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kbhenrickson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved the setting and exploration of the spirit world. I didn’t care much for most of the characters, including the main character, though some of the side characters were wonderful. Some parts of the story dragged for me, but I did find myself staying up too late to finish because the last part was exciting. The end itself was a little abrupt, and I wish there had been more detail to wrap things up.
annie_reads_books's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emeraldgarnet's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the fantasy and ghost scenes but the romance storyline was tedious.
fiilow's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
gmolina's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mitskacir's review against another edition
4.0
What an enjoyable experience listening to this book again. Choo is really a marvelous writer and her world building is amazing. It does get a bit repetitive and some of Li Lan's choices are a bit confusing in the second part, when she is in the Plains of the Dead, and my biggest complaint about both of Choo's books is the romantic plot lines - Li Lan's relationship with Er Lang feels so insubstantial (I'm sure part of this is that I hate the arguing lovers dynamic) and the book easily could have ended with something other than marriage. This makes the final act of the book a bit disappointing. However, the concept, world building, and immensely wonderful first act make up for everything else. I am really eager for Choo's next book (and to watch The Ghost Bride adaptation on Netflix!).
hello_neko's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shoshin's review against another edition
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Loved learning more about the Chinese diaspora and Chinese/Malaysian culture. I was a little underwhelmed by the ending, though. I wish she would have found a resolution that didn't involve marriage.