Phoenix Extravagant

This is a departure for Yoon Ha Lee. Previously known for the mind bending occult mathematics of the Hexarchate novels, this is a turn into fantasy, set in an imagined version of Korea under Japanese occupation.
On the plus side, there's an intriguing and original magic system that taps into the book's concerns about colonialism and appropriation. The characters are well realised, with believably complex relationships. And there's also a giant metal flying dragon. Lee has put a lot of work into the art of this book, taking a theme and working with it, setting resonances and echoes of it throughout the world he has created.
But that same care doesn't seem to have gone into the narrative, which is a little slight, a little obvious. There are some good set pieces, but there's no complexity or surprise in the story, no tricksiness. Even the one revelation that you could generously call a twist doesn't really surprise or shock. It's not terrible by any means, but the storyline doesn't feel like it's been crafted with the same attention as the rest of the book. I've seen talk that this is a standalone novel, but it feels like a part one to me. There's a blatant sequel hook at the end, but more importantly the lead character has at least two interpersonal conflicts that don't really get resolved. I'd like to see more of this world, so I hope there is another in the works.
This is one of those books where I wish GR allowed half stars. Four stars seems generous, but three feels too low. I'll settle on 4.5 /5 for the setting and the atmosphere, 3/5 for the story. And a million out of five for that gorgeous cover.