When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain (The Singing Hills Cycle, #2)

by Nghi Vo

Alyssa Winans (Artist)

The cleric Chih finds themself and their companions at the mercy of a band of fierce tigers who ache with hunger. To stay alive until the mammoths can save them, Chih must unwind the intricate, layered story of the tiger and her scholar lover - a woman of courage, intelligence, and beauty - and discover how truth can survive becoming history.

Nghi Vo returns to the empire of Ahn and The Singing Hills Cycle in this mesmerizing, lush standalone follow-up to The Empress of Salt and Fortune.

• ISBN10: 1250786134
• ISBN13: 9781250786135
• Publish Date: 8 December 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 5 April 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[nannah]

(4.5)

The Empress of Salt and Fortune was one of my favorite reads last year, and it's also probably one of my favorite books of all time. There was no way I was not getting my hands on its sequel this year! But while I was still mesmerized by this lush world and these fantastic characters, I felt something was missing from this second installment that I had loved so much from the first.

Representation:
- the main character is non binary and from a place similar to imperial China
- the other main character, and most secondary characters, are from a place that seems to be inspired by Mongolia (I'm guessing?)
- this character has about one line, but I'm just so ecstatic that there is a woman with a mustache who is not presented as being ugly or freakish or anything else like that

When the Tiger Came down the Mountain is a standalone sequel wherein our cleric Chih; their new acquaintance, a member of the mammoth corps named Si-yu; and Si-yu's small mammoth, Piluk, are trapped high in the mountains by three hungry tigers. Reinforcements will be coming, but until then, Chih must buy themself and their new company time—by telling the story of a tiger who fell in love with a human.

Okay, so I mentioned that I was slightly disappointed in this one compared to the first novella, but even writing out the synopsis for this review made me realize how much I do love this story. I think the emphasis has to be on slightly. There was something about the writing of the first installment that I think fell a little bit short here, and it could have been something to do with deadlines or something, but who knows. It could also just be me.

Because I also never wanted to stop reading. There's just something so addictive about Nghi Vo's writing, her characters, and her world building. Damn, that world building. Immediately, I'm drawn into this world and this setting. It all feels rich and engulfing and real. The cover certainly helps with that—it's one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen.

Once again the nature of stories themselves and storytelling are the focus here, even if what's discussed is not particularly new. The novella makes some commentary on how stories change depending on who's telling it, and especially depending on the culture and the cultural values of the teller, which is definitely true, and this is a very clever way to present that discussion: one character telling a story, and the other one "correcting" their mistakes—and neither version might be true at all.

And for a novella this definitely works! Even if I wish it were longer, just so I could have more of Vo's writing and those characters, especially that eldest tiger sister. I cannot WAIT to see what else is in store for this series.

[kerrydarkeyes]

If you enjoy Asian folklore and lush worldbuilding, this is a short and sweet tale that might be up your alley. The dual storytelling was a narrative device I thought worked well.

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Yes! The sequel to The Empress of Salt and Fortune is here! And somehow, I think it's even better than the first (is that possible?). Either way, Nghi Vo's When the Tiger Comes Down the Mountain is not a novel you'll want to miss out on.

Chih is a cleric, and as such, they travel the world recording stories and legends. Both for recording purposes, and so that everyone has a chance to share their story. This is a job that Chih has put their entire heart and soul into.

It's also the reason why Chih has found themselves in a very interesting predicament. While off on a journey to gain new stories, they were trapped by three tigers. Those tigers have an opinion on one of Chih's stories – and the warping ways of history - and want it to be known.

“Well, at least Almost Brilliant isn't here to make fun of me.”

When the Tiger Comes Down the Mountain is arguably one of my favorite novellas of 2020, and trust me, I've read a lot of them. Then again, I knew that I would love this tale, as Nghi Vo has a way with words.

Chih is such an endearing character, whether they're telling a story or recording it. This is the second adventure we got to learn about in-depth, and there's little doubt in my mind that it's one of the most dangerous encounters they've had to date. That in itself probably means Chih should start recording their very own story.

I adored the Chih's telling of the tale, and more importantly; the three tiger women's interjections with their version of events. It was fascinating, it flowed so wonderfully, and it snuck plenty of commentary into the mix. In short, I loved every single minute of it.

Obviously, I'm going to give even more bonus points for representation here: Chih is non-binary, there's a scholar/predator romance (with a sapphic twist, love it), and so much more. This whole world is vibrant and inclusive, and I simply cannot get enough of it. I need it just like I need my air. Or chocolate.

Check out more reviews from Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks