★★★☆☆
(Wuxia Fantasy) When a group of heroes trash his establishment, an innkeeper goes on a quest for reimbursement. (5,995 words; Time: 19m)
You need to be familiar with Wuxia dramas like the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in order to get this story, which largely makes fun of them.
"Little Inn on the Jianghu," by Y.M. Pang [bio] (edited by C.C. Finlay), appeared in Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction issue 09-10|19, published on September 3, 2019 by Spilogale Inc.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Review: 2019.515 (A Word for Authors)
Pro: The story makes fun of all sorts of Wuxia tropes, such as wall walking, running on the tips of bamboo stalks, and falling a huge distance into a puddle of water and surviving. It’s also full of references to other stories, e.g. the Princess Bride. “My name is Cheng Weimin. You destroyed my inn.”
Probably the best part is that Cheng is consistently true to himself. Offered a chance at adventure, he declines. He’s an innkeep. It’s one of the fundamental truths of the world.
Con: Since it doesn’t take itself very seriously, there’s no tension or excitement. Someone more steeped in Wuxia might like this better.
Other Reviews: Search Web
Y.M. Pang Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
Pro: The story makes fun of all sorts of Wuxia tropes, such as wall walking, running on the tips of bamboo stalks, and falling a huge distance into a puddle of water and surviving. It’s also full of references to other stories, e.g. the Princess Bride. “My name is Cheng Weimin. You destroyed my inn.”
Probably the best part is that Cheng is consistently true to himself. Offered a chance at adventure, he declines. He’s an innkeep. It’s one of the fundamental truths of the world.
Con: Since it doesn’t take itself very seriously, there’s no tension or excitement. Someone more steeped in Wuxia might like this better.
Other Reviews: Search Web
Y.M. Pang Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB, FreeSFOnline
Follow RSR on Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or E-mail.
No comments (may contain spoilers):
Post a Comment (comment policy)