So otherworldly enchanting, I loved the worldbuilding and how it combined a fantasy-adventure with sci and fable-like ecological theme— interestingly crafted from the characters to the premise that interlaced the clash in between a natural world and industrial/colonial with a tale of one’s survival, identity, power and sacrifices.
Liu Lufeng, a princess of the Feng royalty bound by duty and tradition to be the next bride for the human king. Born as the Wind Walkers with bark faces, braided branches arms and hair of needle threads living within the natural world, her people now under threat due to destruction and human expansion. With the missing of her mother and sisters, Lufeng has uncovered the truth about her people and struck a plan to kill the king. As her rebellion took a toll with a betrayal episode, Lufeng has to choose her allies and risk the unknown to free her family as well her own fate.
Loved how it jumped right into the conflict with fascinating lore on its characterization— from the Wind Walkers who can borrow wind for travel to Water Shifters, Desert Treaders and how the characters’ names like Copper and Zinc who crave for industrial greed represent the Land Wanderers and Granite came from the deserts of Clay. It engrossed me to Lufeng’s mission and way she would unravel the political madness, on the weight of responsibility and familial loyalty while reconnecting with her sister, Sanshu who turned as rebellious as her.
It was tense and probably as this is a novella, the tone felt rush with a fast pacing tension and fairly intriguing emotional depth. Writing was atmospheric and easy to delve into, also engaging much to see how the author crafted her tribute to nature and humanity in an evocative cultural erasure premise. I was curious of how the last chapter unfolds the capability of Changqing; Lufeng’s little brother and way the twist and mystery would go soon after. Enjoyably inventive overall, can’t wait for the next Natural Engines to be published next year! 4/5*
**I like the dedication page at the front: “For Mother Nature and all her unwilling sacrifices.”
(review copy courtesy of Pansing Distribution, thank you! )