larissapsrt's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. The aspects of this book were so well done. First of all the world building was great, it’s a Chinese inspired setting and although it’s very heavy on lore it didn’t give that feel of info-dump because every piece of history and information served a purpose.
I’m not gonna go too in depth too avoid spoilers but the plot is very well done, full of political intrigue and it even touches on the subject of prejudice against the soothsayers.
The story is centered around Hesina, the heir to the throne. I really became invested in the characters of this book. Hesina is a great protagonist, you see her struggles, the mistakes she makes and the bonds she forms with other characters. I’m very weak for siblings dynamics and this played such a big part in the book! That ending left me speechless.
The one thing I didn’t care much about was the romance, I did like both of the characters but the way it was written was not very exciting to me. It wasn’t a big part of the book, though, so I don’t have much to complain about it. Overall it was quite an enjoyable book and worth adding it to your to be read list.
I’m not gonna go too in depth too avoid spoilers but the plot is very well done, full of political intrigue and it even touches on the subject of prejudice against the soothsayers.
The story is centered around Hesina, the heir to the throne. I really became invested in the characters of this book. Hesina is a great protagonist, you see her struggles, the mistakes she makes and the bonds she forms with other characters. I’m very weak for siblings dynamics and this played such a big part in the book! That ending left me speechless.
The one thing I didn’t care much about was the romance, I did like both of the characters but the way it was written was not very exciting to me. It wasn’t a big part of the book, though, so I don’t have much to complain about it. Overall it was quite an enjoyable book and worth adding it to your to be read list.
katykat3's review against another edition
3.0
3 wistful stars?
It was just OK for me, but I wanted it to be more. Part of my personal issues were that I read this over way too long a time period, and it was really easy to set it down and not want to pick it up due to it being a different genre than I normally read and the fact that there were a wide cast of characters that were difficult to remember after an extended break. I also I also was under the impression for some reason that it was a solo book but the author actually hopes to make this into a series, so please keep that in mind! (as in the ending doesn't necessarily feel like an ending, but the publishing status of future book is uncertain right now)
Due to my break in reading, I just had a hard time really getting into the book. This book is trying to separate itself from other YA books with teen queens by having many morally complex decisions/situations, a small journey that didn't take the whole book, inquests/legal court drama, and magic, but I think they all the plot points didn't necessarily meld very well together and then the pacing was off (it was easy for me to set it down for so long). And while I liked that Joan He was trying to differentiate this book from other YA books, it was then difficult to get through because every plot or next focus was not what I expected, and there is something nice about knowing what to expect while reading. Also the magic in the world got more and more important as the book got on but still wasn't explained all that well, and that frustrated me. I also probably wouldn't have picked it up if I had known that there was this much magic, due to my own personal reading preferences.
I did like how it was different from other YA books in that romance took a back seat overall and it was very clear that Hesina was focused on being queen and was thinking about her people quite a lot.
So basically if it sounds like it's up your alley, pick it up! Otherwise I don't think I can really give a strong recommendation, except that you should probably read it a little quick so characters and events stay close in your mind. Joan He seems like a really lovely person and I wish her the best in getting the rest of the series published! With a better idea of what this world feels like after reading this, I would definitely think about picking up future installments~
It was just OK for me, but I wanted it to be more. Part of my personal issues were that I read this over way too long a time period, and it was really easy to set it down and not want to pick it up due to it being a different genre than I normally read and the fact that there were a wide cast of characters that were difficult to remember after an extended break. I also I also was under the impression for some reason that it was a solo book but the author actually hopes to make this into a series, so please keep that in mind! (as in the ending doesn't necessarily feel like an ending, but the publishing status of future book is uncertain right now)
Due to my break in reading, I just had a hard time really getting into the book. This book is trying to separate itself from other YA books with teen queens by having many morally complex decisions/situations, a small journey that didn't take the whole book, inquests/legal court drama, and magic, but I think they all the plot points didn't necessarily meld very well together and then the pacing was off (it was easy for me to set it down for so long). And while I liked that Joan He was trying to differentiate this book from other YA books, it was then difficult to get through because every plot or next focus was not what I expected, and there is something nice about knowing what to expect while reading. Also the magic in the world got more and more important as the book got on but still wasn't explained all that well, and that frustrated me. I also probably wouldn't have picked it up if I had known that there was this much magic, due to my own personal reading preferences.
I did like how it was different from other YA books in that romance took a back seat overall and it was very clear that Hesina was focused on being queen and was thinking about her people quite a lot.
So basically if it sounds like it's up your alley, pick it up! Otherwise I don't think I can really give a strong recommendation, except that you should probably read it a little quick so characters and events stay close in your mind. Joan He seems like a really lovely person and I wish her the best in getting the rest of the series published! With a better idea of what this world feels like after reading this, I would definitely think about picking up future installments~
breadedbookpages's review against another edition
2.0
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Is there a sequel?
Is there a sequel?
faefolkreads's review against another edition
3.0
In trying times, truth is the first thing we betray.
Hesina must take the throne so she can unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her father's death. She believes that her father was murdered, but in times of peace, who would murder a beloved King?
Hesina must make unlikely alliances, face corrupt politicians and question everything she has have believed in to uncover the truth.
There were parts of this book I liked but for the most part I was...bored. There was the occassionaly passage where a characters personality would break through the monotonous drudgery, but these moments we few and far between.
Hesina must take the throne so she can unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her father's death. She believes that her father was murdered, but in times of peace, who would murder a beloved King?
Hesina must make unlikely alliances, face corrupt politicians and question everything she has have believed in to uncover the truth.
There were parts of this book I liked but for the most part I was...bored. There was the occassionaly passage where a characters personality would break through the monotonous drudgery, but these moments we few and far between.
anmaridocarmo's review against another edition
3.0
Read the full review on thebooktrovertblog.wordpress.com
This book left me with so many mixed feelings. At first I loved it; I loved the concept, I loved the fact that it was Chinese inspired, I loved the richness of the world, I loved the main character, Hesina. But the further I read, the more conflicted I became as problems arose.
Hesina was my favourite part of this book. She is gutsy and smart and a true queen; not just a little girl. She understands politics and diplomacy and scheming and yes, she makes mistakes, but she matures over the course of the novel and her actions impressed me again and again. I felt so much love and admiration for her as a character.
The world of Descendant of the Crane is rich and imaginative and I love the Chinese elements, which is a refreshing change from the majority of fantasy worlds based on Western cultures.
I liked the whole concept and the plot, for the most part, was well paced and kept me interested. There were several plot twists that stunned me and I was intrigued by the entire story.
Sadly, the ending left me feeling disappointed. An open ending is fine, but there still needs to be a certain level of closure. The ending of this book felt like the end of a first book in a series – not like the end of a standalone, which this is.
Another problematic element was the lack of character development. Aside from Hesina, all the other characters were unconvincing and should have been much more fleshed out. Unfortunately the lack of depth to many characters resulted in many scenes that should have packed a huge emotional punch falling flat.
As a whole this was an enjoyable read and I would definitely read a sequel if there was one, as I loved the story world and I feel the ending leaves a lot (too much?) room for further exploration.
This book left me with so many mixed feelings. At first I loved it; I loved the concept, I loved the fact that it was Chinese inspired, I loved the richness of the world, I loved the main character, Hesina. But the further I read, the more conflicted I became as problems arose.
Hesina was my favourite part of this book. She is gutsy and smart and a true queen; not just a little girl. She understands politics and diplomacy and scheming and yes, she makes mistakes, but she matures over the course of the novel and her actions impressed me again and again. I felt so much love and admiration for her as a character.
The world of Descendant of the Crane is rich and imaginative and I love the Chinese elements, which is a refreshing change from the majority of fantasy worlds based on Western cultures.
I liked the whole concept and the plot, for the most part, was well paced and kept me interested. There were several plot twists that stunned me and I was intrigued by the entire story.
Sadly, the ending left me feeling disappointed. An open ending is fine, but there still needs to be a certain level of closure. The ending of this book felt like the end of a first book in a series – not like the end of a standalone, which this is.
Another problematic element was the lack of character development. Aside from Hesina, all the other characters were unconvincing and should have been much more fleshed out. Unfortunately the lack of depth to many characters resulted in many scenes that should have packed a huge emotional punch falling flat.
As a whole this was an enjoyable read and I would definitely read a sequel if there was one, as I loved the story world and I feel the ending leaves a lot (too much?) room for further exploration.
virgosgroove's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Although Hesina was a little annoying to me, I'm giving this book 5 stars, anyway. The plot was incredibly immersive and fun to read. The world building wasn't too much, but gave you enough to feel like you're in the palace with all the characters. I audibly gasped at certain points.
Hesina, while irrational and far too immature for the role she played here, was still a lovable lead. How this ended, I firmly believe we're getting a second book, and I can only assume in the sequel we'll get the character development for her I assumed we would get in this book.
With that said, the ending! The twists! I almost wish this wasn't a YA novel, I think we would've gotten a bit more had it been marked towards adults. Nonetheless, 5 stars. Would read again.
Hesina, while irrational and far too immature for the role she played here, was still a lovable lead. How this ended, I firmly believe we're getting a second book, and I can only assume in the sequel we'll get the character development for her I assumed we would get in this book.
With that said, the ending! The twists! I almost wish this wasn't a YA novel, I think we would've gotten a bit more had it been marked towards adults. Nonetheless, 5 stars. Would read again.
northernfleabag's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Beautiful cover by Feifei Ruan and an engrossing story, looking forward to the next instalment.
Beautiful cover by Feifei Ruan and an engrossing story, looking forward to the next instalment.
andromeda's review against another edition
5.0
What's the truth? Scholars seeks it. Poets write it. Good kings pay gold to hear it. But in trying times, truth is the first thing we betray.
ELEVENS.... I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING BUT... THE ENDING! KILLED! ME!
thatlizhunter's review against another edition
4.0
There's no words for this level of emotional angst
seitenreise's review against another edition
4.0
Was für ein ungewöhnliches und mutiges Ende! Es gefällt mir sehr gut, wie sich die Fäden verbinden, auch wenn ich den Epilog fast ein wenig zu gezwungen finde. Da war sehr viel reingepackt, was vorher schon gepasst hätte. Bisschen erklärbärig.
Ein wunderbares Setting, das nur sehr wenig Magie enthält - eigentlich so gut wie gar keine, zumindest wird sie kaum genutzt. Aber wenn, dann ist sie beeindruckend, weil sie Potential zeigt ... das es in der Vergangenheit dieser Welt einst gab.
Ein wunderbares Setting, das nur sehr wenig Magie enthält - eigentlich so gut wie gar keine, zumindest wird sie kaum genutzt. Aber wenn, dann ist sie beeindruckend, weil sie Potential zeigt ... das es in der Vergangenheit dieser Welt einst gab.