_fallinglight_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book took me too long to get fully invested because I'm not (usually) a fan of slow burn royal court drama however this book has incredible features that won me over in the end. I was really engrossed by the mystical and enriched world building, the murder mystery (and the plot twist regarding it that honest to god made my mouth drop bc I didn't see it!), the magic of sooths and I'm a huge wuxia movies stan so this book gave me all those feels. Also while I was reading Hesina and Akira's first encounter I couldn't help but feel so many The Mummy (1999) feels too lol and I loved that bc it's one of my favorite movies. I enjoyed reading this a lot for giving me another favorite character to add to my collection (Sanjing baby I'll protect you!) though it's also hard to drudge through at points bc Hesina is a difficult character to follow along bc she's exasperating when she can't see beyond her nostrils holy shit! And most characters suffer from “stock one dimensionalism” the worst of them being Lilian who's just the sassy no life other than being the MC's bestie sacrificeable character. Also, I feel the epilogue was a letdown and the reveal weakened the ending bc it's very bullshitty to me. But overall this book is an alluring read except when it isn't (like the beginning and when it gets kinda confusing) but if you have enough patience and time then it is a treat.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Injury/injury detail
astoryofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is the first audiobook I listened to, and I liked it, although it was a bit complicated at first due to the format. I did this listening on Spotify, and I am delighted to have been able to discover this author. Descendant of the Crane is her first novel (if I'm not mistaken), and I think it's pretty successful! The plot is axed on politics, with lots of plot twists and stories of betrayals and alliances. Those who follow me know that I love these kinds of books, and Descendant of the Crane did not disappoint me on this point! It is also a gorgeous book in terms of worldbuilding. The story takes root in a universe that is inspired by imperial China. It addresses many themes, such as racism, justice or even the family. The way with words of the author is sumptuous. It was beautiful and calm to listen to!
The only point that could be negative is the characters, and more precisely Hesina. But it's pretty subjective. I really liked this image of a strong young woman who wants above all to rule her kingdom. But I gradually disconnected from her. And, in the end, I remained quite indifferent concerning her character, her decisions and what she was living. Admittedly the ending has an effect, but I ended up missing a little empathy for her. It was the same for Akira, who isn't, for me, extremely important to the story. I had more connections with Caiyan and Lilian. Lilian is full of life, and in a way, she reminded me of Genya Safin or Nina Zenik from the Grishaverse. Caiyan is more calculating, whereas Hesina is more empathetic. I had a little more trouble figuring out Sanjing. But I think he's still a great character, just as calculating as Caiyan but in a different way.
I really loved the relationship between the characters. I think that's a significant positive point too! And if some wonder if there is romance: yes, there is, but it is still very light. Besides, I haven't really noticed it. And I'm pretty happy because I find that there is no need to have some characters in a relationship, which changes from other YA books we are used to reading!
The only point that could be negative is the characters, and more precisely Hesina. But it's pretty subjective. I really liked this image of a strong young woman who wants above all to rule her kingdom. But I gradually disconnected from her. And, in the end, I remained quite indifferent concerning her character, her decisions and what she was living. Admittedly the ending has an effect, but I ended up missing a little empathy for her. It was the same for Akira, who isn't, for me, extremely important to the story. I had more connections with Caiyan and Lilian. Lilian is full of life, and in a way, she reminded me of Genya Safin or Nina Zenik from the Grishaverse. Caiyan is more calculating, whereas Hesina is more empathetic. I had a little more trouble figuring out Sanjing. But I think he's still a great character, just as calculating as Caiyan but in a different way.
I really loved the relationship between the characters. I think that's a significant positive point too! And if some wonder if there is romance: yes, there is, but it is still very light. Besides, I haven't really noticed it. And I'm pretty happy because I find that there is no need to have some characters in a relationship, which changes from other YA books we are used to reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Murder, Violence, and Torture
Minor: Slavery and War
Immolation, poisoningreading_gives_serotonin's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Injury/injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Death, and Grief
Moderate: War, Slavery, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
aidamaria_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is honestly such a rollercoaster of plottwists, and I still need answers! If the author doesn’t write a sequel, there’ll be riots. It’s a great book if you’re looking for something that’s Asian-inspired, fast-paced and mind-blowing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War, and Blood
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/injury detail, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
corvicore's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Hate crime, Vomit, and Slavery
Moderate: War, Torture, and Trafficking
Minor: Suicide and Medical content
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