The Empress of Salt and Fortune

3.5 stars

An interesting novella that explores the tale of two empresses through the medium of oral histories passed down from an older generation to a younger one. As a story this could've easily filled a whole novel with deception, intrigue, revenge and a splash of magic here and there.

It borders a little on being an info-dump - and if this were a preface to a full novel or series then it certainly would qualify as one - which made me feel it was, at times, a little dry. Cleric Chih is the protagonist but they aren't really developed; they just listen, which is their purpose, yes, but I would've like to know more about them as opposed to looking over the shoulder of this very passive character.