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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so i went into this book with both excitment and apprehension. Know I've not read the rest of the series yet and further getting acquainted with this authors writting might change this review.
So I went in knowing about the fat phobia and transphobia from the triggers and reviews of the book, it left me cautious as to the contents but I found overall that I could appreciate the more archaic elements as part of the setting.
For example, The views of Ge Pangxiao are harsh but as you see more characters perspectives of him you can tell it is more about the contents of Chang Geng's character which I can admire he is a flawed, opinionated teenager and night not have the nicest views of others and can compartmentalise this when reading.
Where I do struggle with representation is in Cao Niangzi(who i will refer to with they/them pronouns for ease of convenience). As a trans person I enjoy representation in books especially in more historical settings where you can have more complex depictions of people, but I fear this is not one of them for me. Cao Niangzi borders on a cheap caricature and really pray that they aren't continued to be portrayed in this way in later volumes and that like my assessment of Chang Geng, that some of the actions are there to be a commentary on the nature of going through those formative years in such chaotic circumstance and not a consistent theme of their characterization, because I don't personally appreciate seeing gender non-conforming people catagkrized as delusional skirt-chasers.
I understand the debate that can ensue about historical and cultural accuracy to trans people, however I do think when there is a level of suspension of disbelief like the fantasy genre incurs that if you can have fantastical things but can bend the world enough to avoid writing a hollow rendition of minorities then maybe you can't write fantasy as well as you could be, but I understand if I sound like someone ranting from their soap box.
Regarding barbarians and any faux pa's this novel might be committing in their representation is something not only i can't comment on but don't know enough to discuss it in as thoughtfully or meaningfully as I'd like to so it shall be left at that.
My final con ern is what seems to be the shaling of the leaf romantic couple, I do worry about the relationship boundaries in future volumes with Gu Yan and Chang Geng. For me I can't help but find myself flinching at the idea of a relationship that really blurs the lines between family and romance. But I have to admit that even in spite the writing is so superb that I still find myself empathising and understanding Chang Geng's feelings because he feels so richly written to the point I see myself remembering the confusing, swirling feeling of puberty and coming of age. But part of me can't yet see how their relationship will go on to change and mature with age without some ethical conundrums after finishing this book. So I'm cautiously optimistic that later I can route for them, or at least watch in less distaste for their situation.
Now hearing all this you might wonder "why would you give something 5 stars and spend half the time moaning about what you didn't like?", and that's the thing. I adore the writing, the world building is amazing and the pacing felt satisfying while refusing to skip past what you needed to see. The changes in perspective flitting between characters mid chapter to show how differently people view the world left me wanting to know so much more about the world and routing for people to achieve the peace for both themselves and the outside world that seems so needed.
Some of the secondary relationships are so interesting for me that I like that this book is less focused on the main "couple" because it feels equally interesting to read and have always appreciated thise elements of Danmei as a genre tbh.
But I fear in spite of it's flaws this book has me well and truly hooked for the rest of the series and I can't wait to see where the twists and turns lead.
dark
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- One is dealing with the consequences of his parents and living a false reality
- the other is dealing with his father's legacy while his body is deteriorating
adventurous
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
I love them so much.
4.5 ⭐️
Reducing half a point for everybody, including the narrator, poking fun at Ge Pangxiao for being fat, especially in the first half of the book. And the “funny” situations he stumbles into. Like, really? Am I being too sensitive or did anyone else feel the same? Not forgetting his name “chubby youngster” (according to character guide), which adds to the ridicule. There were some other uncomfortable things as well which I won’t be touching, since I ain’t feel like it… These might not be considered bad writing, per se, but I choose to review based on how entertaining I personally find the story.
Otherwise I really enjoyed the read. I certainly found it tough to put the book down. Most characters had real nice depth to them and the main characters were very interesting. Following the complicated relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng evolve and grow through the few years felt fascinating to me.
The feelings Chang Geng develops towards his precious Yifu, and the way he learns to understand said feelings, creates a whole other dimension to the already multifaceted youth. Reading the story, at times I found him very mature for his age but then his naïveté shone through again and I was reminded of how he’s yet a child.
Gu Yun in turn is this super human with a handicap and a compelling backstory. He somehow reminds me of Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen with his great powers and ridiculously funny personality, with a more serious side to him as well.
To me the world building was more than adequate and many a time whilst reading about a new character or place I had this urge to learn even more. I’d love to get to know more about the world politics and get some more insight into the minds of some supporting characters.
Heard grand praise for this series as well as the writer. Looking forward to starting the second part of the series.
P. S. It’s my first time posting a review, I think, so pwease be kind? <(*^*)>
Reducing half a point for everybody, including the narrator, poking fun at Ge Pangxiao for being fat, especially in the first half of the book. And the “funny” situations he stumbles into. Like, really? Am I being too sensitive or did anyone else feel the same? Not forgetting his name “chubby youngster” (according to character guide), which adds to the ridicule. There were some other uncomfortable things as well which I won’t be touching, since I ain’t feel like it… These might not be considered bad writing, per se, but I choose to review based on how entertaining I personally find the story.
Otherwise I really enjoyed the read. I certainly found it tough to put the book down. Most characters had real nice depth to them and the main characters were very interesting. Following the complicated relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng evolve and grow through the few years felt fascinating to me.
The feelings Chang Geng develops towards his precious Yifu, and the way he learns to understand said feelings, creates a whole other dimension to the already multifaceted youth. Reading the story, at times I found him very mature for his age but then his naïveté shone through again and I was reminded of how he’s yet a child.
Gu Yun in turn is this super human with a handicap and a compelling backstory. He somehow reminds me of Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen with his great powers and ridiculously funny personality, with a more serious side to him as well.
To me the world building was more than adequate and many a time whilst reading about a new character or place I had this urge to learn even more. I’d love to get to know more about the world politics and get some more insight into the minds of some supporting characters.
Heard grand praise for this series as well as the writer. Looking forward to starting the second part of the series.
P. S. It’s my first time posting a review, I think, so pwease be kind? <(*^*)>
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, War
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Cannibalism
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Self harm, Violence, War
Minor: Sexual violence
Slow-paced but in a good way.
You get to know everybody, the political dynamic, and since this, I believe my first steampunk novel, i really need it to not rush into things.
The characters as expected are complex, layered and I am excited to see where the story goes.
The Emperor...never liked him.
He is sketchy from the start and I do not trust him. And see at the end..he is planning to shift the power to him. Because let's face it Gu Yun is more formidable than he ever will and the public knows between the two of them Gu Yun is someone who could protect him. He has that aura of a hero and a leader. Forget that he can be a pain in the ass at times.
Liao Ran....I am still not convinced that he is a nice person.
I think he is putting on a façade to hide his ulterior motives.
Gu Yun and Chang Geng, the miscommunication is at it's peak with the two of them.
I know it is gonna be a slow burn.
I would be over the moon once Gu Yun learns to use his heart. (BTW HE IS ONE SCARY DUDE).
And Chang Geng....sweetie...you need to let people in!
Tell them about that stupid curse so we can fix it
You get to know everybody, the political dynamic, and since this, I believe my first steampunk novel, i really need it to not rush into things.
The characters as expected are complex, layered and I am excited to see where the story goes.
The Emperor...never liked him.
He is sketchy from the start and I do not trust him. And see at the end..he is planning to shift the power to him. Because let's face it Gu Yun is more formidable than he ever will and the public knows between the two of them Gu Yun is someone who could protect him. He has that aura of a hero and a leader. Forget that he can be a pain in the ass at times.
Liao Ran....I am still not convinced that he is a nice person.
I think he is putting on a façade to hide his ulterior motives.
Gu Yun and Chang Geng, the miscommunication is at it's peak with the two of them.
I know it is gonna be a slow burn.
I would be over the moon once Gu Yun learns to use his heart. (BTW HE IS ONE SCARY DUDE).
And Chang Geng....sweetie...you need to let people in!
Tell them about that stupid curse so we can fix it
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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