Episode Thirty Five
What happens when a legendary dragon slayer is sent to kill a dragon in a kingdom where dragons are revered, not feared? And what if that dragon turns out to be connected to the kingdom’s mysterious and captivating ruler? These questions lie at the heart of Neon Yang’s “Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame,” our Pride Month selection that sparked passionate debate among our hosts.
From the moment we dive into this 176-page fantasy novella, we’re divided on whether Yang successfully delivers a complete story within such tight constraints. Some of us found the Asian-influenced fantasy world richly developed despite its brevity, praising the poetic writing style and creative approach to dragon lore. Others felt the worldbuilding resembled “a house of cards” – impressive at first glance but lacking the depth needed for true immersion.
The romance between Yeva, the armored guild knight who hasn’t removed her mask since childhood, and Lady Suki, the enigmatic ruler of a dragon-worshipping kingdom, forms the emotional core of the story. While some hosts appreciated the subtle development of their relationship, others questioned whether the novella format allowed enough space for a convincing emotional journey. Our spirited discussion explores whether their connection feels earned or merely convenient to the plot, particularly as Yeva faces the ultimate choice between duty and desire.
Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang
IGoodreads | Amazon
Our Thoughts
Our Thoughts on the book.
“It was, you know, not a very, you know, intricate story, but I I did think that it was impactful”
“I thought it could have been so much cooler had she given it enough time to kind of shake out the details”
“It almost felt like this was the Cliff Notes version of a greater book”
“The good part about it was at least it was short”
