A review by zagfros
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods was very much a prologue to Ruying's story and that's not a bad thing, I'm eager to see what happens next. I just think it's best to preface this review that a lot of people have been making assumptions based on other reviews and buzzwords when the 'romance' was a tiny tiny part of this book.

The world has been invaded and it's inhabitants live under fear of Rome. The theme of magic vs science is really interesting and the horror of what modern weapons could do to this world is ever present. We know more than Ruying what Rome is capable of and this further amplifies the stakes.

Throughout the novel you'll find it incredibly tense and at times uncomfortable as Ruying is subjected to Roman rule, the disturbing consequences of that across the city and the direct manipulations of one of its rulers. We follow Ruying as she works for the Roman Prince, Anthony Augustus, as his personal assassin from what she thinks is her own free will but is very much manipulation. Small details add up across the story which further increase your unease, such as Anthony immediately using pet names once Ruying agrees to his 'offer' & his schemes to get her to kill for him. 

As stated before the story very much reads as a prologue wherein the characters and their motivations are laid out, the growth that Ruying goes through under terrible circumstances is vital for that personal element to her journey in the sequel. I just hope enough people give this book a chance for themselves & that there's not too long a wait!