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Nataliya's Reviews > The Brides of High Hill
The Brides of High Hill (The Singing Hills Cycle, #5)
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Nghi Vo’s The Singing Hills novellas from the beginning have centered on the stories as they are remembered and retold and lived out. Their framework at the start has been a story within a story; a traveling cleric Chih being the recipient of a story or a legend, with the readers seeing how the stories are made and shaped and how it turn they shape the events. The previous novella in the series, Mammoths at the Gates, broke out of the pattern by actually having Chih at the center of events, and this one follows suit with one more twist — Chih here is part of the story itself.
As it quickly becomes clear to the reader, this is a version of Bluebeard, but with a bit of variation to make it interesting. If something about the way the story unfolds seems a bit off, a bit suspect, it’s because it’s meant to be. It’s still quiet and unfolds gently, but this time with a slight aftertaste of horror and a good helping of unsettling tension.
I loved the first and the third book in this series, but this novella did not hit all the high notes those two had. I think I miss the story within a story framework although I do appreciate seeing more of Chih again, involved in a story itself instead of being part of storytelling. The story “twist” was both interesting as it derailed the expectations and a bit of a whiplash, abruptly changing the narrative flow. And the gothic feel — if this is what you like, you’ll probably adore this one, but I’m usually left a bit cold by that tone.
Still a good one, although not my favorite in the series (that honor goes to The Empress of Salt and Fortune and Into the Riverlands).
3.5 stars. I will definitely continue with this series.
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Thanks to NetGalley and Tordotcom for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Also posted on my blog.
“The world starts with a story. So do dynasties and eras and wars. So does love, and so does revenge. Everything starts with a story.”
As it quickly becomes clear to the reader, this is a version of Bluebeard, but with a bit of variation to make it interesting. If something about the way the story unfolds seems a bit off, a bit suspect, it’s because it’s meant to be. It’s still quiet and unfolds gently, but this time with a slight aftertaste of horror and a good helping of unsettling tension.
“Chih finally understood that the monsters were everywhere.”
I loved the first and the third book in this series, but this novella did not hit all the high notes those two had. I think I miss the story within a story framework although I do appreciate seeing more of Chih again, involved in a story itself instead of being part of storytelling. The story “twist” was both interesting as it derailed the expectations and a bit of a whiplash, abruptly changing the narrative flow. And the gothic feel — if this is what you like, you’ll probably adore this one, but I’m usually left a bit cold by that tone.
Still a good one, although not my favorite in the series (that honor goes to The Empress of Salt and Fortune and Into the Riverlands).
3.5 stars. I will definitely continue with this series.
——————
Thanks to NetGalley and Tordotcom for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Also posted on my blog.
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Reading Progress
January 29, 2024
– Shelved
April 21, 2024
–
Started Reading
April 21, 2024
–
99.0%
April 21, 2024
–
Finished Reading
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carol.
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Mar 24, 2024 01:07PM
aww, jealous!
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It’s on NetGalley. If I got it, you should be able to as well! Then we can buddy read :)
I thought I requested... maybe not, maybe that was not this one. I'll check. Thanks! :)
I did pre-order the hardcover, though :)
Oh, report back please!
It sounds very interesting! I like gothic vibes ;) I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Alexandra wrote: "It sounds very interesting! I like gothic vibes ;) I am looking forward to reading more of this series."If you like gothic vibes, I think you’ll love it more than I did. It certainly has plenty of those, and done differently than what we usually see (inspired by European gothic approach; this one has a different flavor).
I quite enjoy this series as well, and even those novellas that I cared less about are still remarkably good.
The way I dreamed about this novella last night even though I haven’t read it yet (maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me that I have to read the ARC soon) and that when I woke up and opened Goodreads, the first thing I saw was your review. Anyway, this strange coincidence aside, I’m glad you liked it! I’m especially excited about this installment because of the gothic vibes, although I think I’ll miss the element of the story within the story.
Great review, Nataliya! Gothic vibes aren't really my thing, either, so I feel you on that. 😊
Raquel wrote: "The way I dreamed about this novella last night even though I haven’t read it yet (maybe my subconscious was trying to tell me that I have to read the ARC soon) and that when I woke up and opened G..."Telepathy 😅
I really think this book will be pretty perfect for gothic vibes book connoisseurs among us.
I wonder if Chih will continue playing a more central role in all future installments or if we return to them being a story conduit.
Amina wrote: "Great review, Nataliya! Gothic vibes aren't really my thing, either, so I feel you on that. 😊"Thanks, Amina! It seems you and I are a rare breed, with no deep love for gothic.
Amazing review! I just finished it and I agree. I just liked it a little more than you cuz I liked the gothic vibes :)
Carrot :3 (on a hiatus) wrote: "Amazing review! I just finished it and I agree. I just liked it a little more than you cuz I liked the gothic vibes :)"Thank you! I think gothic vibes charm is just always lost on me. Now, a nice space station vibe - sign me up
