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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
I've never read another book like this, so I can't wait for what Mia Tsai does next. This book was tender, gripping, tense, sensual, and fascinating. She built a wonderful urban fantasy world that had me in it's thrall, and she puts Elle and Luc though the wringer before they can find much-deserved peace together.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were two saving graces: Nathalie Naudus' narration and, surprisingly for myself, the romance. There were several major misses: the pacing in plot and romance; character personalities and motivations; the writing itself. I want to give Tsai another chance in the future, but this was a shaky debut.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Although I thought some parts could've been better executed I really enjoyed this one. Loved specially the eastern aspects, the mythology and the growth of the characters. The author's note explaining the different languages used made me find it even more special. Glad I got to read this one and excited to see what Mia Tsai creates next!
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the setting of this book. I used to be a big fan of urban fantasy but stopped reading them because they were all starting to look the same, so I was thrilled when I realized this was essentially urban fantasy with a Chinese bent. The writing and the plot weren't especially strong, but I still enjoyed the book more than I typically would because I'm happy to see parts of my culture in this sub-genre (and also I'm weak for pining).
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Complicated
slow-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really liked the world, both how supernatural life and jobs was normal, and how the supernatural was used to create tension and danger. It took me a few chapters to get used to the present tense narration. At times the romance came off as a bit cutesy to me, but when I adjusted my expectations to sweet, comforting, and the "how can he be so perfect for her!" I enjoyed it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
Ooohhhh this one was good!!! Magical realism, romance, a bit of action, and some wonderfully written and diverse multilingual characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Murder, Abandonment
Well, that was adorable. I love, love, love a fussy male love interest. Both the leads were charming and I really enjoyed their chemistry. I appreciated that each had their own puzzle box of problems to work out that they were able to struggle with side by side independently of the romance. The world building was fun (corporate fantasy is so cheesy, but I do enjoy it) and i thought the ending was really satisfying. Great secondary characters in particular. Highly recommend!