Bee. (they/them)

Once again, @elizachanwrites - I loved meeting you in Liverpool. This book is incredible and I need more of this world.

My review continues on slide two because I wrote too much (sorry not sorry!)

⛩️ HARBOUR OF HUNGRY GHOSTS ⛩️

I love Eliza Chan’s storytelling and had the pleasure of meeting her at my local Waterstones, where she discussed Harbour of the Hungry Ghosts. I already owned the book, but hearing her talk about it made me even more excited to read this story set in Hong Kong during the Opium War.

I absolutely loved the worldbuilding and depiction of nineteenth-century Hong Kong, particularly how its traditional Chinese architecture and landscape are gradually invaded and, dare I say, polluted by British architecture and culture. (I still cannot understand why Brits abroad feel the need to recreate the familiarity of home through food, buildings and everything else, so the colonialism in this book had me grinding my teeth.) Eliza brings Kiamling Au and her family to life so vividly that you become completely immersed in a world where arrogant British invaders aren't the only threat. Creatures from myth and legend really do exist.

Kiamling comes from a family of demon hunters, following a tradition passed down through generations. Raised by her overprotective and critical grandmother after demons killed her parents, she's strong and determined, but her independence and flaws often lead her into trouble. I loved her from her first appearance. Perfect characters who always do the right thing rarely feel relatable, and Kiamling's imperfections make her someone you can genuinely root for.

The British colonial setting highlights the blatant disregard many British people had for the countries they invaded, their people and traditions. This becomes the catalyst for Kiamling's journey of self-discovery, forcing her to navigate a dangerous new reality where traditional rules of exorcism no longer apply. Cantonese spirits (yaoguai) begin mutating and merging with British folklore, which is a brilliant yet disturbing idea. 》

#BookRec #HistoricalFantasy #HarbourOfHungryGhosts #BookReview #ilovebooks

The supporting characters are equally wonderful. There's