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A review by shoni
Strike the Zither by Joan He
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You're telling me I have to sit here and wait for the second book to come out. I didn't sign up for this! (i mean I did but like I don't approve).
I think it's safe to say that Joan He really can do no wrong. I really enjoy all her books and they all bring such different feelings and emotions that I'm just left with so many questions and emotions after I'm done. And Joan writes it in such a way that I can't even be mad because it's the best thing for the story! Having the map, artwork, and table of contents, in the beginning, was great. I miss that in books! It adds such an extra element in the smallest way and I love it. I do believe it's a nod to the original Three Kingdoms as it had the same format which adds to the genius behind it.
The characters were also just amazing. Zephyr is one of my favorites for sure. She has such chaotic energy in the most logical way that I am in love with her. She makes you understand what you don't even understand. PLUS, THE TENSION AND BANTER BETWEEN CROW AND ZEPHYR IS WHAT I WANT/NEED. It was everything and made me so happy. I knew from the beginning that there was something with Crow, that we weren't getting the full story but I wasn't expecting that! Like somehow was easier to accept the doomed love when he was on Miasma's side than Cicada's. I'm so curious to see where both these characters go in the second book AND how their paths cross again. also how much does Crow knows about Zephyr? It's said it's your soul finding its other half, so if that's the case, would he recognize zephyr's soul after a while ESPECIALLY AFTER THAT SCENE BY THE LAKE WITH THE ZITHER, or not and just be ridden with sorrow? I have too many questions and so much time till the second book comes out. It's ridiculous.
Also, Ren. Such an iconic. A lordess who is both feared and loved in the best way. Like I want to be like her. Spread chaos and bloodshed in the most humane way. Iconic.
I honestly have so many thoughts and emotions and I can't even figure out how to put them into words at this point. I can't wait for the second book and see where it all goes.
I think it's safe to say that Joan He really can do no wrong. I really enjoy all her books and they all bring such different feelings and emotions that I'm just left with so many questions and emotions after I'm done. And Joan writes it in such a way that I can't even be mad because it's the best thing for the story! Having the map, artwork, and table of contents, in the beginning, was great. I miss that in books! It adds such an extra element in the smallest way and I love it. I do believe it's a nod to the original Three Kingdoms as it had the same format which adds to the genius behind it.
The characters were also just amazing. Zephyr is one of my favorites for sure. She has such chaotic energy in the most logical way that I am in love with her. She makes you understand what you don't even understand. PLUS, THE TENSION AND BANTER BETWEEN CROW AND ZEPHYR IS WHAT I WANT/NEED. It was everything and made me so happy.
Also, Ren. Such an iconic. A lordess who is both feared and loved in the best way. Like I want to be like her. Spread chaos and bloodshed in the most humane way. Iconic.
I honestly have so many thoughts and emotions and I can't even figure out how to put them into words at this point. I can't wait for the second book and see where it all goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Child death and Blood