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fictionalsarah's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Vomit, War, and Violence
_andviolet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the best fantasy novel I've read in a while. The authors beautiful descriptions of a dynastic Chinese kingdom embued with magical traditions fuels this story of a girl's entanglement with political strife on her journey to save her family. This truly is a story for Asian drama lovers, expecially if you're a fan of traditional/royal settings and plenty of plot twists that you may, or may not, see coming. I'd even add on if you're a fan of the characters and rebellion of the Hunger Games, the pacing and plot of this novel will feel right for you.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Because the plot is so easy to get into from the beginning, I very quickly read through the first 10 chapters in one day. What really got me hooked was the way the author wrote that first meeting of Ning and Bo (Kang) and the scene at the teahouse.
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.Whatever happens in the sequel, I'm glad to see that Ning's main goal to save her sister was resolved in the end, a full circle that still leaves me left wanting more.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Terminal illness, and Violence
Minor: Death and Misogyny
ajozna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Death of parent, Vomit, Murder, Grief, Death, Blood, Violence, Alcohol, and Medical content
Minor: War and Injury/Injury detail
mpbookreviews's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Violence, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
frankieclc's review against another edition
3.5
Super interesting magic system involving tea!! don’t think I’ve ever seen a magic system done like that. Definitely for cosy, low stake fantasy lovers as it didn’t necessarily feel too intense at any point. Still a little bit of action but did feel like it could have been shorter? As if it was setting up for a second book the whole time so I hope there is another book otherwise that’s such a waste
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Grief, and Vomit
bearbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow! A fast-paced, intriguing fantasy that I couldn't put down! I really enjoyed the way Lin threw the reader straight into the action and let the world build in harmony with it instead of just parallel to it. What an intricate magic-system, thought out political landscape, and cultural clarity. The characters presented themselves only in as much as the narrator/main character Ning could understand them, and this maintained the tension and suspense across the narrative as Ning's perspective melded with our own and our understanding of the text was guided by Ning's own emotional landscape.
It is infrequent that I find Young Adult Fantasy so spell-binding. I tend to get bored by the break-neck speed of the plot and crave more character insight. Lin, however, struck the perfect balance for a reader like myself. If you like a fantasy read with delicate and detailed magic systems, mystery, political intrigue, emotional depth, and class-based commentary, this is a read for you.
It is infrequent that I find Young Adult Fantasy so spell-binding. I tend to get bored by the break-neck speed of the plot and crave more character insight. Lin, however, struck the perfect balance for a reader like myself. If you like a fantasy read with delicate and detailed magic systems, mystery, political intrigue, emotional depth, and class-based commentary, this is a read for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Violence, and Sexual violence
allisonbrooke's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Body horror, Confinement, Torture, Violence, Death, and Grief
cozyscones's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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: Violence
Moderate: Death
blueberrypi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.0
It was hard to get into at the beginning but I ended up really enjoying this book. Nonetheless it did have its flaws. The magic system was unique and interesting but i felt it could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. The mc also seemed to be super skilled with the magic despite not having much training. Aspects of the story felt a little rushed and at the end we were left with a lot of unanswered questions about the story (which will most likely be answered in the next book). I wish Ning and Kang had more interactions because the chemistry between them felt very abrupt. I’m interested to see where the story goes in the second book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Violence
eviethebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Terminal illness, and Violence