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spinebenderbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a review of both volumes. I don't know what I expected from these books, but I didn't receive it - and what a good thing I didn't or I wouldn't have read the story that these books actually contain!
I was sold these books as "political rivals forced into an arranged marriage".That trope comes with certain expectations, namely that the "rivals" part of that equation will be doing some heavy lifting in the story. However, the relationship conflicts are resolved fairly early and easily and we are instead treated to a rather tender and loving romance. Fu Shen and Yan Xiaohan's devotion to each other becomes ever more important as the court's machinations unfold and evolve.
However, the political intrigue is not simply a vehicle for the love story. It forces the characters to confront what duty to their country means to them and what they are owed in return. It makes them learn just how far power will go towards warping a person and the ways in which the pursuit of power weakens the entire nation. It also examines family and legacy in a interesting way, as both boon and burden.
Both of the main characters are far from morally upright and the choices they make and are forced to make are hard ones. They have oft conflicting values and watching them argue and compromise - and fail to compromise - is enjoyable reading. Also they fuck, like, SO MUCH. It's all off-page but honestly I don't think we could handle how horny they are for each other if it were on the page.
If I have any quibbles, it's that there are a lot of characters and places and it's easy to get lost amongst them all. It's possible that that's user error, as my head was not in the best ever shape while reading these books, but I'll mention it nonetheless so you're forewarned.
Re: the disability representation in this story. I'll note that some disabled readers I know - especially wheelchair users - were unhappy with the way disability is handled to the point of being triggered by it. I am not a wheelchair user nor am I physically disabled, but some things I picked up and things that were pointed out to me were:huge inaccuracies in regards to the way a disability like the one depicted would work to the point of Fu Shen's wheelchair use seeming largely fetishistic/inspiration porn, disability being treated as inherently bad and pitiable, and a scene in one of the extras where accessibility aids are hidden and it's treated like a cute jealous spouse moment rather than as horrifying. So keep all of that in mind.
Overall, an enjoyable story that's well worth reading, but some readers may wish to tread lightly.
I was sold these books as "political rivals forced into an arranged marriage".
However, the political intrigue is not simply a vehicle for the love story. It forces the characters to confront what duty to their country means to them and what they are owed in return. It makes them learn just how far power will go towards warping a person and the ways in which the pursuit of power weakens the entire nation. It also examines family and legacy in a interesting way, as both boon and burden.
Both of the main characters are far from morally upright and the choices they make and are forced to make are hard ones. They have oft conflicting values and watching them argue and compromise - and fail to compromise - is enjoyable reading. Also they fuck, like, SO MUCH. It's all off-page but honestly I don't think we could handle how horny they are for each other if it were on the page.
If I have any quibbles, it's that there are a lot of characters and places and it's easy to get lost amongst them all. It's possible that that's user error, as my head was not in the best ever shape while reading these books, but I'll mention it nonetheless so you're forewarned.
Re: the disability representation in this story. I'll note that some disabled readers I know - especially wheelchair users - were unhappy with the way disability is handled to the point of being triggered by it. I am not a wheelchair user nor am I physically disabled, but some things I picked up and things that were pointed out to me were:
Overall, an enjoyable story that's well worth reading, but some readers may wish to tread lightly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Drug use, Miscarriage, Suicide, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
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