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pillywiggin's review against another edition
4.0
This is definitely the best of the 9 books in Kylie Chan's three series. I enjoyed the various twists, and the writing itself was better than it has ever been. I will say I do not like all of the sex scenes in the book, but they are pretty easy to skip, which I do. In a way, I wish Chan could go back and rewrite some of the earlier books in the series, because they have improved that much. I nearly quit the series after several of the books, but I'm glad I didn't. At first, I was just intrigued enough, and liked the characters enough to continue, and I'm glad I stuck it out to the end. I hope Chan continues to write, because her books have become a pleasure to read, not a chore. The series is over, and it feels like I am leaving old friends.
kokonatsu's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5/5
I was in two minds about this book because on one hand, there was an ending! But on the other, that ending felt like a copout.
I've been reading this series from the beginning and there are aspects I have enjoyed; the mythology, the location, the action. The characters have developed well, along with Kylie Chan's writing style.
For me, one of the biggest flaws was the build up, that realistically started from White Tiger, popped but wasn't really developed. Emma, who was such a badass to begin with, becomes complacent and while this is explained, it's a letdown after an underground revolution being suggested. The whole sacrificing themselves is noble and all but sometimes seems over the top, especially when they could be useful in war.
The characters have developed well and it's nice to see where they end up. Some characters really blossom and are very interesting, like Simone, whereas I felt John became so reliant on Emma, who was reliant on him and I get that it's explained but....damn, who wouldn't have loved some badass moments from them?
Overall, the series is good to read. The mythology and customs of China is well known by the author and in itself is interesting to read. The books are mostly page turners and most of the storylines have been tied up. If Chan happens to write more books based on the characters in this one, I would be interested in reading it.
I was in two minds about this book because on one hand, there was an ending! But on the other, that ending felt like a copout.
I've been reading this series from the beginning and there are aspects I have enjoyed; the mythology, the location, the action. The characters have developed well, along with Kylie Chan's writing style.
For me, one of the biggest flaws was the build up, that realistically started from White Tiger, popped but wasn't really developed. Emma, who was such a badass to begin with, becomes complacent and while this is explained, it's a letdown after an underground revolution being suggested. The whole sacrificing themselves is noble and all but sometimes seems over the top, especially when they could be useful in war.
The characters have developed well and it's nice to see where they end up. Some characters really blossom and are very interesting, like Simone, whereas I felt John became so reliant on Emma, who was reliant on him and I get that it's explained but....damn, who wouldn't have loved some badass moments from them?
Overall, the series is good to read. The mythology and customs of China is well known by the author and in itself is interesting to read. The books are mostly page turners and most of the storylines have been tied up. If Chan happens to write more books based on the characters in this one, I would be interested in reading it.
lildoanne's review against another edition
3.0
I have loved this series for years and now it has come to an end. For me, this book was all about closure. What happens? Is there a happily ever after? I think we get that.
But as a book on its own, I struggled a bit. I felt there were too many anticlimaxes. A lot of "yay!" moments followed by "no!". This made the ending for me feel quite underwhelming.
But as a book on its own, I struggled a bit. I felt there were too many anticlimaxes. A lot of "yay!" moments followed by "no!". This made the ending for me feel quite underwhelming.
skadeffalo's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm... Not quite the most satisfying resolution. There was lots of tragedy (almost too much, like a GRRM book) but the resolution felt a little weak. 8 books to lead up to this intense battle, and we don't even see the mechanics of it.
And what was the whole thing about the demon king and Yue Gui?? Is there going to be a novella about that? That would have been much more interesting to talk about in this book, and a denouement with more meat to it. Change to Simone's point of view as the 7th or 8th book did with John's.
Overall, not the most satisfying end to a strong series. Looking forward to reading more about Simone though.
And what was the whole thing about the demon king and Yue Gui?? Is there going to be a novella about that? That would have been much more interesting to talk about in this book, and a denouement with more meat to it. Change to Simone's point of view as the 7th or 8th book did with John's.
Overall, not the most satisfying end to a strong series. Looking forward to reading more about Simone though.
shortandsweetreviewsbysam's review against another edition
3.0
I feel Kylies writing went downhill in this book. There were scene's that needed more explanations and descriptions. But at the end of the day i have loved all of Emma and Johns stories and the finale was a little but of a let down but it held the conclusion we all need to finish a great book series.
ashybear02's review against another edition
4.0
3.5. Like all of Kylie Chan's series I enjoyed this book. It certainly wasn't my favourite but she has this way of captivating the reader with her simple storytelling and interesting characters.
We got to see the final battle and Emma's interactions with demons and celestials alike.
I enjoyed it. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much of the Tiger as previous books, because he's always been one of my favourites. And I think I would have liked a better conclusion to what happened to the stones. Other than that, though, a satisfying ending!
We got to see the final battle and Emma's interactions with demons and celestials alike.
I enjoyed it. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much of the Tiger as previous books, because he's always been one of my favourites. And I think I would have liked a better conclusion to what happened to the stones. Other than that, though, a satisfying ending!
novelgoddess's review against another edition
4.0
So sad to see this epic fantasy series come to an end. The end was totally satisfying and it stayed true to the whole series.
vailynst's review against another edition
2.0
Notes:
Well, most of the pivotal plot lines were tied up but it wasn't worth the aggravation of reading the poorly structured sequences to get there.
I really enjoyed the author's take of myths/lore/culture. However, the entire series has various issues that piled up until the plot turned into an impossible mess. Too many plot holes, story inconsistencies and subpar writing made the epic story fall apart. It's rather upsetting because I think the author created a great cast of characters and intricate world.
Well, most of the pivotal plot lines were tied up but it wasn't worth the aggravation of reading the poorly structured sequences to get there.
I really enjoyed the author's take of myths/lore/culture. However, the entire series has various issues that piled up until the plot turned into an impossible mess. Too many plot holes, story inconsistencies and subpar writing made the epic story fall apart. It's rather upsetting because I think the author created a great cast of characters and intricate world.
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