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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you to Tachyon Publications and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was a fun read! I don't usually pick up urban fantasy but when I do, I look for stuff like this. Strong worldbuilding, strong characterization, fast paced and action packed. I really enjoyed the all the cultural references and how they created an interesting, rich world and magic systems. As one other reviewer pointed out, I recommend reading the author's note before going into the book tho, as it provides context that gives a new layer of understanding the language and cultures used.
Elle and Luc's pining at the beginning of the book had me blushing and kicking my feet with how adorable they were. I have a soft spot for characters that are perceived as cold and unfeeling and Luc especially touched me as a character. However, I think their relationship culminated a little too quickly, I was rooting for a bit more getting to know each other and more cute interactions. Their dialogue also felt choppy at some points. I also felt like there were some pacing issues in general, and I got lost a couple times, so I'm curious to check out the final version when this is published.
I loved Tony. I hope Tony has a good life. I wouldn't mind seeing a little more of the Wrecking Crew, Lira and really, Oberon. I hope more comes out of this universe and we get to see more about Roland & Riddle agents, there's so much potential in this world!
This was a fun read! I don't usually pick up urban fantasy but when I do, I look for stuff like this. Strong worldbuilding, strong characterization, fast paced and action packed. I really enjoyed the all the cultural references and how they created an interesting, rich world and magic systems. As one other reviewer pointed out, I recommend reading the author's note before going into the book tho, as it provides context that gives a new layer of understanding the language and cultures used.
Elle and Luc's pining at the beginning of the book had me blushing and kicking my feet with how adorable they were. I have a soft spot for characters that are perceived as cold and unfeeling and Luc especially touched me as a character. However, I think their relationship culminated a little too quickly, I was rooting for a bit more getting to know each other and more cute interactions. Their dialogue also felt choppy at some points. I also felt like there were some pacing issues in general, and I got lost a couple times, so I'm curious to check out the final version when this is published.
I loved Tony. I hope Tony has a good life. I wouldn't mind seeing a little more of the Wrecking Crew, Lira and really, Oberon. I hope more comes out of this universe and we get to see more about Roland & Riddle agents, there's so much potential in this world!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Content Warnings: n/a
This book was an incredible surprise! A beautifully told Urban Fantasy with a really fun romance. I loved the strong element of Chinese mythology, and the unique, but subtle fantasy characters. The plot is quickly driven forward and you want to know more about the main characters, Elle, and the handsome and funny Half-elf Luc. Both the characters had interesting backstories that you slowly unraveled throughout the book. There were quite a few side-characters, but we don't get to know much about them. Though I think this helps elevate the main characters and their plots. You can't always know everything about everyone, and they are left as acquaintances or co-workers, and nothing more.
It was hard, at first, to adjust to the Chinese and French, but I read the authors note about keeping English readers in the dark about the translation, and it makes total sense. It actually immerses the reader into the world and make the story more authentic.
One of my few issues with the story was the Agency that both Luc and Elle worked for. It's never really explained, and so I viewed it just as a random job that people might have.
Overall, I loved this book and though I knew it was going to be a stand-alone, I kept hoping for a cliffhanger and we'd get to see more of the characters and the world Mia Tsai created.
Spice: 2.5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Content Warnings: n/a
This book was an incredible surprise! A beautifully told Urban Fantasy with a really fun romance. I loved the strong element of Chinese mythology, and the unique, but subtle fantasy characters. The plot is quickly driven forward and you want to know more about the main characters, Elle, and the handsome and funny Half-elf Luc. Both the characters had interesting backstories that you slowly unraveled throughout the book. There were quite a few side-characters, but we don't get to know much about them. Though I think this helps elevate the main characters and their plots. You can't always know everything about everyone, and they are left as acquaintances or co-workers, and nothing more.
It was hard, at first, to adjust to the Chinese and French, but I read the authors note about keeping English readers in the dark about the translation, and it makes total sense. It actually immerses the reader into the world and make the story more authentic.
One of my few issues with the story was the Agency that both Luc and Elle worked for. It's never really explained, and so I viewed it just as a random job that people might have.
Overall, I loved this book and though I knew it was going to be a stand-alone, I kept hoping for a cliffhanger and we'd get to see more of the characters and the world Mia Tsai created.
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
No
This is how you do fantasy romance! This is an excellent debut by Mia Tsai that I still keep thinking about months later. It is a perfect mix of world building, magic, mystery and romance. I was sad to see there is no news on the next book by this author and I can only hope she adds to this universe. Can't wait to follow this author over the coming years!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence