read with the concept of “gender is a social construct”, by pointing out that not only is gender constructed, but the way in which it interacts with our lives is too.
For instance, our main character Darragh introduces himself sometimes as “Darragh he Thorn”. This is a custom which exists in some of the places in the book, the structure of “[given name] [pronoun] [family name]”. In other places, he introduces himself as “Goodman Darragh”. Not only do the customs vary from place to place as he travels around, but none of the customs match modern Western ones. It’s so wonderfully thought-out. Before a person introduces themself with their gender, the narration consistently uses neutral pronouns for them. It is delightful.
The use of the e, em, eir, eirs, emself pronoun — while signposted in a note at the beginning of the book — is so natural throughout the book. I can only commend Neil Cochrane on this. Fair play. Not only does the pronoun feel natural, it feels normal: and not only that, but widespread.
Yet more world-building that i really enjoyed: the sailors’ tattoos. Darragh is a sailor; he and his fellow sailors wear a variety of tattoos to communicate things to each other. Where “[given name] [pronoun] [family name]” and “[honourific] [given name]” are too formal for the rough sailors, Darragh has a mermaid’s-purse with a harpoon to indicate that he is to be referred to as male, and a friend of his wears interlocking triangles to show that she enjoys the company of other women. Darragh has a three-faced head to show he is trans. It’s wonderful.
Additionally, while many of the queer characters do experience negativity from others on the basis of their queerness, this reads on the whole as individual cruelty rather than a small part of more consistent or organised bigotry. When Darragh’s father does not believe Darragh to be a man, or when [redacted]’s friend refuses to believe they cannot experience romantic love, these do not feel like common experiences.
It was refreshing and happy to see it acknowledged that these things happen in a story that also tells us that discrimination is not an inherent part of society.
As a side point, I really enjoyed the enormous number of Celtic names in this. Just good fun.
The exploration of Merrigan’s feelings about eir genderlessness and what it means for em was, I thought, beautifully done, and the word “gender-kin” is just perfect.
To finish up a very very positive review, I must note that Neil Cochrane has done a tremendous job of making the narration sound like a fairy tale without it sounding in any way stilted. Bravo.
Please, please go and read this.
The most wonderful thing about it is the world-building. This goes further than anything else I’ve ever read with the concept of “gender is a social construct”, by pointing out that not only is gender constructed, but the way in which it interacts with our lives is too.
For instance, our main character Darragh introduces himself sometimes as “Darragh he Thorn”. This is a custom which exists in some of the places in the book, the structure of “[given name] [pronoun] [family name]”. In other places, he introduces himself as “Goodman Darragh”. Not only do the customs vary from place to place as he travels around, but none of the customs match modern Western ones. It’s so wonderfully thought-out. Before a person introduces themself with their gender, the narration consistently uses neutral pronouns for them. It is delightful.
The use of the e, em, eir, eirs, emself pronoun — while signposted in a note at the beginning of the book — is so natural throughout the book. I can only commend Neil Cochrane on this. Fair play. Not only does the pronoun feel natural, it feels normal: and not only that, but widespread.
Yet more world-building that i really enjoyed: the sailors’ tattoos. Darragh is a sailor; he and his fellow sailors wear a variety of tattoos to communicate things to each other. Where “[given name] [pronoun] [family name]” and “[honourific] [given name]” are too formal for the rough sailors, Darragh has a mermaid’s-purse with a harpoon to indicate that he is to be referred to as male, and a friend of his wears interlocking triangles to show that she enjoys the company of other women. Darragh has a three-faced head to show he is trans. It’s wonderful.
Additionally, while many of the queer characters do experience negativity from others on the basis of their queerness, this reads on the whole as individual cruelty rather than a small part of more consistent or organised bigotry. When Darragh’s father does not believe Darragh to be a man, or when [redacted]’s friend refuses to believe they cannot experience romantic love, these do not feel like common experiences.
It was refreshing and happy to see it acknowledged that these things happen in a story that also tells us that discrimination is not an inherent part of society.
As a side point, I really enjoyed the enormous number of Celtic names in this. Just good fun.
The exploration of Merrigan’s feelings about eir genderlessness and what it means for em was, I thought, beautifully done, and the word “gender-kin” is just perfect.
To finish up a very very positive review, I must note that Neil Cochrane has done a tremendous job of making the narration sound like a fairy tale without it sounding in any way stilted. Bravo.
Please, please go and read this.
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