greyhuigris's review against another edition
3.0
A solid 3.5* book with a 1* ending.
First off, this cover is one of the best book covers I've seen in years, and reading a library copy, I was planning on purchasing my own after I finished... but then that ending changed my mind.
This nothing like [b:Crazy Rich Asians|16085481|Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)|Kevin Kwan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364852559l/16085481._SY75_.jpg|21571970]. The similarities start and end with the characters being well-to-do 华裔 (people of Chinese ancestry) living in Southeast Asian countries. But where CRA is about the over-the-top extravagance of its characters lives, this reads much more like a character study along the lines of Celeste Ng.
The first chapter opens on the mass poisoning of the family at the center of the novel before jumping back in time and exploring the history that led to that moment. Therein lies the first issue with this book: it can't decide what to be. By opening with such an explosive chapter, I would expect something tighter, maybe along the lines of [b:Big Little Lies|19486412|Big Little Lies|Liane Moriarty|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492239430l/19486412._SY75_.jpg|27570886]. Instead, the scope was not simply jumping back a week, two weeks, months, but instead to the childhood of the two sisters Estella and Doll. Going so far back, all tension was just lost, and it took a good chunk of the book to find its pacing again. By the time any of the story really starts to feel relevant, a third of the book has passed, and that third is quite dry.
I can't really give much information about the plot without divulging any spoilers, but I can say that aside from the first and last five pages, this book was a slow burn, and because of that, the whole idea of framing it as a thriller feels almost like cheating the reader, especially because despite being slow and a little dry in places, there is some really beautiful writing that ultimately may not find its way to the type of reader who would appreciate it. Along with this, the framing of it as a thriller led to the ending which
TLDR: This book can't decide if it wants to be a thriller or "literature" and in the process fails at being either.
First off, this cover is one of the best book covers I've seen in years, and reading a library copy, I was planning on purchasing my own after I finished... but then that ending changed my mind.
This nothing like [b:Crazy Rich Asians|16085481|Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)|Kevin Kwan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364852559l/16085481._SY75_.jpg|21571970]. The similarities start and end with the characters being well-to-do 华裔 (people of Chinese ancestry) living in Southeast Asian countries. But where CRA is about the over-the-top extravagance of its characters lives, this reads much more like a character study along the lines of Celeste Ng.
The first chapter opens on the mass poisoning of the family at the center of the novel before jumping back in time and exploring the history that led to that moment. Therein lies the first issue with this book: it can't decide what to be. By opening with such an explosive chapter, I would expect something tighter, maybe along the lines of [b:Big Little Lies|19486412|Big Little Lies|Liane Moriarty|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492239430l/19486412._SY75_.jpg|27570886]. Instead, the scope was not simply jumping back a week, two weeks, months, but instead to the childhood of the two sisters Estella and Doll. Going so far back, all tension was just lost, and it took a good chunk of the book to find its pacing again. By the time any of the story really starts to feel relevant, a third of the book has passed, and that third is quite dry.
I can't really give much information about the plot without divulging any spoilers, but I can say that aside from the first and last five pages, this book was a slow burn, and because of that, the whole idea of framing it as a thriller feels almost like cheating the reader, especially because despite being slow and a little dry in places, there is some really beautiful writing that ultimately may not find its way to the type of reader who would appreciate it. Along with this, the framing of it as a thriller led to the ending which
Spoiler
was one of the worst things I've probably ever read. There was literally no reason to have a twist ending, and if there had to be a twist, why make it one that would be obvious in a thriller? Why not try to go for something more interesting or unique? By making the two sisters actually be the same person, it ruined what would have been something of literary value by turning into yet another trashy domestic thrillerTLDR: This book can't decide if it wants to be a thriller or "literature" and in the process fails at being either.
andrearbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao was so different than what I was expecting. The story begins with Gwendolyn's older sister Estella poisoning and killing their entire family. From this gathering, Estella is the only survivor. The story then treks back through what got things to this point. What I thought was going to be a thriller was really a story about the complexities of family and relationships. Estella goes back through her memories as she wonders which event was a tipping point. The stuff that happens throughout is kind of a bummer. There are bridges that have been burned (figuratively), frustrations with love (or lack thereof) and strained relationships. Again, this isn't so much a thriller, but a dramatic trek through stuff in life that really takes a toll on someone. That said, this is a heavy read. It's beautifully written throughout, and the words used painted such captivating pictures. Story aside, that beauty made this one worth the read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.
annakelly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pazzzza92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
alisarae's review against another edition
I got off on the wrong foot with this book and restarted it twice before I finally got into it. I think I know why:
1. It was marketed as "Crazy Rich Asians + murder
1. It was marketed as "Crazy Rich Asians + murder
seventhswan's review against another edition
4.0
Catching up on old reviews! I still can't decide whether the twist at the end of this book was genius or infuriating but I loved the ✨ vibes ✨, family drama, and the character of Sandra.
winternight_3's review against another edition
4.0
I read this in essentially one sitting. I found it to be unique, cleverly plotted and well-written. You think you know what’s going on, and Tsao does an excellent job of teasing out details and teasing out details and yet still manages to surprise and startle and shock.
Engaging, interesting, and highly recommended.
Engaging, interesting, and highly recommended.
kristinallard's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer, Death, Gore, Murder, and Classism
mirto's review against another edition
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was actually really enjoying it until the ending. I did hate it. I thought the pace was awesome, with how we learned everything through memories, which was making me so intrigued and excited for the ending, for the AHA moment.... and it disappointed.