sydapel's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Jeannie Lin has a knack for creating characters that really fit well together, and it's shown in Yue-ying and Lord Bai's story. I liked a lot of this, apart from the rather easy way this ended (considering how far apart their social classes are), and the mystery is really well interwoven. Yue-ying as a character learning to go after what she wants and not just follow, was also really well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Torture, Death, Murder, and Trafficking
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
local_hat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Sexism
Moderate: Murder
More...