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natashalg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is definitely worth the read, and I believe it enhances one's pleasure in the story! I loved the "Dawn" section, but I wish it had been included in the previous book since it wraps up the story nicely. This series has become a favorite of mine, and I will miss the characters! I have rated this book by sections and then taken the average of the sections to rate the entire book.
"Dusk" - Prequal: I liked this section, and I believe it gave depth to the storyline. However, I wish I had read it before starting the novels because it would have given me a better frame of reference never reading Chinese myths before. I probably would have enjoyed it more as well because after completing the novels, the section felt kind of boring and repetitive to what is covered/implied in the books. 3/5 Stars
"Twilight" - Retelling of events: I really enjoyed the differing POVs and seeing the characters thought process and eventual growth. 4/5 Stars
"Dawn" - Events after Heart of The Sun Warrior: I absolutely loved this section! The connection between the mortal and immortal, knowing someone is meant for you, was so sweet and heart warming. I'm happy with how everything turns out in the end, and I believe this was a perfect ending to the series. 5/5 Stars
"Dusk" - Prequal: I liked this section, and I believe it gave depth to the storyline. However, I wish I had read it before starting the novels because it would have given me a better frame of reference never reading Chinese myths before. I probably would have enjoyed it more as well because after completing the novels, the section felt kind of boring and repetitive to what is covered/implied in the books. 3/5 Stars
"Twilight" - Retelling of events: I really enjoyed the differing POVs and seeing the characters thought process and eventual growth. 4/5 Stars
"Dawn" - Events after Heart of The Sun Warrior: I absolutely loved this section! The connection between the mortal and immortal, knowing someone is meant for you, was so sweet and heart warming. I'm happy with how everything turns out in the end, and I believe this was a perfect ending to the series. 5/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Grief
Moderate: Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Minor: Blood
ezwolf's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.0
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom follows the story of Chang’e and Houyi before they are separated, stories with Xingyin both with Liwei and Wenzhi, as well as Shuxiao.
Shuxiao’s story was the most interesting one because it felt like a new aspect to the world and overall story. The others seemed repetitive to me. Both Liwei and Wenzhi’s stories didn’t seem to add anything to their backstories or relationships with Xingyin and a lot of the writing felt like it was saying the same thing over and over just in slightly different ways.
I also unfortunately noticed the author’s favor of starting sentences with “For”. Once I noticed this I couldn’t stop and it pulled me out of the story every time.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Shuxiao’s story was the most interesting one because it felt like a new aspect to the world and overall story. The others seemed repetitive to me. Both Liwei and Wenzhi’s stories didn’t seem to add anything to their backstories or relationships with Xingyin and a lot of the writing felt like it was saying the same thing over and over just in slightly different ways.
I also unfortunately noticed the author’s favor of starting sentences with “For”. Once I noticed this I couldn’t stop and it pulled me out of the story every time.
Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Classism
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