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olive_lol's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Whether you like Zephyr will make or break this book for you. I loved Zephyr, so I had a great time reading. Her ego gives the narration so much personality, and every description reinforces her character and how she sees the world. I spent most of the book ignoring her romance, though. I thought it was unnecessary, and I was more invested in other parts of the story.
Because of the nature of the plot twist in the middle, I felt like the second half was somewhat disconected from the first. However, putting Zephyr into a warrior's body is a clever way to spark character development, considering she originally didn't respect warriors. I also wish we had gotten to know side characters like Lotus and Cloud better in the first half.
Overall, a fun book with a lot of personality and a divisive protagonist.
Overall, a fun book with a lot of personality and a divisive protagonist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Chronic illness, and Child death
Minor: Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, and Vomit
mandkips's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Child death
Minor: Death of parent, Animal death, and Alcohol
kumquats87's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
lqvekanej's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Sexism, Alcohol, and Animal death
shoni's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
You're telling me I have to sit here and wait for the second book to come out. I didn't sign up for this! (i mean I did but like I don't approve).
I think it's safe to say that Joan He really can do no wrong. I really enjoy all her books and they all bring such different feelings and emotions that I'm just left with so many questions and emotions after I'm done. And Joan writes it in such a way that I can't even be mad because it's the best thing for the story! Having the map, artwork, and table of contents, in the beginning, was great. I miss that in books! It adds such an extra element in the smallest way and I love it. I do believe it's a nod to the original Three Kingdoms as it had the same format which adds to the genius behind it.
The characters were also just amazing. Zephyr is one of my favorites for sure. She has such chaotic energy in the most logical way that I am in love with her. She makes you understand what you don't even understand. PLUS, THE TENSION AND BANTER BETWEEN CROW AND ZEPHYR IS WHAT I WANT/NEED. It was everything and made me so happy. I knew from the beginning that there was something with Crow, that we weren't getting the full story but I wasn't expecting that! Like somehow was easier to accept the doomed love when he was on Miasma's side than Cicada's. I'm so curious to see where both these characters go in the second book AND how their paths cross again. also how much does Crow knows about Zephyr? It's said it's your soul finding its other half, so if that's the case, would he recognize zephyr's soul after a while ESPECIALLY AFTER THAT SCENE BY THE LAKE WITH THE ZITHER, or not and just be ridden with sorrow? I have too many questions and so much time till the second book comes out. It's ridiculous.
Also, Ren. Such an iconic. A lordess who is both feared and loved in the best way. Like I want to be like her. Spread chaos and bloodshed in the most humane way. Iconic.
I honestly have so many thoughts and emotions and I can't even figure out how to put them into words at this point. I can't wait for the second book and see where it all goes.
I think it's safe to say that Joan He really can do no wrong. I really enjoy all her books and they all bring such different feelings and emotions that I'm just left with so many questions and emotions after I'm done. And Joan writes it in such a way that I can't even be mad because it's the best thing for the story! Having the map, artwork, and table of contents, in the beginning, was great. I miss that in books! It adds such an extra element in the smallest way and I love it. I do believe it's a nod to the original Three Kingdoms as it had the same format which adds to the genius behind it.
The characters were also just amazing. Zephyr is one of my favorites for sure. She has such chaotic energy in the most logical way that I am in love with her. She makes you understand what you don't even understand. PLUS, THE TENSION AND BANTER BETWEEN CROW AND ZEPHYR IS WHAT I WANT/NEED. It was everything and made me so happy.
Also, Ren. Such an iconic. A lordess who is both feared and loved in the best way. Like I want to be like her. Spread chaos and bloodshed in the most humane way. Iconic.
I honestly have so many thoughts and emotions and I can't even figure out how to put them into words at this point. I can't wait for the second book and see where it all goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Child death and Blood
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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
5.0
Powerful. Poignant. Accessible to readers who are unfamiliar with the Chinese classic, yet filled with nods and homages to Three Kingdoms for those with more background knowledge.
The protagonist, Zephyr, is all wit and no brawn, which is so refreshing in a sea of tough, badass protagonists in the genre.
The multiple twists took me by surprise in the best way. Cannot wait for book 2!
The protagonist, Zephyr, is all wit and no brawn, which is so refreshing in a sea of tough, badass protagonists in the genre.
The multiple twists took me by surprise in the best way. Cannot wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, and Death
azrah786's review against another edition
3.25
**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, war, death, animal death, death of parents (off page), vomiting, physical abuse, terminal illness, grief
It breaks my heart to say this but I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to :(
I absolutely loved both of Joan He’s previous books, I just felt like there was something missing for me in this one that I can’t entirely put my finger on.
Strike the Zither is a reimagining of the Chinese epic Three Kingdoms with the twist that the leading characters are predominantly female – it has such an noteworthy and unique premise but I just couldn’t click with the story.
Don’t get me wrong He’s writing and twisty storytelling is as brilliant as ever here and the characters were interesting and well established enough. However, the fast pacing with not much action was reminiscent of She Who Became the Sun and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, two other reads that I didn’t vibe with this year for similar reasons.
Everything was happening too fast for me, relationships and alliances included, and then the big plot twist didn’t shock me at all, I just skimmed over it and continued reading without much other thought.
Maybe being more familiar with the original story that this was inspired by would have given me a better understanding and appreciation for the nuances and links but unfortunately this wasn’t my cup of tea so I doubt I will be picking up the sequel.
If you’re a fan of historical c-dramas and Wuxia then I’d definitely recommend checking it out though!
Final Rating – 3.25/5 Stars
CW: violence, blood, injury, war, death, animal death, death of parents (off page), vomiting, physical abuse, terminal illness, grief
It breaks my heart to say this but I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped to :(
I absolutely loved both of Joan He’s previous books, I just felt like there was something missing for me in this one that I can’t entirely put my finger on.
Strike the Zither is a reimagining of the Chinese epic Three Kingdoms with the twist that the leading characters are predominantly female – it has such an noteworthy and unique premise but I just couldn’t click with the story.
Don’t get me wrong He’s writing and twisty storytelling is as brilliant as ever here and the characters were interesting and well established enough. However, the fast pacing with not much action was reminiscent of She Who Became the Sun and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, two other reads that I didn’t vibe with this year for similar reasons.
Everything was happening too fast for me, relationships and alliances included, and then the big plot twist didn’t shock me at all, I just skimmed over it and continued reading without much other thought.
Maybe being more familiar with the original story that this was inspired by would have given me a better understanding and appreciation for the nuances and links but unfortunately this wasn’t my cup of tea so I doubt I will be picking up the sequel.
If you’re a fan of historical c-dramas and Wuxia then I’d definitely recommend checking it out though!
Final Rating – 3.25/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Terminal illness, and Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Animal death, and Vomit
displacedcactus's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This book starts out a bit rough and I probably would have DNFed it if any of my other library requests were available, but I persevered and ultimately I'm glad I did. There was an unexpected twist at around the half-way mark that took the book in a different direction than I expected, and then how that twist played out was also different than I expected, so the author managed to keep me on my toes.
Still don't understand why she insisted on using words like "wardlordess", "prime minstress", and "milordess" and why her editor let her get away with it, but that's beside the point.
One thing I liked about this book is that Zephyr is pretty arrogant. It makes her unlikeable at times, but we could use more unlikeable female leads. But more to the point, so many YA heroines spend way too much of the book bemoaning how plain, unremarkable, and untalented they are. It was refreshing to see a young woman who was confident in her skills and her worth in the world, even if this unfortunately resulted in her being a bit of a jerk to people who didn't really deserve it.
If you'd like a fantasy-tinged YA retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms where most of the main players are women, and you don't mind the inclusion of the typical 19 year old mysterious love interest, go ahead and give this a try.
Also, quick note: MC appears to be straight but there is a side character with a same-sex crush and this is treated as normal. The MC is a jerk about a lot of things but she's not a homophobe!
Still don't understand why she insisted on using words like "wardlordess", "prime minstress", and "milordess" and why her editor let her get away with it, but that's beside the point.
One thing I liked about this book is that Zephyr is pretty arrogant. It makes her unlikeable at times, but we could use more unlikeable female leads. But more to the point, so many YA heroines spend way too much of the book bemoaning how plain, unremarkable, and untalented they are. It was refreshing to see a young woman who was confident in her skills and her worth in the world, even if this unfortunately resulted in her being a bit of a jerk to people who didn't really deserve it.
If you'd like a fantasy-tinged YA retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms where most of the main players are women, and you don't mind the inclusion of the typical 19 year old mysterious love interest, go ahead and give this a try.
Also, quick note: MC appears to be straight but there is a side character with a same-sex crush and this is treated as normal. The MC is a jerk about a lot of things but she's not a homophobe!
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Violence, and Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent and Animal death
TW animal death:patricktreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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
Strike the Zither was my first read by Joan He, and I was pleasantly surprised with how deep the story got. I did not realize that it was a retelling until receiving the arc. Thank you to #Netgalley for that.
This read was fast paced, and full of unexpected twists. I was honestly taken by complete surprise when the big one came through at around the 60% mark. I am more than excited to read the upcoming titles in this new series.
High recommend. Please note the content warnings as this work does deal some with aggressive character deaths.
This read was fast paced, and full of unexpected twists. I was honestly taken by complete surprise when the big one came through at around the 60% mark. I am more than excited to read the upcoming titles in this new series.
High recommend. Please note the content warnings as this work does deal some with aggressive character deaths.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Grief, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Blood, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
Loving all of these epic fantasyies based on different Asian mythologies! Admittedly, I don't know the Chinese classic that this one is based on, but the characters were great, the world building was great, and I was sucked in from the beginning. There's war, scheming, and a little bit of found family. Something for all kinds of historical fantasy lovers!
And the plot twists! Between the scheming and the plotting, there are twists that you don't see coming all throughout the book. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book!
And the plot twists! Between the scheming and the plotting, there are twists that you don't see coming all throughout the book. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and War
Moderate: Blood, Child death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, and Death of parent