A Fire Born of Exile by Aliette de Bodard

A Fire Born of Exile by Aliette de Bodard

Thank you Netgalley and Orion Books for an arc for an unbiased review.

Although a huge fan of The Red Scholar's Wake from last year, I always try to go into a new book by the same author with as little bias as possible. Yet, within minutes of starting A Fire is Born of Exile, I just knew I was heading down a rabbit hole of absolute joy. Again. 

This story, much like it's predecessor, is a Xuya, Vietnamese universe sci-fi setting. Very much space opera, at it's best. 

The opening is explosive. Literally and metaphorically. The main characters of Minh, Hoà, and Quynh, are immediately introduced. 

We quickly begin to understand that Quynh has ulterior motives. As an alchemist, Quynh is enigmatic and confident, and also the character that, because of ulterior motives, you could readily dislike. Yet, there is sympathy & understanding as to what drives them. 

Minh could also fall into easily disliking them, but again, you feel the sympathy and understanding for their plight. 

Hoà is a balance I thought that allowed it all to gel. And I was surprised to find probably my favourite character out of them all. 

However, even the side characters serve an important purpose. A feat not always achieved by some writers. 

We have a mystery, wrapped up in an slow burn, complicated romance, with political intrigue meshed together that drives the story forward extremely well. 

What I loved previously about The Red Scholar's Wake was how it was presented to us, the reader, and it doesn't disappoint here. The details were rich with fantastic world building. It had many elements that I love in books such as these, and you also don't need to have read The Red Scholar's Wake to immerse yourself into this story. Although, I'd highly recommend you read both. 

For anyone who wants to be transported into a wonderous world, for escapism, to see good triumph over evil. For friendships and for joy. And ultimately for love, all with a delightfully queer backdrop in a space opera sci-fi setting with a twist, this book is most definitely for you. 

Another easy 5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟