baronessnyx's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
There are no words to express how much I adored the characters and the mystery. I had gotten out of a reading funk last year, and I started reading again with this banger of a book.
The book is 40-60 split between murder mystery and romance. I loved the characters in the book so much and I rooted so much for the female lead. Even the side characters were not caricatures.
The book is 40-60 split between murder mystery and romance. I loved the characters in the book so much and I rooted so much for the female lead. Even the side characters were not caricatures.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual violence
chrisljm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
relaxing
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
3.75
The romance was more compelling than the murder mystery. It felt like the mystery was set aside sometimes for the romance (not that I’m complaining), but I think the book could’ve been more well rounded. I really enjoyed reading Bai Huang and Yue-ying come together despite their circumstances, and then seeing how they had to learn and work towards a more intimate relationship. Even though it was so satisfying seeing the slow burn and angst and the longing between the two, I also wish I could’ve gotten to see more. I feel like their relationship, along with other parts of the novel, could’ve left a bigger impact but there was just a lack of something.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Misogyny, Sexual content, Slavery, Trafficking, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Body shaming, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, and Torture
marillenbaum's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A murder mystery and a romance—my favorite things! The slow courtship was a delight to watch, and I appreciated how Bai Huang had to learn more about Yue-ying‘s trauma to love her in a way that worked for them both.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Child abuse, and Slavery
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