Scan barcode
kaziaroo's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I normally go for substance over style, but I liked this one a lot. It's very atmospheric and immersive, and I really enjoyed the narrative style and framing. The storytelling was very subtle and I'm still a little confused about the timeline of events but it suited the overall tone. It took a while for me to realise what made the empress so great and even now I feel like I barely know her, more as a shadow in the mist than a person. As someone who tends to read chunky novels, it feels strange and almost uncomfortable to finish a story while not knowing so much about the characters. It kept me company for a few hours, and now it's gone. I'll definitely keep the other books in the series on my to-read list for next time I have a long journey.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Infertility, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, and War
wrenthebard's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Short, but achingly beautiful. A gorgeous narrative with a non-binary framing character (which makes this they/them feel seen and validated - I literally cried with delight), I am so eager to read more of Cleric Chih's stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide, Abortion, and Murder