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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This sequel did not disappoint which can be hard when you're following such a strong first book. The characters continue to make horrible decisions but I still found myself both wanting to root for them and wanting them to face the consequences of their actions. While I was expecting Xu Da's death, the way it came about and his death being the impetus of Zhu's perspective shift was incredibly well done. As with the first book, the narrative voice was fantastic, especially given the various POVs we enter. I will absolutely be reading whatever Parker-Chan comes out with in the future.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-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
My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this was very well written (and I genuinely love learning new words in a book). I also appreciate the genderfluid and queer rep in the context of 1300s China- which I’m sure was complicated to write. Unfortunately I just stopped being in the mood for this kind of story halfway through so it dragged a lot for me… and it was at times difficult to read the scenes with torture and assault, though in general I also thought those were well written. But definitely be aware of the trigger warnings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, War
I just got tired of reading about terrible people doing terrible things. The only bright spot is Zhu, but considering what she did in the last book, she's likely to disappoint me as well. Also not a fan of sexual manipulation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Sexual harassment, War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book definitely continues the themes and plot momentum from the first book, but that makes it a much less pleasant read. We mainly follow Zhu, Ouyang and Baoxiang as they each are completely focused on gaining power and/or revenge. Ouyang and Baoxiang are so terribly miserable and consumed by pain that spending time in their heads is kind of awful. Zhu less so, but she has to do terrible things to continue her drive to the throne. I do think the book ends well but the road there is just one horror and heartbreak after another.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes