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moonlit_dewdrops's review
4.0
After reading this book, I definitely don't regret pre-ordering her latest book 'Darker by Four'.
I love Ahn and Altan so much. I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine trope and Altan is the ultimate grumpy prince. Also reluctant allies to lovers trope! <3 The author really wasn't kidding when she said this had Zutara vibes bc come on, Altan having an eyepatch and being an exiled prince and wanted to reclaim his birthright definitely screams Zuko.
I really liked how Ahn and Altan were both well-written characters with their own personalities, motives and journies and having the alternating POVs definitely helped me to see more of it.
However, I do wish the romance was a bit more fleshed out with a more clear buildup to it. It wasn't super unclear though- We had the characters slowly opening up to one another, especially Altan who really only trusted his Shifu and Tang Wei and was hyper-focused on getting revenge and reclaiming his throne. I liked how Ahn was the only one who was able to take his mind off this goal but it also feels like a trope that is used a lot in other books.
As for the side characters, Tang Wei is definitely one of my favorite characters in this book. I really wished we got to see more of her, even if the story was meant to be focused on Ahn and Altan.
Favorite quote:
"You two should stop going after each other's throats and start focusing on each other's lips instead."
PLEASE I FCKING LOVE HER!
Same with Lingxi, Leiye and Tai Shun! But I have to love the queer rep regardless!
ALSO WTF OMG What was that ending?? Please tell me there is a book 2!! IT CANNNOT JUST END LIKE THAT??
I love Ahn and Altan so much. I'm a sucker for grumpy x sunshine trope and Altan is the ultimate grumpy prince. Also reluctant allies to lovers trope! <3 The author really wasn't kidding when she said this had Zutara vibes bc come on, Altan having an eyepatch and being an exiled prince and wanted to reclaim his birthright definitely screams Zuko.
I really liked how Ahn and Altan were both well-written characters with their own personalities, motives and journies and having the alternating POVs definitely helped me to see more of it.
However, I do wish the romance was a bit more fleshed out with a more clear buildup to it. It wasn't super unclear though- We had the characters slowly opening up to one another, especially Altan who really only trusted his Shifu and Tang Wei and was hyper-focused on getting revenge and reclaiming his throne. I liked how Ahn was the only one who was able to take his mind off this goal but it also feels like a trope that is used a lot in other books.
As for the side characters, Tang Wei is definitely one of my favorite characters in this book. I really wished we got to see more of her, even if the story was meant to be focused on Ahn and Altan.
Favorite quote:
"You two should stop going after each other's throats and start focusing on each other's lips instead."
PLEASE I FCKING LOVE HER!
Same with Lingxi, Leiye and Tai Shun! But I have to love the queer rep regardless!
ALSO WTF OMG What was that ending?? Please tell me there is a book 2!! IT CANNNOT JUST END LIKE THAT??
maimona's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed it a lot.
Reminded me of the animes: Yona in the dark and Arslan Senki.
Maybe because the feeling was as if it could be easily turned into an anime where the heroine goes through hardships and fight to get her revenge and her throne back. the book and those animes have similar elements that they were based on.
It is a really good book, developed in a good way and the world-building is fine not too complicated to grasp.
Recommended and it's really an easy fast read
Reminded me of the animes: Yona in the dark and Arslan Senki.
Maybe because the feeling was as if it could be easily turned into an anime where the heroine goes through hardships and fight to get her revenge and her throne back. the book and those animes have similar elements that they were based on.
It is a really good book, developed in a good way and the world-building is fine not too complicated to grasp.
Recommended and it's really an easy fast read
queergoth_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition
4.0
4 ⭐️
Characters: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 8
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 7
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 8
Characters: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 8
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 7
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 8
jesslojo's review against another edition
3.0
This book overall wasn’t bad, it definitely gave off ATLA vibes which is why I picked it up. I found myself not getting as into the storyline as I hoped and feeling like the characters and plots needed to be fleshed out a bit more. I didn’t see that epilogue coming though
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
I got baited with Zutara and didn't get that sigh. I'm was existed to read this book but end product was underwhelming, my fault for having high expectations.
I got baited with Zutara and didn't get that sigh. I'm was existed to read this book but end product was underwhelming, my fault for having high expectations.
hbeacon's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jo99'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? It's complicated
5.0