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rebeccazh's review against another edition
4.0
This is a queer historical fantasy. I actually went through about 60% of the book thinking this is all totally made-up and not (heavily) inspired by history.
I really liked the relationship between Ma and Zhu -- the commentary on desire and greatness, the things they saw in each other and what they help each other do/become is so well-written. They have a great dynamic and their interactions are so compelling. I loved Zhu's exploration of gender.
Side note that the author knows Chinese and it shows because there were so many delightful phrases that were direct translations of actual Chinese idioms, words and phrases. I would 'hear' the Chinese word after reading it in English which was very fun.
I did find that the pace was a bit slow and the very descriptive writing style, while beautiful, got a bit draggy for me at times and I would skim to skip over to a more exciting part. I also struggled to connect to some of the main characters who seemed to lack distinct personalities sometimes.
I really liked the relationship between Ma and Zhu -- the commentary on desire and greatness, the things they saw in each other and what they help each other do/become is so well-written. They have a great dynamic and their interactions are so compelling. I loved Zhu's exploration of gender.
Side note that the author knows Chinese and it shows because there were so many delightful phrases that were direct translations of actual Chinese idioms, words and phrases. I would 'hear' the Chinese word after reading it in English which was very fun.
I did find that the pace was a bit slow and the very descriptive writing style, while beautiful, got a bit draggy for me at times and I would skim to skip over to a more exciting part. I also struggled to connect to some of the main characters who seemed to lack distinct personalities sometimes.
ketutar's review against another edition
5.0
Very nice, good, quick read.
I like how they treated the identities. I like how they presented ruthlessness, as a cold necessity, not without feelings, but in spite of them.
I like the hunger.
I like how they treated the identities. I like how they presented ruthlessness, as a cold necessity, not without feelings, but in spite of them.
I like the hunger.
spirituality's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jzw237's review against another edition
3.0
3-3,5 stars.
Dark and brutal, deep and original characters.
Only one but - it's definitely too long for the story itself.
Dark and brutal, deep and original characters.
Only one but - it's definitely too long for the story itself.
vgbreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.5
teyn's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
agalvan18's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
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
serpina's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-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
For my taste, this was too much politics and intrigues. Not a bad book at all, but much heavier than expected and not exactly what I would classify as escapism.
Plus, my Western brain was overwhelmed by the names. I mainly listened to it and got sometimes quite lost with all the people (two different arcs with a bunch of people on each side). It probably would have been better if I had read it, but I mainly listened to it and only re-read some scenes when I got too confused by the context change.
People always gush about maps in fantasy books. I don't care about them, and never reference them but a nice glossary/who-is-who is always appreciated - be it random fairy fantasy names or, like in this book, Chinese ones.
Plus, my Western brain was overwhelmed by the names. I mainly listened to it and got sometimes quite lost with all the people (two different arcs with a bunch of people on each side). It probably would have been better if I had read it, but I mainly listened to it and only re-read some scenes when I got too confused by the context change.
People always gush about maps in fantasy books. I don't care about them, and never reference them but a nice glossary/who-is-who is always appreciated - be it random fairy fantasy names or, like in this book, Chinese ones.
jesshaleth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.5
adleekay's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0