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Fireheart Tiger Kindle Edition

by Aliette de Bodard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 670 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
See all formats and editions

Award-winning author Aliette de Bodard returns with Fireheart Tiger, a powerful romantic fantasy that reads like The Goblin Emperor meets Howl's Moving Castle in a pre-colonial Vietnamese-esque world.

A British Science Fiction Award winner! A finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and Ignyte Awards!

A Most Anticipated Pick for Buzzfeed | Mary Sue | Nerd Daily | FanFi Addict

Fire burns bright and has a long memory….

Quiet, thoughtful princess Thanh was sent away as a hostage to the powerful faraway country of Ephteria as a child. Now she’s returned to her mother's imperial court, haunted not only by memories of her first romance, but by worrying magical echoes of a fire that devastated Ephteria’s royal palace.

Thanh's new role as a diplomat places her once again in the path of her first love, the powerful and magnetic Eldris of Ephteria, who knows exactly what she wants: romance from Thanh and much more from Thanh’s home. Eldris won't take no for an answer, on either front. But the fire that burned down one palace is tempting Thanh with the possibility of making her own dangerous decisions.

Can Thanh find the freedom to shape her country’s fate—and her own?


At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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  1. Print length
    106 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Tordotcom
  5. Publication date
    February 9, 2021
  6. File size
    2149 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A British Science Fiction Award winner! A finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and Ignyte Awards!

"A delicate novella with threads of imperial politics, magical beings, queer romance and the psychology of trauma. It’s a bit of a miracle to feel as if you’ve read a six-book fantasy series in so few pages. This book is elegant and hypnotic as the flame of a candle, and I’ll be thinking for some time about the shadows it throws into relief." - The New York Times Book Review, Olivia Waite

"A beautifully written and deeply imagined story about reclaiming yourself. Highly recommended." - Kate Elliott, New York Times bestselling author

"What a commanding story of power and diplomacy. I was so captivated by the way this story never once flinches away from a deep sense of emotional honesty." - Sarah Gailey, bestselling author of Magic For Liars and The Echo Wife

"A fascinating story filled with strong female characters and lush prose, the relationships woven around Thanh evolve into themes of reclaiming the self and recognizing that love can hide the truth about people... de Bodard crafts a story of love, power, and what burns within." - Library Journal, starred review

"This lush and beautiful sapphic novella explores themes of colonization in a Vietnamese-inspired fantasy setting." - Buzzfeed

"Fireheart Tiger is a heartfelt, vibrant story with lots of magic and betrayal, dealing with abusive relationships, filial piety, and colonisation, even as it bursts with a tender, romantic relationship that unfolds throughout." - Nerd Daily

"Gorgeous and moving, with a sense of scale and an intimate, personal engagement with compelling characters, Fireheart Tiger is a worthy addition to de Bodard’s body of work." - Locus

"A high-stakes lesbian love triangle in [a] tightly plotted fantasy novella... an ideal pick for fantasy fans longing for non-European settings" - Publishers Weekly

“De Bodard, as she so often does, packs the world-building and emotional punch of an epic into a shockingly slim novella. This touching romance with the delicate negotiations of a small country’s survival against an imperial adversary would be a lovely place to start with de Bodard’s work, and fans will find more of what they’ve come to love about her stories.’’ - Booklist

"Sapphic yearning collides with political machinations, ancient and fiery magic, and a transparently colonial threat. The vivid world building in FIREHEART TIGER perfectly frames a brightly burning core of desire & the desperate struggle towards self-awareness, making this perfect read for anyone looking for a short and satisfying dose of Sapphic romance, intense character growth, and immersive imagery." - Mariana N Calderon, Second Star to the Right Books

About the Author

Jennifer Aquino is an American actor and award-winning narrator based in Los Angeles. She works in film, television, theater, and voice-over. She's one of the doctors who killed McDreamy on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Her theater background includes performances at East West Players, The Actors' Gang, LaJolla Playhouse, Theatre West, El Portal Theatre, and Center Stage Theatre. Jennifer loves giving voice to young adults, and reading journeys of empowered women in romantic comedies, LitRPG books, fantasy/sci-fi novels, mysteries, and thrillers. Her background in theater and voice contributes to her narration in giving each character a unique life.

Aliette de Bodard lives and works in Paris. She is the author of the critically acclaimed Xuya universe series, as well as numerous short stories which have garnered her three Nebula Awards, a Locus Award, and five British Science Fiction Association Awards.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088DQ5ZQN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tordotcom (February 9, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 9, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2149 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 106 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 670 ratings

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
670 global ratings
Wonderful, heart-rending and heartfelt read
5 Stars
Wonderful, heart-rending and heartfelt read
It's a concise but engaging read from start-to-finish. Despite the smaller word count you're going to get a lot out of it. I hope we get a return to these characters in the future.
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Top reviews from the United States

P.B.Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written Blended Fantasy/Romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Thanh, third in line behind her mother’s two favorite daughters, was sent to Ephteria as a hostage to ensure that Thanh’s country keeps its trade agreements. When she returns, after escaping a fire that burnt down Ephteria’s royal palace, she finds little has changed. When her mother appoints Thanh as diplomat (in name only), the Eptherian’s send their heir apparent and Thanh’s first love, Eldris, to negotiate a new trade agreement. However, not everything goes according to anyone’s plans.

Aliette de Bodard, a multiple award-winning author, has written a blended fantasy and romance that shines as bright as blazing fire. In just 100 pages, de Bodard has created a world that reminds one of historic Viet Nam with characters who are both likable and despicable. As a reader, you will undoubtedly be disappointed that the book is as short as it is because, while the book fully realized, you still want to know more about Thanh and her world. The shortness of the book, though, does not detract from either the story line or the author’s ability to write a fully-realized story in just 100 pages.

If you love fantasy and romance, this book should be at the top of your to-be-read list.
One person found this helpful
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Madison Sheridan
4.0 out of 5 stars i probs should read the other books!
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022
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this was a very sweet novella that filled me in on nearly everything i needed to know about the world as it went along. i wish we got a little more development between giang and our lovely main character, but otherwise it was very nice.
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Ms. Laurie J. Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous read that will leave you wanting more.
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2021
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I simply love Aliette de Bodard’s writing. The imagery and delicate yet stunning worldbuilding in this novella are divine to read. This one is full of tense political machinations and royal intrigue. There is also a layered secret f/f love (or two) and a magical fire elemental. Who could want anything more?

Thanh is a Princess but she is not the eldest child, she is the spare, therefore her role as a child is to be sent away to royal palace in ruling Ephteria to “learn” though really she is little more than a hostage. After a terrible (and mysterious) fire destroyed the palace she was sent home. Now her role is little more than a diplomatic negotiator (with little power as her mother still has final say).

Tensions rise when the Ephterian diplomatic party arrive with the intention of increasing their control over Thanh’s home and people. Within the party is Thanh’s first love. Their secret romance is threatened with exposure from many sides. Thanh’s love ignites. But that is not all that is in danger of destruction by fire.

The subtle tensions and political games are a delight to read. As are the soaring beautiful descriptions of the palace, people, dress and environment.
3 people found this helpful
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Mindy Banks
3.0 out of 5 stars disappointed
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
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I can see the potential for this story, but too many details were not there. I think as a novelist could have worked.
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Mostly fantasy
4.0 out of 5 stars Touching, passionate, beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2022
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This novella features a gorgeous enemies/lovers dynamic, with some delightful moments between the two characters in between political intrigue and family drama. The fire/magical element would be a spoiler, but it’s a well done, refreshing take on magic. I wasn’t 100% sold on how quickly it wrapped up, but this is a novella, and its many qualities made me okay with that and I will surely return to de Bodard’s exquisite writing again.
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Millie
5.0 out of 5 stars My first novella by Aliette de Bodard, and so far one of my favorite
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022
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When I read Aliette de Bodard's novellas, it's a hit or miss. This one is a big hit!

It was my first book by the author, and I really liked it. I hadn't read many novellas before, and somehow thought that it couldn't have a lot of worldbuilding due to the lenght. How wrong I was! Aliette showed me how you can infuse a novella with such great worldbuilding in addition to a good story.

Even if not *everything* is perfect about the book, the 5 stars reflect my enjoyment reading it, so it's well deserved. One of my favorite books by the author, and one I would recommend without hesitation.
One person found this helpful
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Mark E Sabalauskas
5.0 out of 5 stars focused and intense
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021
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There is a lot to like in this novella.

What I enjoyed most was the elegant distillation of a few day of decisions, when the protagonist is encountering the uncanny while navigating her conflicting personal ties, passions and responsibilities in a moment of political conflict. Like the most intense and engaging parts of Game of Thrones, without the endless parade of minor characters and tertiary world building.

If this book were a video game, you'd be getting a single perfect boss battle, without having to jump over endless trash mobs padding the experience.
3 people found this helpful
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Paisley Gussetts
4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual romance
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2023
Diplomacy in an alien culture with interesting turns. Seems like a good start for a more extended series. Active, but not nuanced.
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Top reviews from other countries

Felicity
5.0 out of 5 stars All of the (fire)heart eyes for this beautiful sapphic tale
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2021
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This is a phenomenal novella, with just the perfect main character. Thank is messy and vulnerable and clever and strong, and just fabulous. I was routing for her from the start.

This little book tackles huge themes - the inherent violence of colonialism, even as it wears a smiling face; the struggle of being caught between two worlds; finding your own place in the world, and the mistakes you can make if you don't know it; loneliness, fear and abandonment; how we can forgive ourselves or make amends; growing into your own power and how other people's faith in you can support you but not do the work for you.

Honestly, there's so much here to take in, but it never feels didactic or that the themes overtake the emotion or humanity of the story. I feel like I could read this a hundred times and pick up something different every time.

Beyond that, the writing is gorgeous and sumptuous, and Aliette de Bodard's world-building is fantastic. You can feel the knowledge and understanding of this pre-colonial Vietnam-esque moving under the surface of the writing like an undertow, even as we only see the tips of the waves.

If your more the swords-and-sorcery type of fantasy fantasy fan, this may not be the book for you, but if you like your fantasy full of court intrigue, interpersonal politics, and with a folkloric influence, you will love this book.

This is a beautiful, multi-faceted jewel of a story and I know already I'll be rereading this again sometime soon.
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R. Peter
4.0 out of 5 stars if only it were longer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2023
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This novella brings up some interesting theme and concepts that I would have loved to be explored further.

There's a truly good concept here hampered by the short format.
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Book Lover
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet & haunting, but I wanted more!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
I would have liked this to be longer (a common wail when reading novellas, I’m sure!); it was a beautifully wrapped up story, but… wasn’t enough. The characters are sweet (or sharp, or naive, or so bound up in duty that they’ve forgotten how to feel) but it didn’t feel like I had long to appreciate Thanh; I would have liked to spend longer inside her head and as she adjusted back into a political role. And, of course, I’d like to know what happens next… it does very much feel like the start of a story, not one that can really be encapsulated into such a short text. But it’s beautiful, and very sweet, and very easily tugs at a whole range of emotions – credit to Aliette’s haunting writing! Worth a read, but I’d like more.
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IcarusAbides
4.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing fantasy novella
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021
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Fireheart Tiger is an engrossing read packed with political intrigue, romance, and fire elementals. For such a short page count de Bodard manages to weave an interesting and absorbing world with this novella but despite that it could have done with a longer page count overall for the ambition it has. As a snapshot of a life during tense political negotiations it works well enough but the relationships in particular would have benefitted from having more room to breathe and develop, the final third especially felt a bit too hectic pacing wise.

Still, the writing is enthralling throughout and wanting more of these characters and world is no bad thing ultimately.
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IcarusAbides
4.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing fantasy novella
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021
Fireheart Tiger is an engrossing read packed with political intrigue, romance, and fire elementals. For such a short page count de Bodard manages to weave an interesting and absorbing world with this novella but despite that it could have done with a longer page count overall for the ambition it has. As a snapshot of a life during tense political negotiations it works well enough but the relationships in particular would have benefitted from having more room to breathe and develop, the final third especially felt a bit too hectic pacing wise.

Still, the writing is enthralling throughout and wanting more of these characters and world is no bad thing ultimately.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and savage
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2021
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This story is twistier than any novella has a right to be and it takes us through a gamut of love, pain, acceptance and defiance as Thanh is put through the wringer. There are some harrowing moments but the ending is one of triumph for her. I loved this story and will be re-reading it, and will be buying pretty much all of De Bodard's work for the foreseeable future.
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