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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This novel starts off a little bit like Next in Fashion/Project Runway. The second half quickly turns into a Classical Chinese fantasy adventure. I loved both bits. It’s also one of the few times in recent years where I wholeheartedly loved the romance aspect. Ordered the sequel immediately after closing the cover.
I did really enjoy this book and if it were merely about the escapism and love of the characters it definitely would have been a four star read for me. With that being said there were some holes that I had time overcoming.
Things I loved:
The characters!
- Maia was a strong willed woman trying to fight the patriarchy and I was here for it!
Edan is literal magic. Being the Enchanter was only one of his many facets and I enjoyed the banter between them so very much.
The magic system
- The unique way the scissors helped in Maia work and their ability to do anything when it came to helping her be an amazing tailor. I loved the amulet and charm connection between the Emperor and the Enchanter.
The storyline direction and premise
- Project runway meets Mulan! Come on! You really can't beat that. Not only do we have those elements but there is an epic quest with gods and goddesses. Everything about these all together in the same book, *chef's kiss*.
Things I didn't like:
Plot holes
- There were a lot of plot holes left open, especially after the third section header. Unresolved serious issues that came up in the beginning of the book that didn't seem to matter at the end (i.e.: her being female when she was pretending to be a boy).
Deviations from core character traits
-
Confusing tense use
- There were quite a few times when the story is told in past and present tense. It was confusing enough for me to be curious at what point the story was being told from Maia's POV, but then never really getting an answer.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. If you are someone who is not distracted by my particular dislikes, go for it! It really is a good read. Forbidden romance, intrigue, banter, and feminist ideals - how could you not want to read it?! I am curious how the story will continue in the next book.
Things I loved:
The characters!
- Maia was a strong willed woman trying to fight the patriarchy and I was here for it!
Edan is literal magic. Being the Enchanter was only one of his many facets and I enjoyed the banter between them so very much.
The magic system
- The unique way the scissors helped in Maia work and their ability to do anything when it came to helping her be an amazing tailor. I loved the amulet and charm connection between the Emperor and the Enchanter.
The storyline direction and premise
- Project runway meets Mulan! Come on! You really can't beat that. Not only do we have those elements but there is an epic quest with gods and goddesses. Everything about these all together in the same book, *chef's kiss*.
Things I didn't like:
Plot holes
- There were a lot of plot holes left open, especially after the third section header. Unresolved serious issues that came up in the beginning of the book that didn't seem to matter at the end (i.e.: her being female when she was pretending to be a boy).
Deviations from core character traits
-
Spoiler
Edan spends half of the book saying he is going to find a way for them to be together and then just leaves at the end because she tells him to? Like, wait... what? That doesn't make any sense. The Emperor doesn't care that everyone now knows that she is a girl? Maia gives up on dreams and a future because she is now destined for demonhood? Y'all these are literally the opposites of their entire character development through the whole story until the ending.Confusing tense use
- There were quite a few times when the story is told in past and present tense. It was confusing enough for me to be curious at what point the story was being told from Maia's POV, but then never really getting an answer.
I would definitely recommend reading this book. If you are someone who is not distracted by my particular dislikes, go for it! It really is a good read. Forbidden romance, intrigue, banter, and feminist ideals - how could you not want to read it?! I am curious how the story will continue in the next book.
3.5 - i enjoyed this a lot, but i did find the first part more immersive than the last two
i honestly love the romance the sacrifices they made for each other seems genuine enough for me and i like the main characters’ determination but i need more of characters’ personality for sure
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
While this book had awkward pacing, I wound up enjoying myself. I think it's described as Mulan meets Project Runway which covers the first part of the book, then it morphs into a journey and romance (the romance is pretty evident from the start). There's some cool magic. I adored how Edan and Maia's relationship grew. And I was a bit shocked at how it ended because it flipped a trope. Looking forward to the next book in the duology!
The beginning was incredibly strong, but once you get to the second part in the book (out of the 3) it begins the change to a point where it turns into a completely different book. I'll still pick up the sequal once it is out to see if our main character will actually change thanks to its ending, because right now that is the only thing that keeps the story going.
MAGICAL FABULOUS AWSOME AND ENCHANTING
fast paced too…
fast paced too…
‘It is an illusion to assume we choose whom we love. I cannot change how I fell about you. I would move the sun and the moon if it meant being with you’ Edan
I love everything in this book!! From start to finish, i haven’t lost in this realm in a bit! I’ve read that its a Project Runaway + Mulan and for me it is, on the first half of it, and the other half is a different story...with a mix of Imperial Dynasty adventure from mountains, dessert and islands and of course some romance here and there..Next year will be Unravel the Dusk, can we have the book now please!
I love everything in this book!! From start to finish, i haven’t lost in this realm in a bit! I’ve read that its a Project Runaway + Mulan and for me it is, on the first half of it, and the other half is a different story...with a mix of Imperial Dynasty adventure from mountains, dessert and islands and of course some romance here and there..Next year will be Unravel the Dusk, can we have the book now please!
Setting: ★★★ ½
Character Development: ★★★½
Plot: ★★★★
Themes: ★★★½
Writing Style: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
I loved the first half of this book. Between the beautiful writing style that flowed so smoothly and easily, I was able to fall into the story very quickly. The second half of the book was a bit on the lack luster side and there were points during the second half where I felt like things were being done just to further the romance rather than to add to the story itself.
I really liked Maia as a character in the first half of the story because I enjoyed seeing her interact with all of the side characters. On a note about the side characters, I felt like a lot of them were pushed to the side by the time I reached the second half of the book. Rather than develop the king or the other tailors that Maia spends days around, they are forgotten. This might have been part of my issue with the second half of the book as well. I don’t remember any other characters in the second half outside of the two main characters.
The plot was good. I enjoyed the the competition but I felt like it was a bit rushed with so many more pages left in the book. Given that the competition is the part of the book that was emphasized in the summary and the selling of the novel to the public, I really wished there had been more or the second half could have been worked into the competition as well.
Again, I love a book that addresses gender roles but I felt like it was pretty binary in its addressing. Either being female and being able to do a short list or being male and having everything offered to you on a silver platter. For the second book in the series, I hope to see a bit more about Maia’s mother, more backstory behind the princess and possibly a closer look at the world of the magicians.
Character Development: ★★★½
Plot: ★★★★
Themes: ★★★½
Writing Style: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
I loved the first half of this book. Between the beautiful writing style that flowed so smoothly and easily, I was able to fall into the story very quickly. The second half of the book was a bit on the lack luster side and there were points during the second half where I felt like things were being done just to further the romance rather than to add to the story itself.
I really liked Maia as a character in the first half of the story because I enjoyed seeing her interact with all of the side characters. On a note about the side characters, I felt like a lot of them were pushed to the side by the time I reached the second half of the book. Rather than develop the king or the other tailors that Maia spends days around, they are forgotten. This might have been part of my issue with the second half of the book as well. I don’t remember any other characters in the second half outside of the two main characters.
The plot was good. I enjoyed the the competition but I felt like it was a bit rushed with so many more pages left in the book. Given that the competition is the part of the book that was emphasized in the summary and the selling of the novel to the public, I really wished there had been more or the second half could have been worked into the competition as well.
Again, I love a book that addresses gender roles but I felt like it was pretty binary in its addressing. Either being female and being able to do a short list or being male and having everything offered to you on a silver platter. For the second book in the series, I hope to see a bit more about Maia’s mother, more backstory behind the princess and possibly a closer look at the world of the magicians.
**4/5**
WOW. I wasn't prepared to like this as much as I did. It was written so well and the story was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I loved Edan and Maia and I can't wait to see what Book #2 has in store for them.
The book did get a little slow and drag on a bit at the middle point, but it did pick up and it was just as good as the first half as it went on. The other tailors that Maia was close with during the trial sort of left and were never spoken of again. I felt like they could have been incorporated into the second half of the book in some way. Also Maia got annoyingly naive for a bit; I wanted to shake her and make her see reality!
Other than that, I immensely enjoyed this book. I can't wait for Book #2 to see what happens next. READ THIS!
WOW. I wasn't prepared to like this as much as I did. It was written so well and the story was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I loved Edan and Maia and I can't wait to see what Book #2 has in store for them.
The book did get a little slow and drag on a bit at the middle point, but it did pick up and it was just as good as the first half as it went on. The other tailors that Maia was close with during the trial sort of left and were never spoken of again. I felt like they could have been incorporated into the second half of the book in some way. Also Maia got annoyingly naive for a bit; I wanted to shake her and make her see reality!
Other than that, I immensely enjoyed this book. I can't wait for Book #2 to see what happens next. READ THIS!