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A review by readundancies
Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
The first half to two-thirds of this was pretty good. Like, engaging in terms of plot and premise.
But, this has heavy debut vibes. Because the ending was not ideal. I wanted more from the characters, especially Elle in terms of anger at her sacrifice which, granted, is not the story being told based on the ending. But if I'm being honest, the ending in general was a bit of a letdown since I wanted a proper comeuppance for Oberon and really wasn’t a fan of how much a bleeding heart both Elle and Luc were when it came to giving their immortality up in lieu of freedom. Not my cup of tea, and for a standalone it was disappointing because a poor ending can make or break a story and in this case? It didn’t help matters.
But, this has heavy debut vibes. Because the ending was not ideal. I wanted more from the characters, especially Elle in terms of anger at her sacrifice which, granted, is not the story being told based on the ending. But if I'm being honest, the ending in general was a bit of a letdown since I wanted a proper comeuppance for Oberon and really wasn’t a fan of how much a bleeding heart both Elle and Luc were when it came to giving their immortality up in lieu of freedom. Not my cup of tea, and for a standalone it was disappointing because a poor ending can make or break a story and in this case? It didn’t help matters.
The world building was not fantastic either. Everything felt very pre-established in a fanfictiony sort of way which is not bad, but with how fantastical the world is, especially with the politics and everything, I needed more exposition to deep dive into than I was provided with. And the pacing was disjointed at times; not enough that it was pulling me out of the story, but still noticeable. Alongside that, the stakes were always there but they felt separate to the story at times, because they weren’t always the focus and when they were, the execution of the plot surrounding them never really reached its full potential.
I think my greatest gripe though is that this is touted as a slow burn romance and I am here to say that that statement is inaccurate as fuck. Friends-to-lovers sure, but they are in full blown pining mode at the beginning of the story, and there was nothing slow burn about it.
The premise was so solid that I was disappointed in how the execution didn’t live up to my expectations. A lot of untapped potential here. It was also a lot more cozy fantasy vibes than I was anticipating. Which is not a bad thing, but not what I was expecting or looking for in a read at the time.
A lot of great ideas were thrown into this story but they were never solidified or broken down in a manner that surpassed surface level. This ties into the whole unfulfilled potential angle because I would’ve been so down for more sibling dynamics, especially if it were to include William who gets little to no page time and yet is kind of a big deal when it comes to plot. I wanted proper retribution and consequence for Oberon manipulating Luc for so long. I wanted more Wrecking Crew and Tony and Lira, more dysfunctional Liang family dynamics especially background on the family and the culture involved, more backstory in general for Luc and his adoptive sphinx mother. There was so much of this world I wanted to explore further, the characters, their stories and interactions and relationships, but we just never got around to it.
I would still read from this author though because like I stated earlier, the first half/two-thirds were really engaging.
It reminds me of the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas but like a lite version of it, which I could see being really appealing to readers who’ve enjoyed that series/author. Think less dark, more cozy.
As a standalone fantasy I think it works and I think there were a lot great aspects in the novel, but it’s by no means a perfect debut release. It was still very enjoyable to consume though.
It reminds me of the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas but like a lite version of it, which I could see being really appealing to readers who’ve enjoyed that series/author. Think less dark, more cozy.
As a standalone fantasy I think it works and I think there were a lot great aspects in the novel, but it’s by no means a perfect debut release. It was still very enjoyable to consume though.