Marjorie M. Liu
Marjorie M. Liu
Book 5 in the series:Marjorie M. Liu Short Story Collections
diverse characters
exploration of identity
intertwining magical and real worlds
lgbtq
poc representation
integrated fantasy genres
steampunk elements
engaging plot
nostalgic storytelling
vivid imagery
intricate storytelling
reimagined fairy tales
short story collection
novella inclusion
themes of love and change
hardship and secrets
magical realism
varying pacing
ancient forests as setting
complete narratives feeling
'The Tangleroot Palace' by Marjorie M. Liu is a collection of short stories and a novella that delves into various genres such as fantasy, science fiction, superhero, urban fantasy, and steampunk. The stories explore themes of love, change, hardship, secrets, and the intertwining of the magical and real worlds. The writing style of Liu is praised for its ability to unfold intricate stories without heavy exposition, captivating readers with a blend of comforting nostalgia and magical storytelling.
The book features a range of characters from LGBTQ and PoC backgrounds, reimagined fairy tales, and unique settings like ancient forests and the Tangleroot forest. Each story presents a different facet of Liu's storytelling prowess, with some readers particularly drawn to the novella 'Tangleroot Palace' for its engaging plot and thematic synergy with the other stories in the collection.
Characters:
The characters are well-developed, diverse, and embody themes relevant to identity, belonging, and overcoming adversity.
Writing/Prose:
The writing style is intricate and skillful, favoring detailed descriptions that engage the reader through vivid imagery.
Plot/Storyline:
The plot is characterized by a sense of incompleteness, with stories feeling more like segments from larger works rather than self-contained narratives.
Setting:
Settings are diverse, featuring fantasy worlds that incorporate both traditional and contemporary elements.
Pacing:
The pacing of the collection varies, with some stories flowing better than others, particularly noting a smoother experience in the latter parts.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
The Tangleroot Palace is a collection of six short stories and one novella.
The stories blend various fantasy sub-genres, including fairy tale retellings, steampunk, and urban fantasy.
The novella Tangleroot Palace is a standout favorite among readers.
The earlier stories in the collection are noted to be rough around the edges compared to the later ones.
Readers appreciate the book's ability to evoke childhood memories of storytelling.
The collection features LGBTQ and people of color characters, providing diverse representation.
One of the tales involves a girl seeking help from the Tangleroot forest when faced with an arranged marriage.
Marjorie Liu is also known for her series Monstress, which gained her a loyal following.
The stories are praised for being intricate and well-crafted, without excessive exposition.
The collection builds on itself, with the order of stories enhancing the reading experience.
Readers found the themes of love, choice, and home to be significant in the stories.
The collection is described as casting a comforting and magical spell over readers.
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of violence, oppression, and potentially distressing magical themes.
Has Romance?
Romance appears in a moderate capacity, interwoven within the stories without overwhelming the plots.
From The Publisher:
July 2021 Indie Next Recommended Book
[STARRED REVIEW] "Liu's mastery of so many different subgenres astounds, and her ear for language carries each story forward on gorgeously crafted sentences. This is a must-read"
- Publishers Weekly , Top-10 forthcoming SF/F/H title
New York Times bestseller and Hugo, British Fantasy, Romantic Times, and Eisner award-winning author of the graphic novel Monstress , Marjorie Liu leads you deep into the heart of the tangled woods. In her long-awaited debut collection of dark, lush, and spellbinding short fiction, you will find unexpected detours, dangerous magic, and even more dangerous women.
Briar, bodyguard for a body-stealing sorceress, discovers her love for Rose, whose true soul emerges only once a week. An apprentice witch seeks her freedom through betrayal, the bones of the innocent, and a meticulously plotted spell. In a world powered by crystal skulls, a warrior returns to save China from invasion by her jealous ex. A princess runs away from an arranged marriage, finding family in a strange troupe of traveling actors at the border of the kingdom's deep, dark woods.
Concluding with a gorgeous full-length novella, Marjorie Liu's first short fiction collection is an unflinching sojourn into her thorny tales of love, revenge, and new beginnings.
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