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ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
sehellys's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The story was good and the characters were believable, if a bit cliche. I liked them more towards the end of the book but maybe that was because they could get through two pages without fantasizing over the respective other.
The only thing that really bugged me is that Ai Li apparently forgot her own name. The scenes that were written from her pov should have used Ai Li
The only thing that really bugged me is that Ai Li apparently forgot her own name. The scenes that were written from her pov should have used Ai Li
amcriah's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love it because I wish the romance wasn't insta lust. Because of the lack of ACTUAL COMPELLING ROMANCE, I noticed that I wasn't really rooting for the characters and I didn't care what happened to them. Still, I liked the reading experience because it felt like I was reading a really good drama.
chrisreads52's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I love Jeannie Lin's prose and scene-setting, and thoroughly enjoyed the political machinations of her Tang Dynasty backdrop. The romance, however, just left me a bit bored. There was a lot of wandering - literally - for the majority of the book, and it felt aimless at several points. I have already started the next book in the series, though, because the characters who return as main characters in book two are so promising. Looking forward to reading more of the Tang Dynasty series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Murder
onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
beadzombie's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book and highly recommend it :)
The H & h were so strong and lovable; the prose was smooth, flowing and full of delicious world-building. These made the story a pleasure to read. The perceived difference in class between the love interests also brought a lot of strife into the story heightening the interest even more.
I knew it had to be an HEA (Harlequin), but it sure strung it out, keeping your emotions high the whole time.
The H & h were so strong and lovable; the prose was smooth, flowing and full of delicious world-building. These made the story a pleasure to read. The perceived difference in class between the love interests also brought a lot of strife into the story heightening the interest even more.
I knew it had to be an HEA (Harlequin), but it sure strung it out, keeping your emotions high the whole time.
hollitha'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? It's complicated
3.5
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Heavier on action, but still very swoony. I loved the Tang Dynasty China setting, and Ai Li was a fun FMC - the sixth child and a girl with a lot of secrets! The third act breakup/ conflict was a little too drawn out for my taste but the ending was really satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content