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Dragons and Blades #2
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances
From the author of the critically acclaimed Dominion of the Fallen trilogy comes a sparkling new romantic adventure full of kissing, sarcasm and stabbing.
It was supposed to be a holiday, with nothing more challenging than babysitting, navigating familial politics and arguing about the proper way to brew tea.
But when dragon prince Thuan and his ruthless husband Asmodeus find a corpse in a ruined shrine and a hungry ghost who is the only witness to the crime, their holiday goes from restful to high-pressure. Someone is trying to silence the ghost and everyone involved. Asmodeus wants revenge for the murder; Thuan would like everyone, including Asmodeus, to stay alive.
Chased by bloodthirsty paper charms and struggling to protect their family, Thuan and Asmodeus are going to need all the allies they can—and, as the cracks in their relationship widen, they'll have to face the scariest challenge of all: how to bring together their two vastly different ideas of their future...
It was supposed to be a holiday, with nothing more challenging than babysitting, navigating familial politics and arguing about the proper way to brew tea.
But when dragon prince Thuan and his ruthless husband Asmodeus find a corpse in a ruined shrine and a hungry ghost who is the only witness to the crime, their holiday goes from restful to high-pressure. Someone is trying to silence the ghost and everyone involved. Asmodeus wants revenge for the murder; Thuan would like everyone, including Asmodeus, to stay alive.
Chased by bloodthirsty paper charms and struggling to protect their family, Thuan and Asmodeus are going to need all the allies they can—and, as the cracks in their relationship widen, they'll have to face the scariest challenge of all: how to bring together their two vastly different ideas of their future...
4 pages, Audiobook
First published June 28, 2022
14 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Aliette de Bodard
265 books2,235 followersAliette de Bodard lives and works in Paris. She has won three Nebula Awards, an Ignyte Award, a Locus Award, a British Fantasy Award and four British Science Fiction Association Awards, and was a double Hugo finalist for 2019 (Best Series and Best Novella).
Her most recent book is Fireheart Tiger (Tor.com), a sapphic romantic fantasy inspired by pre colonial Vietnam, where a diplomat princess must decide the fate of her country, and her own. She also wrote Seven of Infinities (Subterranean Press), a space opera where a sentient spaceship and an upright scholar join forces to investigate a murder, and find themselves falling for each other. Other books include Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders and its standalone sequel Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances, (JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.), fantasy books of manners and murders set in an alternate 19th Century Vietnamese court. She lives in Paris.
Her most recent book is Fireheart Tiger (Tor.com), a sapphic romantic fantasy inspired by pre colonial Vietnam, where a diplomat princess must decide the fate of her country, and her own. She also wrote Seven of Infinities (Subterranean Press), a space opera where a sentient spaceship and an upright scholar join forces to investigate a murder, and find themselves falling for each other. Other books include Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders and its standalone sequel Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances, (JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.), fantasy books of manners and murders set in an alternate 19th Century Vietnamese court. She lives in Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 21, 2022
I'm fond of de Bodard's writing style. Though I bounced off the first book in this universe, The House of Shattered Wings, it did not stop me from enjoying this novella. De Bodard is an anthropologist by training, and I think it leads her to bring a thoughtful and wide-ranging approach to her world-building. It feels both more comprehensive then the average fantasy and less exhausting than the average Sanderson. Undoubtedly, it's one of the reasons I keep coming back to her writing, but the other aspect that draws me in are her diverse and interesting characters.
'Thuan,' Asmodeus said. His voice was quiet, matter of fact. It was that, more than anything else, which made Thuan look up with his heart in his throat--the very idea that something was serious enough that his husband wouldn't have any sarcasm for it.
'What?'
'You have one extra child among your charges.'
Both this and the prior novella, Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders, center upon a gay couple that comes from fairly extreme backgrounds--not quite Romeo and Juliet, but something near. Thuan is a dragon prince, and Asmodeus a fallen angel, although, again, don't let that sideline you (I have something of a prejudice against heavenly hosts). In both novellas, the couple is residing with Thuan's family for both social and policial reasons, and court politics are a component of both books. Though the prior novella became bogged down in court details, this focuses more on the murder and the characters involved, so I felt greater tolerance for it.
I liked it. I think de Bodard gives just enough background into the history of the leads and their respective societies that I was curious, but not overwhelmed, and dives into the action relatively quickly. And despite being told the was Asmodeus was a bit of a bastard, it was rather sweet to see the level of care and concern he took for the ghost. Even more fascinating was how de Bodard took it to another level with the couple's relationship. Oh yes; and a decent mystery, if a bit super-villian for my taste. But still good.
'Thuan,' Asmodeus said. His voice was quiet, matter of fact. It was that, more than anything else, which made Thuan look up with his heart in his throat--the very idea that something was serious enough that his husband wouldn't have any sarcasm for it.
'What?'
'You have one extra child among your charges.'
Both this and the prior novella, Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders, center upon a gay couple that comes from fairly extreme backgrounds--not quite Romeo and Juliet, but something near. Thuan is a dragon prince, and Asmodeus a fallen angel, although, again, don't let that sideline you (I have something of a prejudice against heavenly hosts). In both novellas, the couple is residing with Thuan's family for both social and policial reasons, and court politics are a component of both books. Though the prior novella became bogged down in court details, this focuses more on the murder and the characters involved, so I felt greater tolerance for it.
I liked it. I think de Bodard gives just enough background into the history of the leads and their respective societies that I was curious, but not overwhelmed, and dives into the action relatively quickly. And despite being told the was Asmodeus was a bit of a bastard, it was rather sweet to see the level of care and concern he took for the ghost. Even more fascinating was how de Bodard took it to another level with the couple's relationship. Oh yes; and a decent mystery, if a bit super-villian for my taste. But still good.
Read
February 28, 2022Delightful romantic fantasy mystery. (Don't fear the irritating Goodreads "book 3.6" stuff, which seems to have been designed to put off new readers as much as possible. This is the second in a spinoff series from the author's alt-Paris world with fallen angels, about a dragon prince and his extremely stabby husband, after Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders, and IMO would work fine as a standalone read apart from making you want to go back and read the others.)
It's a mystery/adventure that starts with said dragon prince and stabby angel babysitting, which is delightful. There's magic, mild horror, action, fantasy, and two people finding it very difficult to admit to each other or themselves what they feel. Beautifully described, deeply caring, and satisfyingly murderous, it's an immersive delight.
I had an ARC from the author. I also have extreme cover envy.
It's a mystery/adventure that starts with said dragon prince and stabby angel babysitting, which is delightful. There's magic, mild horror, action, fantasy, and two people finding it very difficult to admit to each other or themselves what they feel. Beautifully described, deeply caring, and satisfyingly murderous, it's an immersive delight.
I had an ARC from the author. I also have extreme cover envy.
June 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this! I haven't read the previous novella or the series of novels that proceed this, but I don't feel like it took too much effort to understand the universe and the relationships within it. I think I missed some of the nuance on the magic and the specifics of dragon and fallen abilities, but the strength of this novel was the characters and their relationships. The murder mystery was a nice framing device to really see how two headstrong characters (and their families and friends) could interact, love, fight, make the hard choices, and grow, And while there was a bit of "just talk to each other!" syndrome, some of the point of the book was to get the characters to figure out how to do that. Really enjoyed this book and going to go back and read the rest of this series.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2022
seriously if you have made the grievous oversight of not having read this series, now is your time to correct that, before this is out
check out my review here!
Rep: Vietnamese bi mc, gay li, Vietnamese side characters
check out my review here!
Rep: Vietnamese bi mc, gay li, Vietnamese side characters
February 26, 2022
It’s definitely more of a 4.5.
I’ve been following the journey of this book on social media since the author decided to write it just for fun and I’ve been so so excited for its release. And when I got the opportunity to request for an arc, I jumped on it immediately. And then had to read it even though it doesn’t release for months.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you should know that Aliette is one of my favorite authors and I’m always in love with her short stories and novellas in particular. And this one is even more special because I adore Asmodeus and Thuan as characters and as a couple. It’s fun that this sequel to Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders is again set during the their vacation in the underwater dragon kingdom and they end up having to solve murders. The whole idea of Asmodeus babysitting is hilarious and I was very interested to see it, but what the author gives us is so much more.
Asmodeus and Thuan are vastly different people and it’s always fascinating to see how their relationship actually works. And this story which takes place six years after their marriage shows that it takes hard work to keep their relationship strong. Thuan is a compassionate cinnamon roll who can be self sacrificial when it comes to people he loves, but the famously stabby Asmodeus can also be the same if he decides to protect someone. They are very much at odds with each other in this story about how to go about solving the murders and protecting a certain someone but we know that ultimately they will be fine and their love will sustain. Their relationship with their nieces Ai Nhi and Camille is amazing and even the girls seemed so taken with their Unka Thuan and Unka Asmo. The kids are also brave and kind and very thoughtful, even in dangerous circumstances they don’t fully understand. The murder mystery itself is fairly straightforward and a fascinating exploration of toxic masculinity, but it’s the characters and their interactions that make this book fun.
To conclude, this novella was everything I expected from it and more. Along with a serial murder mystery, we have endearing ghost children, commentary on the various ways of correctly and wrongly brewing tea, insights into an established relationship with diametrically opposite personalities, and lots of fun interactions. I can only hope the author will continue to write more stories featuring my favorite murder husbands.
I’ve been following the journey of this book on social media since the author decided to write it just for fun and I’ve been so so excited for its release. And when I got the opportunity to request for an arc, I jumped on it immediately. And then had to read it even though it doesn’t release for months.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you should know that Aliette is one of my favorite authors and I’m always in love with her short stories and novellas in particular. And this one is even more special because I adore Asmodeus and Thuan as characters and as a couple. It’s fun that this sequel to Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders is again set during the their vacation in the underwater dragon kingdom and they end up having to solve murders. The whole idea of Asmodeus babysitting is hilarious and I was very interested to see it, but what the author gives us is so much more.
Asmodeus and Thuan are vastly different people and it’s always fascinating to see how their relationship actually works. And this story which takes place six years after their marriage shows that it takes hard work to keep their relationship strong. Thuan is a compassionate cinnamon roll who can be self sacrificial when it comes to people he loves, but the famously stabby Asmodeus can also be the same if he decides to protect someone. They are very much at odds with each other in this story about how to go about solving the murders and protecting a certain someone but we know that ultimately they will be fine and their love will sustain. Their relationship with their nieces Ai Nhi and Camille is amazing and even the girls seemed so taken with their Unka Thuan and Unka Asmo. The kids are also brave and kind and very thoughtful, even in dangerous circumstances they don’t fully understand. The murder mystery itself is fairly straightforward and a fascinating exploration of toxic masculinity, but it’s the characters and their interactions that make this book fun.
To conclude, this novella was everything I expected from it and more. Along with a serial murder mystery, we have endearing ghost children, commentary on the various ways of correctly and wrongly brewing tea, insights into an established relationship with diametrically opposite personalities, and lots of fun interactions. I can only hope the author will continue to write more stories featuring my favorite murder husbands.
June 27, 2022
"I love you," he said, finally. "I see what you are and I love you. All of you." Asmodeus's hand rested, gently, on his cheek. "Oh, dragon prince," he said. "And I you. Now and always."
A well-written, high tension novella! I have not read the original series, though I did backtrack to read the first one in this series, Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders just in case it would give me more context.
I do think this works as a standalone though. There wasn't anything that carried over from the first book, other than just having more of a knowledge of Asmodeus and Thuan in general. I'll probably double back at some point to read the original trilogy, because I just get more and more curious about their original story.
This was a fast paced, detailed and captivating story. It also had more relationship struggles between the two MCs, which I appreciate considering the way their marriage apparently started. They do manage to approach problems eventually though, and it was very sweet with a hopeful ending.
I couldn't get over how funny-sad it was that (major plot spoilers!)
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the relationship between Asmodeus and Thuan. The writing is beautiful as well without being overbearing. Definitely recommend if you're looking for an accessible yet detailed fantasy read!
Thuan was having too many feelings and he wasn't quite sure how to sort them all out, so he settled for the time-honoured, self-destructive method of pretending they didn't exist.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All the opinions are my own.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
June 3, 2023
Well, this novelette is certainly very enjoyable. I haven't yet read anything else in this universe, but this isn't a problem. Great world building, interesting, albeit in this short format a bit one-dimensional characters.
I must however admit that I was a bit stressed by the abundant use of 'moldy', that's really a bit extreme. I wonder why the editor, of there was one involved, didn't prevent this.
I must however admit that I was a bit stressed by the abundant use of 'moldy', that's really a bit extreme. I wonder why the editor, of there was one involved, didn't prevent this.
August 9, 2022
Ahoy there mateys! I love this author's work. This is a standalone novella set in the Dominion of the Fallen world which takes place in Gothic devastated Paris. I have not read the trilogy and wasn't sure if I wanted to read it as it deals with the fall-out of a war in Heaven. I was happy to get this eArc to see if the setting would work for me. This story follows married couple Thuan (dragon prince) and Asmodeus (ruthless killer angel) who go on vacation to see Thuan's family. What they find instead is a ghost from a forgotten shine who is the only witness to a murder.
I really loved the ghost story and murder aspects. I also found much of the writing style to be lovely. I even enjoyed the setting and some of the politics. I was not a huge fan of Thuan and Asmodeus as a couple even though I liked them individually well enough. They seem to have gotten together in an enemy to lovers trope. Their relationship in this novella still felt very fraught and how they dealt with each other just made me uncomfortable. They don't communicate well enough and I just didn't like them together. I am not a fan of roller coaster relationships. Shame because I liked the elements of this one. . . Oh and the bad guy was one-dimensional and the reason for the murder was silly.
In reading reviews of both the series and the other novella, it is clear that this world is one I will skip. I will continue reading the delightful Xuya stories and I still want to read the Obsidian and Blood trilogy (which I own). Arrrr!
I really loved the ghost story and murder aspects. I also found much of the writing style to be lovely. I even enjoyed the setting and some of the politics. I was not a huge fan of Thuan and Asmodeus as a couple even though I liked them individually well enough. They seem to have gotten together in an enemy to lovers trope. Their relationship in this novella still felt very fraught and how they dealt with each other just made me uncomfortable. They don't communicate well enough and I just didn't like them together. I am not a fan of roller coaster relationships. Shame because I liked the elements of this one. . . Oh and the bad guy was one-dimensional and the reason for the murder was silly.
In reading reviews of both the series and the other novella, it is clear that this world is one I will skip. I will continue reading the delightful Xuya stories and I still want to read the Obsidian and Blood trilogy (which I own). Arrrr!
July 19, 2022
4.5 stars
September 15, 2024
Kind of sad to come to the last story that's been written (so far) in the Dominion of the Fallen universe. If Bodard ends it here, I would be satisfied. The ending worked.
June 5, 2022
4.5 stars
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is a delightful cosy and heartfelt novella continuing to follow the adventures of Thuan and Asmodeus on the holiday in the dragon court. They stumble upon another murder with a body at an abandoned shrine and a ghostly witness who need their help. Hunted by cursed charms, unable to get help from the court and the tension having a ghost ward puts on their relationship the stakes are higher than ever and it is a great novella from start to finish!
I enjoyed book 1 but I LOVED this one. We get and emotional and touching insight into an established relationship and a conflict which arises from opposing principles and lack of communication. Thuan and Asmodeus are definitely an interesting and iconic power couple but they are very different people and I think this book beautifully highlights what an argument looks like when you have deep care and affection for the other person. I really love their relationship and the development it went through in this book (and I haven't even read the original trilogy but I'm definitely going to now!!). The "I love you and see all of you" (paraphrased) I'm still not over it T____T
I also really enjoyed the plot elements of this book (anything with ghosts I am a sucker for) and the cosy mystery vibes this novella series has going on. I also loved seeing Asmodeus and Thuan being uncles and the children characters were all so adorable and well-fleshed out side characters (which is surprisingly rare for child characters).
Aliette de Bodard's writing is gorgeous and she creates such an amazing atmosphere and alt-historical court setting. I can't wait to get through all her backlist!
I would highly recommend this novella series if you are looking for a gorgeously written cosy mystery with murder husbands (one certified stabby and the other certified cinnamon roll - the best combo honestly). <3
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is a delightful cosy and heartfelt novella continuing to follow the adventures of Thuan and Asmodeus on the holiday in the dragon court. They stumble upon another murder with a body at an abandoned shrine and a ghostly witness who need their help. Hunted by cursed charms, unable to get help from the court and the tension having a ghost ward puts on their relationship the stakes are higher than ever and it is a great novella from start to finish!
I enjoyed book 1 but I LOVED this one. We get and emotional and touching insight into an established relationship and a conflict which arises from opposing principles and lack of communication. Thuan and Asmodeus are definitely an interesting and iconic power couple but they are very different people and I think this book beautifully highlights what an argument looks like when you have deep care and affection for the other person. I really love their relationship and the development it went through in this book (and I haven't even read the original trilogy but I'm definitely going to now!!). The "I love you and see all of you" (paraphrased) I'm still not over it T____T
I also really enjoyed the plot elements of this book (anything with ghosts I am a sucker for) and the cosy mystery vibes this novella series has going on. I also loved seeing Asmodeus and Thuan being uncles and the children characters were all so adorable and well-fleshed out side characters (which is surprisingly rare for child characters).
Aliette de Bodard's writing is gorgeous and she creates such an amazing atmosphere and alt-historical court setting. I can't wait to get through all her backlist!
I would highly recommend this novella series if you are looking for a gorgeously written cosy mystery with murder husbands (one certified stabby and the other certified cinnamon roll - the best combo honestly). <3
June 27, 2022
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is a delightful follow up to Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murder. This could be read as a standalone but prior knowledge of the events in the Dominion of the Fallen series would give a better reading experience.
The story finds Thuan and Asmodeus in the middle of a mystery involving a child ghost, a desecrated shrine, murders and a missing immortal deity while babysitting the children that Thuan's cousin asked him to take care of.
One of the strengths of this novella was the characters and their relationship with the murder mystery used as an excellent framing device to show how the two leads interact, show their deep love for each other and how they overcame the struggles and issues that came with opposing principles and lack of communication and how those experiences strengthen their relationship and help them grow individually.
I loved the cozy mystery vibe that the story gave and found the plot elements generally enjoyable. The world building was fantastic and the writer did a wonderful job of giving enough background information about Thuan and Asmodeus' history and the society they're navigating without being too overwhelming. The story was paced nicely and Aliette De Bodard's writing is fluid and created such a beautiful and amazing atmosphere throughout the story.
Overall, this was a funny, tense, engaging and satisfying novella with endearing characters. The fantasy world's unique and it excellently weaved various Western lore with that of Asian mythology. I'd definitely recommend this for people looking for a new fantasy story to read.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 4 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
The story finds Thuan and Asmodeus in the middle of a mystery involving a child ghost, a desecrated shrine, murders and a missing immortal deity while babysitting the children that Thuan's cousin asked him to take care of.
One of the strengths of this novella was the characters and their relationship with the murder mystery used as an excellent framing device to show how the two leads interact, show their deep love for each other and how they overcame the struggles and issues that came with opposing principles and lack of communication and how those experiences strengthen their relationship and help them grow individually.
I loved the cozy mystery vibe that the story gave and found the plot elements generally enjoyable. The world building was fantastic and the writer did a wonderful job of giving enough background information about Thuan and Asmodeus' history and the society they're navigating without being too overwhelming. The story was paced nicely and Aliette De Bodard's writing is fluid and created such a beautiful and amazing atmosphere throughout the story.
Overall, this was a funny, tense, engaging and satisfying novella with endearing characters. The fantasy world's unique and it excellently weaved various Western lore with that of Asian mythology. I'd definitely recommend this for people looking for a new fantasy story to read.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 4 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
June 18, 2023
I came here to read about a murderous fallen angel and his bookish dragon husband solve crime, and the book mostly delivered. I would have preferred a slightly more classical crime with sleuthing and questioning suspects (instead of a story where it's more a qustion of "How do we get to the person that is guilty?"), but I realize that this is not a series of typical classical mysteries. So I just enjoy Asmodeus being murdery.
August 9, 2022
This is a delightful story of good hearted, studious dragon prince Thuan and his stabby husband Asmodeus, encountering a ghost and a murder mystery while on vacation. Enjoyed it very much. Asmodeus never stabs as many people as I want him to, but not for lack of trying! I love stabby mates.
June 11, 2022
I loved the previous novella about Thuan and Asmodeus, so when I got the chance to read an early copy of this I jumped at it. This met and exceeded all my expectations. I absolutely ADORED it.
I haven't gotten a chance to read the initial trilogy about Thuan and Asmodeus, though I immediately bought them after reading the first novella. I must remedy that soon. I can't wait to explore the beginning of their relationship because everything about their dynamic here is brilliant.
We have Asmodeus, a very stabby fallen angel with a protective streak a mile wide and at least as much sarcasm and hidden knives. Then we have Thuan, a Vietnamese water dragon who loves books and believes in talking before stabbing (in most instances) but has a tendency to be attracted to stabby people.
Whilst visiting Thuan's family and babysitting a horde of children, they uncover a murder and things get... interesting.
The pacing was excellent (and fast), the writing was gorgeous, the plot kept me guessing, and the emotional struggle between Asmodeus and Thuan was one I might have expected in a longer book. The story and emotional struggle was satisfactorily resolved within the novella but leaves enough that there could be future novellas. And I desperately hope there will be because I am not ready to leave these fascinating characters.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Aliette de Bodard, and JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc. for providing an e-arc for review.
I haven't gotten a chance to read the initial trilogy about Thuan and Asmodeus, though I immediately bought them after reading the first novella. I must remedy that soon. I can't wait to explore the beginning of their relationship because everything about their dynamic here is brilliant.
We have Asmodeus, a very stabby fallen angel with a protective streak a mile wide and at least as much sarcasm and hidden knives. Then we have Thuan, a Vietnamese water dragon who loves books and believes in talking before stabbing (in most instances) but has a tendency to be attracted to stabby people.
Whilst visiting Thuan's family and babysitting a horde of children, they uncover a murder and things get... interesting.
The pacing was excellent (and fast), the writing was gorgeous, the plot kept me guessing, and the emotional struggle between Asmodeus and Thuan was one I might have expected in a longer book. The story and emotional struggle was satisfactorily resolved within the novella but leaves enough that there could be future novellas. And I desperately hope there will be because I am not ready to leave these fascinating characters.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Aliette de Bodard, and JABberwocky Literary Agency, Inc. for providing an e-arc for review.
June 27, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this novella, and it is SO much fun. Two dangerous husbands (in different ways) find themselves under magical attack while babysitting, and it's so much fun to watch them argue and kiss and fight their way out of it! This is the official blurb that I sent: “A darkly delicious romp full of ghosts, murder, dragons, and romance, with a couple that just keeps getting better and better as they push each other to new limits.”
July 4, 2022
From the author of the critically acclaimed Dominion of the Fallen trilogy comes a sparkling new romantic adventure full of kissing, sarcasm and stabbing.
It was supposed to be a holiday, with nothing more challenging than babysitting, navigating familial politics and arguing about the proper way to brew tea.
But when dragon prince Thuan and his ruthless husband Asmodeus find a corpse in a ruined shrine and a hungry ghost who is the only witness to the crime, their holiday goes from restful to high-pressure. Someone is trying to silence the ghost and everyone involved. Asmodeus wants revenge for the murder; Thuan would like everyone, including Asmodeus, to stay alive.
Chased by bloodthirsty paper charms and struggling to protect their family, Thuan and Asmodeus are going to need all the allies they can—and, as the cracks in their relationship widen, they'll have to face the scariest challenge of all: how to bring together their two vastly different ideas of their future...
A heartwarming standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's Heaven Official's Blessing, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves.
Review:
Aliette de Bodard's writing style always works for me. I think she is a great writer. I have read a lot of her books and more or less liked them all, but Dominion of Fallen trilogy and this continuing spinoff adventures of one of my favorite couples from that trilogy are my favorites of her works. Blurb actually gives you a very detailed set up (frankly considering that this is a novella I wish blurb would be less spoilers, but I am going to guess the writer was happy with it so this is all that matters).
Dragon prince Thuan and his husband Asmodeus are once again on holiday in Thuan's native kingdom and very soon their holiday turns out deadly. I glanced at some reviews after I finished the story, something I rarely do, but it was honestly just a glance at a couple of them, so I dont think it interfered with my thoughts too much, but I do want to note I completely disagree that this is a stand alone story.
Oh you can start reading with the first book of the spinoff which I reviewed as well, you won't get confused where the plot is concerned, you dont need to read the trilogy first for that. However, there is SO MUCH history and so much character development and relationship development for Thuan and Asmodeus in that trilogy that you going to miss out on a lot. Let's just say that they started from much worse place than where they are now and they came a long way indeed.
I also actually disagree that this story is a mystery. Oh our heroes do have to investigate a murder and help a girl ghost to erm .... end up in a much better place than where she started in the story, but literally the identity of the murderer revealed in the middle of the story because somebody recognized this person's way of doing certain magic. I am saying this not to diminish the quality of the narrative in any way, shape or form! I am just trying to place this story in what in my opinion is a proper genre and in my opinion mystery is not it. Maybe it is a mystery which did not take much to solve at all? I mean bringing murderer to justice definitely took a toll on all the characters, but finding out who the murderer was - not really. I Come to think of it, since the story is a novella, it probably would not have enough page space for detailed investigation.
I think the further development of Thuan and Asmodeus' relationship is a main story here and I thought it was brilliantly done how seemingly external problem (finding a ghost, trying to figure out what to do with her and trying to solve the murder) very quickly escalated in something that both men had a personal stake in and how quickly it started to have an affect on their relationship.
I thought it was exceptionally well done, really.
As always settings were great and very detailed, most likely inspired by ancient Vietnam. I also found magic to be creepy and fun, but most importantly I ended up loving the main characters even more than I did before.
4.5 stars
It was supposed to be a holiday, with nothing more challenging than babysitting, navigating familial politics and arguing about the proper way to brew tea.
But when dragon prince Thuan and his ruthless husband Asmodeus find a corpse in a ruined shrine and a hungry ghost who is the only witness to the crime, their holiday goes from restful to high-pressure. Someone is trying to silence the ghost and everyone involved. Asmodeus wants revenge for the murder; Thuan would like everyone, including Asmodeus, to stay alive.
Chased by bloodthirsty paper charms and struggling to protect their family, Thuan and Asmodeus are going to need all the allies they can—and, as the cracks in their relationship widen, they'll have to face the scariest challenge of all: how to bring together their two vastly different ideas of their future...
A heartwarming standalone book set in a world of dark intrigue.
A Note on Chronology
Spinning off from the Dominion of the Fallen series, which features political intrigue in Gothic devastated Paris, this book stands alone, but chronologically follows Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders. It’s High Gothic meets C-drama in a Vietnamese inspired world—perfect for fans of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's Heaven Official's Blessing, KJ Charles, and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves.
Review:
Aliette de Bodard's writing style always works for me. I think she is a great writer. I have read a lot of her books and more or less liked them all, but Dominion of Fallen trilogy and this continuing spinoff adventures of one of my favorite couples from that trilogy are my favorites of her works. Blurb actually gives you a very detailed set up (frankly considering that this is a novella I wish blurb would be less spoilers, but I am going to guess the writer was happy with it so this is all that matters).
Dragon prince Thuan and his husband Asmodeus are once again on holiday in Thuan's native kingdom and very soon their holiday turns out deadly. I glanced at some reviews after I finished the story, something I rarely do, but it was honestly just a glance at a couple of them, so I dont think it interfered with my thoughts too much, but I do want to note I completely disagree that this is a stand alone story.
Oh you can start reading with the first book of the spinoff which I reviewed as well, you won't get confused where the plot is concerned, you dont need to read the trilogy first for that. However, there is SO MUCH history and so much character development and relationship development for Thuan and Asmodeus in that trilogy that you going to miss out on a lot. Let's just say that they started from much worse place than where they are now and they came a long way indeed.
I also actually disagree that this story is a mystery. Oh our heroes do have to investigate a murder and help a girl ghost to erm .... end up in a much better place than where she started in the story, but literally the identity of the murderer revealed in the middle of the story because somebody recognized this person's way of doing certain magic. I am saying this not to diminish the quality of the narrative in any way, shape or form! I am just trying to place this story in what in my opinion is a proper genre and in my opinion mystery is not it. Maybe it is a mystery which did not take much to solve at all? I mean bringing murderer to justice definitely took a toll on all the characters, but finding out who the murderer was - not really. I Come to think of it, since the story is a novella, it probably would not have enough page space for detailed investigation.
I think the further development of Thuan and Asmodeus' relationship is a main story here and I thought it was brilliantly done how seemingly external problem (finding a ghost, trying to figure out what to do with her and trying to solve the murder) very quickly escalated in something that both men had a personal stake in and how quickly it started to have an affect on their relationship.
I thought it was exceptionally well done, really.
As always settings were great and very detailed, most likely inspired by ancient Vietnam. I also found magic to be creepy and fun, but most importantly I ended up loving the main characters even more than I did before.
4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
The unusual pair of bookish dragon Thuan and stabby Fallen angel Asmodeus are still in the Dragon Kingdom. The pair have two of the kids from Hawthorne with them: Ai Nhi and Camille. They have to keep the kids occupied during the day, and there are bedtime stories and cuddles at night. It’s a nicely domestic contrast to the actions usually performed by this dramatic pair. All is going well until the pair come across the ghost of a malnourished child, which leads them to a shrine of the Anemone Immortal, to whom political officials pray to for advancement within the Dragon court.
Asmodeus takes the ghost under his fiercely protective wing (no, pun not intended), though Thuan has major reservations about bringing a ghost into their circle, as hungry ghosts are dangerous, and even fatal to be around. But Asmodeus takes her in, all his protective urges aroused by the waif.
When they begin asking around to find out who could have starved a child to death, this leads to a massive attack by charms, and Asmodeus’ life tied to the fate of the ghost, leading to serious conflicts between him and Thuan, each butting heads against the other’s beliefs.
Attacks against the pair and their kids, bringing out the dangerous in both, even while Asmodeus imperils his life causing a rift between the pair.
I love this couple, and I love how even while under attack, they have to make sure the kids get enough sleep and comfort. They don’t get to stop being parents when dealing with persistent and very dangerous threats. And, their ways of approaching problems, as well as their own beliefs, cause much strife between them, imperilling them and their children. It’s interesting to watch two people slowly, really work out fundamental problems in their relationship, even while being powerfully attracted to one another and hurting.
The story moves well, and it’s a more of an action story than the politically-based first installment in this story. There’s lots of blood, lots of daggers, mysteriously appearing pots of tea, and a wonderful ex whose delight in violence amused Amodeus (and me). Thuan’s lovely, and his method of approaching problems through conversation instead of stabbiness actually proves surprisingly useful in the climax.
I dearly hope we get more adventures of this wonderful pair.
Thank you to Netgalley and to JABberwocky Literary Agency Inc. for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Asmodeus takes the ghost under his fiercely protective wing (no, pun not intended), though Thuan has major reservations about bringing a ghost into their circle, as hungry ghosts are dangerous, and even fatal to be around. But Asmodeus takes her in, all his protective urges aroused by the waif.
When they begin asking around to find out who could have starved a child to death, this leads to a massive attack by charms, and Asmodeus’ life tied to the fate of the ghost, leading to serious conflicts between him and Thuan, each butting heads against the other’s beliefs.
Attacks against the pair and their kids, bringing out the dangerous in both, even while Asmodeus imperils his life causing a rift between the pair.
I love this couple, and I love how even while under attack, they have to make sure the kids get enough sleep and comfort. They don’t get to stop being parents when dealing with persistent and very dangerous threats. And, their ways of approaching problems, as well as their own beliefs, cause much strife between them, imperilling them and their children. It’s interesting to watch two people slowly, really work out fundamental problems in their relationship, even while being powerfully attracted to one another and hurting.
The story moves well, and it’s a more of an action story than the politically-based first installment in this story. There’s lots of blood, lots of daggers, mysteriously appearing pots of tea, and a wonderful ex whose delight in violence amused Amodeus (and me). Thuan’s lovely, and his method of approaching problems through conversation instead of stabbiness actually proves surprisingly useful in the climax.
I dearly hope we get more adventures of this wonderful pair.
Thank you to Netgalley and to JABberwocky Literary Agency Inc. for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 6, 2022
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Another fun mystery novella starring everyone's favourite diplomacy and stabby husbands, Thuan and Asmodeus. This time, they stumble upon a murder in an abandoned shrine, witnessed only by a ghost of a child - whom Asmodeus immediately decides to adopt (his interactions with children in general are sooo cute). I was, however, often frustrated by their lack of communication. While it made sense in-story, partners arguing because of miscommunication is one of my least favourite tropes to read, especially when it's this central to the plot. Still, it's a good novella and I'm very much looking forward to the next, if there'll be any more!
Enjoyment: 3/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Another fun mystery novella starring everyone's favourite diplomacy and stabby husbands, Thuan and Asmodeus. This time, they stumble upon a murder in an abandoned shrine, witnessed only by a ghost of a child - whom Asmodeus immediately decides to adopt (his interactions with children in general are sooo cute). I was, however, often frustrated by their lack of communication. While it made sense in-story, partners arguing because of miscommunication is one of my least favourite tropes to read, especially when it's this central to the plot. Still, it's a good novella and I'm very much looking forward to the next, if there'll be any more!
Enjoyment: 3/5
Execution: 4/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
May 9, 2022
Aliette de Bodard is always hit or miss for me and this one was a miss for me. My enjoyment of her stories is always VERY subjective so do not let me turn you away from this story.
If you want cozy fantasy with an established gay couple who just wants some peace and quiet and spend some time with their children but instead gets roped into a ghost mystery this is for you.
I think that why didn't work for me here was the dialogues. They felt a bit stiff and I didn't like the many onomatopoeia in the text.
If you want cozy fantasy with an established gay couple who just wants some peace and quiet and spend some time with their children but instead gets roped into a ghost mystery this is for you.
I think that why didn't work for me here was the dialogues. They felt a bit stiff and I didn't like the many onomatopoeia in the text.
January 7, 2025
It wasn't that he didn't understand children: it was just that his idea of age-appropriate included lectures on stab-wounds and detailed explanations on how to terrorize other children to do one's bidding.
If Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders was exquisite, Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is exquisite and devastating. I just went through my highlights and... I didn't start crying but it was a short call!
First of all, as I already said in my review of Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders I think you'd better start with The House of Shattered Wings or with one of the short's stories set in the Dominion of the Fallen universe, but this is technically stand-alone (plot-wise), so do as you please!
Now on to this one!
Why do I say it's devastating?
First of all, it's the last work we have set in this universe, which is enough on itself. I do pray for new works set there everyday, but I also recognize that as a closer, this one does pretty well.
The second reason is that, this installment is especially angsty. This whole universe is dark and angsty but in this particular story Thuan and Asmodeus have a disagreement that physically hurt me to read about, because it's clear that Thuan doesn't realise how much he's hurting Asmodeus or why is it even hurting him at all. And Asmodeus is in so much pain for more reasons than one.
But there is also humour and lightheartedness that counters that. The scenes with the kids were some of my favourite parts of the whole series and we get heaps of that here! In the end, it's also a heartwarming story about family and love and writing this review is really making me want to re-read immediately.
This is perfection, this is what I want from books! Some bittersweetness, some politicking, some heartbreak, some love, some humour, excellent character-work and worldbuilding, some gorgeous writing... I mean, what could you ask more? Would recommend!
BRed at WBtM: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
June 8, 2022
Thank you to JABberwocky Literary Agency and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Before reading this short novella, I first read of Dragons, Feast and Murder and The Dominion of the Fallen trilogy in a week and a half or so. I was very much prepared for this world. While I know this novella is being advertized as a standalone novella, I can't help but feel that it is the best to have read those before diving into this.
And I say this because this novella delves a little deeper into the relationship between Thuan and Asmodeus. A lot of their relationship is settled in the trilogy where this novella is a companion too. But there is still a lot of things they don't talk about a lot. They've been tossed into this and that situation. And talking things out was never part of the repertoire for them. But in this book they have to. I think to really appreciate that and to appreciate how much that means for a character like Asmodeus you need to have read the previous installments. And how our duo each deals with things so very differently. Perhaps so very different from what is expected from them. A lot would pick Thuan as the caring one but in this instance it goes a little differently. I like how the author set that up.
Outside of that it is interesting to once again return to the dragon world and to see the two that the two young ones have grown up so much. The plot in itself wasn't quite as interesting as the dressing up was. I loved reading it for the characters that I have grown to love.
Before reading this short novella, I first read of Dragons, Feast and Murder and The Dominion of the Fallen trilogy in a week and a half or so. I was very much prepared for this world. While I know this novella is being advertized as a standalone novella, I can't help but feel that it is the best to have read those before diving into this.
And I say this because this novella delves a little deeper into the relationship between Thuan and Asmodeus. A lot of their relationship is settled in the trilogy where this novella is a companion too. But there is still a lot of things they don't talk about a lot. They've been tossed into this and that situation. And talking things out was never part of the repertoire for them. But in this book they have to. I think to really appreciate that and to appreciate how much that means for a character like Asmodeus you need to have read the previous installments. And how our duo each deals with things so very differently. Perhaps so very different from what is expected from them. A lot would pick Thuan as the caring one but in this instance it goes a little differently. I like how the author set that up.
Outside of that it is interesting to once again return to the dragon world and to see the two that the two young ones have grown up so much. The plot in itself wasn't quite as interesting as the dressing up was. I loved reading it for the characters that I have grown to love.
May 30, 2022
Thank you to Underland Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances by Aliette de Bodard is an absolutely amazing fantasy novella that will satisfy all fans of the author. I am so happy to be able to review this novella! The story reolves around dragon prince Thuan and his fallen angel husband Asmodeus. When they discover a crime has been committed, it's up to them to figure out what happened. This is definitely not what they expected to do on their vacation!
Here is a hilarious excerpt from the first page of the novella:
"Thuan's cousin had asked him to mind the children--an offer Thuan had said yes to, because the next person on his cousin's list had been Thuan's husband Asmodeus, and the words "Asmodeus" and "babysitting" in the same sentence were properly blood-curling. Anything involving Asmodeus and patience and gentleness and diplomacy, in fact. It wasn't that he didn't understand children: it was just that his idea of age-appropriate included lectures on stab-wounds and detailed explanations on how to terrorize other children to do one's bidding. Thuan was absolutely sure none of his aunties would approve. Worse, they would pointedly remind him at every single family occasion that he was the eldest in the couple and should provide his husband with a good example.
Thuan cleaned a lot of Asmodeus's messes, and he didn't need extras."
Overall, Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is a wonderful blend of fantasy and mystery, just like some of the author's other books. I must begin with the fact that Aliette de Bodard is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books, including the Obsidian and Blood series, mysteries set in an Ancient Aztec society with magic. One highlight of this book is how it blends multiple genres like fantasy, romance, comedy, and mystery. The author's books are some of the most original that I have ever read. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of fantasy in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances by Aliette de Bodard is an absolutely amazing fantasy novella that will satisfy all fans of the author. I am so happy to be able to review this novella! The story reolves around dragon prince Thuan and his fallen angel husband Asmodeus. When they discover a crime has been committed, it's up to them to figure out what happened. This is definitely not what they expected to do on their vacation!
Here is a hilarious excerpt from the first page of the novella:
"Thuan's cousin had asked him to mind the children--an offer Thuan had said yes to, because the next person on his cousin's list had been Thuan's husband Asmodeus, and the words "Asmodeus" and "babysitting" in the same sentence were properly blood-curling. Anything involving Asmodeus and patience and gentleness and diplomacy, in fact. It wasn't that he didn't understand children: it was just that his idea of age-appropriate included lectures on stab-wounds and detailed explanations on how to terrorize other children to do one's bidding. Thuan was absolutely sure none of his aunties would approve. Worse, they would pointedly remind him at every single family occasion that he was the eldest in the couple and should provide his husband with a good example.
Thuan cleaned a lot of Asmodeus's messes, and he didn't need extras."
Overall, Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances is a wonderful blend of fantasy and mystery, just like some of the author's other books. I must begin with the fact that Aliette de Bodard is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books, including the Obsidian and Blood series, mysteries set in an Ancient Aztec society with magic. One highlight of this book is how it blends multiple genres like fantasy, romance, comedy, and mystery. The author's books are some of the most original that I have ever read. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of fantasy in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!
May 8, 2022
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances was an enjoyable enough quick read. It had an interesting storyline, was well paced and had some fun dialogue. The world of the story was fascinating; however, I didn't feel I understood it to the extent I would have liked. This story is a follow-up novella to Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders which, in turn, is noted to be a spin-off from the author's Dominion of the Fallen series. The blurb when I requested this book on NetGalley stated it was a standalone read, and it is as far as the plot is concerned, the story starting and finishing neatly within its pages. However, I didn't feel I knew enough about the characters, their world, the magic being used etc. and I imagine all that world building took place in previous books and is treated as implied knowledge here. I certainly liked what I did garner from this work, so maybe I will try to go back to read some of the early books at some point. I am giving this book three stars based on my reading experience here and now, but I think, had I previously read the other works and known more what was going on, it would have been at least a four. So, if you are looking to try this book, I would recommend starting at least with Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders, if not going all the way back to the Dominion of the Fallen series first. I believe you will get more out of this work if you do.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
This is a short novella, the second in a spin-off series that focus on this particular couple, Thuan and Asmodeus, characters that featured in another, bigger series. I read the first novella about them, but didn't read the original series. I feel like each one is self-containing, as far as the mystery and the main plot goes. All the relevant world-building is there too, but it's still obvious it's only a part of something much bigger. That's even more obvious if we take the romance, as we are clearly missing the origins of this couple. But I would say that it's easy, from the two novellas, to pick up on their dynamics and go with the flow. Even though they are married, I wouldn't say they're really an established couple yet, so we still get a lot of tension and animosity coming from them, which was fun. The best part of those novellas though, is the world-building. Vietnamese-inspired, but in an underwater Paris, with murder, political intrigue, and lots of fantasy elements. What a creative atmosphere!
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
July 19, 2022
Aliette is one of my favourite authors. This was utterly lovely. Part fantasy part crime. I loved revisiting these characters' lives and seeing this adventure for them. It was like revisiting old friends. And there were ghosts and dragons and murders. And a lovely gay couple working out their problems. I hope we get many more stories with these two. I think this one is my favourite so far.
May 5, 2022
This was a fun, short story that managed to pack quite a lot in. Despite the length, I did feel I got a good sense of the characters and I would have liked to see a lot more.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review..
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review..
November 15, 2022
This was even better than the first one. I'm saddly still lacking a lot of context, so I guess Dominion of the Fallen is now on my tbr because I love these characters and the world is very interesting.
May 11, 2022
Oh, this was fantastic.
I talked a lot about my perceptions of Thuan and Asmodeus's relationship in my review of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders, and this sequel took things exactly to where I wanted it to go from the last one.
In this novella, which is set a while after the first novella, Asmodeus's domestic side comes out as he takes care of his and Thuan's nieces on a trip to the dragon kingdom. Unfortunately, they come across a ghost child, who Asmodeus also takes to and bonds with, while Thuan is understandably worried that this ghost child is going to be a hungry ghost who rips out entrails. And they can't just leave things alone, because this silent ghost turns out to be witness for a murder, and Asmodeus, Thuan, and the children are all in the path of someone trying to get rid of the witness.
At one point during this, I think I whispered aloud "this is delicious", because it took us past the point where they were together-but-antagonistic to a point where the Dangerous One's cracks began to show -- that trope, you know? Where he was beginning to fall apart, and when we got the narrative text about how Fallen angels didn't remember their time in Heaven, and we knew how absolutely murderously and self-destructively protective Asmodeus was to this broken, unwanted, hungry ghost who had died alone and abandoned -- well, oh shit. This cuts to the core of who Asmodeus is and why he's that way and Thuan almost doesn't see it until it's too late, and the romantic stakes are just as real as the plot stakes -- which do get stronger and sharper in this book.
As well, my issues with the previous novella (where characters' actions didn't seem to align with their motivations) were fixed here. Everything seemed natural to the characters as presented, and the reasons people did things both served the characters and served the narrative. I ate this one like I was starving, and it was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed these characters so much and I am eager to jump in and see more of where they came from. If there are further murder mysteries starring them, I'll be first in line to read them.
I talked a lot about my perceptions of Thuan and Asmodeus's relationship in my review of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders, and this sequel took things exactly to where I wanted it to go from the last one.
In this novella, which is set a while after the first novella, Asmodeus's domestic side comes out as he takes care of his and Thuan's nieces on a trip to the dragon kingdom. Unfortunately, they come across a ghost child, who Asmodeus also takes to and bonds with, while Thuan is understandably worried that this ghost child is going to be a hungry ghost who rips out entrails. And they can't just leave things alone, because this silent ghost turns out to be witness for a murder, and Asmodeus, Thuan, and the children are all in the path of someone trying to get rid of the witness.
At one point during this, I think I whispered aloud "this is delicious", because it took us past the point where they were together-but-antagonistic to a point where the Dangerous One's cracks began to show -- that trope, you know? Where he was beginning to fall apart, and when we got the narrative text about how Fallen angels didn't remember their time in Heaven, and we knew how absolutely murderously and self-destructively protective Asmodeus was to this broken, unwanted, hungry ghost who had died alone and abandoned -- well, oh shit. This cuts to the core of who Asmodeus is and why he's that way and Thuan almost doesn't see it until it's too late, and the romantic stakes are just as real as the plot stakes -- which do get stronger and sharper in this book.
As well, my issues with the previous novella (where characters' actions didn't seem to align with their motivations) were fixed here. Everything seemed natural to the characters as presented, and the reasons people did things both served the characters and served the narrative. I ate this one like I was starving, and it was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed these characters so much and I am eager to jump in and see more of where they came from. If there are further murder mysteries starring them, I'll be first in line to read them.
May 9, 2022
4.5
Oh my God, I loved this! This is a second novella set after the third book in the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone. I've been meaning to read the original trilogy for ages, and I definitely will now, but I read the novella that came out before this one Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders. So yes, these can be read as standalones, but because I enjoyed them so much I will definitely read everything that's set in this world.
This is an adventure/mystery following Thuan, who's a dragon prince, and his very stab-friendly, fallen angel husband, Asmodeus. This novella follows the main characters on what should have been a time to relax, with the most they have to do being babysitting. However, when a ghost wanting justice for a murder they witnessed (and a dead body) shows up, their relaxing vacation is quickly cut short. There is a mystery to solve, and someone is not happy about their involvement. They have their family to protect, and their relationship to try and keep intact through some dangerous moments.
I can't tell you much more without spoilers, but I very much enjoy Aliette de Bodard's writing style, and the way she writes her characters - there is something about them that stands out. Thuan and Asmodeus are completely different. and yet they make their relationship work, and these two novellas (and this one especially) were very interesting because of that. In this one, we definitely see some cracks form, but their love definitely can sustain all of the hardships. I loved seeing both of them work hard to understand the other person, and see things from their perspective. Their relationship with their nieces was so sweet and lovely to read about, I enjoyed that aspect of the novella a lot. I also enjoyed the way that the mystery unfolded, while the mystery is what gets the story going - the characters are what really keeps it alive. I also enjoyed the side characters, while this isn't too long and we don't see a lot of them, they were interesting and some of their interactions with the main characters were super fun! I also really enjoyed the banter between Thuan and Asmodeus, good banter means good chemistry.
I really don't know why it took me this long to get into this series, but I am so glad I finally did! I enjoyed the characters and this little adventure a lot, so I will for sure be going back to read the rest. I would highly recommend this book, I think it's a good starting point if you are interested in the series - I had no trouble following the plot even though I've not read the previous books. All in all, I loved this and I would recommend it!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my God, I loved this! This is a second novella set after the third book in the Dominion of the Fallen trilogy, but it can be read as a standalone. I've been meaning to read the original trilogy for ages, and I definitely will now, but I read the novella that came out before this one Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders. So yes, these can be read as standalones, but because I enjoyed them so much I will definitely read everything that's set in this world.
This is an adventure/mystery following Thuan, who's a dragon prince, and his very stab-friendly, fallen angel husband, Asmodeus. This novella follows the main characters on what should have been a time to relax, with the most they have to do being babysitting. However, when a ghost wanting justice for a murder they witnessed (and a dead body) shows up, their relaxing vacation is quickly cut short. There is a mystery to solve, and someone is not happy about their involvement. They have their family to protect, and their relationship to try and keep intact through some dangerous moments.
I can't tell you much more without spoilers, but I very much enjoy Aliette de Bodard's writing style, and the way she writes her characters - there is something about them that stands out. Thuan and Asmodeus are completely different. and yet they make their relationship work, and these two novellas (and this one especially) were very interesting because of that. In this one, we definitely see some cracks form, but their love definitely can sustain all of the hardships. I loved seeing both of them work hard to understand the other person, and see things from their perspective. Their relationship with their nieces was so sweet and lovely to read about, I enjoyed that aspect of the novella a lot. I also enjoyed the way that the mystery unfolded, while the mystery is what gets the story going - the characters are what really keeps it alive. I also enjoyed the side characters, while this isn't too long and we don't see a lot of them, they were interesting and some of their interactions with the main characters were super fun! I also really enjoyed the banter between Thuan and Asmodeus, good banter means good chemistry.
I really don't know why it took me this long to get into this series, but I am so glad I finally did! I enjoyed the characters and this little adventure a lot, so I will for sure be going back to read the rest. I would highly recommend this book, I think it's a good starting point if you are interested in the series - I had no trouble following the plot even though I've not read the previous books. All in all, I loved this and I would recommend it!!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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