converse

This is the first of Sui’s stories I’ve stumbled upon and it definitely makes me wanna read many more! This story is about love, politics, deceit, intrigue, and, of course, an epic war. So, we’re in a historic setting, a feudal system, an empire. What I love about this story is that it does not revolve around being gay. Men love men, women love women in this society and it’s no big deal. The big deal here is the doubts and the uncertainty that war and obligations and honor impose on the main characters. And what absolutely did it for me: The beauty of the writing, an inspiring and impressive form of art. I have never read longing described as accurate and intense as here, aching for someone without so many words, love so raw and pure in the little details as much as in the big ideas. – And, don’t get me wrong, this is not a sappy tale! It’s an adventure. And Sui has a beautiful way with words that make this an absolute gem.

I greatly enjoyed reading the author‘s Homestead series (much recommended if shifters are your thing!) and then moved on to this little gem. A beautiful read. A touching read. An entertaining read. Now, in reality I guess people don’t change all that much or quickly (looking at you, captain!), but if I wanted reality, I wouldn’t be reading fiction, science fiction even. Now, what really made this story special to me was the Canari race and the portrayal of their main character, who you will all come to love. The way the author describes who and what they are, what this one particular Cana was and who he becomes, is so ingenious, so relatable, so palpable… Few authors accomplish to invent a new race and make you feel like you really understand their creation. And gosh the description of his songs and the way he sings is among the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. – Also, there’s lots of good sci-fi, drama and action going on, too!

I‘m not even sure exactly what to say about this story other than that it is the sweetest, most endearing and also the positively most naïve story I have so far come across. We all carry the light and the dark within us, humankind is ambivalent, so if only we had a star to come learn about our ways and help us become better people. Yet, as this story shows, not all people are so bad to begin with. There’s lots of love to go around, even among kings, some intense (and interesting!) lovemaking, lots of learning and healing, desires and insecurities, and an adorable amount of cuteness. After all, who doesn’t get star-struck every once in a while. 😉

I‘m gonna keep this brief: This is one of the best books (story kinda sounds too flat) you’ll ever read. Once done, you’ll have learned more about friendship, boating, seamanship, geography, and catamarans than you ever thought possible, all the while being not just well entertained, but also gripped by the tension, the criminal energy, the twists and turns of the storm(s) as well as the story overall. This is a thriller, a crime novel, a love story, a tale of a global manhunt (or boat hunt), an epic of finding friends and family near and far – and at its core the age-old story of good vs evil with the hero(s) staying the course against all odds.