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moon_peach's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I loved this book more than the original. I understand why some might be unhappy but I was hooked and on the edge of my seat on every page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and War
sofiadanielle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Hmmm. I think the first book in the duology is stronger, as many have said in their reviews. I do agree with the critiques of pacing for scenes of heightened action, of course; I felt this too while reading the first book, and have likened this to be Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style.
I feel conflicted about the last 50 pages, though I think I maybe agree with the decisions made, even if I had ‘hoped’ for something else.
My qualms aside, I deeply loved the universe and characters created in this story. Will absolutely be getting Tales of the Celestial Kingdom upon release, to finally lay this series to rest. I loved starting my reading year with this storyline :)
I feel conflicted about the last 50 pages, though I think I maybe agree with the decisions made, even if I had ‘hoped’ for something else.
My qualms aside, I deeply loved the universe and characters created in this story. Will absolutely be getting Tales of the Celestial Kingdom upon release, to finally lay this series to rest. I loved starting my reading year with this storyline :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Death of parent, and Violence
llamameemaw's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-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? It's complicated
3.25
I loved the first book so much, I just wish that there was more time spent and this were a trilogy rather than a duology. I loved seeing the characters again, but the plot initially felt forced and then we jumped around with major events happening left and right without much build up or exposition. Not until the last third of the book did it come into it's own. I did think that it ended perfectly and am glad I stuck it out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Violence
boodles100's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.5
I loved the plot. Lost stars for repetitive writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Child death, and Infidelity
hello_lovely13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
3.0
Unfortunately, this did not live up to the hype of the first book for me. The first half of the book was caught in the loop of problem-solution, problem-solution, which made the pacing of the story dissatisfying. At the halfway mark, I had no clue as to how the book was going to end, or even the direction it was going. The third quarter of the book was much better in regards to the pacing, but I felt that the resolution to the main conflict happened too quickly. The death of Prince Yanming DESTROYED me. I could not stop crying. The death of Wenzhi, however, left me disappointed. I was very glad that it turned out that his character wasn’t gone for good. I wanted him and Xingyin to end up together after all. Also, for the first half of the book, the inclusion on Houyi being alive came out of nowhere, and though I’m happy he and Chang’e are reunited, I’m not sure the inclusion added enough interest for me. The last 50 pages were fantastic. Overall, it was entertaining (I was constantly stressed and wanting to know what happened next), but the pacing left something to be desired and the chemistry between characters wasn’t as strong as in the first book. I will admit, I usually hate fighting scenes (I usually find them boring), but this duology has nailed every single one! I’m always interested and hanging on every word! I’m a bit disappointed with this book, but I’m also happy in some ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and War
Minor: Death of parent
elizabeth_lepore's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Blood
shellbell_04's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
4.0
It’s a beautiful continuation of the first book with so much detail that made me feel like I was along side the characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child death, and War
Minor: Sexual assault
tiffanyfreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
I adored the first book and I feel the same about the sequel. I kept reading cause I just needed to know what happened.
I’m soooo happy with the ending like ahhhhhh I can’t wait for the extended epilogue coming out really soon to see even more of my favs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Child death, War, and Blood
taroroot'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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Child death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and War
bug_lightyear's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable and full of adventures, but also a lot of grieving and death of loved ones. It's a bit of a weird feeling that the guy who kidnapped her and locked her up ends up being the "chosen" love interest despite the horrible things he did. It's not a minor fuck up, that's despicable intentions and behavior, despite all the redeeming and nice things he does in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Sexual harassment, War, and Violence
Moderate: Grief