I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon Yang. Since this version is just a proof and not the final version, I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon Yang, a young woman named Yeva joins the imperial guildknights after she slays a small dragon at age thirteen. Then, after years of training to hunt and slay the winged monsters, she’s completely dedicated to the cause, never even removing her armor in front of others. So when she’s sent to the small secretive country of Quanbao to see if they’re harboring dragons, she agrees. But upon meeting the ruler, Lady Sookhee, she’s taken aback, not only by the woman herself but by how life is here. As Yeva and Sookhee grow closer, and Yeva connects with this country her own mother grew up in, doubt creeps in. Yeva wonders what her life going forward should look like, and if she can finally lower her guard to let another person in.

I’ve been reading novellas recently to psyche myself up for a much longer book I’m going to get to soon (this is foreshadowing for an upcoming review). And I’m glad I chose this one to read, because it was great!

I enjoyed the narration style. It sounds like a good old-fashioned folktale, sometimes rather conversational in tone. It’s as if the unseen narrator is relating the story aloud, and I suspect this would make a very good audiobook.

I also liked the worldbuilding. For such a short book, there’s a lot of lore and rich detail to the settings. It’s intriguing to see how the two cultures Yeva’s immersed in have such different, but complex, ways of life. Her struggles to reconcile both of them, too, is compelling. Especially considering the two places’ vastly divergent views on dragons, which leads to a lot of the narrative tension. Also, there is indeed a dragon in this book, so it’s worthy.

As for the main characters, I liked them too. Yeva is a stoic person, afraid to let herself be vulnerable, but also clearly subconsciously longing for emotional connection. And Sookhee is a lovely contrast, full of softness and comfort, but also very strong in her own right. Their chemistry was excellent, and their romance believable and touching.

There’s some decent action too, especially toward the end, although the dramatic reveal of a certain something was far from a surprise. I had caught on way earlier than Yeva did, and frankly it was a little confusing that she didn’t pick up on this particular detail sooner. However, the impact of the moment is still impressive, and makes for an exciting climax.

In the end, Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame is a wonderful novella. The Asian-inspired cultures and mythology is marvellously interwoven with a sweet love story. The character development moves at a reasonable pace, shaping a tale of a woman clinging to the familiar while being drawn in by the new. The dragon-hunting plot and the personal growth arc come together well. Ultimately, this is a magical story showcasing how meaningful and important it is to be vulnerable and honest with the people who care about you, and that finding your own path in life is the most fulfilling. I’ll have to read more of Yang’s work; luckily, I recently picked up a copy of the Tensorate series!

Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame will be published on May 6th, 2025!