jessiereads98's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Chloe Gong once again nailed it with the setting and atmosphere of 1920s Shanghai. I loved how she tracked the shifting the politics and atmosphere of change. The pacing in this book is great. I also just love a fantasy novel set in or based on 1920s East Asia.
The characters were well done and compelling for the most part. I feel like we got a good amount of time with all the side characters to experience the world outside the view of the two main characters, without it feeling like it detracted from the story or was a waste of time. I actually wish we had gotten more time with Rosalind. I think the story would’ve felt more complete, and she would’ve been a great counterpoint to Juliette had she been more fleshed out. I was left with questions at the end around her character and motivations.
Spoiler
I know she’s the focus of the next duology in this universe. However, her character and POV still should’ve been explored more in this book, especially given the important role she plays here.Once again, this book is a bit overwritten. There’s metaphors and heavy handed setting descriptions that are unnecessary. Some of the dialogue feels forced rather than natural for the characters and their setting. There are a few moments of cringe, but it isn’t enough to make the entire book off-putting.
Graphic: Murder, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Classism, Death, Gore, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Confinement, Grief, Body horror, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: War, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Suicide, Abandonment, Homophobia, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexism
esme_t's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment and Suicide
ashleycmms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Graphic: Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Violence, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Death, War, Torture, Grief, Confinement, Colonisation, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
devynry's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Child death, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Murder, Police brutality, Racism, Violence, and War
tahsintries's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Graphic: Blood and Gun violence
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Murder, and Torture
Minor: Abandonment, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Death of parent
lindseyhall44's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Body horror, Gun violence, Grief, and Colonisation
Moderate: Abandonment, Child death, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content