Into the Riverlands

In "Into the Riverlands," Nghi Vo continues the acclaimed Singing Hills Cycle with the wandering cleric Chih, a recorder of tales, venturing into the enigmatic riverlands. Their mission is to document the legends of formidable, near-immortal martial artists who dominate the region. En route to Betony Docks, Chih, accompanied by the insightful talking bird Almost Brilliant, becomes unexpectedly entangled with a diverse group of travelers: two young women far from home and an older couple harboring secrets. As they delve deeper, Chih stumbles upon an ancient, simmering feud that pulls them headlong into the heart of the riverlands' tumultuous history. This journey forces Chih to confront old legends and new dangers, revealing that every narrative—be it beautiful, ugly, kind, or cruel—possesses intricate, multifaceted truths. Vo masterfully weaves a tale where storytelling itself is a central theme, exploring the reliability of narrators and the enduring power of myth.