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A review by bubblewombat
The Blood Orchid by Kylie Lee Baker
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Aaaaaaaaaaaa, I flew through this book much like the first one, and have no idea what to do with myself now. One of my ultimate favourite duologies is done, do I just sit and stare at a wall until Kylie Lee Baker writes something new??? I guess so.
Based on how the first book ended, I was expecting this one to also start with a bang, and I wasn't disappointed. There's nonstop action (if you thought Zilan would be able to get some rest, you thought wrong), all the way until the last page. The pacing is a bit slower though, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
There's a bigger focus on family than romance, which makes sense since the majority of the book is Zilan and Wenshu travelling around the world, trying to save it. It feels a bit chaotic in parts, but I think it adds to the charm of this series.
While reading this, I was never sure who would make it out alive, or who would stay un-resurrected, to be more precise. Near the very end, I couldn't stop myself from crying, but Baker fixed it and then I felt like laughing. Phew.
I badly wanted a happy ending, but all I'm gonna say is that what we got is satisfactory okay!! Take that as you will.
A certain Zheng Sili got an unexpected redemption arc as well. It made me think that it's good I read the first book last year, because now I'm more willing to forgive him! I don't think I would've if I'd read these back to back. I do like how he is with Durian though.
AND DURIAN! THE EVIL DUCK! He gets them out of trouble more than once, he's the bestest (I know it's not a word, shush) best animal companion that anyone could ever ask for, I'd love to feed him some non-grapes. HAH.
If I had to pick a favourite chapter, it would be the last one. Just because it kept me guessing until the final few pages, now that's art.
The one thing I wish we saw, was Zheng Sili and Yufei getting together. When they met, I saw that pairing crystal clear in my mind, they would've been perfect together. But we can't always get what we want *cough* unless if we get a follow up novella *cough*.
Anyway, STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES AND GO READ IT NOW FOR ULTIMATE JOY, AMAZING CHARACTERS, A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT STORYLINE, A GRIPPING WRITING STYLE AND CUTE DUCKS!!! There's even historical notes at the end, what more could you want? Please read it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Based on how the first book ended, I was expecting this one to also start with a bang, and I wasn't disappointed. There's nonstop action (if you thought Zilan would be able to get some rest, you thought wrong), all the way until the last page. The pacing is a bit slower though, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.
There's a bigger focus on family than romance, which makes sense since the majority of the book is Zilan and Wenshu travelling around the world, trying to save it. It feels a bit chaotic in parts, but I think it adds to the charm of this series.
While reading this, I was never sure who would make it out alive, or who would stay un-resurrected, to be more precise. Near the very end, I couldn't stop myself from crying, but Baker fixed it and then I felt like laughing. Phew.
I badly wanted a happy ending, but all I'm gonna say is that what we got is satisfactory okay!! Take that as you will.
A certain Zheng Sili got an unexpected redemption arc as well. It made me think that it's good I read the first book last year, because now I'm more willing to forgive him! I don't think I would've if I'd read these back to back. I do like how he is with Durian though.
AND DURIAN! THE EVIL DUCK! He gets them out of trouble more than once, he's the bestest (I know it's not a word, shush) best animal companion that anyone could ever ask for, I'd love to feed him some non-grapes. HAH.
If I had to pick a favourite chapter, it would be the last one. Just because it kept me guessing until the final few pages, now that's art.
The one thing I wish we saw, was Zheng Sili and Yufei getting together. When they met, I saw that pairing crystal clear in my mind, they would've been perfect together. But we can't always get what we want *cough* unless if we get a follow up novella *cough*.
Anyway, STOP SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES AND GO READ IT NOW FOR ULTIMATE JOY, AMAZING CHARACTERS, A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT STORYLINE, A GRIPPING WRITING STYLE AND CUTE DUCKS!!! There's even historical notes at the end, what more could you want? Please read it.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*