This is the third Ruthanna Emrys story I’ve read, and at this point, I think I have to admit that her fiction is just not for me. Her stories always hThis is the third Ruthanna Emrys story I’ve read, and at this point, I think I have to admit that her fiction is just not for me. Her stories always have such cool premises (a library that serves as a nexus for Lovecraftian entities! a Deep One protagonist!) but never really deliver what I'm hoping for.
This story has the coolest premise yet: It’s about the “language of the originators,� which warps the mind and body of those who study it. We begin with our hero Polymede in the middle of a heist, risking her sanity and career to sneak a glimpse at a forbidden fragment of text.
If my advisor could hear me, maybe he’d admit that I belong in the department after all: a true student of Lloala, so much of my thought transmuted that even mundane frustration emerges in ancient and hazardous form. I risk myself with every breath.
But, as it turns out, the story is much more a critique of academia—a stodgy old boys� club, afraid of change, resistant to new ideas, etc.—than a horror story. If that sounds good to you, you’ll probably enjoy this story! Personally, I came for the ancient horrors and left dissatisfied. (view spoiler)[The only consequence of viewing the forbidden text is some wavy lines on Polymede’s back, which is pretty much the tamest hazard ever? Also, we never find out who 'Rochaol is. We never even find out the protags� theory as to who 'Rochaol is. All we know is that she exists. That may be a big deal in the academic community, but to me as a reader it’s the least interesting reveal possible. (hide spoiler)]
For the record I don’t disagree with Emrys� critique of academia; it’s just zzz to me. Not being able to get an article published may be horrifying in real life, but I prefer my fictional horror more melodramatic....more
Despite the neat West African setting, most of the book was a paint-by-numbers fantasy—fast-paced, full of actiI’ve got mixed feelings about this one.
Despite the neat West African setting, most of the book was a paint-by-numbers fantasy—fast-paced, full of action, but nothing unique or emotionally compelling. You’ve got a pretty standard setup: an oppressive kingdom and a small party of freedom fighters on a quest to bring the Artifacts to the Place and perform the Ritual. This is played straight, with all the typical plot beats you’d expect. (view spoiler)[Royal pursuers catch up to the party at unexpected times (hide spoiler)]? Check. (view spoiler)[Main character gets captured and her friends have to bust her free (hide spoiler)]? Check.
The characters are also pretty stock. There’s Zelie, the hotblooded brave leader; Amari, the timid sidekick who tries hard and predictably learns to stand up for what she believes in; and Tzain, sensible big bro, who is so boring he doesn’t get a POV. The obligatory romance is shoehorned in without buildup or chemistry. Suddenly people are kissing and I’m like ???
But the one thing that sets this book apart is anger. This is a very angry book, and it lets itself be angry instead of suppressing it or being ashamed of it.
Zelie is basically always angry—at her mother’s death at the hands of the royal guard, at the injustices visited upon her people—and the narrative never criticizes her for it. She’s never encouraged to set aside her anger or find healing in forgiveness or any of that. She’s also not portrayed as morally gray or an antihero. She is fully heroic and brimming with fury and if she has to slaughter an arena full of enemies, she’ll do it. Anger is her strength.
In contrast, we have Inan, who seeks reconciliation. He wants to forge peace between oppressors and oppressed; he’s sure that if everyone lays down their arms and sits down at the same table, they will recognize their common humanity. In another book, Inan would be the hero. In this book, Inan is portrayed as cowardly, weak, and above all deluded to believe that peace is possible unless the oppressed have the power to enforce it.
I find this kind of moral compass...refreshing, I guess? So many books, particularly YA, preach that Violence is Bad, regardless of the practicalities involved. This book doesn’t glorify violence, but it is uncompromising and unapologetic and I love that aspect of it. I just wish it came in less generic packaging.
Side note (MAJOR SPOILERS): (view spoiler)[I really hope that Inan is dead and stays dead. Not because I hated him—I thought his character arc was one of the most interesting things in this book—but because reviving him and giving him a redemption arc would dilute the book’s message. He already got a redemption arc in this book! And he blew it completely! He doesn’t deserve a second one! (hide spoiler)]...more
Loading...
