The Black Tides of Heaven

by Neon Yang
The Black Tides of Heaven cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Fantasy
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  • ID: 7855
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780765395405
  • Publisher: Tordotcom
  • Published: 2017-09-26
  • Reviews: 4

The Black Tides of Heaven is a captivating introduction to Neon Yang's Tensorate Series, praised by The New York Times as 'joyously wild stuff.' This novella explores the complex relationship between twins Mokoya and Akeha, who were sold to the Grand Monastery as infants. Mokoya develops a strange prophetic gift, while Akeha learns to see the strings that manipulate adults. As they uncover the sickness at the heart of their mother's Protectorate, a rebellion grows, pitting the Machinists against the Tensors. Akeha joins the rebels, but every step away from the Tensorate is a step away from Mokoya, forcing them to question the bond they share. The Tensorate Series is a unique blend of fantasy and political intrigue, with The Black Tides of Heaven being one of a pair of standalone introductions. The book is a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards for Best Novella and has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time. It is sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) at the publisher's request.

Reviews
It's a Binary World 2.0 · 2024-06-10
impressive 4.50

The novella is praised for its epic scale and the author's ability to create a world that is both magical and technologically advanced. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are relatable.

The reviewer is impressed by the epic scale of the story, especially considering it's a novella. They highlight the author's skill in blending magic and technology, creating a world that is both fantastical and believable. The characters, particularly the twins, are well-developed and their personal struggles add depth to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciates the political intrigue and the way the author explores themes of power and identity. They note that the story is packed with a lot of plot, which can sometimes make the pacing feel rushed, but overall, it's a highly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    An impressive story that is surprisingly epic in scale...

    The characters are well-developed, and their struggles are relatable.

    The story is packed with a lot of plot, which can sometimes make the pacing feel rushed...

Thoughts Stained With Ink · 2023-09-11
great 4.50

The novella is a captivating blend of fantasy and political intrigue, with a richly detailed world and compelling characters. The author's writing style is elegant and engaging, making it a memorable read.

This novella is a standout in the fantasy genre, offering a richly detailed world that is both familiar and fresh. The political intrigue is skillfully woven into the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the story. The characters are well-developed and their journeys are engaging, making it easy to become invested in their fates. The author's writing style is elegant and engaging, with a knack for vivid descriptions and compelling dialogue. The magic system is unique and well-integrated into the story, and the technological elements add an interesting layer to the world-building. The ending is satisfying, though it leaves room for future stories in the same world. Overall, this is a strong debut that showcases the author's talent for world-building and character development.

Quick quotes

    This novella is a standout in the fantasy genre, offering a richly detailed world that is both familiar and fresh.

    The political intrigue is skillfully woven into the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the story.

    The author's writing style is elegant and engaging, with a knack for vivid descriptions and compelling dialogue.

Lesser Joke · 2021-05-11
fantastic 4.00

The debut from Neon Yang is celebrated for its unique perspective and engaging narrative. The reviewer enjoyed the exploration of gender and identity, as well as the richly detailed world.

The reviewer had a fantastic time reading this debut novella, praising the author's unique perspective and engaging narrative. They particularly enjoyed the exploration of gender and identity, which is handled with sensitivity and depth. The world-building is rich and detailed, making the story feel immersive and believable. The reviewer also appreciates the political intrigue and the way the author weaves together multiple storylines. They note that the pacing can feel rushed at times, but overall, it's a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read. The reviewer is eager to explore more of the author's work in the future.

Quick quotes

    I've had a blast reading this debut from #ownvoices nonbinary author Neon Yang...

    The world-building is rich and detailed, making the story feel immersive and believable.

    The pacing can feel rushed at times, but overall, it's a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Pages and Coffee Cups · 2019-06-24
engaging 3.50

The story delves into a richly detailed world with complex characters, offering a fresh perspective on gender and identity. The political intrigue and personal struggles of the protagonists make for a compelling narrative.

The reviewer appreciates the intricate world-building and the nuanced exploration of gender and identity in this novella. The political landscape is vividly portrayed, and the personal journeys of the twins, Akeha and Mokoya, are both engaging and thought-provoking. However, they note that the pacing can feel rushed at times, which slightly detracts from the emotional depth. Overall, it's a captivating read that offers a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary. The reviewer also highlights the author's skill in weaving together multiple storylines and creating a world that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Quick quotes

    Yang does a perfect job in this novella creating just enough...

    The political landscape is vividly portrayed...

    The personal journeys of the twins are both engaging and thought-provoking.

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