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Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, War
Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility, Slavery, Pregnancy
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Colonisation, Classism
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Murder, War
Moderate: Homophobia
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War
Moderate: Pregnancy
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, War, Injury/Injury detail
I liked this one better than SWBTS because it had less of a story telling style I dislike, though it came back toward the end, especially with Baoxiang. I dislike when the narrator in books (and tv shows, movies) knows more than the reader. It feels like a cheap and lazy way to create suspense. It is a testament to how much I liked SWBTS that I kept reading it with that (imho) flaw. The story premise, characters, and setting I absolutely love.
The Zhu and Ouyang working together chapters were so fun and entertaining. Such interesting characters to compare and contrast! It did start to feel like Ouyang was becoming too OP, but it fit the story.
As in the first book, I felt like I was missing some things because I don’t know that much about China, Mongolia, Buddhism, and all the cultural norms and history there in. Once I did a bunch of Wikipedia reading and I realized these characters are based on real people (on Zhu and Ma’s side mostly), I got even more into it.
At first, I found Baoxiang’s chapters boring, but I appreciated them more later on.
After I finished SWBTS, one of the things I was hoping for in this book was a Zhu/Ma kissing scene. I did not get it. RIP Xu Da. RIP Third Prince.
There are many more trigger warnings to add to this book compared to the first one.
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, War, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Outing
Minor: Pregnancy
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
I certainly felt a lot more bogged down in the sequel than the first book, and that’s for a couple of reasons.
First,the set up is complex and thorough, and with that comes the requirement that nearly every thought and detail is important. I had trouble keeping everything straight, and at times made me quite sleepy (but that might just be on me for reading late at night).
Second, while I’m appreciating this now that I’ve moved on to other books, there is just so much hate that drives these characters, to the point where their darkness became too much. “I hate you because you don’t hate me” was a common sentiment is the second half that I wasn’t particularly enthused with, but it certainly acted as a good driver of plot. Looking back, the most powerful actions are driven by hate, whether for yourself, others, or both. It’s a bold choice that I think is executed well, but it can teeter on too much angst at times.
Last, I think some of these events happened in a way that’s almost too convenient or without proper danger and consequences for the main collection of characters. At times, I was utterly befuddled with how easily key characters got away with a betrayal or action. Follow your fate, and I guess the world will make it happen for you.
Overall, a really enjoyable experience, but the writing is dense. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed, but even when you miss something, the way everything resolves satisfied my hopes going into this read.
Do I think this is better than book 1? No. Did I enjoy it? Certainly. Would I recommend it to hardcore fantasy lovers? Give it a shot, absolutely.
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Blood, War
Moderate: Self harm, Abortion
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Murder, War
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Abortion
Moderate: Homophobia, Self harm, Sexual assault, War