wildwolverine's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing! I was a bit nervous because the first novel in this series, The Lotus Palace, was a little hard to follow. I thought Jeannie Lin did a fantastic job balancing the different elements of history, romance, and mystery with great pacing throughout. This made both the story and the characters multi-faceted and captivating. Even though I've read almost all of Lin's stories and thought I knew all her tricks, I still got sucked into the story and fell into the traps she set for readers. Overall, very engaging and highly recommend!
jordan_1_1's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
karali's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Set in Tang Dynasty China between a high-profile courtesan and a constable, this book balanced the murder mystery and romance plots very well, giving a satisfying conclusion to each.
Mingyu and Kaifeng's history from the first book in the series creates real tension between them, and it was a delight to see their love build in small moments. Lin's prose feels elegant and complimentary to the careful, careful way these two come to care for each other.
I was really struck by the way Lin details the 'work' aspect of courtesanship. Mingyu's job involves sex but the primary element is hosting and entertaining, and Lin is very clear about the emotional and behavioral skills Mingyu needs to shape a conversation, host a gathering, keep her guests interested, and keep herself safe.
The MCs are both practical and aware of the societal constraints around their relationship, and the stakes for breaking those constraints. Seeing them work within their abilities and influence to carve out their future was very satisfying, and even though I knew the happy ending was coming the tension was strong enough that I stayed engaged until the end.
Romance readers will enjoy the longing of forbidden love, and mystery readers should expect a major romance element but will find an interesting mystery woven in with the relationship.
Mingyu and Kaifeng's history from the first book in the series creates real tension between them, and it was a delight to see their love build in small moments. Lin's prose feels elegant and complimentary to the careful, careful way these two come to care for each other.
I was really struck by the way Lin details the 'work' aspect of courtesanship. Mingyu's job involves sex but the primary element is hosting and entertaining, and Lin is very clear about the emotional and behavioral skills Mingyu needs to shape a conversation, host a gathering, keep her guests interested, and keep herself safe.
The MCs are both practical and aware of the societal constraints around their relationship, and the stakes for breaking those constraints. Seeing them work within their abilities and influence to carve out their future was very satisfying, and even though I knew the happy ending was coming the tension was strong enough that I stayed engaged until the end.
Romance readers will enjoy the longing of forbidden love, and mystery readers should expect a major romance element but will find an interesting mystery woven in with the relationship.
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the first installment of this historical China romance mystery. (Try saying that three times in a row quickly). In this book we return back to Tang Dynasty and the pleasure quarter Lotus Palace where the older sister of the first book's protagonist, Mingyu reigns as a high place courtesan under the patronage of Imperial General Deng.
Only Deng gets murdered and Mingyu is under suspicion again. Constable Wu, the policeman who painfully questioned her in the last book, is who she turns to for protection.
Constable Wu has solidly reigned in his emotions behind thick walls. He has secrets of his own, and has made his new life around being concerned only with justice and truth. While his Magistrate boss appreciates that about him, else where political enemies are more concerned with the weakness in his armor: Mingyu.
He can't seem to stay away from her. And she dreams of freedom from the Lotus Palace and male protectors.
Lots of fun details about tea, musical instruments, robes, etc. This one was definitely more romance-focused with a romance style ending and each protagonist ruminating on how they can never be together. Still quite interesting story and satisfyingly steamy.
Only Deng gets murdered and Mingyu is under suspicion again. Constable Wu, the policeman who painfully questioned her in the last book, is who she turns to for protection.
Constable Wu has solidly reigned in his emotions behind thick walls. He has secrets of his own, and has made his new life around being concerned only with justice and truth. While his Magistrate boss appreciates that about him, else where political enemies are more concerned with the weakness in his armor: Mingyu.
He can't seem to stay away from her. And she dreams of freedom from the Lotus Palace and male protectors.
Lots of fun details about tea, musical instruments, robes, etc. This one was definitely more romance-focused with a romance style ending and each protagonist ruminating on how they can never be together. Still quite interesting story and satisfyingly steamy.
hekate24's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely commanded my attention during a flight. My favorite part of this series is the very evocative portrayal of the claustrophobic lives lived by these courtesans.
lapon's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
madrona's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
amypruski's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.5
booklvrkat's review against another edition
5.0
Welcome to the infamous Pingkang Li—home of the celebrated Lotus Palace courtesans, and a place of beauty and treachery...
That’s how we enter into the story of Mingyu, the most popular Courtesan in the district. When scandal once again begins to surround her with the death of a high ranking official, and a patron, another decides he’s going to claim her. Enter our sincere constable, Wu Kaifeng, and his increasing uncertainty that Mingyu is really telling the truth. Joining influences, albeit a tad unwilling on both sides, they realize that something is amiss with the full story, and many people are hiding more than we expected.
Jeannie Lin lets us in on all the riddles as the story wraps and unfolds around our two lead characters. I love how she is able to let the longing between our two characters grow and simmer as they in turn learn about each other. The world of the Pingkang Li and surrounding area is becoming more familiar to me, as is the writing style of the author. She hasn’t disappointed me with how her tales, the mysteries, and her character development occurs. Truly I am going to devour this series like a bag of really tasty cookies.
That’s how we enter into the story of Mingyu, the most popular Courtesan in the district. When scandal once again begins to surround her with the death of a high ranking official, and a patron, another decides he’s going to claim her. Enter our sincere constable, Wu Kaifeng, and his increasing uncertainty that Mingyu is really telling the truth. Joining influences, albeit a tad unwilling on both sides, they realize that something is amiss with the full story, and many people are hiding more than we expected.
Jeannie Lin lets us in on all the riddles as the story wraps and unfolds around our two lead characters. I love how she is able to let the longing between our two characters grow and simmer as they in turn learn about each other. The world of the Pingkang Li and surrounding area is becoming more familiar to me, as is the writing style of the author. She hasn’t disappointed me with how her tales, the mysteries, and her character development occurs. Truly I am going to devour this series like a bag of really tasty cookies.