I borrowed a copy of Brandon Sanderson‘s The Emperor’s Soul from my local library.
Description from Goodreads:
Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.
Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.
Review:
This was an interesting little stand-alone novella (though it’s apparently set in the same universe as others of Sanderson’s books). I liked the writing and the way we got to know the few characters we got to know. Considering how short it is, I thought some of the explanations a bit too lecture-like. But all in all I enjoyed this. It lasted just long enough for me to sup a rather large latte, and exactly what I was looking for.
I borrowed an audio copy of 
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from my local library.
) unread. I liked the non-western fantasy setting. I liked the genderless children (even if the singular use of they clashed with the plural they on occasion, since there were two main characters). The writing is lyrical and I liked that too. But when it comes right down to it, I’m not a fan of that sparse writing style common in Chinese writing. This book covers 30+ years in a novella. As a result, I never felt I really got to know the characters or was invested in the building rebellion. I’m claiming no lack of quality. I can sense that it’s well-written. This just isn’t a style I personally like very much.