FORMAT: PAPERBACK (REVIEWED), DIGITAL | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
Yoon Ha Lee is best known for his Hexarchate series of sci-fi books; intricate space opera novels filled with intricate detail that is also quite accessible and fun. His latest novel, Phoenix Extravagant, is a stand-alone fantasy work that captures the same sort of complexity and joy found in his other work.
Phoenix Extravagant is the tale of Gyen Jebi , and artist who’s talent has been subverted by the state. Their nation has been conquered, their culture slowly being erased. All they want to do is paint, but the only gig they can get is painting arcane runes on the government’s magically animated warriors. Unhappy with their lot, things get worse when they discover the horrific crimes of the government. What’s a unemployed artist to do when confronted with an ethical dilemma? Well in Jeb’s case, they steal a gargantuan mechanical dragon (whom they have also befriended) and try and find a way to defy their fate.
What’s thrilling is about this story is how relatable Jebi is throughout. They aren’t a chosen hero or mystical champion; all they want to do is life their life but when confronted by the realities of the invading empire, they do what they can to change things. This is a tale about people yearning for freedom and working out exactly how much that could cost.
Yoon’s story-telling is mesmeric. The world building is steady through-out and a lot of the smaller elements of the world stack up until major plot points are revealed. The result is a coherent and intelligent tale; we get the motives behind all the actions. The star of the story isn’t just Gyen, but also the dragon, Arazi. Yoon excels themselves here; Arazi is easily one of the most interesting dragons we’ve ever seen in fiction.
Phoenix Extravagant is a fairly fast read, mostly because it’s a solid and interesting story. Set aside some time and expect to romp through this fantastic and original tale.
