A Small Charred Face
Registered by 
GoryDetails
of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 8/10/2020
This book is in a Controlled Release!
GoryDetails of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 8/10/2020 This book is in a Controlled Release!
3 journalers for this copy...
I got this ex-library softcover from Better World Books, for another release copy.
It contains three works, a novella and two shorter tales, all linked. The premise: a tribe of plant-originated humanoids known as "bamboo" fled from China during the Cultural Revolution, and have scattered and hidden for safety. They prey on human blood, but attempt to avoid notice, and have strict rules against fraternizing with or sheltering humans - so when a young boy loses his family in a ghastly, bloody attack, and is taken under the protection of one of these "bamboo", it's a pretty huge deal... He grows up in the care of Mustah and Yoji, masquerading as a girl to avoid detection by the crimelords who are furious that he escaped their vengeance. All seems well, until events conspire to let other local "bamboo" know that Mustah and Yoji are harboring a human - that and other crimes carry the penalty of death by exposure to sunlight, and in a harrowing scene, one of Kyo's dear guardians must pay the price...
The second story deals with a young(seeming) girl-bamboo whom Kyo had offered shelter to late in his own life; she meets another character from the first story, and is led into possible darkness. Will she be able to separate herself from a very bad influence?
The third story falls back to the time before the bamboo left China, showing the origin of the royal personage who conducted the trial in the first story. This one had lots of interesting aspects, showing how the clan operated when they didn't have to hide, and how severe the challenges were when they were confronted by modern and anti-superstitious humans with deadly ranged weapons.
Intriguing variation on the vampire theme here, with some fascinating and touching relationships.
It contains three works, a novella and two shorter tales, all linked. The premise: a tribe of plant-originated humanoids known as "bamboo" fled from China during the Cultural Revolution, and have scattered and hidden for safety. They prey on human blood, but attempt to avoid notice, and have strict rules against fraternizing with or sheltering humans - so when a young boy loses his family in a ghastly, bloody attack, and is taken under the protection of one of these "bamboo", it's a pretty huge deal... He grows up in the care of Mustah and Yoji, masquerading as a girl to avoid detection by the crimelords who are furious that he escaped their vengeance. All seems well, until events conspire to let other local "bamboo" know that Mustah and Yoji are harboring a human - that and other crimes carry the penalty of death by exposure to sunlight, and in a harrowing scene, one of Kyo's dear guardians must pay the price...
The second story deals with a young(seeming) girl-bamboo whom Kyo had offered shelter to late in his own life; she meets another character from the first story, and is led into possible darkness. Will she be able to separate herself from a very bad influence?
The third story falls back to the time before the bamboo left China, showing the origin of the royal personage who conducted the trial in the first story. This one had lots of interesting aspects, showing how the clan operated when they didn't have to hide, and how severe the challenges were when they were confronted by modern and anti-superstitious humans with deadly ranged weapons.
Intriguing variation on the vampire theme here, with some fascinating and touching relationships.
I'm adding this book to the Otherworldly bookbox, which will be on its way to its next stop shortly. Hope it travels safely, and that people enjoy the selection!
*** Released for the 2021 Heads Shoulders Knees Toes challenge. ***
*** Released for the 2021 Heads Shoulders Knees Toes challenge. ***
Taken from the Otherworldly {Shrinking} Bookbox Round V!
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A really great interconnected trio of stories. The first one made me cry a little.
I thought this would be more on the horror side, I'm glad it wasn't. There are some harsh realities, though. So, if you're looking for a light vampire read, this might not be the one.
I thought this would be more on the horror side, I'm glad it wasn't. There are some harsh realities, though. So, if you're looking for a light vampire read, this might not be the one.
Journal Entry 5 by 
Spatial
at -- Bookbox, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Spatial at -- Bookbox, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Released 2 wks ago (4/4/2024 UTC) at -- Bookbox, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Releasing into the Vampire Bookbox: Round VII!
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