Book Review: A Mouthful of Dust by Nghi Vo

A Mouthful of Dust by Nghi Vo is a continuation of the Singing Hills Cycle. This short novella follows Cleric Chih of the Singing Hills abbey and their birdlike companion Almost Brilliant as they travel to a new place to record stories to bring back to the abbey.

In this particular story the pair travel to Baolin, a place famous for it's pork and it's legendary famine. While in the town, Chih is forced to stay at the town magistrate’s home where they discover something strange taking place.

I’m a huge fan of this series and I loved this new chapter of the Singing Hills Cycle. It’s definitely the creepiest of the novellas so far, I could feel myself getting tense while reading certain parts! Chih is such a likable character that I love reading about all their adventures and the stories they gather. I also love when Almost Brilliant is included, the back and forth between the two is always fun!

Available in the US starting October 7, 2025.

I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC. All opinions are my own.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rating: 4.25 stars

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