Dark historical fantasy ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the opportunity to review this eARC!
The first chapter of this book absolutely hooked me. Two pages in there is a ghost cat named Bao and an FMC in her 50's that talks to haunting spirits. What's not to love?
Brief Synopsis:
The Girl with a Thousand Faces by Sunyi Dean is a dark, historical fantasy that takes place in Hong Kong The story begins with Mercy Chan, a ghost-talker whose job is to help spirits pass on. And in the Kowloon Walled City, ghosts are abundant! As the story progresses, Mercy's forgotten childhood is slowly revealed and she must confront a powerful spirit with a past intertwined with her own.
Contains Chinese myths/history and themes of grief, war, and generational trauma.
I haven't read this author's other book (The Book Eaters) so I didn't know what to expect and I really liked the writing style at the beginning of this story. I found the descriptions interesting and enjoyed her perspective for the characters.
The middle third of the book feels like a sudden switch in narrative style which was a bit jarring. Once I became accustomed to the pov, I did like that part of the story also but it often leaned too far into the historical aspects and lost some of the fantasy elements that made me love the first section so much. The last part shifts back in style, closer to the first part of the book but not quite there.
I think the story itself had some challenges with pacing and voice. There were occasional inconsistencies with character abilities and defining what the ghosts could or couldn't do. The vernacular was modern and American despite this taking place in 20th century Hong Kong.
Overall it was still a good read! I appreciate the originality of the story and the characters. The twists in the plot keeps you interested throughout. And did I mention my obsession with the spirit kitty named Bao? 😻
Releasing on May 5th!
Reading Sunyi Dean’s The Girl with a Thousand Faces felt like diving into a world where history and the supernatural intertwine deeply, especially in the atmospheric setting of the Kowloon Walled City. As someone fascinated by historical fantasy, I appreciated how the novel weaved traditional Chinese myths with the personal grief and trauma of its characters, giving it layers beyond just ghost stories. One aspect that stuck with me was how the story handled the ghosts—not just as eerie entities but as part of the city’s fabric, reflecting the unresolved past and the collective memory of the place. The ghost cat Bao added a refreshing charm and an emotional anchor that made the supernatural elements feel more intimate. I found the narrative shifts challenging at first, as the change in point of view changed the tone and focus dramatically, but this transition also allowed the story to explore different facets of Hong Kong’s history and the protagonist's identity. It’s clear the author wanted to balance historical depth with fantasy, even if some parts leaned heavier on the historical. Some inconsistencies with character abilities and the modern vernacular in a historical setting did momentarily pull me out of the immersion. However, these were minor compared to the overall originality and emotional weight of the story. It’s a reminder that blending genres needs a delicate hand to keep the world consistent. For readers who enjoy dark fantasy with complex cultural layers and generational stories of trauma and healing, this book is a compelling pick. The anticipation builds around Mercy’s forgotten past and the powerful spirit entwined in it. If you love stories featuring unique supernatural companions (like Bao!), thought-provoking themes of loss and love, and rich historical settings, The Girl with a Thousand Faces deserves a spot on your reading list. With its May 5th release, it’s a great candidate for your next dive into immersive fantasy with a historical soul.
