I’m always up for reading a book with Chinese inspiration. Growing up, I’ve always been delighted to find a book with an asian protagonist, especially if she is Chinese, because there are so few books in the States with characters that look like me. I picked up The Bird and the Blade because, while it takes place in the Mongol Empire, it features a Chinese protagonist from the Song dynasty.
The story is told out of chronological order. While this structure may work with readers in building intrigue, developing tension at crucial moments, or saving for a big reveal later, I’m not a fan of stories that alternate between two timelines, and it made it difficult to ground myself in the timeline. As a result, I never felt connected with any of the characters. Readers who enjoy the anticipation as these kinds of stories build towards the climax will appreciate this element more than I did.
Out of all of the major players, Turandokht was the most fascinating character for her intelligence and power in a time dominated by men. A close second is Timur, who seems more cunning than Jinghua and Khalaf give him credit. I would have liked to see more time spent developing his character. As it is, I’ll mostly remember him for how he’s able to insert cuss words and phrases, many of them crass, into almost every sentence he says.
Though The Bird and the Blade is a politically driven novel, character motivations aren’t clearly established. Jinghua, Khalaf, and Timur spend much of their time withholding information from each other while plotting how to get what they want. While their actions are understandable, given the environmental climate in which they live, it was unclear much of the time what is truth and what is falsehood (or an assumption on the part of another character). For all of their pretty words and thoughts, it felt more as if emotions drive the characters’ actions, leading to inconsistencies between how they think/speak and act.
The characters seem to follow a prewritten script rather than moving the plot forward themselves. Jinghua in particular acts in response to whatever Khalaf says and does for all her thoughts about what she intends to do. While it’s understandable that a teenager will allow emotions to overrule rational thought at times, and that Jinghua’s feelings for Khalaf play a major role in this plot, I would have liked to see more time spent on the trio’s desperate situation and on Jinghua’s other characteristics. For example, Jinghua may be timid in some ways, but she’s resourceful. And from the way she honors her brother’s memory, you can tell that she loves him. I’m always down for a book with good sibling relationships.
I appreciate how the author incorporates tragedy in The Bird and the Blade. As much as I love a happy ending, I appreciate novels that aren’t afraid to let misfortune after misfortune meet their characters or to close out with a tragic ending. The tragedy tag is especially realistic considering Jinghua and Khalaf’s respective situations. (Though, as the author explains in the afterward, she does take artistic liberties with other elements, such as anachronisms and use of language.)
The Bird and the Blade has an interesting premise, but the execution left me wanting. A large part of this is due to how the story is told – alternating between the past and present timelines. Because of the way the story is told, many facts are left unclear until the end of the novel. That said, given the nature of the story (as a retelling and a tragedy), many of the characters’ actions are understandable, if not entirely clear, given that they have a role to play in pushing the story to its tragic end. This novel didn’t end up being for me, but I can see readers enjoying the kind, idealistic romantic interest, the quest to save a kingdom, and the historical asianic setting.
Who would I recommend it to?
To readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially one that features a journey, a foreign setting, and more of a romance focus.
Comparable Titles: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson (for the historical setting + journey + romance), The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang (for the historical fantasy setting + political intrigue). Heartless by Marissa Meyer (for the tragedy + romance + retelling).
Content
Kissing
Alcohol / Getting Drunk
Violence (fight scenes, some details of death but not extremely graphic)
Islamic beliefs play a large role in Prince Khalf’s thoughts and actions
Chat with Me
What are some of your favorite retellings? Have you read and loved a novel that features an asian protagonist?
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Maria John Writes says
Damn – I was really looking forward to this book. Sad that the execution wasn’t done well.
But I’m still intrigued so I’ll probably check it out π
I’m a sucker for any Fairy Tale Retellings. Doesn’t matter how many I’ve read – I’m still so very into it <3 <3
Crystal says
Retellings are so much fun. Especially when you know the original story – I enjoy seeing how writers change up the world. I hope you enjoy this one, Maria π
CG @ Paper Fury says
Agh how disappointing. πI do want to read this one but the execution of the story seems like it’d be pretty off-putting to me too, especially with the disconnect. But the cover IS gorgeous and I do like historical retellings and diverse stories so so much!! I just read a Guy Fawkes retelling which was super cool and unique!
Crystal says
I agree. Gorgeous cover + historical retellings + diversity are elements I love. Which is why I was drawn to this story in the first place π
The Guy Fawkes retelling sounds interesting. What’s the title?
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
Those books you want to love but just don’t are such a bummer :-/ I also appreciate when an author isn’t afraid to make their story tragic or dark, but I’m not that fond of jumping around timelines either. I think it makes it harder for me to sink into the story too, which then makes it harder to connect with the characters. And if the characters didn’t feel genuine, that’s a definite problem. I’m sorry this one disappointed you!
Crystal says
Yeah, I really wanted to love this one. I agree that characters are really important.
Angie @ Ba_BAMB says
Dual timelines are hard to pull off, and they often fall flat for me, too. The author also runs the risk of the reader being more invested in one timeline, having the other fall flat or feel uninteresting. I’m sorry you didn’t love this one as much as you’d hoped. I also hate it when I feel characterization is forsaken for plot; it’s the kiss of death for a book.
Your review was fabulous!
Crystal says
Yeah, my main problem with this novel that I wanted to jump ahead and see what was happening in the present timeline. (Which feels weird saying because it’s also the end of the story.) I agree also that characterization is so important. If I don’t like the characters, it doesn’t matter how good the plot is. (Though good storytelling is also important!)
Thanks, Angie!
Brooke Lorren says
It’s too bad that this book didn’t live up to your expectations. It sounded like it might be good too. I’m not a big fan of tragic endings though.
Crystal says
It definitely does have potential, and I know there are readers who enjoyed this one. (It has a 4.11 rating on Goodreads at this time.) It just didn’t work for me.
If you don’t like tragic endings though, this definitely wouldn’t be for you though!
Kimberly @ Book Swoon says
I have this one on my shelf to read as I could not resist trying a tale inspired by the opera Turandot! I recently read and enjoyed The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty (Middle Eastern ) which I thought was fantastic and I loved the Arabian Nights feel to it.
Crystal says
The City of Brass looks like a read I’d enjoy. I’m adding it to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing about it! I hope you enjoy The Bird and the Blade, Kimberly! π
Sophia Rose says
Two timelines or framing a story with the end told at the beginning can be iffy for me, too. Sounds like there were other little things to pull it down, too. I do think its neat that you found this one. I like Asian historical fiction and romances. I read a good one last year about Ghenghis Khan and his wives. I’ll have to look this one up, too. Thanks, Crystal!
Crystal says
Yeah, there were a few things that didn’t work for me with this one, but while I didn’t like how one of the timelines gives us a peek at the end, it did drive me to finish the book! And I do appreciate how this book is an Asian historical fiction. I didn’t have many of those growing up, so I tend to give books with Asian protagonists a chance. I hope you enjoy this one, Sophia!