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longl's review against another edition
3.0
As a work in itself, this is the weakest out of the four novellas so far. As a piece of the Tensorate Series overall, I was into it. I will think of this as an epilogue for the next part of the story. I do miss Akeha and Mokoyoa.
chromatick's review against another edition
4.0
What can I say that I haven't already before? These novellas are so good. Yang is such a great writer. I love how each novella has it's own voice. They even feel like different genres while still being stories set within the same place and roughly the same time. This one follows the story of how Hekate came to power and her lover the Lady Han. I hope she keeps writing stories in this universe because I will certainly keep on reading them!
ejspiese's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Once again Yang has written a book in such a unique and interesting style, the narrative almost dims in comparison. Almost. I hope there's more to come in this series.
abipepper's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Trafficking, War, Toxic relationship, Death, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Classism, Rape, Grief, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Child death
readivine's review against another edition
5.0
OH MY DEAR LERD. This was the shortest novella of the series but it was by far my favorite because it tied id not all, most of the loose ends of the series. THIS WAS A FCKING DELIGHT TO READ. I'll be writing full reviews soon of this series! Definitely a fave now plus that cover is so gorgeous???
kappareads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a decently strong finale to the series. We get Lady Han's story as she tells it directly to the reader. We finally get to hear about the Protector from someone who spent real time with her.
This is also the shortest in the series so that's all I'll say, but it was really good!!
This is also the shortest in the series so that's all I'll say, but it was really good!!
aroldo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
athetos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this final novella, we finally learn the backstory of the Protectorate, and how she came into her power. The point of view is from Lady Han's drunken retelling of her history to another character, after the Protectorate has died. Lady Han has a vulgar and comedic voice that was a delight to read, and she was a character I was very much interested in learning more about, so I'm glad she was the chosen narrator. She was bought from her family to be an entertainer, then stumbled into the Protectorate's circle, where she became enamored with her. We all know how her tale will end, as we know exactly how evil the Protectorate can be, but the journey there is a gripping read. I became fascinated with both characters, and how they were tangled together. It's crushing to know that the Protectorate is of course using Lady Han, which just made her admiration and love of her all the more tragic. It's not entirely backstory; there's a few tidbits at the end about the current state of affairs that give enough answers while still encouraging the reader to imagine what the future of this world will be like. All in all, I can't recommend these novellas enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Cursing
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child death, Child abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Infertility, Violence, and Suicide