When I first saw the synopsis for this book (white guy dates Chinese warrior princess), I was a little wary. Not that there's anything wrong with dating white guys—hell, I've dated white guys—but the entire scenario (a kung fu princess, really?) is so cliché. Since it's Jeannie Lin, not Hollywood, though, I figured I'd give it a shot. |
I don't regret that, but I'm not especially glad that I did, either. For one, Ryam mispronounces Ai Li's name as Ailey once at the beginning of the book, and the novel proceeds to refer to her as Ailey for the rest, even when she's narrating. That was weird and annoying, but still minor. Unfortunately, Butterfly Swords doesn't redeem itself. It doesn't really establish Ryam and Ai Li as a couple that actually likes, respects and understands each other, preferring to go the dramatic star-crossed lovers route. We're supposed to believe that their love is enough to risk a nation and a family for, but, frankly, I didn't see it.
Add that to histrionic angst about social positions, Ryam being instantly better at fighting than anybody except the other white guy (who's... also married to a Chinese princess) and a slow, plodding climax that culminates in a, frankly, baffling duel, and you have a decidedly mediocre book. I liked Ai Li's grandma, and the fact that Lin established that training in martial arts does not exactly equate to prowess on a real battlefield. I liked Ai Li's scholarly brother. Lin's prose is readable, and I'll probably check out her other books. I only wish this one was better.
Rating: Two point five out of five. Enh.
Turd rating: A solid two, for Ryam's waffling.
Add that to histrionic angst about social positions, Ryam being instantly better at fighting than anybody except the other white guy (who's... also married to a Chinese princess) and a slow, plodding climax that culminates in a, frankly, baffling duel, and you have a decidedly mediocre book. I liked Ai Li's grandma, and the fact that Lin established that training in martial arts does not exactly equate to prowess on a real battlefield. I liked Ai Li's scholarly brother. Lin's prose is readable, and I'll probably check out her other books. I only wish this one was better.
Rating: Two point five out of five. Enh.
Turd rating: A solid two, for Ryam's waffling.