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kimu's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Loved a lot of this book - including the author note at the end about language choices, which was really informative & interesting. The overall plot was really interesting as well, and nicely structured. One thing I didn’t personally enjoy were some very graphic sex scenes. While I read books with graphic content, in this case, it felt a bit like it came out of nowhere and didn’t fit in with the pacing of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
lbelow'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
4.75
This is an excellent book with an expansive world. I am very much hoping this becomes a series because I adored the characters and want to see their lives progress! This one is a roller coaster of emotions but the end is so sweet and happy that it makes me smile. An instant favourite!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Cursing, and Slavery
"Slavery" doesn't precisely fit the content of the book, but is the closest approximation. Throughout the book, one of the main characters is threatened with or put under coercion by another character in order to force the main character to do (non-sexual, but often violent) things they refused to do.quirkykayleetam's review
emotional
fast-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
4.5
This was a fast read, a contemporary fantasy romance that balanced the high stakes of its fantasy plot lines with a meaningful, fun romance.
The mix of mythologies was beautiful to see as, within one supernatural business bureau, elven fae True Name rules work differently than those bound to Chinese ancestral powers. This also gives the book a queernormative vibe where the male protagonist is casually bisexual and only the worst of the worst would dare misgender his nonbinary co-worker.
The sibling banter is SPOT ON!
This is a book about two people who see their worth, not in who they are, but in what they can do. They have given themselves over to seeking redemption for so long that they no longer know who they are or what they want--until they meet each other. It is a book about loss, adjusting when your life suddenly becomes something you never thought it would be. And about learning to love yourself as much as you love everyone else in your life.
Rooted in real emotion, containing fun worldbuilding, and nicely steamy, this is one that I highly recommend.
Are there dragons? Surprisingly, no. Love the Sphinx though!
The mix of mythologies was beautiful to see as, within one supernatural business bureau, elven fae True Name rules work differently than those bound to Chinese ancestral powers. This also gives the book a queernormative vibe where the male protagonist is casually bisexual and only the worst of the worst would dare misgender his nonbinary co-worker.
The sibling banter is SPOT ON!
This is a book about two people who see their worth, not in who they are, but in what they can do. They have given themselves over to seeking redemption for so long that they no longer know who they are or what they want--until they meet each other. It is a book about loss, adjusting when your life suddenly becomes something you never thought it would be. And about learning to love yourself as much as you love everyone else in your life.
Rooted in real emotion, containing fun worldbuilding, and nicely steamy, this is one that I highly recommend.
Are there dragons? Surprisingly, no. Love the Sphinx though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Gun violence
Minor: Transphobia
briely's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Medical content
kaistephan's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is the book I have been waiting for my entire life. A seamless blend of Western paranormal romance with Chinese xianxia fantasy; a romance between two lost souls saving each other (I do have a weakness for magical servants breaking free of their masters) with genuine warmth and humor. Family ties that are at least as strong as the romance. It might not be the perfect book, but it is the perfect book for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Transphobia
shector1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent
green_ghost's review
There was no disclaimer for explicit sexual content - which would have been greatly appreciated. This book is not my thing a part from my personal preferences clashing with its contents, I also found this book to be, for lack of a better word, boring. It had so many aspects that I would usually love (fae, xianxia etc.), so I'm so sad this book wasn't my cup of tea.
I hope whoever else reads this enjoys it, and thank you to Tachyon Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I hope whoever else reads this enjoys it, and thank you to Tachyon Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
jsant'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Enjoyed this book. Fantastical, magical and also modern earth-bound. I wish it were longer to get more info the world-building. Or maybe it will become a series? Also Natalie Naudus is the perfect narrator for this book. NSFW
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.75
I had this on my radar for a while and I'm so glad I picked it up as soon as it released because it was absolutely fantastic. The magic system was wonderfully conceptualised, the fight scenes were brilliant, and I loved the main cast of characters. (I just want to be friends with Elle, is that too much to ask?) The narrative style was rich and lyrical, managing to carry the perfect amount of tension during the volatile moments and dramatic scenes. In other parts of the story, there was a blend of wry humour and sarcasm so good it had me laughing out loud. Hands down one of the best books of 2023 for me, and also one of the best fantasies I've read in the last few years.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief
trebawa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content