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trips's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
This was a really solid debut novel!
A Steam Punk-y Mulan-style story bursting with fun, loveable characters and imaginative engineering. Every time I thought "eh, the story is probably going to be pretty straightforward from here on out", I was wrong! I was delightfully surprised by the way this tale was weaved, the way the mystery resolves, and Ying's relationships with the various characters in this novel. I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I will say, it does feel like Ying overcomes all of her obstacles with relative ease, but I think there was a reason for that, I'm curious to see if this will change in the sequel (and curious to know others thoughts on it!). The writing was good, but a little too explain-y at times. I do understand this is a YA novel but I do believe in young readers being able to put two and two together when things start lining up plot-wise.
Overall though, I was surprised with how often I wanted to return back to this story, I would recommend to those who liked Iron Widow and Tamora Pierce novels!
Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
A Steam Punk-y Mulan-style story bursting with fun, loveable characters and imaginative engineering. Every time I thought "eh, the story is probably going to be pretty straightforward from here on out", I was wrong! I was delightfully surprised by the way this tale was weaved, the way the mystery resolves, and Ying's relationships with the various characters in this novel. I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I will say, it does feel like Ying overcomes all of her obstacles with relative ease, but I think there was a reason for that, I'm curious to see if this will change in the sequel (and curious to know others thoughts on it!). The writing was good, but a little too explain-y at times. I do understand this is a YA novel but I do believe in young readers being able to put two and two together when things start lining up plot-wise.
Overall though, I was surprised with how often I wanted to return back to this story, I would recommend to those who liked Iron Widow and Tamora Pierce novels!
Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
folkofthebook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
These seas can never trap those who are meant to fly.
"A lamp can light up the darkness around you, but a story lights up the darkness within."
a young engineer disguises herself as a boy to compete for a spot in the esteemed engineer guild while solving her father's murder, sponsored by one of the heirs amid a power struggle for succession.
steampunk x Mulan vibes, good pacing, no worldbuilding info dumps, & romance subplot. a little violence as war is a very central theme. i genuinely enjoyed the story and would continue the series (i'm curious to see what happens next).
mmc has a dimple hehe
"If I want to conquer the world, will you stand by my side?"
an honest arc review <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: War
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