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dottiewankenobi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I struggled to finish this one because there were times that one of the main characters, Kai, was a bit too cynical for my tastes. To be clear, I definitely understand why he was that way and I think it makes the most sense for him, but it just made it a bit difficult for me. On the whole, I liked the hopeful thread throughout this book and I really liked what we saw of the world these guys lived in
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
hazelwood's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story felt realistic, even though there was the mystical element of dragons being real (Amazing and cute!!!) everything else felt very grounded. It dealt with questions that I ask myself every day, like no matter what I do, will it ever be enough to change things? And the climate change effects were visible throughout the story but it wasn't preachy about it. Lots of really good gut-punch moments. Ow, my heart hurts. But the romance that develops between the characters is sweet and teaches both of them valuable lessons. I was so happy to see Kai get loved and cared for despite his insistence on not helping himself. And the demisexual (?) representation with Eli was unexpected but really well done! I would have liked to know what happens with the dragon research though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Animal cruelty, and Self harm
scarroll178's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
The author did a great job crafting the world this story takes place in. I just wish more story had happened in this world. The story feels very unfinished, like the author gave up on writing an ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Blood, and Chronic illness
counthannahreadsalot's review
4.0
A very sweet and short novel. Well described- I could feel the heat of the city and imagine the wild dragons blending in with the city.
I liked the brevity of the novel, and I think it accomplished everything it set out to in its very short time frame. I do think that it would’ve been nice to see some plot points embellished if it was slightly longer, and although points were made in the ending, I think that I was still left a little wanting.
I liked the brevity of the novel, and I think it accomplished everything it set out to in its very short time frame. I do think that it would’ve been nice to see some plot points embellished if it was slightly longer, and although points were made in the ending, I think that I was still left a little wanting.
xandraanneww's review
5.0
This is a sweet little read. It has a soft, fuzzy kind of feeling to it, but it kept me turning pages. Not with a rush to see where it ends, but with a lazy sort of flowing interest.
The end left me a little adrift, but I see the artistic intention to it. Would I have liked more closure? Sure. But that's a me problem.
I love the world building. I love the environmental message. The dragons had such personality. Rooting for you, Eli! <3
The end left me a little adrift, but I see the artistic intention to it. Would I have liked more closure? Sure. But that's a me problem.
I love the world building. I love the environmental message. The dragons had such personality. Rooting for you, Eli! <3
lightqueer's review
3.0
extremely interesting story with two very complex characters! i loved the nuance behind each character’s thoughts and values especially kai. moreover, the lore twisted throughout modern day china was so wonderful to see. i do wish that there had been a more active plot when it came to the climax of the book itself but i still enjoyed it nonetheless.
youshouldreadthisif's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This novella was my January Wildcard pick and is one of the most successful novellas I’ve read this year. I do think that expectations are key to enjoying this book, especially with the dragons. If you’re coming into the story expecting the dragons to be huge and awesome and epic, well, you’re butting up against one of Zhang’s priorities: to situate dragons firmly in an Asian context. These dragons are more like stray cats than the fire-breathing menaces or European mythology.
Further, it’s very character-driven, with minimal plot and big slice-of-life vibes. The (potential) plot points that do exist - a cure for shaolong, dragon research, the climate issues - are not resolved. Even the tangled, sweet relationship that slowly develops between Kai and Eli ends on a HFN. Because the resolution of these conflicts is not the point here. AtD, to me, is about the strength it takes to imagine - and work - for a better future in the face of what feels like insurmountable futility. The book is full of Big Anxieties, systemic and personal, but, ultimately, the characters decide to continue doing what they can to take care of themselves, each other, and the broken world they live in.
While I loved pretty much everything about this book, I particularly enjoyed watching Kai and Eli pick their way through the thorny tangle of their relationship. Watching Eli learn how to care for someone with a terminal illness, in the face of his own grief and guilt about his grandmother, while Kai learns to allow himself to be taken care of for once hit me in the feels big time.
There’s so much I could (and want to!) say about this quiet, lovely, introspective book of our time.