Scan barcode
scarletranger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a very fun, easy to read Enemies to Lovers story. The characters flip-flop around each other from hot to cold, making for a slow-burn with an interesting plot line around deception and reflection.
Overall, this was very enjoyable! My main critique comes down to a combination of pacing of coincidence (very nit-picky things). Most of the book had a great feel to its pacing, everything falling into place. Though there were twists for Ying, I saw every revelation several chapters ahead - or, in some cases, from the very beginning. Being a book meant for older teens/young adults, this is okay, as these tropes may still be new or enjoyable to them.
However, when the pacing wobbled, it was very noticeable due to the rest of the story being so engaging. This mostly occurred when characters' were saved or betrayed, not through their own actions, but by coincidences that don't even fully make sense in the story. Yes, there is magic, but when that magic is able to save people from death, when before there was no evidence of that being a capability, it takes out the amazing stakes that have been built up. Also, one of the reveals very much had a "Hans from Frozen" feeling to it. Though I was immediately suspicious of this character, it was only because I have trust issues - the writing did not foreshadow or give any early evidence to the characters being different from how they appeared.
As for the romance...it's cute, it's fun. It goes from "hatred through miscommunication" to "madly in love" very suddenly, though. And then Yin simultaneously denies her feelings for too long while going against her own reasoning in a way that felt out of character. It was equally frustrating for me to read as it was for the prince to experience. Their romance was probably the most cliché part of this unique story, and her interactions with the prince always drew me out a bit because of how heavily it relied on textbook tropes. The confession was probably the worst offender of this, but they still have a fun dynamic.
For a romantasy twist on folklore meant for young adults, this is a fun and engaging read! There's some nice political intrigue and magic to keep everyone invested, and it's hard to beat anything with dragons.
Overall, this was very enjoyable! My main critique comes down to a combination of pacing of coincidence (very nit-picky things). Most of the book had a great feel to its pacing, everything falling into place. Though there were twists for Ying, I saw every revelation several chapters ahead - or, in some cases, from the very beginning. Being a book meant for older teens/young adults, this is okay, as these tropes may still be new or enjoyable to them.
However, when the pacing wobbled, it was very noticeable due to the rest of the story being so engaging. This mostly occurred when characters' were saved or betrayed, not through their own actions, but by coincidences that don't even fully make sense in the story. Yes, there is magic, but when that magic is able to save people from death, when before there was no evidence of that being a capability, it takes out the amazing stakes that have been built up. Also, one of the reveals very much had a "Hans from Frozen" feeling to it. Though I was immediately suspicious of this character, it was only because I have trust issues - the writing did not foreshadow or give any early evidence to the characters being different from how they appeared.
As for the romance...it's cute, it's fun. It goes from "hatred through miscommunication" to "madly in love" very suddenly, though. And then Yin simultaneously denies her feelings for too long while going against her own reasoning in a way that felt out of character. It was equally frustrating for me to read as it was for the prince to experience. Their romance was probably the most cliché part of this unique story, and her interactions with the prince always drew me out a bit because of how heavily it relied on textbook tropes. The confession was probably the worst offender of this, but they still have a fun dynamic.
For a romantasy twist on folklore meant for young adults, this is a fun and engaging read! There's some nice political intrigue and magic to keep everyone invested, and it's hard to beat anything with dragons.
myneverendingtbrlist's review
5.0
I enjoyed this YA so much I didn't want it to end. The writing is excellent and I adored the story. It was eerie and addictive and everything I needed to jump back into reading after a long holiday.
Make sure you add this to your TBR - it's out this August!
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this piece of artwork.
Make sure you add this to your TBR - it's out this August!
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this piece of artwork.
moonlit_dewdrops's review
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
Keshe blew me away with this debut! The plot was a perfect blend of Asian YA fantasy and dark/horror and the numerous plots and twists in the book made it hard to put down. The worldbuilding was so well-written and unique and I found it interesting how the Mirror World essentially functioned as its own world and the people there had their own consciousness and mind. The characters in the Mirror World also had completely opposite personalities as their real-world counterparts. Even in the real world, the mirror shows a REVERSED version of yourself and this brings so much depth to the worldbuilding overall.
I found Ying to be a very well-writen and likable character and although her initial naivete of trusting the Mirror Prince frustrated me, she has strong character development and learns from her mistakes.
The development of the relationship between Ying and Zhang Lin was so satisfying and although I feel like it could have been a little bit MORE fleshed out, there are times when you need to pay attention to the little details to really see the growth in their chemistry. With their relationship starting off rocky and the Prince treating Ying coldly, she soon realizes the lengths he'd gone to protect her and he in turn falls for her because of her brave and bold personality.
The ending had me shaking because the plot took such a drastic dark turn but ultimately it had an ending I was satisfied with.
Keshe blew me away with this debut! The plot was a perfect blend of Asian YA fantasy and dark/horror and the numerous plots and twists in the book made it hard to put down. The worldbuilding was so well-written and unique and I found it interesting how the Mirror World essentially functioned as its own world and the people there had their own consciousness and mind. The characters in the Mirror World also had completely opposite personalities as their real-world counterparts. Even in the real world, the mirror shows a REVERSED version of yourself and this brings so much depth to the worldbuilding overall.
I found Ying to be a very well-writen and likable character and although her initial naivete of trusting the Mirror Prince frustrated me, she has strong character development and learns from her mistakes.
The development of the relationship between Ying and Zhang Lin was so satisfying and although I feel like it could have been a little bit MORE fleshed out, there are times when you need to pay attention to the little details to really see the growth in their chemistry. With their relationship starting off rocky and the Prince treating Ying coldly, she soon realizes the lengths he'd gone to protect her and he in turn falls for her because of her brave and bold personality.
The ending had me shaking because the plot took such a drastic dark turn but ultimately it had an ending I was satisfied with.
readsatwork's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Girl With No Reflection ARC
I really like the main concept of the mirror world. As a big fan of Coraline and the movie Us this book seemed right up my alley. I really liked the main world and mirror world that the author created. However, the tension was kind of broken early on in the book with an early plot twist and then the plot was kind of all over the place and wrapped up very quickly and conveniently.
I did like the romance in this book and the grumpy/serious version of the prince pitted against the kind version of the prince. Ying is a very headstrong character and there wasn’t a lot of character growth, but I did like that not everything worked out for her. She did face real trials throughout the story.
The main thing that threw me off a lot was the dialogue. At times it really took me out of the story. It went from formal speech to modern speech and swearing and some lines that really just didn’t fit the tone at all. It’s almost like modern characters playing dress up and not following any actual societal rules.
Overall I didn’t love or dislike the book. I think some people might absolutely love this book, it just wasn’t for me.
cobaltbookshelf's review
3.0
I liked this book however there were a few spots that left me wanting more and I don’t feel delivered the way I wish it had.Overall, I think there is a lot of promise here and I would love to read more by Keshe Chow.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
nat_reads_books_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
wingspan's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
blushnins's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
googles's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
harborwriter's review against another edition
5.0
This was great! Combining spine-chilling horror, passionate love story, and high-action epic fantasy, The Girl With No Reflection is a haunting, romantic, fast-paced YA fantasy that will have you afraid to look in the mirror at night.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.