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densorcell's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I’m usually critical of fairytale retellings because they strain to connect to the source material but lack the confidence to stand on their own, but this retelling’s twists enhance the original story.
As another positive, there’s a gender-neutral-normative “other world,” which was refreshing instead of forced.
As a negative, there’s a dual-POV for the romance, which significantly takes away from the tension that’s trying to be built.
As a neutral, I’ve heard others say the prose is confusing, and while certain word choice felt a bit off (like it was translated or maybe it should’ve rhymed?), I had no comprehension issues.
As another positive, there’s a gender-neutral-normative “other world,” which was refreshing instead of forced.
As a negative, there’s a dual-POV for the romance, which significantly takes away from the tension that’s trying to be built.
As a neutral, I’ve heard others say the prose is confusing, and while certain word choice felt a bit off (like it was translated or maybe it should’ve rhymed?), I had no comprehension issues.
acecatlady's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
So few people shoot for science fantasy, I always get a bit exited anytime people go there. And SE Asian coded too?! Adorable. Love it. Totally here for it. A bit short, but a novella is going to novella, and so is the original Beauty and the Beast, so makes sense!
darkfuckedgelord's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐
⭐ Perfect book for sapphic monster lovers
⭐ Diverse (non-binary) characters, inclusive language
⭐ Perfect book for sapphic monster lovers
⭐ Diverse (non-binary) characters, inclusive language
kokechii's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't know how to rate this at all. One of the reviews said: not caring about a book is a much worse feeling than not liking it. I'd have to agree.
miss_majuu's review against another edition
2.0
*2.5/5
This didn't work for me because, while the concept is super amazing, this book was way too short.
I think it would've been way better of this was a regular sized book. With that the plot and especially the relationship would've been more developed and what I wanted from this
This didn't work for me because, while the concept is super amazing, this book was way too short.
I think it would've been way better of this was a regular sized book. With that the plot and especially the relationship would've been more developed and what I wanted from this
rosatulipan's review against another edition
The concept of the vanishers is really good
consumed_by_mold's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
A post-apocalyptic world, left broken by alien invaders, in which words are magic and being useful is the only way to survive.
I found this while looking for sapphic human x dragon romances - with, you know, an actual dragon. Vu Côn did not disappoint, she has a dragon and a human form, but uses them both frequently.
Though I'm usually not a fan of insta-lust, here it aided the otherworldliness of the dragon. Still, I wish their relationship had been more fleshed out and given more depth, the romance was definitely lacking. There's also one fade-to-black sex scene.
The descriptions for the world were both beautiful and confusing, done so very much on purpose. I wouldn't last a single day in that palace, just imagining it gives me a headache.
I really liked the children and their story, though all together the book did feel somewhat unfinished. It's a very unique retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and an interesting take on post-colonialism - just a bit short is all.
I found this while looking for sapphic human x dragon romances - with, you know, an actual dragon. Vu Côn did not disappoint, she has a dragon and a human form, but uses them both frequently.
Though I'm usually not a fan of insta-lust, here it aided the otherworldliness of the dragon. Still, I wish their relationship had been more fleshed out and given more depth, the romance was definitely lacking. There's also one fade-to-black sex scene.
The descriptions for the world were both beautiful and confusing, done so very much on purpose. I wouldn't last a single day in that palace, just imagining it gives me a headache.
I really liked the children and their story, though all together the book did feel somewhat unfinished. It's a very unique retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and an interesting take on post-colonialism - just a bit short is all.
ainsi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
youshouldreadthisif's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25