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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I seen this cover and impulsively bought it. It was so pretty and it paid off. Kinda. Because now I'm crying.
Damn. I have not wanted to put this book down all day.
There's a fated element here but it absolutely could have been stronger but also I'm glad at the same time it didn't veer into "too much" territory. Xian and Zhen just stole a little of my heart. It's insta love but the way in which the author wrote the whole story, it doesn't feel out of place.
The author's style of writing is just really likable. I was in the story immediately. Fell in love with the characters. The wit and the humor. I really appreciated the friendships. I always do in books, I love platonic relationships to be given the same care. I had a really great time with this story and so sad it's done. I would be happy if this was a series. But that's doubtful.
This book was so close to being 5 stars. But there was just something missing for me. Some things could have been fleshed out more. Or sometimes the emotional impact wasn't carried through. Also for the most part this does not read as a YA, so I don't understand why it was.
However, I did really love this book. I wasn't expecting that emotional punch at the end like damn. And also there's a character who I knew was on some BS but I absolutely did not see that twist coming and I'm still kinda confused?? Lol. But! Does it leave the door open for another book??
Damn. I have not wanted to put this book down all day.
There's a fated element here but it absolutely could have been stronger but also I'm glad at the same time it didn't veer into "too much" territory. Xian and Zhen just stole a little of my heart. It's insta love but the way in which the author wrote the whole story, it doesn't feel out of place.
The author's style of writing is just really likable. I was in the story immediately. Fell in love with the characters. The wit and the humor. I really appreciated the friendships. I always do in books, I love platonic relationships to be given the same care. I had a really great time with this story and so sad it's done. I would be happy if this was a series. But that's doubtful.
This book was so close to being 5 stars. But there was just something missing for me. Some things could have been fleshed out more. Or sometimes the emotional impact wasn't carried through. Also for the most part this does not read as a YA, so I don't understand why it was.
However, I did really love this book. I wasn't expecting that emotional punch at the end like damn. And also there's a character who I knew was on some BS but I absolutely did not see that twist coming and I'm still kinda confused?? Lol. But! Does it leave the door open for another book??
I really enjoyed this book. I read a lot of danmei, so this was right up my alley. I loved the characters and their relationships. I thought the plot was nicely paced and kept things moving and interesting.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
I really really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't. I found the writing really stale and boring. I was gonna try to finish it to see if the romance would be worth it, but after a few days break I realized I had no desire to pick it up again. Just disappointing...
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve never actually watched the Cdramas based on the original legend of the white snake but I was always excited to know more about the story, and it was natural that I gravitated towards this retelling. And this felt so easy to read that I didn’t even realize that I finished it so quickly.
The writing just flowed beautifully and I felt carried away by the prose. It’s also a very simple tale of love - familial, platonic, romantic and more - made heartbreaking and angsty by the little twists of fate, destiny playing with the hearts of our beloved characters. The romance between our leads might come across a tad bit instalovey but it’s also a fated connection, so it’s not too unbelievable. I also adored the way the author depicted friendships in this book, full of trust and genuine affection for each other.
The characters are also very easy to love - Xian the dutiful prince who just wants to save his mother, Zhen the snake spirit who wants to experience a human existence and also save his adopted sister, Qing who will do anything to protect Zhen, and Feng the ever dutiful bodyguard who is equal parts exasperated and fond of his prince’s antics. They all make for a great story, making me smile and blush and cry at various times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this queer retelling of a famous legend and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
The writing just flowed beautifully and I felt carried away by the prose. It’s also a very simple tale of love - familial, platonic, romantic and more - made heartbreaking and angsty by the little twists of fate, destiny playing with the hearts of our beloved characters. The romance between our leads might come across a tad bit instalovey but it’s also a fated connection, so it’s not too unbelievable. I also adored the way the author depicted friendships in this book, full of trust and genuine affection for each other.
The characters are also very easy to love - Xian the dutiful prince who just wants to save his mother, Zhen the snake spirit who wants to experience a human existence and also save his adopted sister, Qing who will do anything to protect Zhen, and Feng the ever dutiful bodyguard who is equal parts exasperated and fond of his prince’s antics. They all make for a great story, making me smile and blush and cry at various times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this queer retelling of a famous legend and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
2024 reads: 289/250
i received a digital advanced review copy and a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when prince xian was a boy, a white snake bit his mother, causing a slow, painful death he’s still hoping to save her from. now, he sets out to find a spirit pearl, the only thing that will save his mother. he meets zhen, a white snake that consumed a spirit pearl years ago, allowing him the power to transform into a human. the two are immediately drawn to one another, but zhen soon realizes that he’s the white snake xian is hunting, and their relationship gets trickier.
i adored fake dates and mooncakes last year, so i was really excited for sher’s fantasy debut! this had so many elements i love to see in fantasy books: angst (i definitely shed a few tears), a retold legend, romance, and even a dual pov! i can see myself rereading this within the next year and recommending it to anyone and everyone i can.
i received a digital advanced review copy and a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when prince xian was a boy, a white snake bit his mother, causing a slow, painful death he’s still hoping to save her from. now, he sets out to find a spirit pearl, the only thing that will save his mother. he meets zhen, a white snake that consumed a spirit pearl years ago, allowing him the power to transform into a human. the two are immediately drawn to one another, but zhen soon realizes that he’s the white snake xian is hunting, and their relationship gets trickier.
i adored fake dates and mooncakes last year, so i was really excited for sher’s fantasy debut! this had so many elements i love to see in fantasy books: angst (i definitely shed a few tears), a retold legend, romance, and even a dual pov! i can see myself rereading this within the next year and recommending it to anyone and everyone i can.