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sophiesmallhands's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Trafficking, War, Toxic relationship, Death, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Classism, Rape, Grief, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Child death
athetos's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-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
5.0
In this final novella, we finally learn the backstory of the Protectorate, and how she came into her power. The point of view is from Lady Han's drunken retelling of her history to another character, after the Protectorate has died. Lady Han has a vulgar and comedic voice that was a delight to read, and she was a character I was very much interested in learning more about, so I'm glad she was the chosen narrator. She was bought from her family to be an entertainer, then stumbled into the Protectorate's circle, where she became enamored with her. We all know how her tale will end, as we know exactly how evil the Protectorate can be, but the journey there is a gripping read. I became fascinated with both characters, and how they were tangled together. It's crushing to know that the Protectorate is of course using Lady Han, which just made her admiration and love of her all the more tragic. It's not entirely backstory; there's a few tidbits at the end about the current state of affairs that give enough answers while still encouraging the reader to imagine what the future of this world will be like. All in all, I can't recommend these novellas enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Cursing
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child death, Child abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Infertility, Violence, and Suicide
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