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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Not a love for me, but it was alright. The exploration of identity and gender was very interesting and well done in my opinion, but I had some problems with the book otherwise. As others have said, there was definitely an issue with the whole fate thing being over explained and constantly mentioned as if we as the reader couldn’t possibly remember the characters’ motivations for what they are doing! Another user mentioned that there was a lot of telling rather than showing in regards to the motivations, but I think this was also an issue overall throughout the book; it got better towards the end, but oftentimes huge pivotal moments of action would be glossed over in a paragraph or less, and then it’s on to the next scene. Dialogue definitely seemed the preferred method of conveying plot, which just fell kinda flat for me every time. Zhu was an interesting enough character, I appreciate that they do not shy away from doing whatever is necessary to achieve their goals, I think that feels more realistic than a character who gains power but also is sweet and nice and perfect. That being said, that doesn’t mean I can’t be frustrated with some of those things done to achieve the goals lmao. Last thing is that while I am by no means a prude, and especially love seeing queer rep, the explicit scene in this book felt so jarring and out of place from the rest of the book. Not an unforgivable crime, but I suppose I just wish that there had been a bit more of the yearning idk
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Needs footnotes or include the Chinese characters. I can see the poetry of some of these names but I'm just guessing.
I wanted to love this so very badly. There were parts of it that I absolutely adored - Ouyang and his entire character was so so so compelling - I absolutely adored his part in this story. The exploration of gender, dysphoria, sexism, trauma, and ableism that was explored through him was endlessly interesting and kept delivering until the end.
It’s cliche by now but this had a showing vs. telling issue, and a big one. So much of this book relied on the MC’s belief in her own destiny and willingness to fight for it, and the book beats the reader over the head with this within the MC’s own self-referential narration, rather than just showing us in her actions how steadfast her belief is and trusting us to see it too. It felt like there was a consistent trust issue with the audience - the MC is often taking risks and acting rashly all in the name of this fated greatness, and it seemed as though the author didn’t trust that we’d be all-in on these actions unless it was reiterated every time why she was willing to take such extreme risks. I completely understand this need, but would have loved for most of this characterization to have been done through the story itself, rather than through the MC telling us about herself over and over again in her own head.
This didn’t just come into play in her arc - there were moments peppered all over this book where dialogue became unrealistic and stilted so that a character could parrot the key character flaws or internal struggles of the other. There were an unfortunate number of moments that had incredible setups that were reduced to an outline of the thesis of two character’s struggles explained via conversation. What was so frustrating to me is that any interaction that *wasn’t* handled this was tended to absolutely take my breath away, so the lack of consistency started to call to my attention even more when we were getting this kind of hand-holding.
Thematically, this absolutely ruled - like I said, almost every scene that Ouyang was in completely stole the show for me. I think that’s why I feel so let down by the *way* this one was told. I’m curious about the second installment, especially because I have some hope that now that the audience knows these characters we could lose some heavy-handedness with their narrations.
It’s cliche by now but this had a showing vs. telling issue, and a big one. So much of this book relied on the MC’s belief in her own destiny and willingness to fight for it, and the book beats the reader over the head with this within the MC’s own self-referential narration, rather than just showing us in her actions how steadfast her belief is and trusting us to see it too. It felt like there was a consistent trust issue with the audience - the MC is often taking risks and acting rashly all in the name of this fated greatness, and it seemed as though the author didn’t trust that we’d be all-in on these actions unless it was reiterated every time why she was willing to take such extreme risks. I completely understand this need, but would have loved for most of this characterization to have been done through the story itself, rather than through the MC telling us about herself over and over again in her own head.
This didn’t just come into play in her arc - there were moments peppered all over this book where dialogue became unrealistic and stilted so that a character could parrot the key character flaws or internal struggles of the other. There were an unfortunate number of moments that had incredible setups that were reduced to an outline of the thesis of two character’s struggles explained via conversation. What was so frustrating to me is that any interaction that *wasn’t* handled this was tended to absolutely take my breath away, so the lack of consistency started to call to my attention even more when we were getting this kind of hand-holding.
Thematically, this absolutely ruled - like I said, almost every scene that Ouyang was in completely stole the show for me. I think that’s why I feel so let down by the *way* this one was told. I’m curious about the second installment, especially because I have some hope that now that the audience knows these characters we could lose some heavy-handedness with their narrations.
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredibly interesting and tragic tale of when one is fueled by nothing but their fate. The question of does the end justifies the means. This felt like a much darker version of Mulan. What if Mulan wanted power, and she would do anything she could to become as powerful as she possibly could? This book has so many layers to it and was a fascinating retelling of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu is a complex character, and I can only imagine that her path will continue to grow harder. I need to know how the story ends, but I know it will be difficult with the decisions that certain characters make in this book. I don’t know why this book isn’t rated higher, but I really enjoyed it.
Spoiler Thoughts
Spoiler Thoughts
- After hearing the oracle's prophecy of her brothers and her fates, she makes it her mission to avoid her fate of being nothing.
- This drives her to become Zhu Chongba and take her brother's fate for her own, since it was something he didn’t want.
- Zhu tries to become a monk and meets Xu Da. I had the feeling that he knew pretty early on she was a woman, but always kept her secret and was loyal.
- The burning of the monastery by General Ouyang and Zhu, who joined the Red Turbans
- Zhu orchestrating the landslide that kills 10,000, or General Ouyang's men
- Zhu is becoming a commander and rising up the ranks
- Zhu fights with General Ouyang, and he cuts off her hand, thinking the men would no longer follow her.
- This fight causes a turning point for Zhu. She always felt that her fate was tied to her brothers and that they needed to prove to heaven that she was Zhu in order to hold on to his greatness. She starts to believe that she can make her own fate.
- I like Ma Xiuying. She was given a choice, but she loves Zhu despite everything. Ultimately, it was only going to end in heartache and sorrow, and it breaks my heart.
- Zhu kills the Prince of Radiance. I knew this would destroy Ma, and thought it might have been the breaking point. Since it wasn't, I wonder if Zhu will be willing to sacrifice Ma for her goals.
- Ouyang killing Essen
- Ma appears at the end dressed in red. A symbol of all the blood that has already been shed and will be shed as Zhu goes down this path. Both of them know what this path means for both of them.
- I liked Parker-Chan’s writing. It was beautiful and engaging. One that would be filled with highlighted sections.
I had seen pretty polarizing reactions to this one, between exalting praise on social media and Goodreads, to people that were like "Was I reading the same text as everyone else?" Billed as Mulan meets Song of Achilles, curiosity got the best of me and I had to check it out. Annnddd....it was....okay. I can see the Mulan comparison, but not the Song of Achilles one. I think overall what really didn't work for me was the pacing. There would be long stretches with not a lot going on, with conversations about political maneuvers and strategies and then climactic events would take place in a few pages. Overall, it was a bit too long and dragged out.
What I found the most interesting that kept me engaged was the exploration of gender roles and queer characters. There were a lot of interesting dynamics at play, primarily with the main character taking on the identity of her deceased brother, being referred to as both he and she throughout the text, and the exploration of what it means to be masculine or feminine. Similarly, the primary antagonist is a eunuch general that is described as being exceedingly beautiful and effeminate, and the exploration of the dynamic between him and his superior that contains a lot of homoerotic undertones.
I know I haven't done a great job of selling this one, but I'd say give it a try if you appreciate any of what I mention above, reading about war and battle, have an interest in 14th century China, or enjoy historical fiction with a tinge of fantasy. Otherwise, this may not be your cup of tea.
What I found the most interesting that kept me engaged was the exploration of gender roles and queer characters. There were a lot of interesting dynamics at play, primarily with the main character taking on the identity of her deceased brother, being referred to as both he and she throughout the text, and the exploration of what it means to be masculine or feminine. Similarly, the primary antagonist is a eunuch general that is described as being exceedingly beautiful and effeminate, and the exploration of the dynamic between him and his superior that contains a lot of homoerotic undertones.
I know I haven't done a great job of selling this one, but I'd say give it a try if you appreciate any of what I mention above, reading about war and battle, have an interest in 14th century China, or enjoy historical fiction with a tinge of fantasy. Otherwise, this may not be your cup of tea.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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