Green Fairy
A revisit of the first novel in the Dangerous Spirits series by Kyell Gold
I first read this book back in 2014 (not too long after the book's initial release in 2012). I'd listened to the book in audiobook form on Audible and enjoyed it, but it overall didn't leave a major impact on me. Likely because I was mostly listening to it during commutes and wasn't always paying attention.
When I saw the release of the fourth book in the series (Azure City; on Amazon or Bad Dog Books), I decided I wanted to re-read the prior three to get re-immersed in the world. I grabbed the DRM-free ebook from Bad Dog Books and read it over the course of about a week of pre-bed reading.
Sadly, the book didn't bring any dreams to me, but it was wonderful to be back inside the well-built universe that Gold brings to bear for the series. The books are YA-friendly, with none of the erotica that happens in other of Gold's novels. The topics discussed, apart from the mildly supernatural, tie well into real-world events (fear of coming out, meeting up with potentially dangerous people online, and trying to find one's place in the world).
As a word of caution, however, the books deal with sexual assault and suicide. Gold handles both topics with care; but keep this in mind, especially if given to a younger reader.
This book is a 2012 Ursa Major Award winner for best cover; Rukis' art is delightful and helps form the world of the Mulan Rouge in your mind, at least within this anthropomorphic revival of the world. I found myself quickly engrossed in the story of Sol and couldn't help but draw connections to my youth, especially in how long I hid my sexuality from my family.
Sol is a likable, if sometimes frustrating, protagonist; as is his friend Meg, whom I'm so happy received her own book later in the series, is delightful to read. After I finished the book, I needed to sit alone for a while and process my feelings, which I think is a sign of a well-told story.
Here There Be Spoilers
Reading the book, the thing I find most frustrating about this book is less reading through the eyes of Sol but reading through the eyes of Niki, a dancer at the Millan Rouge. Gold portrays Niki as very naïve in a way that I understand makes them relatable and comparable to Sol within the narrative.
However, Niki's experiences and upbringing (especially as we learn more through the series), seems at odds with them being just this darn unworldly. The death of Niki in the book feels ham-fisted, with Niki's return to the
chamois in the end feeling out of character developed to that point.
Ultimately, this is a minor gripe on the story; and given Sol only experiences Niki through their dreams, one could say that this isn't truly "Niki', but "Niki through Sol's perception" and that explains the naïve actions.
Overall, I'd give this book a very solid 8.5/10 and think it earned its re-read well. I'd recommend it, with the content cautions I outlined above.
If you've not yet read Green Fairy; I recommend buying it from Amazon or Bad Dog Books. If you find yourself unable to afford that right now, it's also available on the internet archive to check out.
