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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
tense
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
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An interesting retelling of Mulan with a much darker and more magical twist. It was dark and a bit tough to get through at parts since her flaws were such a focus, but overall an interesting read.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, was not an enjoyable read and needed heavy editing. I can’t believe this is being stretched out into a duology.
•Poor character development
•Love triangle that isn’t fleshed out
•main character is unlikeable
•repetitive prose—there were several times where the prose would quote earlier pieces of dialogue
•Main character is described as clever multiple times but is actually kind of an idiot (way to trusting, not good at hiding her secrets, shocked every time a bad guy does a bad thing)
•Main character’s internal thoughts are annoying and highlight that she really isn’t clever. I don’t need a reminder every single chapter that she thinks she is selfish.
•This is a pet peeve of mine so it may not bother others, but the epigraphs and quotes from this world’s texts didn’t bring anything to the story or themes.
•Poor character development
•Love triangle that isn’t fleshed out
•main character is unlikeable
•repetitive prose—there were several times where the prose would quote earlier pieces of dialogue
•Main character is described as clever multiple times but is actually kind of an idiot (way to trusting, not good at hiding her secrets, shocked every time a bad guy does a bad thing)
•Main character’s internal thoughts are annoying and highlight that she really isn’t clever. I don’t need a reminder every single chapter that she thinks she is selfish.
•This is a pet peeve of mine so it may not bother others, but the epigraphs and quotes from this world’s texts didn’t bring anything to the story or themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicide, Violence, Sexual harassment, War
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was looking for an easy read and that is what I got. It was decently written, though I think some of it got a bit repetitive. The reactions and thoughts of the main character especially. I do like the intention the author had for writing this story and the development she had in mind for Meilin, I‘m just not sure how satisfied I was with it. Also I wasn’t wild about either of the two men presented as romantic options.
I love books with heroines who dress up as men for some reason or other, so I‘ve read quite a few of those. This was the first time I came across one that had such a heavily negative reaction to the reveal of her gender and while it was depressing, I think it was quite realistic and I liked that it took this route. I guess I have to read the second book now.
adventurous
dark
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:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought the first half of this book was standard YA, not good, not bad, but making me roll my eyes a little. However the second half really kicked things off. Meilin's growth/introspection was so interesting to see and I can't wait to see how it continues in the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No