I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo Series: The Singing Hills Cycle #5
Published by Tordotcom on May 7 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 128
Format: Finished hardcover
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: There are plenty of surprises in store for readers in Nghi Vo’s latest, another sparkling entry in her popular series.
Confession time: I haven’t read the first four books of The Singing Hills Cycle, but since each one is marketed as a stand-alone, and because I’ve been wanting to read the series, I decided to jump in with book five (I know, I’m nuts). And I would say it was a mostly successful experience, although I can tell there’s lots of backstory and character development that I missed out on, despite the story itself being self contained. Still, I do love Nghi Vo’s writing, and this book has the feel of a magical fable.
The story revolves around a young woman named Pham Nhung who is traveling with her parents to meet her future husband. Accompanying her is Cleric Chih from the previous books. There’s no explanation for why Chih is traveling with the Phams, and they can’t explain why their niexin Almost Brilliant, a sort of spirit bird, isn’t with them. Still Chih agrees to help Nhung as she navigates a new place, hoping that Lord Guo will decide to marry her.
The Phams are greeted with elaborate banquets, but something isn’t quite right at Lord Guo’s house, Doi Cao. Guo’s “mad son” Zhihao interrupts the banquet with a warning for Nhung, and later Nhung and Chih seek him out only to discover a terrible secret. Is Nhung safe, or should she run away as fast as she can?
The Brides of High Hill is a lush, beautifully written story set in an Asian inspired world. In this world there are magical beasts, some good and some bad, and I know the previous books expand on the world building, which is one reason I can’t wait to go back and read them. Vo’s writing is full of sumptuous descriptions of food and clothing, and there’s a light humorous tone, even though the story turns dark later on.
Vo lulls the reader with a fairly predictable tale at first, but later throws in an amazing twist that completely changes the story. What starts as a tame tale about a giddy bride turns dark and bloody, and I loved every second of it. According to Goodreads, there are at least two more novellas coming, and I plan to catch up so I’ll be ready for Nghi Vo’s next adventure.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I have also been wanting to dive into this series! This definitely sounds interesting but I may still aim to start with the first one
Good idea, I would have done that had I known how good it was:-)
So this was the book you mentioned you’d not read the rest of the series first. Glad it worked out well for you and that you have the rest of the series to enjoy 😀
Yes, I’m so curious now to see what happened before:-)
Reading what you shared of the story I could not avoid thinking back to Kingfisher’s “Seventh Bride”: there is a definite vibe here that makes me very curious to sample this author who I keep seeing mentioned but have yet to read… Thanks for sharing 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…NIGHT OF THE MANNEQUINS, by Stephen Graham Jones
And you’ve made me want to read Seventh Bride;-)
I’ve been known to jump into a series a couple of books in before reading the others first, but hey as long as they can be read as standalones it’s okay, right? 😛 I love that this story is set in an Asian inspired world. It sounds absolutely magical and stunning!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: A Seduction of Dreams and Nightmares by A.J. Locke
I think it’s smart when writers write stand alone series, they can get more readers, I think.
Interesting… I’ve heard this isn’t as good as the rest in the series, but then I haven’t read the rest of the series either. Maybe that’s the key? Glad you liked it and love the review!
I have read a few reviews like that too. Knowing there are at least two more books coming, I need to catch up fast!
I am so envious you got the chance to read this and I definitely recommend the other books in the series. Thanks for the review!
I’m very glad I read it too:-)
I might like this but I’d have to read the series in order.
Anne – Books of My Heart recently posted…Think Twice by Harlan Coben @HarlanCoben @GrandCentralPub
I think it will work best that way.
Yeesss catch up! I feel like it does hit harder when you know more about Chih. This was my favorite so far because of the twist but they just keep getting better!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…Reviews in a Minute: Spring Sensations
Ooh good to know! I will definitely catch up:-)
*insert shocked face* You didn’t read in order! I could never do that…lol. I am glad you still enjoyed it.
Stormi recently posted…Week in Review #80
Ha ha I know it was so bad of me, lol.
I never read anything by this author, but I hope to try, sooner or later! I am glad that you enjoyed it, and even more glad that you can read this series out of order, as to say!!
I do wish I’d started from the beginning, but I can always go back:-)
You’ve convinced me that I really need to pick this series up. I’ve adored most of the Asian mythology based stories that I’ve read and describing this as a ‘magical fable’ really intrigues me. Plus the dark bride plot of this one is giving me Bluebeard vibes.
I’m looking forward to going back to see what I’ve missed:-)
Lol… I LOVED that you crashed this mid-series:)). I don’t do it as often as I used to – but if a book is advertised as a standalone, then I’ll happily give it a go. Glad this one worked so well for you, Tammy.
I don’t have this one yet, but I have collected the first four (of course, I haven’t tried reading them yet), so I’m glad to see you enjoyed it. Gives me something to look forward to.
Sounds very good. Hope you manage to catch up with the previous books.
Lynn 😀
The more I hear about Nghi Vo’s books, the more I think I’ll love their writing. I’d like to give this one a try, curious about it. But I might end up reading Siren Queen before hopping into this series.