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lfancher's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thejuliebookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Today I am delighted to share what has been my favorite read of this year – as well as the sapphic pirate adventure of my dreams!
A CLASH OF STEEL spoke directly to the part of me that is perpetually restless and wandering. Our main character, Xiang, wants so desperately to escape her village and to see the world, “see the places in my stories, distant coasts and faraway lands” (26).
How this story and these words sung to (read: pained) the yearning in my soul, that “in another lifetime I must’ve seen the world, slaked this thirst for more, and I can’t help but think this is a lonely compromise, to settle for a life I do not want” (47).
The relationship between Xiang and Anh is such a sweet depiction of first love. I really enjoyed their friendship and Xiang’s moments of self-reflection and queer awakening.
It is so immensely refreshing to read a pirate story starring women as the major players, where mothers are pirates and captains and merchants. And – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – pirate ships were SO gay!! How delightful it was to read a piratey adventure starring queer Asian girls.
Lee has done a truly fantastic job of capturing the very essence of the piratey tales that we love so dearly – and then making it something more. And the writing? Magical, whimsical, a true joy to read. It was hard for me to get into the book I read after this one because the line-by-line reading experience simply didn’t compare!
A CLASH OF STEEL is another excellent installment in the Remixed Classics collection! I haven’t read TREASURE ISLAND and that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story. You like Pirates of the Caribbean? You’ll like this book.
velocirooster's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
annalh109's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
bec_ourcolourfulpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
skktsh's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
rkmccurry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
2.75
The main character was just unlikeable and kept having annoying monologues in my opinion. I think the book was trying to have a found family aspect, but it was so forced. There was a cool twist, the book started off really strong. But it was stretched out longer then it needed to be and it really fell off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, and Death
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know Treasure Island well enough to know if this stays true to the original story but I felt this book struggled with the pacing. The first half was just build up and backstory and I found it quite a slog fest. The last half went much faster and for that, I am giving it 3 stars. There were just some plot points that felt off for me. I enjoyed the author's note almost as much as I did the book. She mentions the history and languages that influenced her writing this story. In it she says her editor told her to "Make it as gay as you want" and so I feel like she could have made it way gayer. The relationship felt forced at times.
rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0