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what_ella_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
My rating:4 stars
I decided to start this series because a few people I follow and trust on bookstagram raved about this series. I'm so glad I did!
This was a good start to what I think will be an engaging series!
I really liked the main character Liena. Her determination was inspiring. It's nice to see a heroine in a fantasy that isn't strong because she has some amazing power, but because she is working hard towards her goals.
I know she is not going to be the protagonist in the rest of the series, but I do hope she will at least make a cameo appearance!
I also enjoyed the mystery aspects of this book. I'm excited to see how they will continue to play out in the other books.
One thing I had a little bit mixed feelings about was the romance between Liena and Nianzu. It escalated really quick. One minute they admitted their feelings for each other and the next minute they were talking about marriage (keep in mind they are 16/17).
Pacing aside, they did have some cute and swoon worthy moments. I particularly enjoyed their training scenes on the beach.
I'm so happy that I trusted the bookstagrammers who recommended this series. I've already started the second (or I guess first book, since this one is a prequel) and can't wait to see what happens next in the world of Zheninghai!
I decided to start this series because a few people I follow and trust on bookstagram raved about this series. I'm so glad I did!
This was a good start to what I think will be an engaging series!
I really liked the main character Liena. Her determination was inspiring. It's nice to see a heroine in a fantasy that isn't strong because she has some amazing power, but because she is working hard towards her goals.
I know she is not going to be the protagonist in the rest of the series, but I do hope she will at least make a cameo appearance!
I also enjoyed the mystery aspects of this book. I'm excited to see how they will continue to play out in the other books.
One thing I had a little bit mixed feelings about was the romance between Liena and Nianzu. It escalated really quick. One minute they admitted their feelings for each other and the next minute they were talking about marriage (keep in mind they are 16/17).
Pacing aside, they did have some cute and swoon worthy moments. I particularly enjoyed their training scenes on the beach.
I'm so happy that I trusted the bookstagrammers who recommended this series. I've already started the second (or I guess first book, since this one is a prequel) and can't wait to see what happens next in the world of Zheninghai!
morgangiesbrecht's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 ⭐️
This book was so adorable & has major Mulan vibes, which I’m all here for!
This book was so adorable & has major Mulan vibes, which I’m all here for!
r3lrocks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cindeereads's review against another edition
5.0
Loved
This book was a great start to a world I am going to keep reading about. I really liked the characters especially Liena she was interesting to read about she suddenly gains magic so she enters a academy and is way behind so she has to struggle so she does all she can she nearly gives up but manages not to with help. I like that she is not instantly strong I like her romance with Nianzu he is an interesting character looking forward to reading more. The story was interesting Liena is a farm girl that suddenly gets magic and her whole life changes as a result she has struggled falls in love and learns so many things this book was really good looking forward to reading more in this book's world.
This book was a great start to a world I am going to keep reading about. I really liked the characters especially Liena she was interesting to read about she suddenly gains magic so she enters a academy and is way behind so she has to struggle so she does all she can she nearly gives up but manages not to with help. I like that she is not instantly strong I like her romance with Nianzu he is an interesting character looking forward to reading more. The story was interesting Liena is a farm girl that suddenly gets magic and her whole life changes as a result she has struggled falls in love and learns so many things this book was really good looking forward to reading more in this book's world.
kaylalikestoread's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kaleysfullybooked's review against another edition
3.0
This was so cute. Gave me Mulan goes to Hogwarts vibes. Almost too close to Hogwarts, but know a magical school isn’t a new trope haha
A great YA fantasy romance read✨
A great YA fantasy romance read✨
cassia8720's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful story, incredible characters, twists and turns, slow burn romance, and an easy to visualize world. Honestly couldn’t ask for more from the introduction to a new series, can’t wait to read the next installment!
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Single POV (FMC)
Prince & peasant
Likes: 👍
-Mulan + Harry Potter vibes
-Liena's determination
-Nianzu ♥️
Dislikes: 👎
-None!
Can't wait to continue on in the series!
Prince & peasant
Likes: 👍
-Mulan + Harry Potter vibes
-Liena's determination
-Nianzu ♥️
Dislikes: 👎
-None!
Can't wait to continue on in the series!
danisg's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0