The Empress of Salt and Fortune

Inspired by Asian mythology and history, this novella focuses on a quest by a cleric called Chih as they embark on a quest to unlock, record, and understand the stories of their realm. Archtypal characters such as empresses, servants, traders, ghosts, and talking animals feature heavily throughout the plot. The world is so richly evoked, and never forced or overly explained; it simply unfolds at our feet, guiding the reader through thought-provoking narratives.

At some point, as a very tired parent of a very active toddler, I realized I needed a book beyond my usual four hundred-page-plus doorstoppers, and I quickly discovered this gem. Brevity defines this book, and due to its length, I expected something easily consumable. But I was pleased to find out that I still had to pay attention!

The subtle hints and clever structure set up the rich machinations of an empire, along with a clever monarch looking to secure her legacy and throne – without relying solely on brawn.

Political intrigue was but one facet of this condensed… show more.

This truly lovely historical novella is set in a fantastical version of ancient China and incorporates mythology that I’m certain I didn’t completely understand. However, the bittersweet tale, told by a former handmaiden named Rabbit to a traveling cleric, is gorgeous enough to stand without any background knowledge. This is a tale I will return to more than once, for its compelling story and nostalgic tone.

This novella packs in more memorable moments than many much longer books. Like The Once and Future Witches, it’s also a work of speculation that addresses history. But mainly, it’s a fantastic story that happens to dance with big questions like: Who gets to write history? Who do we remember and why? What artifacts matter? Nghi Vo subtly addresses these questions while spinning a tale of an Asian empire, its rulers, and its inhabitants. The cleric Chih, their remarkable bird Almost Brilliant, and the elderly woman Rabbit together create a compelling, grand tale of world-building. It’s beautiful to read,… show more.