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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
While this book contained a lot of interesting information about Malaysian culture at the time, the issues with pacing, overt foreshadowing, tell-and-not-show storytelling, and total lack of character development killed this book for me. I couldn't stand Li Lan and her utter self-absorption and was extremely bored throughout a story that could have (and should have) been very captivating based on it's premise. It turned into a very tedious and also immature supernatural romance by the end when I was expecting a fairy tale from a culturally diverse perspective.
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
No
This was really quite good - I didn't realize it was New Adult when I first started it but it quickly became apparent that was the case. Once I reset my expectations I really enjoyed it. The story is well paced, and the setting of the colonial era of Malaysia really shines through.
Predictable at times but a beautiful story that I had a hard time putting down ✨
Atmospheric and fascinating. I enjoyed this so much!! The Chinese culture sang on the pages.
Audiobook, by the author. Fantastic narration!
Audiobook, by the author. Fantastic narration!
Intriguing journey into a world of Chinese spirits. Will Li Lan marry the dead son of a prominent family? Surprising and a little confusing.
A young woman is offered the hand of a ghost--in order to lift her and her family out of poverty. But who killed her suitor in the first place?
A first novel, I think, not terrible, but weirdly plotted. Everything is logical, yet it was hard to feel secure in the author's hands. The twists aren't well set up, it's hard to connect with the ending, and it felt like the genre changed several times. But good characters, great settings, solid writing. I'll probably continue to read the author's books.
Recommended for fantasy fans in search of good settings and YA fans who want engaging characters who don't feel vain and self-centered (ahem).
A first novel, I think, not terrible, but weirdly plotted. Everything is logical, yet it was hard to feel secure in the author's hands. The twists aren't well set up, it's hard to connect with the ending, and it felt like the genre changed several times. But good characters, great settings, solid writing. I'll probably continue to read the author's books.
Recommended for fantasy fans in search of good settings and YA fans who want engaging characters who don't feel vain and self-centered (ahem).
This book is both fascinating and slow. The ending was disappointing, a wrap up.
Reread 2020: I loved rereading this! This book has such an interesting take on the afterlife. I am thrilled that there is a Netflix series now to see it all come to life!
DNF. Personal dislike of the predicting the future trope i.e. MC saying "I would later regret this decision." Otherwise, beautiful world-building and exploration of multicultural belief systems regarding the afterlife/reincarnation within a potential love story.