Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
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
This was a reread for me, and whilst I remembered more details from this than I usually do from books (testament to it's unique plot) I found this harder to follow than I did previously. I think this is due to the plot largely revolving around warfare, as if I flowed in and out of focus at relevant points, I would lose the tactics or purpose of each specific attack.
However, I have to give credit to the captivating plot and complex characterisation, that really made the book so memorable. A specific highlight for me was the exploration of gender here, done in such a timeless way that the argument for gender as a spectrum is arguably flawless. Even minor details such as Zhu's feelings of body dysmorphia and the suggestion that her female body was a betrayal were eloquently woven into the narrative in such a way that the theme feels like the most natural thing in the world, when in reality this novel's approach is nothing but revolutionary.
However, I have to give credit to the captivating plot and complex characterisation, that really made the book so memorable. A specific highlight for me was the exploration of gender here, done in such a timeless way that the argument for gender as a spectrum is arguably flawless. Even minor details such as Zhu's feelings of body dysmorphia and the suggestion that her female body was a betrayal were eloquently woven into the narrative in such a way that the theme feels like the most natural thing in the world, when in reality this novel's approach is nothing but revolutionary.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the concept of the book, as a reimagined history. The characters were fantastic, especially Ma and Ouyang, and the relationships were complex and beautiful. One of the unexpected highlights was the deftly-handed lesson in Chinese culture and history, thanks to Parker-Chan’s incredibly well researched writing.
adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Colonisation
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-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
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well written. Decent political intrigue. Drives its themes home a little to hard and obviously, and strays into heightened emotional exultations too often, but compelling gender work and historical grounding in a time and place I knew (and still know) almost nothing about
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, Transphobia, Violence
Moderate: Dysphoria, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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
This is probably a great book it's just not for me.