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anonymousrival's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
bookishjosh's review
4.0
Every woman has a great deal of experience presenting herself as someone other than who she is, since no girl is ever everything the world wants her to be.
rena219's review
5.0
I've wanted to read this book since before it was even released. Glad to have finally gotten the opportunity to do so. It didn't disappoint!
ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
bookish_you's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
e_l_smith's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
An incredible and masterful retelling blending the beauty of tradition with modern views on gender. Couldn't put it down, even knowing how it ends.
rebeccazh's review
4.0
I was today years old when I learnt that Sherry Thomas is actually Chinese. This explains the historical, cultural and linguistical accuracy in this book honestly. I was so confused because a lot of the English phrases used sounded like direct Chinese translations and I was wondering how the author knew the language so well.
Anyway, I almost DNF'ed this book because the first two chapters didn't hook me but I'm glad I persevered. This is a fun retelling, culturally very accurate, reminding me a little of the 2009 Mulan film with Zhao Wei. It's fast-paced and the main character is likeable and realistic (I liked that she froze up in battle). Also, the prince is really compelling.
I had a few slight quibbles. While I appreciate and fully agree with the author critiquing how China Others the nomadic tribes and ethnic minorities and the problems of Sinicization, it felt almost like a young modern liberal speaking whenever she was questioning history, race, and Confucian thought. Also, the romance subplot was really overshadowed by the plot I feel? And the ending felt kind of weak...
Overall, I really enjoyed it - it's a culturally accurate take on a wuxia Mulan story.
Anyway, I almost DNF'ed this book because the first two chapters didn't hook me but I'm glad I persevered. This is a fun retelling, culturally very accurate, reminding me a little of the 2009 Mulan film with Zhao Wei. It's fast-paced and the main character is likeable and realistic (I liked that she froze up in battle). Also, the prince is really compelling.
I had a few slight quibbles. While I appreciate and fully agree with the author critiquing how China Others the nomadic tribes and ethnic minorities and the problems of Sinicization, it felt almost like a young modern liberal speaking whenever she was questioning history, race, and Confucian thought. Also, the romance subplot was really overshadowed by the plot I feel? And the ending felt kind of weak...
Overall, I really enjoyed it - it's a culturally accurate take on a wuxia Mulan story.