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aseel_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed most of the book, until we got a bit of an insta love moment and then from there, it became a bit too eye roll dramatic for my taste. It was a good retelling of Mulan and I liked the unique elements it brought but yeah, the romantic relationship became very cringe
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, War, Violence, Bullying, Blood, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Murder, Death of parent, and Body horror
thenovelbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A beautiful story that imbues Chinese mythology and a combination of retellings of Mulan and Rumpelstiltskin.
The story is set in two parts. The first is Maia's competition to be the Imperial tailor, and the second is Maia's journey and quest to complete three mythical dresses for the Imperial wedding.
There is love, heartbreak, death, and longing to be throughout the story. Magic, demons, Chinese mythology, and enchantments help create a wonderful first book in this duology.
The story is set in two parts. The first is Maia's competition to be the Imperial tailor, and the second is Maia's journey and quest to complete three mythical dresses for the Imperial wedding.
There is love, heartbreak, death, and longing to be throughout the story. Magic, demons, Chinese mythology, and enchantments help create a wonderful first book in this duology.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: War, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Body shaming, Death, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
themiscyra_anna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Torture, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Body shaming and Alcohol
- threat of sexual slavery AKA unconsentual marriage - historically-inspired setting meaning cissexism in description and assumptions about others and the world - magical personalised and institutionalised form of slavery
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