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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
tis just not the right time for me to read this.
adventurous
emotional
funny
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A fantastic story with pirates and lesbians. I loved every second of this adventure; it felt like you as the reader were a part of the crew and I sometimes felt like I was on the ship myself.
I might come back to this at a later date, I just don’t feel like reading it at the moment
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
No
The story took a while for the adventure to begin, but once it did it took off. The story is about found family, sapphic romance and complicated relationships. Would be best for teen readers interested in historical fantasy.
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
Great premise of a grand, thrilling adventure, riddles and hidden treasures and a diverse cast of characters, half of them queer.
Sadly, the execution fell short. The adventures didn't start until much later. The riddles that lead to the supposed hidden treasures were halfhearted nonsense, and the main character didn't even bother to decipher it until she arrives on the island, and somehow the local animals magically led her to figure it out. Too much deus-ex-machina, too many plot holes that make the story unbelievable.
This was marketed for YA, but I feel like the story and writing itself were sometimes more suitable for an even younger audience. As I've said, the plot wasn't sound enough to be convincing, and there were parts where the characters would preach about stuff that would surely get actual young adults roll their eyes. Basically, it was too preachy at times, for when we needed subtlety.
The twists were kinda nice, although I did guess one of them. And I liked the Vietnamese and Chinese representations, as well as the sapphic romance. While the setting excited me, it unfortunately did not feel immersive enough. Overall, a really disappointing read. I would say this book is more suitable for the middle-grade audience plot-wise.
Sadly, the execution fell short. The adventures didn't start until much later. The riddles that lead to the supposed hidden treasures were halfhearted nonsense, and the main character didn't even bother to decipher it until she arrives on the island, and somehow the local animals magically led her to figure it out. Too much deus-ex-machina, too many plot holes that make the story unbelievable.
This was marketed for YA, but I feel like the story and writing itself were sometimes more suitable for an even younger audience. As I've said, the plot wasn't sound enough to be convincing, and there were parts where the characters would preach about stuff that would surely get actual young adults roll their eyes. Basically, it was too preachy at times, for when we needed subtlety.
The twists were kinda nice, although I did guess one of them. And I liked the Vietnamese and Chinese representations, as well as the sapphic romance. While the setting excited me, it unfortunately did not feel immersive enough. Overall, a really disappointing read. I would say this book is more suitable for the middle-grade audience plot-wise.
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
sapphic pirates?!! on a treasure hunt?!!! (incoming longest review yet)
the world-building was exquisite. even without the 3 different authors notes/ history references, it was obvious a lot of research was put into it. i loved the beginning along with the canton scenes (legit felt as i was there and eating). but my favorite part was def the sailing chunk in the middle. more please.
the characters were so fun (especially the diverse supporting ones). the romance was sweet and cute (and spaced out over weeks. aka no u hauls). basically perfect right??
nah. my complaints:
1. the who’s the dragon head twist was seen from the 1st chapter
2. WHY WOULD THE MOM KILL HER DAUGHTER. it’s just such a dump plot point especially when she originally wanted the best for her? even with some slight emotional neglect ?why?
3. the treasure hunting part. i actually liked the plot of it but it didn’t flow from the sailing. it felt as it was forgotten and then oops this is inspired by treasure island lemme change the vibe
the world-building was exquisite. even without the 3 different authors notes/ history references, it was obvious a lot of research was put into it. i loved the beginning along with the canton scenes (legit felt as i was there and eating). but my favorite part was def the sailing chunk in the middle. more please.
the characters were so fun (especially the diverse supporting ones). the romance was sweet and cute (and spaced out over weeks. aka no u hauls). basically perfect right??
nah. my complaints:
1. the who’s the dragon head twist was seen from the 1st chapter
2.
3. the treasure hunting part. i actually liked the plot of it but it didn’t flow from the sailing. it felt as it was forgotten and then oops this is inspired by treasure island lemme change the vibe
Above all, the book's front cover is startling. The shading range complements the book's theme beautifully. From the birds and moon to the islands and the weapons the two heroes wield, I like every detail. Furthermore, the vessels that are covered by this cover must not be overlooked.
When I see Anh and Xiang in my mind, I think of them as amazing people. On my shelf, A Clash Of Steel would stand prominent due to its amazing cover. The book cover is, on the whole, a 10/10.
When it comes to novels about privateers, I'm looking for riches, battle scenes, and everything else you can provide me to satisfy my desire for privateers and action. Beginning with the first 100 pages of the novel, I felt slowed down by personal acquaintances before finally meeting Canton. I prefer fast-paced books, and this one was a touch too slow-paced for my liking. However, I quickly became invested in Xiang and her perceptions of other people.
overall I give this book 4 stars :)
When I see Anh and Xiang in my mind, I think of them as amazing people. On my shelf, A Clash Of Steel would stand prominent due to its amazing cover. The book cover is, on the whole, a 10/10.
When it comes to novels about privateers, I'm looking for riches, battle scenes, and everything else you can provide me to satisfy my desire for privateers and action. Beginning with the first 100 pages of the novel, I felt slowed down by personal acquaintances before finally meeting Canton. I prefer fast-paced books, and this one was a touch too slow-paced for my liking. However, I quickly became invested in Xiang and her perceptions of other people.
overall I give this book 4 stars :)