June 10, 2024
Huang (Critical Point) condenses and modernizes the lengthy Chinese classic Water Margin, crafting it into a queer epic fantasy. After being sexually assaulted and falsely branded a traitor, arms instructor Lin Chong escapes and finds refuge among the Liangshan bandits, a group of women eschewing societal expectations for class and gender. Narrator Emily Woo Zeller conveys the fast-paced, tension-filled plot as the Liangshan prepare to take down government forces. Zeller provides unique voices for the huge cast, who often occupy the same scene. A few of these voices are unpleasant and even a little silly, but they match the characters' personalities as described by Huang and don't detract from the story. More important, listeners will not confuse the voices of the characters even if they become overwhelmed by the number of names (the print version offers a helpful list of dramatis personae). Lin Chong and villain Cai Jin have especially well-developed personas, full of strong emotions and intent. VERDICT This exciting and often amusing martial-arts adventure is an excellent recommendation for readers interested in high fantasy that addresses wealth disparities and abuse of power. Share with readers of Neon Yang's The Black Tides of Heaven.--Matthew Galloway
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