A review by coffeekitaab
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This is one I would love to see as a movie adaptation! I couldn't wait to read this story since Amelie shared a little teaser last year and it was worth the wait. The world building was immersive from the very first page and I loved seeing the Kindom of Rivers and Kingdom of Sky from Àn’yīng's  POV. 

After a visit from a demon a decade ago devastates her family, Àn’yīng is finally given the opportunity to compete in the Trials Of Immortality so she can save her mother's soul. The journey to reach the Kingdom of Sky, where the trials are being held, is riddled with challenges and Àn’yīng meets many interesting characters on the way, particularly a saviour in the guise of a monster (or is it a monster in the guise of a saviour?)

The storyline was riveting, and I really loved all the relationships - especially Àn’yīng and her sister and mother, and with the romantic interests, but I wish  Àn’yīng was stronger and some confusing behaviour on her part which made the story slightly predictable but, if you are a romantasy fan (like me) which is inspired/a fan of C-Drama/ lore, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one! The story personally picked up for me in the climax and the sequel holds alot of promise so I am excited to see where we will go next with this. 

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review! 
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