Wheeler’s The Killing Fog kicks off his new Grave Kingdom series, introducing us to Bingmei, the orphaned child of warrior parents. Now she belongs to Kunmia’s mercenary group. When their normal employer asks Kunmia’s ensign to partner with another to locate the mythcal city of Fusang, it sparks an unprecedented chain of events. Ancient, restless energy has been awakened and it wants Bingmei.
This was a pretty cool read! It took me a minute to get into it, but once I did, I devoured it! I loved the Chinese culture inspirations, especially the Foo Dogs guarding the city entrance. They called them ‘lions’ but I knew what they were. We have two sets of them in our house. Haha. The description of Fusang itself, and especially how they found it, was definitely a descent to the underworld, as the city is buried intact beneath a retreating glacier. It reminded me more of the Celtic twilight realm of Annwfyn because of that, since there was ambient light and growing things.
It seems Bingmei has a variation of synesthesia, which I adored! I have a friend who senses emotion as colour via olfactory processing. Like Bingmei, it gets him in trouble sometimes! I’ve been seeing synesthetes showing up in books more frequently over the last year or so, and it warms my heart this unusual and fascinating condition is getting more attention. The magic was neat, being tied to the meiwood. It’s creepy that using magic summons the ‘killing fog’ that leaves dead men in it’s wake. I live in an area that is often foggy, so often that it has a name- Karl. Thankfully, Karl won’t kill you outright. Just pay attention while driving!
Bingmei was a cool character who reminded me a little of a younger Arya Stark. Kunmia was probably my most favourite. She’s a strong, capable, protective leader. Kunmia brought to mind Georgiou, from Star Trek: Discovery. So that’s kinda how those two ended up being mentally pictured for me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to continuing on in the Grave Kingdom series. Recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy Asian-inspured stories.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & 47North for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for JBN Tours.
