mb918's review
4.0
Zen Cho is so unbelievably talented at world building, and I was especially impressed by the way she wove spirits and gods into the modern world
deereadingwallflower's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
ashtronomic's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A coming of age that teaches a lot about how traditional spirituality is expressed in modern Malaysian society.
This novel presents a really interesting idea and has a fantastic set up. Initially the book is a drama with a side of supernatural mystery, with plenty of secrecy and tension. There are many characters which provide very unique perspectives of life in Malaysia and the protagonist provides useful insight into the country's unique cultures.
However as the story progresses, the interpersonal relationships between characters are overshadowed by the action and thriller elements. The scenes become a little too far from reality, and the author's version of Malaysia loses some of its magical charm.
I really expected to give this book a higher rating, but unfortunately the experience really fizzled out by the final chapters.
geekmom's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Homophobia
kgraham10's review
slow-paced
2.5
Interesting idea but the writing was poor. First 20% of the book should have been condensed to 1-2 chapters....
seullywillikers's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Beautiful prose, a relatable heroine, an engaging story, gods, and spirits, are all the background of a story exploring familial struggles (particular for Chinese/Asian families), immigration, coming out, and the choices we have when connecting with our history.
ladyloveanjustice's review against another edition
Just wasn't feeling it right now. Might try again as an audiobook or something.
analogn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sodanisays's review
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual assault