Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame
by Neon Yang
Publication Date: May 6th 2025
Publisher: Tor.com
Find This Book: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame
Source: NetGalley ALC
Rating: 5/5
The fiercely independent nation of Quanbao is isolated, reclusive, and something of a mystery to the rest of the world. It is rumored that there, dragons are not feared as is right and proper but instead loved and worshiped.
Yeva is perhaps a strange emissary to these people. Not only because their face has never been seen in public, but because they are a hero born to a birthright that makes them suited for their task—hunting dragons.
And so the dragon hunter must woo Quanbao's queen—the Lady Sookhee—to understand what secrets she is hiding. A woman reasonably suspicious of Yeva's intentions, and the imperial might of the throne she represents, Sookhee bears the burden of the safety of her entire people. How can she trust this stranger newly arrived to her court, a weapon forged in blood and fire, to understand what her people need and how best to safeguard their future?
Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame is an entertaining queer novella set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world. The worldbuilding was the best part! It was so well developed with national relations, lore, and food descriptions.
Yeva, a disabled sapphic dragon slayer, being sent to the neighboring kingdom to root out the deadly dragon they are harboring was such a cool plot idea, and Neon Yang is such a mesmerizing writer. I wish it was longer! I adored Yeva as she navigated her past and her growing feelings for the girl-king all during her ongoing investigation into the dragon. I’d definitely recommend this one to dragon lovers, and folks who enjoyed queer fantasy like Bookshops & Bonedust. It’s such a treat!
Also, how gorgeous is this cover?!?!
No comments:
Post a Comment