The beautiful cover of Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame initially drew my attention, but the promise of a sapphic story featuring a disabled dragon hunting knight and the ruler of a reclusive nation that reveres them, kept me enthralled.

Nancy Wu provides a wonderful and immersive narration and I felt as though I was hearing a storyteller sharing a fascinating tale as opposed to merely listening to an audiobook.

The protagonist Yeva is an interesting young woman, a knight who constantly wears her armor as a shield against both dragons and personal vulnerability. She is a unique choice as an emissary to the neighboring nation of Quanbao, ruled by the enigmatic monarch Lady Sookhee.

Like with most novellas, I found myself wishing that Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame was a bit longer. While the story felt complete, the world building is wonderful and I would have enjoyed reading more about Quanbao and about Yeva’s early years as a guildknight.

Nevertheless, I loved witnessing Yeva slowly become more comfortable with a life in the palace and watching her relationship with Lady Sookhee grow. It would have been lovely to receive a glimpse of the story from Lady Sookhee’s perspective, as she feels slightly less developed than Yeva.

The ending is wonderful as well and offers a satisfying conclusion to Yeva’s story.

Thank you to RBmedia, Recorded Books and NetGalley providing access to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang was great in concept, but execution fell a little flat for me. All tell and no show, I wish that the author would show me the world instead of telling me what it comprised of. The tell and not show also made it difficult to relate with the characters.

There is no doubt that the author can write. But I wish that this story was expanded into a novel, as the novella does not give it the room to immerse the reader in this potentially wonderful world. The Narration by Nancy Wu, was a little flat for me, and I believe the experience would have been better if I had the opportunity to read the book instead.

Thank you to RBmedia | Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook Rating: 3 Stars
Pub Date: May 06 2025

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This was a great tale by Neon Yang.

Although a short story, the novella's structure is folkloric and rich with symbolism. It carries the weight of an epic fantasy delving into themes of identity, colonialism, and the tension between duty and desire.

Yang brilliantly captures the emotional depth of Yeva's struggle with her past, her disability and her feelings for Sookhee. The romance between the two is tender and compelling, defying societal norms and their personal fears.

Thank you Netgalley and RB Media for the alc!

I actually read this novella back in December of 2024 and absolutely adored it. When I saw there was an audiobook, I jumped at the chance to return to Mithrandon and Quenbao and be reunited with Yeva and Sookhee. Nancy Wu's narration is absolutely riveting and brought new life to the story that I originally read months ago. As I said in my original review, the only thing that I wish were different about BTSSTF, is that we could get more Yeva, more Lady Sookhee and more of this incredibly, magical world that Yang has created. This has everything I want in a fantasy story, incredible world building, beautiful prose, complex characters, and even a little tense romantic subplot. And all under 5 hours to get all this?? Are you kidding me?? This was the perfect AAPI month listen and I will be screaming at everyone I know to read/listen, do whatever they have to do to consume this wonderful work <3

This was my favorite book by Neon Yang so far. The novella delivers a compact but fully realized story with a compelling balance of political intrigue, romance, and dragons. The world of Quanbao feels richly imagined, and the tension between tradition and imperialism is handled with nuance.

Yeva is a fascinating character, steeped in myth and secrecy, and their interactions with Lady Sookhee form the emotional and narrative heart of the story. Despite the short length, the pacing felt just right and the conclusion was very satisfying. And as always with Neon's books, Nancy Wu did a fantastic job at narrating.

This is a standout queer, Asian-inspired fantasy that blends heart and world-building beautifully. I would happily spend more time in this universe.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

2.5
This sapphic fantasy had a promising premise, but unfortunately, it felt more like a detailed summary than a fully fleshed-out story.

Everything was told rather than shown, which made the narrative feel flat and distanced me from the characters. I struggled to connect with anyone emotionally, and the plot twist was predictable.

It’s clear there was potential here, but the execution lacked depth and engagement.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

It feels like part of her has cracked, but in the way frost cracks in the spring.
“Thank you,” she says softly, in the language of home.

3.5 stars. A really engaging sapphic fantasy novella, sort of told in the style of a fairy tale or allegory. I really liked it! We're following Yeva, a famous, masked dragonslayer who has been tasked to go to a neighbouring kingdom and investigate rumours of a dragon they might be harbouring. There, she meets their ruler, Sookhee, a young woman her own age, as alluring as she is mysterious. As a novella, this does a great job of grounding you in the world and in the characters pretty quickly. I loved the lore of this world, the rich descriptions of setting and food and culture and legend. The dynamic between the characters is one that I find extremely delicious. There's a mystery element that you, as the reader, will figure out pretty quickly, and I was more than fine with that. I got a lot of satisfaction out of the journey, seeing the relationship develop, seeing Yeva figure out things herself. While sometimes a little frustrating as a main character, I thought she was a great vehicle to explore themes of autonomy and imperialism.

Because I liked the setup so much, I of course ended up wanting this to be at least a little bit longer. The ending wrapped up super quickly; not surprising, for a novella, but still a bit disappointing to me. I couldn't help but want a bit more!

Listened to the audiobook as read by Nancy Wu, and I really enjoyed it; she has a great, husky voice that perfectly suited this main character, and the supporting cast. I enjoyed Yang's writing a lot, and overall, this is one that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Especially if you're craving something a bit atmospheric; something that's told like a legend. That in itself did a lot to endear the story and the characters to me. Kudos!

☆ Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a review copy! I am voluntarily leaving a review.

3.5 stars

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame is a queer, Asian-inspired fantasy novella about a renowned dragon slayer with a mysterious past. Yeva must navigate the treacherous politics of a reclusive kingdom where dragons are not slain, but rather, are worshipped. She is sent as an emissary to the nation of Quanbao and must win the trust of Queen Sookhee, a ruler fiercely protective of her people and their secrets. Yeva and Sookhee become intertwined in a beautiful way but can their new relationship overcome longstanding family secrets?

This was a beautifully written, almost lyrical, novella that I enjoyed. In general, I wish the story was a little longer and offered more character development. Regarding the audiobook narration, I thought the narrator was very flat and somber, which fit the character. I just wish there was more inflection and emotion in the narrator's voice during such scenes.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

Thank you Recorded Books for my free ARC of Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang — available May 6!

» READ IF YOU «
🐉 enjoy queer fantasy narratives with dragons
👑 love a little duty-versus-desire setup
☕ want something short but sweet

» SYNOPSIS «
Yeva is a dragon slayer who never removes their helm in front of others. When they’re sent to remote, unfriendly Quanbao—where dragons are sacred—Yeva will struggle with their own desires and sense of self. And hey, there’s a hot queen and there might even be an ancient dragon around?

» REVIEW «
This is a lovely little fantasy novella that is inclusive but focused. Our central character is Yeva and we do not waver from her, in case you’re getting exhausted by fantasy book casts of characters. Sometimes I just want one thread to follow, ya know?

Anyway, I enjoyed Yeva’s introspective journey, plus all the little glimpses of folklore and dragons that we got. Their romance with the queen isn’t super developed, but it’s pleasant, and overall I was kept entertained but this story. Snag this read if you dig queer fantasy, dragons, and/or Asian-inspired folklore!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I saw this cover floating around on a couple of upcoming sapphic releases posts on instagram. Immediately added it to my TBR because this cover is gorgeous. I was so excited when I saw the ALC go up on NetGalley & even more excited when I got approved. This very much reads as The Mandalorian but with dragons.

Nancy Wu gives a lovely performance bringing this story to life.

- Asian inspired fantasy world
- Sapphics
- Dragons
- Bite-sized novella
- Politics & romance
- Disability rep

Very impressed that the author immersed me in such a vivid world in just under 200 pages. Excited to check out more by this author.

A major thank you to RB Media & to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for m honest review.

Let me start off with saying that the narrator was amazing. I was immersed in the story and was a little sad when it was over. But let me tell what this book is about: Yeva is a renowned dragon slayer, sent on a mission to a neighbouring kingdom to uncover some secrets....but she ends up finding love, and herself.
Excellent world building, and immerisve plot that was paced well. My favorite thing about this book was the characters and how we see Yeva our mc grow. The romance was sweet and I love how it intertwined with the plot. Overall this book was fantastic and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to netgalley and publisher for this audiobook.

This was great. It reminded me a bit of Nicola Griffith's Spear both in terms of the style (almost resembling an epic poem at times) and in terms of the themes, with the hardened warrior main character and the queer romance. Loved the twist. I kind of wish it was longer which is a silly thing to wish from a novella, but I honestly feel like I could have spend longer in this world, with these characters.

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame is proof that you don't need a fantasy novel to be pushing 1000 pages for it to pack a punch. This little novella contains some excellent world building, a decent (albeit a bit) predictable mystery, and some lovely sapphic pining. Definitely need to check out more from Neon Yang after enjoying this so much.

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame is an entertaining queer novella set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world. The worldbuilding was the best part! It was so well developed with national relations, lore, and food descriptions.

Yeva, a disabled sapphic dragon slayer, being sent to the neighboring kingdom to root out the deadly dragon they are harboring was such a cool plot idea, and Neon Yang is such a mesmerizing writer. I wish it was longer! I adored Yeva as she navigated her past and her growing feelings for the girl-king all during her ongoing investigation into the dragon. I’d definitely recommend this one to dragon lovers, and folks who enjoyed queer fantasy like Bookshops & Bonedust. It’s such a treat!

First the audiobook was fantastic. Nancy Wu did a great job. Second the writing for this was so lyrical. Third I'll always love a lady knight story. We need more. I wouldn't be mad if Yang decided to write companion novels in this world to expand it more. I highly recommend this story.

This high fantasy novella by Neon Yang, narrated by Nancy Wu, was gorgeous. Neon Yang's lyrical, almost fairytale-like prose sold this fascinating mystical world. Also, Nancy Wu's narration was so ethereal that it solidified the fairytale feel of the story.

As well as having a beautifully vivid world, we have Yeva, who is such a cool main character. She's very well-rounded in the sense that she has confidence in her skills, but that doesn't leech into cockiness as she explores/resides in Quanbao because even though her mother is from there, she hasn't visited in many years. Because of that, she tries to be cognizant of what she should or shouldn't do and adjust accordingly.
However, the romance seemed kind of rushed, but this is a novella, and I tend to forgive some pacing issues. I will say Yeva and Lady Sookhees's connection felt genuine because of how their relationship progressed and how the story was wrapped up.

Thank you, NetGalley, Tor, and Neon Yang, for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. 3.5/5 stars

An excellent novella that explores family, legacy, and staying true to oneself. This was a short and well narrated audiobook that I have already recommended to friends. Nancy Wu does a wonderful job as Yeva, with her narration reflecting the emotions and moods of our characters and creating the environment as we cross country and into challenging new environments.

This is a great audiobook for fans of novellas, dragons, love interests, and challenging norms.

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

I think retellings of classic folk and fairytale narratives are important, especially when they are sapphic, and this is inarguably well-written, but there's something about fairytale writing and the relative distance it has just bounces off my autism...but so does The Hobbit, so that's likely a me problem.

If you like a more modern take on classic tales, I'm sure you'll love this, but this just wasn't my cup of tea, despite being able to see it's quality.

That cover is absolutely sublime...even if it does give the very obvious game away even more obviously.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: 3.5 stars

🌿Tropes & Themes 🌿
* Duty vs. love
* Sapphic
* Slow burn
* Dragons 🐉

Yeva slays a small dragon in her youth which awakens something in her. This spurs her father to send her away to become a dragon slaying knight. She trains and loses herself along the way becoming the faceless knight. It’s only when she is sent away to Quanbao that she begins the journey of shedding this armor and finding herself along the way.

I really enjoy the idea of novellas. The appeal of a short and sweet story enticed me. Also this gorgeous cover and anything with dragons is always up my alley!
I found this to a brisk but mostly enjoyable story. The world building was probably my favorite aspect. I kind of wished for more showing and a little less telling. I wanted to see more of their romance and relationship develop. It wrapped up very nicely with fitting ending.

Audiobook narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I needed to speed this up 1.25x to make the narration work for me. At 1x speed it was a little breathy and drawn out for my tastes. I normally listen at 1.3-1.4x currently so this might just be a personal preference!

Many thanks to netgalley for the audio arc of this!

This was a fun story and I loved the narrator. This is just not my genre. I keep trying it but it's not a book that's written for me. I would recommend for someone trying to get into fantasy