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abby_can_read's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
📖
I had a wonderful time reading this. I'm very excited for the sequel. The characters were good and the relationships were solid. The plot was good though predictable and the writing style kept me interested.
I had a wonderful time reading this. I'm very excited for the sequel. The characters were good and the relationships were solid. The plot was good though predictable and the writing style kept me interested.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent, and Confinement
Minor: Ableism, Blood, and Suicide
thing1's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Torture and Confinement
Minor: Ableism and Medical trauma
If you dislike books whereaelis_'s review
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
daniellestarredpages's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
While I didn't outright dislike this book, I was disappointed reading it. In fact, I almost DNFed it after the first few chapters. The writing style was this book's biggest downfall; the writing was amateurish and sometimes felt very awkward to read. I liked Mingshin for the most part, she made smart decisions and didn't annoy me. Eventually, I started rooting for the romance between Mingshin and Jieh and I liked all the friendships.
The pacing of the story was fine but the world-building could have used a little more work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Union & Co. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing of the story was fine but the world-building could have used a little more work.
Thank you to Netgalley and Union & Co. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Death of parent
tatyana_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media and Kate Chenli for an advanced copy of the book! All opinions are my own. Audiobook available as of November 14, 2023.
"Grant me another chance and I'll do anything to make it right."
Mingshin used her cleverness to help her ex-fiancé secure the position of crown prince over his three other brothers in her past life. However, it is too late when she figures out she is being used. While dying she promises to correct her wrongs if given a second chance. So when she wakes up two years in the past, she makes sure to make good on her promise.
"When a kind heart is directed at the right people, it's strength, not weakness."
I loved that Mingshin started acting towards revenge immediately, and made sure she protected herself and her family early on. I also liked that her desire to make those who harmed her and her family pay did not erase her personality or what she stood for. The narration probably really enhanced my reading experience, so I am glad I was able to listen to the audiobook. I wonder if there will be a second book based on the ending, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for confirmation.
"When a kind heart is directed at the right people, it's strength, not weakness."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
lastblossom's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
tl;dr
Court drama and romance with a touch of magic in a tasty revenge plot.
Thoughts
I love a good "I was wronged and murdered and have been sent back in time to get my revenge before I'm wronged again" plot. A prevenge plot? Sure! I love a good prevenge plot. And this certainly is a fun one. The story wastes no time dropping us into the plot, and Mingshin wastes no time making different choices. She also stays pretty firmly locked into her goal, even with the distractions of romance and a sudden alteration in the timeline. That's not to say she ignores romance entirely. Jieh is a pretty big part of the storyline, and he checks all the boxes as far as love interests go: hot, strong, totally arrogant, and eventually incredibly soft. I confess, I prefer his sister, though. She's probably my favorite character in the whole thing, and would make a great lead character in her own drama. The political maneuvering is top notch, with the MC and her opponents all cleverly matched against each other. Anyone looking for machinations and plot twists will find lots of tasty moments here. The ending ties up several threads in a satisfying manner, but revenge is a long process, and there are definitely more questions that need answers. I hope we get future installments!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Court drama and romance with a touch of magic in a tasty revenge plot.
Thoughts
I love a good "I was wronged and murdered and have been sent back in time to get my revenge before I'm wronged again" plot. A prevenge plot? Sure! I love a good prevenge plot. And this certainly is a fun one. The story wastes no time dropping us into the plot, and Mingshin wastes no time making different choices. She also stays pretty firmly locked into her goal, even with the distractions of romance and a sudden alteration in the timeline. That's not to say she ignores romance entirely. Jieh is a pretty big part of the storyline, and he checks all the boxes as far as love interests go: hot, strong, totally arrogant, and eventually incredibly soft. I confess, I prefer his sister, though. She's probably my favorite character in the whole thing, and would make a great lead character in her own drama. The political maneuvering is top notch, with the MC and her opponents all cleverly matched against each other. Anyone looking for machinations and plot twists will find lots of tasty moments here. The ending ties up several threads in a satisfying manner, but revenge is a long process, and there are definitely more questions that need answers. I hope we get future installments!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Classism, Murder, Torture, Death of parent, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Suicide and Infidelity
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