Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
picked this book up for its xianxia theme; stayed for the romance
absolutely adored how multiple languages are threaded throughout the story!
also, it has queer reps: luc is mspec!!! tony is gay! lira is sapphic!
content warnings: mind control, violence, death, manipulation, misgendering, blood
absolutely adored how multiple languages are threaded throughout the story!
also, it has queer reps: luc is mspec!!! tony is gay! lira is sapphic!
content warnings: mind control, violence, death, manipulation, misgendering, blood
This gripped me immediately. I texted one of my friends to add it to her list, literally 10-20 pages on. The world building is so good, the characters are incredible, the magic system is very interesting, and I'm just obsessed. There's a love story that builds beautifully. I didn't want this story to end but I also could not stop reading. I had to pry my kindle out of hands multiple times.
The different language and cultures combining was done so satisfyingly. There's a bit in the author's notes about her intentions with how she wove the language into the story and with each character intentionally that was so thought out and special.
I couldn't recommend this more.
The different language and cultures combining was done so satisfyingly. There's a bit in the author's notes about her intentions with how she wove the language into the story and with each character intentionally that was so thought out and special.
I couldn't recommend this more.
A lovely fantasy romance - I’m not quite taken with the trope of “I’ve been made to do horrible things via magical hijack and thus I am so broken, fix me” because I just don’t like it when people don’t have agency, but I very much enjoyed the female lead’s journey. Another romance that is a hindered by the “I’m protecting you by keeping things from you don’t you understand that means I love you” vibe, but it does have a lot of delightful and heartwarming moments. Would’ve liked a little more explanation of the background and willingness to shift loyalties from the team of agents.
This book is always going to hold a special place in my heart. There are so many good elements in here. First of all, Tsai's reading is just straight up fun. There aren't many time I remember laughing at a fantasy book, but that was common for me while reading this. I also loved seeing how many magical creatures she incorporated in this story.
The main character is oh so relatable for me - in many ways. This was a case of "the right book at the right time" for sure. I even sent Mia a message while reading this, cause I just really needed this story in my life at that moment. I love how the romance was done in Bitter Medicine, and I don't say that often of books. I think about this book all the time, and cannot wait for Tsai's next book. I'll be pre-ordering it for sure.
The main character is oh so relatable for me - in many ways. This was a case of "the right book at the right time" for sure. I even sent Mia a message while reading this, cause I just really needed this story in my life at that moment. I love how the romance was done in Bitter Medicine, and I don't say that often of books. I think about this book all the time, and cannot wait for Tsai's next book. I'll be pre-ordering it for sure.
“She’s gone through gauntlet after gauntlet in her life to learn many hard lessons, and she’s going to apply her knowledge. She’s drunk bitter medicine over and over. She’s better, she hopes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
What a delightful read and definitely exceeded my expectations! Surprisingly, it’s very well-written for a debut novel.
I’m diving into this book first because the blurb was interesting. It mentioned Elle, an immortal and descendant of Chinese god of medicine having a crush with Luc, a French half-elf and top secret agent. I think this combo is quite rare and exceptional. And yes, it turns out that this book has not failed to satisfy me.
I admit that the world-building and the character’s background story was weak in the first half, but the romance goes strong from the start. I love their dynamics and I can easily connect with the main characters from the start. Good point for a start. After the first half, the plot is going better, the secrets about each character are revealed and all started to make sense, and at that moment, it only makes me love them more. I also love the writing style, so feathery but also deep in some points. The banters are brilliant, with good timing and not too cheesy.
Formerly, I had issues with the author who didn’t provide translation for some foreign language used: mandarin, french, and some latin (I guess?). But then she explained it on the author notes, so I make a peace with it. Lol.
Fun fact: I usually not a fan of insta-love due to my inability to connect with the MCs, but this one I can approve dearly. Hands down for the fun and flowy narrative, so it helps me to connect with the characters easily.
I loved the concept of this book. I hope this is what the future of American Fantasy looks like. A melting pot of the mixed American cultures.
I genuinely wanted to like this, because I've been keen to try more Asian authors and the stories they weave with their mythology in mind. But I've just come to the 20% mark and I genuinely feel nothing for the characters, nor am I in any way concerned with what may happen to them. The stakes feel nonexistent.
for a long time i thought this book was ya but its not. two immortals who are actually not 16 years old was refreshing.
a fun short read
a fun short read