Phoenix Extravagant

Yoon Ha Lee

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"Phoenix Extravagant" by Yoon Ha Lee is a fantasy novel set in a secondary fantasy world inspired by Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. The story follows Jebi, a nonbinary artist who is forced to work for the invaders controlling their country, leading Jebi to uncover dark secrets about the destruction of art and artifacts to create magical pigments for automatons. Jebi's journey involves political intrigue, rebellion, and a forbidden romance with a duelist named Vei, all while navigating complex societal themes and a unique magical system involving special paints and automatons.

The book is praised for its originality, world-building, and the exploration of themes such as art, gender, and family honor. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of nonbinary and gay characters, the intricate magical elements tied to the story's history, and the engaging plot that balances political thriller elements with character-driven narratives. The writing style is described as beautiful, nuanced, and immersive, with a focus on exploring the inner values of humans through the characters' perspectives and moral struggles.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing a rich diversity of identities and moral complexities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and thoughtful, effectively blending intricate world-building and character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores themes of rebellion, corruption, and the role of art in a colonized society through the journey of a nonbinary artist.

Setting:

The setting is a fantastical version of historical Korea, steeped in cultural parallels and magical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, combining moments of action and introspection, which works well for character exploration.

GYEN JEBI STROVE to keep their hand from shaking as they dipped their brush into the paint they’d mixed from pigments, a part of every artist’s training. Remember, they reminded themself, you’re good ...

Notes:

Phoenix Extravagant is set in a fantasy world inspired by Korea, specifically during the Japanese occupation.

The protagonist Jebi is a non-binary artist who struggles financially and is persuaded to work for the occupying forces.

The book explores themes of rebellion, collaboration, and the complexities of war.

Jebi's art is used to create magical sigils for automata, including a dragon automaton named Arazi.

The story features a mix of unique magical elements intertwined with art and history, relating it to programming.

Non-binary representation is an integral part of the narrative, with multiple non-binary characters present in the world.

It features concepts of honor within family and friendships, creating tension around personal choices.

The relationship dynamics include subtle romance but focus primarily on political intrigue and personal growth.

The book is described as 'silkpunk,' combining historical elements with magical realism.

Readers noted the well-developed world-building that immerses them into the setting without feeling like info dumping.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book addresses themes of war, colonial trauma, and betrayal, which may be sensitive for some readers.

Has Romance?

While not the primary focus, the romance in the book is significant and adds depth to the character's journey.

From The Publisher:

The new blockbuster original fantasy work from Nebula, Hugo and Clarke award nominated author Yoon Ha Lee!

Dragons. Art. Revolution.

Gyen Jebi isn't a fighter, or a subversive. They just want to paint.

One day they're jobless and desperate; the next, Jebi finds themself recruited by the Ministry of Armor to paint the mystical sigils that animate the occupying government's automaton soldiers.

But when Jebi discovers the depths of the Razanei government's horrifying crimes-and the awful source of the magical pigments they use-they find they can no longer stay out of politics.

What they can do is steal Arazi, the ministry's mighty dragon automaton, and find a way to fight…

Ratings (5)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (3)

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About the Author:

Yoon Ha Lee's novel Ninefox Gambit came out from Solaris in 2016 and quickly garnered massive critical acclaim and was short-listed for the Arthur C. Clarke, Hugo and Nebula Awards. It won the Best First Novel Award in the Locus Awards and the Reddit Fantasy Award. His story collection Conservation of Shadows was released by Prime Books in 2013. He lives in Louisiana with his family and an extremely lazy cat, and has not yet been eaten by gators.

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