Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker offers a creative narrative that blends mysticism and identity exploration. Readers appreciate the rich world-building and emotional depth but note occasional pacing issues. Baker's engaging prose keeps audiences invested, though some find character development uneven. A compelling yet flawed tale.

Readers who enjoyed The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang or Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa will likely appreciate Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng for its blend of fantasy, East Asian mythology, and strong, complex protagonists facing moral dilemmas in a richly detailed world.

Mysterious / Dark / Emotional / Bittersweet / Melancholic

**Coraline “Cora” Zeng**  
A young Chinese American woman living in New York City, navigating her life after the loss of her half-sister and facing personal and external challenges during and after the pandemic.

**Harvey Chen**  
Cora's light-hearted and fun-loving colleague from their crime scene clean-up job, known for his sensitive side and his hidden, undisclosed past.

**Yifei Liu**  
A fierce and outspoken member of Cora's crime scene cleaning team, who fled her past life in a Chinese village and is protective of Cora.

**Delilah Zeng**  
Cora’s half-sister whose murder catalyzes the events of the story, remembered through Cora’s memories and experiences throughout the book.

**Aunt Lois**  
Cora's maternal aunt, a white American Christian who offers conditional support and holds an insensitive attitude towards issues of race faced by Cora.

**Auntie Zeng**  
Cora’s paternal aunt, offering warmth and protection, and aiding Cora with cultural rituals to help her manage and understand her experiences.

Study Guide

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Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Chapters 1-5

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Chapters 6-12

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Chapters 13-18

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

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Chapters 19-25

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Chapters 19-25 Summary & Analysis

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Character List

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Character List

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Character Analysis

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Character Analysis

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Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng Themes

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Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng

Book Brief

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng

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