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tunatanga's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lue_moon's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I found this book difficult to really get into. It took a couple starts go get further in, and I found myself wanting to skip over some parts that felt a bit heavy with exposition. There were parts that were powerful and beautiful, and I appreciated the focus on a complicated and powerful character as Shek Yueng. I liked the interweaving of stories of Ma-Zou and the parallels drawn between the two. My favorite parts of the book were actually the ones that centered around relationship with motherhood. May be good for someone looking for a more unique historical fiction telling a story that hasn't been told as many times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence, Blood, and Trafficking
soitis's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vexbatch's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
bellemb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
sammg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Such an interesting book on a woman in power, as well as powers inherent brutality. I loved the interjections of Ma Zous lore, and the way that by the end this novel became another piece of it. The ending left me much to think about in that sense. I just wish there had been more closure. It felt like such an abrupt ending, and truly there was no character development until the last paragraph that is then left unexplored. That’s my only gripe with this otherwise artful and well crafted adventure.
airangel's review against another edition
3.0
Unfortunately I think this book was mis-marketed, it ended up being something completely different than what I was originally expecting.
Interesting premise, but it was long winded with not a lot happening in between.
Interesting premise, but it was long winded with not a lot happening in between.
bekahs4's review against another edition
5.0
This book caught me by surprise in the best way possible. I loved the way the author wove in folk tales. The writing was excellent and the characters were well developed.
zxzywn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-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
5.0