Set in a future post-apocalyptic Warring States period China, Chasing the Phoenix by Michael Swanwick tells the story of two con men and how they con an emperor into reuniting China. Aubrey Darger, a human who loves poetry, and Surplus, a genetically engineered dog, arrive in a China that has broken up into squabbling states following the fall of the previous Utopian civilization. They scam their way into the confidence of the Hidden Emperor, an ambitious and impulsive ruler of one of the states, and convince him that his destiny is to reunite the warring states into a unified China and reign as emperor. Much to their amazement, their plans begin to succeed.
As tricksters, Darger and Surplus rely on their wits and cunning rather than using physical strength or brilliant battle tactics. Reading how they plan schemes and tricks to overcome their enemies, despite their complete lack of tactical skill, was my favorite part of the novel. Even when faced with impossible odds, Darger and Surplus find a way to outwit their opponents. It was fun to see what audacious scheme they’d come up with next. If you’re looking for a book that has characters use their smarts to solve their problems, instead of magic or skills, Chasing the Phoenix is for you.
The setting of Chasing the Phoenix is unique. It takes place in the far future, after the creation of a human utopian civilization and its downfall after a war with artificial intelligences. China has splintered off into separate nations, each vying for power and dominance over the others, similar to the Warring States period of ancient China. I liked the original setting and how it differs from the typical western European setting a lot of fantasy novels use.
Chasing the Phoenix is a funny story, with witty characters in a unique setting. Since Darger and Surplus are clever, they have lots of amusing banter. Michael Swanwick is excellent at writing with a droll tone. Here’s one of my favorite lines:
Vicious Brute laughed ruefully. “It was my own fault for letting down my guard in the presence of the virtuous.”
“Being aware of their own righteousness, such men naturally need never think twice about the morality of their actions,” Surplus agreed. (Chasing the Phoenix, 65).
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for roguish, witty characters or an original setting. I enjoyed reading Chasing the Phoenix and I’d love to see what cons Darger and Surplus get up to next.
P.S. You can read the first two chapter of Chasing the Phoenix on Tor’s website here.
Paws on the Page 