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A review by emilyreads15
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Omg. This was truly one of the MOST AMAZING books I have read in a long time. Like the most perfect Romantasy book. I don’t even know where to start with this review. It was one of those books where you are just completely transported to a different world.
Starting off with the structure: this book had some LONG chapters. Like 10-20 pages and usually I hate long chapters with everything in my being. But I literally didn’t even care in this book. THE WRITING WAS SO GOOD IT DIDN’T EVEN FEEL LONG. The overall plot layout of this book was perfect. I never felt like there were any filler moments. Everything needed to happen to reach the ending and set up for book 2. Ugh so good.
Next the plot: holy moly this plot was FABULOUS. Like truly one of the most entertaining I’ve read in a hot minute. There were lots of moments from very early in the book that I used to help me figure out some major plot moments at the end and it was so fun piecing it together. The author truly planned this out. There were also a HUGE amount of parts that I totally did not see coming but looking back the little clues were right in front of me THE WHOLE TIME OMG. Anyways, the trials were very entertaining. I know it is a cliché trope/plot theme but there were so many twists and turns that made it more unique and entertaining. On top of this the ending was CRAZY. I actually don’t even know what to say other than the fact that I need book two right now.
I absolutely loved the Chinese Mythology included throughout this book. It was so entertaining learning about the culture and pronunciation of the language/different words. I loved the author’s description of the architecture especially. As well as including multiple types of mythical creatures: gods, demons, dragons, immortals, halflings etc. It was so so enjoyable. It also had historical elements and you know I love a good historical fantasy. 🤭
As I previous mentioned the writing was sooo good. I usually struggle a lot with Asian Fantasy books because there is so much information being included from a culture that I’m completely unfamiliar with so I get super lost and confused. It makes me uninterested in the book. However, the authors writing here was very clear in description and often repeated a lot of it throughout, giving the reader little refreshes, making it easier for me to comprehend and therefore enjoy. This is a great book to read if you want to read more Asian Fantasies but get confused like I do!
Next up we have the romance. 😍 This was insane. There was a love triangle and I actually really like them both so much. But I do have my personal preference…cough Yù’chén cough…but I’m excited to see how it will play out in the next book. She had good chemistry and thrilling moments with both guys so I think I’d be okay with her ending up with either one but ofc I have a team I’m mainly rooting for. 👀 Tbh I have a feeling on how it will play out though… This book is classified as Young Adult in the United States. However, it is considered Adult in the UK. While reading this there were a few steamy makeout scenes and one mild sexual scene where you could definitely tell what was happening however it was not described in detail. If you prefer no spice I would definitely consider this new adult or very upper YA. Also really enjoyed the starcrossed lover/forbidden romance trope but my heart is in shambles.
On top of all this (I know what else could I possibly have to say) I really loved Àn’yīng’s internal struggles throughout this book. She faced a lot of challenges both mentally is physically. A lot of times she had to choose whether she wanted to stick to her morals and original teachings or stray the path to protect those she cares for. Her growth as an individual, friend, and loved one was exciting to follow and I’m really looking forward to continuing her journey in the next book.
Overall, this book was SO GOOD. 100% a new favorite. I am so glad I got to get this hand signed and met the author in person. Literally one of my new all time favorites. I will be (not so patiently) awaiting book two. Sorry for this crazy ramble, it’s 3:30am and I’m still processing. But I promise my Instagram review will be more organized 🤗 100% recommend.
🐉READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Cultural Mythology (Chinese in this case)
- Starcrossed Lovers/Forbidden Romance
- Magicl Trials
- Unique Charcter Dinamics & Realtionships
- Demon X Demon Slayer 👀 (for my kpdh fans)
- Book 1 of a Duology
- Cliffhanger
- Plot Twists
- Found Family
Starting off with the structure: this book had some LONG chapters. Like 10-20 pages and usually I hate long chapters with everything in my being. But I literally didn’t even care in this book. THE WRITING WAS SO GOOD IT DIDN’T EVEN FEEL LONG. The overall plot layout of this book was perfect. I never felt like there were any filler moments. Everything needed to happen to reach the ending and set up for book 2. Ugh so good.
Next the plot: holy moly this plot was FABULOUS. Like truly one of the most entertaining I’ve read in a hot minute. There were lots of moments from very early in the book that I used to help me figure out some major plot moments at the end and it was so fun piecing it together. The author truly planned this out. There were also a HUGE amount of parts that I totally did not see coming but looking back the little clues were right in front of me THE WHOLE TIME OMG. Anyways, the trials were very entertaining. I know it is a cliché trope/plot theme but there were so many twists and turns that made it more unique and entertaining. On top of this the ending was CRAZY. I actually don’t even know what to say other than the fact that I need book two right now.
I absolutely loved the Chinese Mythology included throughout this book. It was so entertaining learning about the culture and pronunciation of the language/different words. I loved the author’s description of the architecture especially. As well as including multiple types of mythical creatures: gods, demons, dragons, immortals, halflings etc. It was so so enjoyable. It also had historical elements and you know I love a good historical fantasy. 🤭
As I previous mentioned the writing was sooo good. I usually struggle a lot with Asian Fantasy books because there is so much information being included from a culture that I’m completely unfamiliar with so I get super lost and confused. It makes me uninterested in the book. However, the authors writing here was very clear in description and often repeated a lot of it throughout, giving the reader little refreshes, making it easier for me to comprehend and therefore enjoy. This is a great book to read if you want to read more Asian Fantasies but get confused like I do!
Next up we have the romance. 😍 This was insane. There was a love triangle and I actually really like them both so much. But I do have my personal preference…cough Yù’chén cough…but I’m excited to see how it will play out in the next book. She had good chemistry and thrilling moments with both guys so I think I’d be okay with her ending up with either one but ofc I have a team I’m mainly rooting for. 👀 Tbh I have a feeling on how it will play out though… This book is classified as Young Adult in the United States. However, it is considered Adult in the UK. While reading this there were a few steamy makeout scenes and one mild sexual scene where you could definitely tell what was happening however it was not described in detail. If you prefer no spice I would definitely consider this new adult or very upper YA. Also really enjoyed the starcrossed lover/forbidden romance trope but my heart is in shambles.
On top of all this (I know what else could I possibly have to say) I really loved Àn’yīng’s internal struggles throughout this book. She faced a lot of challenges both mentally is physically. A lot of times she had to choose whether she wanted to stick to her morals and original teachings or stray the path to protect those she cares for. Her growth as an individual, friend, and loved one was exciting to follow and I’m really looking forward to continuing her journey in the next book.
Overall, this book was SO GOOD. 100% a new favorite. I am so glad I got to get this hand signed and met the author in person. Literally one of my new all time favorites. I will be (not so patiently) awaiting book two. Sorry for this crazy ramble, it’s 3:30am and I’m still processing. But I promise my Instagram review will be more organized 🤗 100% recommend.
🐉READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Cultural Mythology (Chinese in this case)
- Starcrossed Lovers/Forbidden Romance
- Magicl Trials
- Unique Charcter Dinamics & Realtionships
- Demon X Demon Slayer 👀 (for my kpdh fans)
- Book 1 of a Duology
- Cliffhanger
- Plot Twists
- Found Family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, War
Moderate: Sexual content