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miss_art3mis's review against another edition
3.0
some parts were a teeny bit cringey and she also repeated details once. the climactic final decision of sacrifice at the end wasn’t really a difficult choice like there was only one real option but she made such a big deal about not being able to give either thing up
lauralauralaura's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful example of the kind of thing I like to read for escapism. A flawed and supremely competent heroine, strong connections and kindness with those around her, foreshadowing that there is more going on under the surface, and a plot that keeps it moving. No notes; I just reserve five stars for books that move me.
bookrecsplease's review against another edition
I was enjoying learning the magic system and tried to enjoy the action scenes, but there was constant exposition everywhere. Every scene that could have had tension was interrupted by soooo much unnecessary exposition and then even at this point in the book it was being frustratingly mysterious about the protagonist, withholding the details of her gift.
beardedmug's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
Despite the rating, it's really a good, fun read, especially if you love urban fiction or things like the the World of Darkness setting. My biggest gripes are around editing, which bugs me but are honestly really easy to overlook in favor of a great cast and good story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
basimmons2020's review
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
2.5
The book was all over the place and would've been much better had it been shorter. It definitely feels like it was written by 2 people.
ashandherbooks's review
4.0
IG : ash_and_her_books
Ebony Gate is an urban fantasy set in Chinatown, San Francisco. Our main character Emiko has just left her role as the blade of the Soong Clan (one of the 8 most powerful families that rule the hidden magical world). Now she’s making her living as a monster hunter/ artifact expert just trying to mind her own business and stay out of violence
But her mother owes a favor to a random death demon and he comes to collect. Either she does this favor or her little brother will have to so she gets to work and is thrown in to the seedy underbelly of the city
What I loved :
🔥 The magic. Each family has different powers at different levels. Our main character supposedly doesn’t have any powers so she has to use her wits and weapons against opps that can literally mind control or have increased strength or travel between voids
🔥 we are following a mature character who has bills and responsibilities. She’s torn between loyalty to her people’s way of life and her community and wanting a life without bloodshed. She’s got two love interests but neither romance takes over the action. And of course she is a badass who does jiu jitsu lessons at 6 am and her diet consists of pork dumplings 😂
🔥 I loved the family dynamics. Similar to Jade City, its clan over everything. Her mom is a powerful void walker who’s basically disowned her , her dad is the consummate politician and constantly schemes and manipulates her. And there are also rival families who need to be put in their place despite Emikos estrangement
I really enjoy the urban setting, the Chinese influence , the treacherous family dynamics and all the action. Highly highly recommend
Ebony Gate is an urban fantasy set in Chinatown, San Francisco. Our main character Emiko has just left her role as the blade of the Soong Clan (one of the 8 most powerful families that rule the hidden magical world). Now she’s making her living as a monster hunter/ artifact expert just trying to mind her own business and stay out of violence
But her mother owes a favor to a random death demon and he comes to collect. Either she does this favor or her little brother will have to so she gets to work and is thrown in to the seedy underbelly of the city
What I loved :
🔥 The magic. Each family has different powers at different levels. Our main character supposedly doesn’t have any powers so she has to use her wits and weapons against opps that can literally mind control or have increased strength or travel between voids
🔥 we are following a mature character who has bills and responsibilities. She’s torn between loyalty to her people’s way of life and her community and wanting a life without bloodshed. She’s got two love interests but neither romance takes over the action. And of course she is a badass who does jiu jitsu lessons at 6 am and her diet consists of pork dumplings 😂
🔥 I loved the family dynamics. Similar to Jade City, its clan over everything. Her mom is a powerful void walker who’s basically disowned her , her dad is the consummate politician and constantly schemes and manipulates her. And there are also rival families who need to be put in their place despite Emikos estrangement
I really enjoy the urban setting, the Chinese influence , the treacherous family dynamics and all the action. Highly highly recommend
hamohero's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this book so baaadd. The overall concept was fascinating, Unfortunately, i dont think this was the right medium for this story. I think it wouldve been better as a graphic novel.
The text could've used a lot of editing down. The pace dragged in a lot of parts and I think there are too many moving subplots happening. The story takes place over 2 to 3 days but it feels like it lasts a month. ( theres actually a sentence in the book where the main character says that it's only been a day since the beginning of the book and to her it felt like eons. So this is 300 pages in. ). Characters kept on repeating themselves and I wasn't emotionally pulled by our main characters thoughts or motivations. I didn't feel the tension that emiko was feeling.
(Incoming long ass rant about everything I didn't like about this book).
1. The world/magic system was actually very interesting (secret society of Asians with elemental magic?? Hell yeah!). But the actual world building was lacking...the magic started to feel a little too plot convenient at the end (i rolled my eyes when kamon was not affected by uncle jimmys talent and there was barely any explanation for that ).
2. Speaking of lacking, I was just confused by the main character, emiko. It's from her pov so she kept on saying she was this jaded, edgy monster with trauma and wanted to divorce herself from her dishonorable past but tbh I did not believe her at all. Like if you really wanted a fresh start, why not move to a more rural area?? But instead you move to San francisco?? And live among your magic community where your (prominent) family can still have a hold of you???And she mentions how much she loves sf but she doesnt really mention the actual characteristics of the city, only some parts of it like lotus lane and some stores. Idk i think thats why a lot of urban fantasies dont mesh with me cuz the author assumes you know what the cities are like.
Also I have no idea how old emiko is. She repeatedly uses the phrases "[saved] my bacon"/"eat my boots" and she refers to other young adults as "kid", but I thought she was like 19 - 22 since shes so whiny all the time. She is constantly saying that she's no longer the Blade of Soong (aka the clans assassin) and lamenting the fact that she has no talent/magic.
3. The other characters have more personality than our main character but also are kind of cartoonish. Especially the Tran twins. Fiona is this hyperfemme girl boss who emiko always has to take note of what she's wearing (usually high heels and something designer). Freddy is the stoner brother who is the "comic relief" and contributes phrases like
"That is one seriously weird dude" and "whoa, man".
4. The following lines that made me scrunch my face (light spoilers):
5. Unnecessary romance subplot with rich charming white boy whos interest is collecting asian objects and tanned furry ex who is actually super kind and caring. As if this story wasn't already overstuffed.
I can probably go on and on but I'll stop or it'll actually be eons. The only reason I'm giving this a 3 is because I like the concept but if I wasn't so stuck on that, I'd probably would've dnfed it after 50 pages.
The text could've used a lot of editing down. The pace dragged in a lot of parts and I think there are too many moving subplots happening. The story takes place over 2 to 3 days but it feels like it lasts a month. (
(Incoming long ass rant about everything I didn't like about this book).
1. The world/magic system was actually very interesting (secret society of Asians with elemental magic?? Hell yeah!). But the actual world building was lacking...the magic started to feel a little too plot convenient at the end (
2. Speaking of lacking, I was just confused by the main character, emiko. It's from her pov so she kept on saying she was this jaded, edgy monster with trauma and wanted to divorce herself from her dishonorable past but tbh I did not believe her at all. Like if you really wanted a fresh start, why not move to a more rural area?? But instead you move to San francisco?? And live among your magic community where your (prominent) family can still have a hold of you???
Also I have no idea how old emiko is. She repeatedly uses the phrases "[saved] my bacon"/"eat my boots" and she refers to other young adults as "kid", but I thought she was like 19 - 22 since shes so whiny all the time. She is constantly saying that she's no longer the Blade of Soong (aka the clans assassin) and lamenting the fact that she has no talent/magic.
3. The other characters have more personality than our main character but also are kind of cartoonish. Especially the Tran twins. Fiona is this hyperfemme girl boss who emiko always has to take note of what she's wearing (usually high heels and something designer). Freddy is the stoner brother who is the "comic relief" and contributes phrases like
"That is one seriously weird dude" and "whoa, man".
4. The following lines that made me scrunch my face (light spoilers):
- Heh. Gravity. It's a bitch.
- Two more kunais flashed in the sunlight, hurtling toward me on a wave of sinus stinging acid.
- He looked at me and shock and made gestures behind the shinigami's back. I interpreted them as Freddy saying "Really dude? You didn't tell me about the death god?!"
- "[Evil dude]! You have wrong the people of my city! I Am The Sentinel and I will have retribution!"
- I can't believe I let this... bank teller get the drop on me.
- The portal clenched like the death spasm of a corrupted heart.
5. Unnecessary romance subplot with rich charming white boy whos interest is collecting asian objects and tanned furry ex who is actually super kind and caring. As if this story wasn't already overstuffed.
I can probably go on and on but I'll stop or it'll actually be eons. The only reason I'm giving this a 3 is because I like the concept but if I wasn't so stuck on that, I'd probably would've dnfed it after 50 pages.
miaiyaa's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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
4.0
bentheoverlordsbooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5