Official Review: Little Bird by Seth Chambers

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 30 Apr 2018, 10:13

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Little Bird" by Seth Chambers.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Little Bird is a science fiction novel written by Seth Chambers. The book is split between the perspectives of its two protagonists: Song Shia, a powerful polymorph, and Alex, a curator at a museum. Polymorphs are people who have the ability to change aspects of their appearance at will. Song Shia, however, is not an ordinary Polymorph; she is a Polymorph Adept. She is able to turn into a completely different person at will, the only constant being her blue eyes that mark her as an Adept. Alex and Song Shia meet by chance at Alex’s museum. Despite her being in a disfigured form, Alex is drawn by some unknown force toward Song Shia. Eventually, Song Shia reveals her secret to him and the pair enter a whirlwind romance. However, there are two catches: Song Shia changes her appearance every Thursday and the two must keep their relationship a secret. This is because Polymorphs are reviled in society. As their relationship heats up, more is revealed about Song Shia’s past and the couple must decide if they are meant to last.

The concept of Polymorphs fascinated me. Usually when shapeshifting is discussed, the logistics of it are glossed over. Chambers doesn’t shy away from some of the more distasteful aspects. I think that this added a layer of realism to the story. However, some readers may be put off the graphic nature of some of the transformation scenes. Additionally, I enjoyed where Chambers delved into the discrimination and challenges Polymorphs faced. The book takes place in Chicago, one of the few safe cities for Polymorphs. Despite its safe status, Polymorphs are still unable to reveal themselves to the public. I thought that Chambers did a good job of highlighting this in the scene where a man is handing out petitions against Polymorphs. The discontent of the public emphasized the high stakes nature of the protagonists’ relationship.

The main characters were the real highlight of the novel. Song Shia’s crass yet vulnerable personality had me engrossed. Alex’s reserved nature served as an excellent mediator toward Song Shia’s boundless energy. The petition scene also perfectly captures their personalities. When the pair encounters the man, Alex attempts to move past him and avoid any conflict. On the other hand, Song Shia pretends to be clueless and engages in a conversation with the man. As she signs the petition, she proceeds to write profanity on the paper. Additionally, I really enjoyed the flashbacks that explained Song Shia’s past. Her life in China and parental issues really struck a chord with me. The most heartbreaking moment was when Song Shia became a fully-fledged Polymorph Adept. After her powers were revealed, her father asked her to become a boy so that he could have a son. I could feel the sense of inadequacy and worthlessness Song Shia felt during that scene as well as her desire to please her father.

In terms of improvements, I would have loved to have learned more about the history of Polymorphs and the discrimination they faced. Chambers provided some tidbits, but I was left wanting more. Additionally, the book is mostly character-driven. Most of the story is spent describing the circumstances of Song Shia’s past and exploring her relationship with Alex. I don’t think this is a fault, but readers who prefer a more action-packed book may be disappointed.

Little Bird seemed like it was professionally edited. I only noticed a handful of errors while reading Little Bird. They mostly consisted of minor typos such as the use of no instead of not. The errors were not frequent or severe enough to detract from my enjoyment of the book.

I rate Little Bird 4 out of 4 stars. The premise was unique, and the characters were well developed. Chambers did an excellent job of employing flashbacks to shape Song Shia’s character. The shortcomings of the book were not severe enough to warrant a lower rating. I would recommend this book to sci-fi fans and readers who enjoy character-driven stories. As previously mentioned, audiences who prefer a more action-packed book may not enjoy this novel. Additionally, profanity and graphic depictions of violence and sex are present. Little Bird would not be a good choice for sensitive or younger readers.

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Little Bird
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bnoy · Post by **bnoy** » 30 Apr 2018, 23:12

Thank you for such a thorough review! I can't wait to read this. The characters and ideas sound fascinating to me. The premise seems really strong and well thought out.

stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 01 May 2018, 00:10

I can imagine the inadequacy and worthlessness you described that Song Shia must have felt when her father wanted her to change into a boy. I’m glad the flashbacks were well done as they can be such an effective tool for the author. Great job on this review!

NL Hartje · Post by **NL Hartje** » 01 May 2018, 00:16

The details behind the actual morphing seem like just the thing to draw me into this book. The more graphic, the better for me! I want to believe it when I read it. Cool review!

420waystoreachthesun · Post by **420waystoreachthesun** » 01 May 2018, 04:32

I love sci-fi and this book seems like it should definitely be on my shelf. Thank you for writing this review.

Laura Ungureanu · Post by **Laura Ungureanu** » 01 May 2018, 06:54

Seems like a great book. Too bad it doesn't get too deep in polymorph history, because from what you are describing, they are really facinating, not like ordinary. And her never changing blue eyes sound like a mesmerizing thing. Thank you for the review!

Jonida · Post by **Jonida** » 01 May 2018, 07:11

This book seems to be so interesting, your review gives to it a big value. Well done.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:40

stacie k wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 00:10 I can imagine the inadequacy and worthlessness you described that Song Shia must have felt when her father wanted her to change into a boy. I’m glad the flashbacks were well done as they can be such an effective tool for the author. Great job on this review!

Thanks for your feedback! They were honestly one of my favorite parts as well. A lot of authors don't handle flashbacks well so I was really pleased with their usage in this book.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:41

bnoy wrote: ↑30 Apr 2018, 23:12 Thank you for such a thorough review! I can't wait to read this. The characters and ideas sound fascinating to me. The premise seems really strong and well thought out.

Thanks for your feedback! I definitely would recommend it. It's not a long or difficult read either.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:43

NL Hartje wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 00:16 The details behind the actual morphing seem like just the thing to draw me into this book. The more graphic, the better for me! I want to believe it when I read it. Cool review!

Thanks for your feedback! They fascinated me as well. Especially for something that's as implausible as shape-shifting, a good dose of realism is welcomed and appreciated.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:44

420waystoreachthesun wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 04:32 I love sci-fi and this book seems like it should definitely be on my shelf. Thank you for writing this review.

Thanks for your feedback! If you enjoy sci-fi, this book will definitely interest you.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:45

Laura Ungureanu wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 06:54 Seems like a great book. Too bad it doesn't get too deep in polymorph history, because from what you are describing, they are really facinating, not like ordinary. And her never changing blue eyes sound like a mesmerizing thing. Thank you for the review!

Thanks for your feedback! Even though the book ended a good note, I hope that there is a sequel so that I can learn more about Polymorphs.

lavellan · Post by **lavellan** » 01 May 2018, 07:52

Jonida wrote: ↑01 May 2018, 07:11 This book seems to be so interesting, your review gives to it a big value. Well done.

Thanks for your feedback! It really was an interesting book.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 01 May 2018, 08:09

I want to be a polymorph!!! That sounds so exciting. It reminds me of that character from Harry Potter that I can't think of at the moment. Anyway, sounds interesting. It's a book that I would probably enjoy, so I'll have to look into it further. Thanks so much!