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aelis_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Xenophobia, and War
nanatsai's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
sydneylmeyer7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery
jiao_li's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
2.5
This book actually have a promising start and an intriguing plot, but unfortunately, that excitement doesn't last. I initially enjoyed the mystery, but it gets overly complicated as it goes on. I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but it just didn't hold my interest. The delivery of plot twists was bad that it failed to surprise me.
As for the main character, Hesina, I found her the least appealing, and she pales in comparison to the other characters. Her character and strengths felt rather flat compared to the others. I didn't agree with her decisions, and I would have disliked the ending if not for the Epilogue.
One of the book's strengths is the world-building; the concept of the 'shoot' is fresh and interesting. About the audiobook narration, it was okay, although some parts sounded exaggerated, perhaps because of the dramatic writing.
In summary, I didn't enjoy the book mainly because the plot became too complicated, and the writing didn't deliver the twists effectively. However, I appreciated the world-building and the narration. Your enjoyment may vary depending on your preferences tho.
As for the main character, Hesina, I found her the least appealing, and she pales in comparison to the other characters. Her character and strengths felt rather flat compared to the others. I didn't agree with her decisions, and I would have disliked the ending if not for the Epilogue.
One of the book's strengths is the world-building; the concept of the 'shoot' is fresh and interesting. About the audiobook narration, it was okay, although some parts sounded exaggerated, perhaps because of the dramatic writing.
In summary, I didn't enjoy the book mainly because the plot became too complicated, and the writing didn't deliver the twists effectively. However, I appreciated the world-building and the narration. Your enjoyment may vary depending on your preferences tho.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Genocide, Hate crime, Self harm, Slavery, Torture, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death, Infidelity, Suicide, Vomit, and War
laurenipsums's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Foreshadowing was overall good, but the actual ending felt abrupt and the epilogue felt disjointed. Is there a sequel? I hope so, since there's a lot of loose ends left to tie up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Racial slurs, Slavery, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and War
Minor: War
karalara's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery and Grief
Minor: Genocide
k_wolf's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Slavery, Death of parent, and War
fool_ofabook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The writing was beautiful. I loved almost the entire thing UNTIL that horrible disgraceful end. I was so offended by the way the author revealed the secrets at the climax and how the real 'villain' (more like anti-hero?) was revealed in the f*cking epilogue. I physically cried, in utter heartache, at having believed in this book only for it to spit in my face.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
hazychapters'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: Death, Genocide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Slavery and War
Immolation, poisoning