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A review by lairofbooksandboba
Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai
slow-paced
3.0
i was initially a little bored, but also curious at the same time (curious about the different elements thrown together and what the xianxia elements were) due to the slower pacing in the beginning. i think this might be one of those books that takes its time in introducing the characters' inner thoughts and in revealing the conflict.
i loved all the little bits of language thrown in (and the author's note that ruminates on the author's intentional choices to highlight language and code-switching). there's so much care that went into worldbuilding that you might miss if you're just looking ahead ahead ahead at plot development. so take your time with this book.
characters-wise, i loved the sphinx as a character (rather than a godly figure) and i also (eventually) loved tony's siblingship with elle. they argue so much with each other (true siblings), but will also sacrifice anything for the safety and well-being of each other. i <3 them.
luc was probably the character i was least drawn to, but he was also interesting in his own way, and had his own conflicts that threw him constantly into moral quandaries. poor half-elven dude. he just wants to quietly live his life with elle, gdi!!!
this was a multi-day read, partially because of the slower pace...and partially bc real life has been knocking on my door for the past week. but i enjoyed the story as a whole!
i loved all the little bits of language thrown in (and the author's note that ruminates on the author's intentional choices to highlight language and code-switching). there's so much care that went into worldbuilding that you might miss if you're just looking ahead ahead ahead at plot development. so take your time with this book.
characters-wise, i loved the sphinx as a character (rather than a godly figure) and i also (eventually) loved tony's siblingship with elle. they argue so much with each other (true siblings), but will also sacrifice anything for the safety and well-being of each other. i <3 them.
luc was probably the character i was least drawn to, but he was also interesting in his own way, and had his own conflicts that threw him constantly into moral quandaries. poor half-elven dude. he just wants to quietly live his life with elle, gdi!!!
this was a multi-day read, partially because of the slower pace...and partially bc real life has been knocking on my door for the past week. but i enjoyed the story as a whole!